Nurai Island
Project Highlights
Key features
Man-made private island located in Abu Dhabi
Accessible via boat, ferry, or helicopter from Saadiyat Island
5-star resort with luxury amenities, spa, and beach club
28 Beachfront Estates and 12 Water Villas
Offers holiday homes and exclusive guest retreats
Recreational activities including non-motorized water sports, yoga, tennis, and kids’ club
Home to a marina, boutique restaurants, and beach lounges
Temporary closure in effect for resort renovations
Nurai Island was transformed into a luxury destination by Nadia Zaal, who is also known for co-developing Al Barari in Dubai. The island blends nature with contemporary living and features a boutique hotel, wellness centre, multiple restaurants, and private residences. All buildings are designed to merge with the surrounding landscape, offering unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf.
The residential portfolio includes 1 to 6-bedroom beachside and water villas, each with a private pool, lush lawns, and direct beach access. Units are built with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise natural light. Residents benefit from the serenity and exclusivity of the island, which has limited vehicular access to maintain a peaceful environment.
Zaya Nurai Island Resort serves as the focal point for visitors, offering a full-service hospitality experience including event planning for weddings and corporate retreats. The island also features leisure amenities such as a beach waterpark, kids’ club, yoga pavilion, and fitness centre.
Although rental properties are currently unavailable, the resort accepts short-term bookings. Villas for sale on the island are popular among investors and individuals seeking private holiday residences with potential for high returns due to exclusivity and demand.
Market Trends & Living Insights
Real Estate Market Trends & Prices
4-Bed Villa: AED 26,676,000
5-Bed Villa: AED 47,500,000
6-Bed Villa: AED 45,389,000
Popular Property Types & Layouts
Property Types
1-bedroom Beach Villas
2-bedroom Beach Houses
2-bedroom Sea View Houses
4-bedroom Water Villas
5-bedroom Estate Villas
6-bedroom Mansions
Notable Layout Features
Loft-style living rooms
Infinity pools
Outdoor showers and dining spaces
Palm-fringed lawns
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Pros & Cons of Living in Nurai Island
Pros
Complete privacy and exclusivity
Direct access to the beach and sea
High-end amenities and wellness offerings
Perfect for short-term retreats or luxury second homes
Cons
No public vehicle access; only boats or helicopters allowed
Limited availability of services outside the resort
Temporary resort closure for renovations
No long-term rental properties
Transportation & Parking
Visitors to Nurai Island typically arrive via the Nurai Welcome Center located on Saadiyat Island. The main island is reached via a boat ride that takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on conditions. Vehicles are not allowed on the island, promoting a walkable, serene environment.
Public Transportation in Nurai Island
No metro stations or buses directly to the island
Arrival point is the Nurai Welcome Center on Saadiyat Island
Boats depart every hour from Saadiyat Island
Parking is available at the welcome center
Helicopter access is also possible with prior arrangements
Amenities, Schools & Healthcare
Supermarkets near Nurai Island
Residents and visitors typically shop on Saadiyat Island before visiting.
Waitrose – Saadiyat Island
Spinneys – The Collection, Saadiyat
Baqala Supermarket – Al Jubail Island
Souq Planet – Reem Island
Carrefour – Marina Mall
Mosques, Temples, and Churches in Nurai Island
Mosques: Several mosques are available in nearby Saadiyat Island including Saadiyat Mosque.
Temples: The nearest Hindu temples are in the mainland Abu Dhabi area.
Churches: St. Joseph’s Cathedral and St. Andrew’s Church are around 30 minutes away on Abu Dhabi mainland.
Nurseries, Schools, Higher Education in Nurai Island
Nurseries
Redwood Nursery – Saadiyat Island
Bright Beginnings – Saadiyat Island
Yellow Submarine Nursery – Al Reem Island
Schools
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi – Saadiyat Island
The British International School – Abu Dhabi
Repton School – Al Reem Island
Higher Education
New York University Abu Dhabi – Saadiyat Island
Sorbonne University – Al Reem Island
Abu Dhabi University – Zayed City
Clinics and Hospitals Near Nurai Island
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island
Burjeel Day Surgery Center – Al Reem Island
Healthpoint Hospital – Zayed Sports City
Mediclinic – Al Bateen
NMC Royal – Khalifa City
Nearby Areas
Nurai Island is located off the coast of Saadiyat Island and is close to some of Abu Dhabi’s top cultural and commercial hubs. Yas Island, Al Maryah Island, and Al Reem Island are within a 15–30-minute range via boat and car. Saadiyat Cultural District, which includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi, is just across the water.
Lifestyle & Leisure
Shopping Malls near Nurai Island
The Galleria Mall – Al Maryah Island
Yas Mall – Yas Island
Marina Mall – Breakwater, Abu Dhabi
Restaurants on Nurai Island
Frangipani (Temporarily closed) – organic, farm-to-table
Dusk Lounge – Mexican cuisine
Smokin’ Pineapple – pizza bar
Hooked – Lebanese casual dining
Other Dining Options near Nurai Island
Buddha-Bar Beach – Saadiyat Island
Sontaya – St. Regis Saadiyat
Raclette Brasserie – Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Beaches near Nurai Island
Nurai Island Beach (private)
Saadiyat Public Beach
Kai Beach Saadiyat
Leisure & Landmarks in Nurai Island
Yas Links Golf Club – 13 minutes from the island
Louvre Abu Dhabi – 15 minutes via boat and car
Manarat Al Saadiyat – cultural center nearby
Outdoor, Fitness & Beauty in Nurai Island
Beach volleyball and tennis courts
Yoga pavilion and wellness retreats
Outdoor spa and herbal tea lounge
Glass-enclosed gym and Jacuzzi
Kids water park and activity zones
Community Events in Nurai Island
Zaya Nurai Resort hosts regular beach parties, weddings, and music events like Nurai Fest. The resort also offers an event planning service for private and corporate functions.
FAQs
Nurai Island is located off the coast of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Accessible only by boat, it is nestled within the Arabian Gulf and adjacent to Ras Al Ghurab Island.
Abu Dhabi International Airport – 30 mins
Yas Mall – 10 mins
Yas Links Golf Course – 13 mins
Louvre Abu Dhabi – 15 mins
Downtown Dubai – approx. 1 hour 15 mins
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