Al Maryah Island

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Overall Safety
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

Financial district with luxury hotels, upscale dining, and nightlife. Very safe but generic - no local character.

Financial districtUpscale dining and nightlifeInternational business crowdLuxury shoppingSafe and sophisticated
Details

Abu Dhabi's financial district with international banks, hotels (Four Seasons, Rosewood), The Galleria mall, and a waterfront promenade with upscale restaurants and bars. Think Dubai Marina but more business-focused. During the day you'll see suits grabbing coffee and doing lunch meetings. Evenings bring well-dressed diners and hotel guests at rooftop bars and celebrity chef restaurants. Security is heavy - private guards, hotel doormen, good lighting. You'll blend in with the international business crowd. Lots of people eat alone while working or reading. Everyone speaks English. It feels sterile and generic - could be any upscale financial district. No authentic Emirati culture, but good dining, safety, and nightlife. Most places take walk-ins, though popular rooftop bars fill up on weekends. A 2026 development adds a 30-meter luminous sphere with water shows (music by Ramin Djawadi).

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Excellent

Harassment Risk

Low

Public Transport Safety

Excellent

Pickpocketing Risk

Low

Scam Risk

Low

Police Visibility

Excellent

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Excellent

Solo Dining

Excellent

Drug Activity

Very High

Homelessness Visibility

Very High

Getting By in English

Excellent
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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Café Milano at Four Seasons
  • Cafes at The Galleria

Restaurants

  • 99 Sushi Bar at Four Seasons
  • Butcher & Still at Four Seasons
  • Café Milano at Four Seasons

Bars

  • Eclipse Lounge at Four Seasons
  • Dragon's Tooth Bar at Rosewood
  • Glo Lounge at Rosewood

Other Spots

  • The Galleria Al Maryah Island (luxury shopping)
  • Al Maryah Waterfront Promenade
  • Al Maryah Waterfront Light Show (2026 development)
Impressions & Tips

"Perfect for business travelers - felt very professional and safe"

"Excellent restaurants but quite expensive even by UAE standards"

"Easy to dine solo, lots of other business people eating alone"

"Very international, didn't stand out as a foreign woman at all"

"Great rooftop bars with amazing views, always felt safe"

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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