Marinas

Visitors can connect with a sailing legacy that stretches back hundreds of years, whilst also immersing themselves in a state-of-the-art offering that blends world-class facilities with stunning food and beverage destinations.

Al Bandar Marine ( aldarmarinas.com )

The centre-point of the stunning Al Raha Beach development, Al Bandar is home to modern apartments and duplexes, loft-style residences and larger family apartments, all with balconies and waterside views and only 15 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi city and five minutes to the emirate's international airport.

Divided into three zones - Al Naseem, Al Barza and Al Manara – Al Bandar is a community based marina designed for the mainstream owner and those who wish to make their first step into boating, with a total of 131 berths ranging in sizes from 9 metres to 24 metres.

Catering to all tastes and great for short and long-berthing, Al Bandar boasts a wide-range of lifestyle amenities, restaurants and health clubs as well as being the perfect staging point for avid sailors to leisurely explore Abu Dhabi's stunning mangrove forests and get up close and personal with the emirate's indigenous wildlife – from the famed dugong to the majestic hawksbill turtle.

Yas Marina( aldarmarinas.com )

The benchmark is the magnificent 143-berth Yas Marina, home to the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Its unique setting, surrounded by Yas Marina Circuit, is the perfect vantage point for racing action or a quiet drink at the Yas Marina & Yacht Club.

Here you can discover the perfect mix of relaxation and exclusive entertainment, from fine dining at Cipriani's and a casual bite to eat at Stars 'N Bars, to exciting nightlife at Allure. And guests arriving by yacht can enjoy direct access to the Marina tower of the iconic Yas Hotel, along with VIP check-in facilities, allowing them to enter their rooms and suites moments after docking.

Ghantoot Marina & Resort( ghantootmarina.com )

Set beautifully on a private waterway, this is a premium marina development just 20 minutes from Dubai and 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi city, making it the ideal mid-way point for sailors exploring the UAE's vast coastline.

Surrounded by lush greenery and landscaped gardens, this marina and resort is only minutes from the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf and can accommodate all kinds of sailing and power boats, as well as seven super yachts up to 50m.

Emirates Palace Marina ( emiratespalace.com )

Abu Dhabi's signature hotel boasts one of the most prestigious yachting addresses – Yachts Marina. On the western side of this opulent 'Palace' in a private bay, the marina can moor 186 boats, with separate berthing for eight superyachts.

Developed with its natural marine life in mind, as the bay is the regular home to a pod of dolphins, barracuda and hammour, the marina is a cornerstone in the emirate realising its ambitions of becoming a global yachting hub on par with the likes of Monaco.

And with direct access to one of the world's most luxurious hotels, marina guests are a short walk away from more than 14 stunning dining destinations, scintillating spa facilities, 85 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens and, for those wanting a break from the water, 394 luxury rooms and suites each with their own personal butler.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marina ( intercontinental.com )

This, one of Abu Dhabi's most picturesque marinas, can berth 191 boats varying between 8 and 21 metres. With 24 hour security and a members' car park, it is also home to the stylish Yacht Club with its contemporary design, open terrace and Pacific Rim fine dining options.

For those wanting to explore further afield, the InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marina is a great place to request a water taxi pick-up from the city and take a waterborne tour of Abu Dhabi out to Yas Island.

Saadiyat Marina ( saadiyat.ae )

Saadiyat Marina District is located on the island's south-western coast. Saadiyat Marina will be the commercial and business centre of Saadiyat Island offering an energised city lifestyle set against the spectacular natural backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, with gentle echoes of Abu Dhabi´s rich seafaring heritage, served by the non-stop pulse of colourful café chic, boutique arcades, and glittering nightlife.

The plan for the district includes a blend of designer urban apartments, high quality and visually impactful commercial spaces, upscale hotels and elegant waterfront restaurants, the district will also feature homage to the country's proud heritage of dhow boating all positioned on a stunning, ultramodern business bay.

The Marina will cater for both international tourists and over 70,000 residents. Its cosmopolitan, self-contained community will have at their fingertips a range of leisure and entertainment facilities, as well as a world-class marina with berthing for over 1,000 vessels.

Al Bateen Wharf in Abu Dhabi ( tdic.ae )

Al Bateen Wharf is located in the oldest occupied area of Abu Dhabi – Al Bateen – and is currently being redeveloped by Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) to become a signature waterfront destination. The site includes the Fishermen's Marina and the Yacht Marina.

Al Bateen Wharf will maintain the area's fishing traditions, and will provide visitors and residents modern leisure and tourism facilities in a chic setting. The first stage of redevelopment, which included the re-opening of the historic Fishermen's Marina, was completed in January 2010. This includes 323 fishing boat berths, a fishermen's community centre, food and beverage outlets, a yacht club and a boardwalk. The Yacht Marina, which will be completed in 2013, will include 96 docks to accommodate vessels from 20 to 50 metres in length, as well as a signature restaurant, yacht club and crew lounge.