Al Maryah Island: The Jewel of Modern Abu Dhabi

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaea]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathir]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al ingilizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [araghib fi ru'yat alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul al lah'm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!مساعدة!
  [musa'adah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atasil bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [araghib fi shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatallaa]
• How much is it?كم سعرها؟
  [kam sa'raha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafdh alsa'ra?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة نصف العاشرة
  [alsa'ah nisf alaashirah]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [baed aldhuhr]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'unnwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an turiini (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhafilat altaliat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirah (ila ...)]

Al Maryah Island was initially a natural tidal island before the 1990s when it underwent significant land reclamation efforts. This transformation aimed to develop the island into a financial and business hub, aligning with Abu Dhabi's broader vision for economic diversification beyond oil dependency.

In 2013, Al Maryah Island was designated as the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) free zone, a strategic move to enhance the emirate's position as a leading financial center in the region. This development aimed to attract international businesses and investors, fostering a modern economic landscape.

The island is not only a financial hub but also a cultural one, with the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017 across the water on Saadiyat Island, showcasing the emirate's commitment to arts and culture. Al Maryah Island features contemporary architecture, including the striking designs of the ADGM headquarters and luxury hotels, reflecting Abu Dhabi's modern identity.

In recent years, Al Maryah Island has evolved into a vibrant community space with initiatives to promote a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The island hosts various events, from cultural festivals to culinary experiences, aiming to engage residents and visitors alike in Abu Dhabi's rich cultural tapestry.

Aligned with Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030, Al Maryah Island is positioned for further growth and development, focusing on sustainability and innovation. The ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces, integrate smart technologies, and promote a business-friendly environment highlight the island's role in the emirate's future economic landscape.

Al Maryah Island is accessible by various means of transportation. From Abu Dhabi International Airport, taxis are available and the journey to Al Maryah Island takes approximately 30 minutes. If you are coming from the city center, public buses such as the 94 and 100 routes connect to the island. Additionally, taxis and ride-sharing services like Careem are widely used and convenient for tourists.

Al Maryah Island is designed for easy navigation. The island features dedicated pedestrian walkways, making it ideal for walking. While public buses do not operate within the island, taxis are readily available. For those seeking a more active option, bike rentals are offered at various locations, allowing you to explore the scenic waterfront and parks at your own pace.

Al Maryah Island is generally considered a safe area for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any urban environment, it's wise to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. Be cautious of your belongings in crowded spaces, particularly in shopping areas like The Galleria. Overall, there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police and 998 for ambulance services. Hospitals and clinics are available on the island, including the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for serious medical issues. Always carry a copy of your ID and travel insurance details to facilitate quick assistance. For minor health concerns, pharmacies can be found throughout the area.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; while Al Maryah Island is modern, it's important to be mindful of Emirati traditions. Public Transport: Do respect fellow passengers and keep noise to a minimum. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a smile and a handshake. Avoid physical contact with the opposite sex unless initiated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and respect dining customs, such as not starting a meal until the host begins. Don't disregard local etiquette regarding food and drink, especially during Ramadan.

To experience Al Maryah Island like a local, visit the waterfront promenade in the evening when families gather for leisure activities. Explore the local cafes and restaurants, and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations; locals are often eager to share their favorite spots. Attend community events at the various parks and public spaces, which provide a glimpse into local culture. Lastly, take advantage of the incredible views of the Abu Dhabi skyline, especially at sunset.