Has anyone ever told you about the island that mimics a city? Right here, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, lies Al Lulu Island. It’s a man-made marvel, a 1,050-acre stretch of reclaimed land. Al Lulu Island spans from the Abu Dhabi Breakwater to Mina Zayed, shaped remarkably like a miniature version of Abu Dhabi itself, only five times smaller. Initially conceived as a grand leisure destination by architect Oscar Niemeyer, Al Lulu Island was meant to house hotels, residences, a monorail, and even a zoo. Imagine a rejuvenating center attracting medical tourists and a theme park inspired by “One Thousand and One Nights.” The plans, however, were deemed too costly at the time and shelved by the Abu Dhabi government. The island saw a brief opening to the public in 2007. For a short period, Al Lulu Island offered a handful of restaurants, coffee shops, and riding tracks. There were even two artificial lakes. But since 2009, Al Lulu Island has been largely closed off, accessible mainly by private boat, becoming almost a mirage in the bustling waters. More recently, proposals for a 75-story tower shaped like a giant clam and a connecting six-lane road have surfaced, but Al Lulu Island remains, for now, a quiet, undeveloped pearl just off the coast.
Dhow Monument
The Dhow Monument stands proudly. It’s a majestic tribute to Abu Dhabi’s rich maritime heritage. The Dhow Monument is more