Abu Dhabi, Destination

Island Escapes

Private island travel in United Arab Emirates

Island trips with seclusion and privacy.

United Arab Emirates is a travel country that Island Escapes plans for couples and families, with a focus on seclusion and privacy. As a Swiss travel agency with video consultation, Island Escapes also organises long transfers to remote islands. The planner starts the island planning, and on a video call you clarify the details.

Updated: 1 August 2026.

Overview

Desert and sea lie only a car journey apart in the Emirates, and that very closeness makes the country interesting for couples who want to combine retreat and comfort. Abu Dhabi spreads across an island in the Gulf, with the white Sheikh Zayed Mosque as a fixed point and the offshore islands of Saadiyat and Yas. Ras al-Khaimah in the north feels quieter: the Hajar Mountains rise right behind the coastal plain, mangroves and long strips of sand offer walks with almost no encounters. The island season runs from November to April, when the days are mild and the water invites long swims.

In high summer, by contrast, it gets very hot, which is why these months are hardly suited to beach holidays. Families find hotels here with their own bay, a calm children's area and pool landscape, while the parents enjoy the stillness on the terrace in the evening. On entry: Swiss guests enter the country visa-free for up to 90 days, the flight time is about 6 to 6.5 hrs. The entry requirements of the FDFA (EDA) are authoritative, and you should check them before booking.

Outside the beaches, modest dress counts as a sign of respect. You clarify in a video call with Island Escapes which island and which stretch of coast suit your rhythm.

Regions

Places in the catalogue: Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah.

Top destinations

Explore these destinations in United Arab Emirates from our selection.

Places and experiences

These places around United Arab Emirates stand for beach, lagoon and stillness.

  • Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, ExperienceFerrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Experience
  • Prison Island Abu Dhabi, ExperiencePrison Island Abu Dhabi, Experience
  • Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, ExperienceSaadiyat Beach Golf Club, Experience
  • Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, ExperienceWarner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Experience
Place
Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Prison Island Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Accommodation in the catalogue

  • Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi, AccommodationAl Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi, Accommodation
  • Anantara Retreat Santorini Abu Dhabi, AccommodationAnantara Retreat Santorini Abu Dhabi, Accommodation
  • Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, AccommodationFour Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Accommodation
  • InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel, AccommodationInterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel, Accommodation
  • Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, AccommodationJumeirah Saadiyat Island, Accommodation
AccommodationRating
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi4.6
Anantara Retreat Santorini Abu Dhabi4.7
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers4.8
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental4.8
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island4.7
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel4.6
Jumeirah Saadiyat Island4.6
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas4.6

Frequently asked questions

What sets Island Escapes apart?

Island Escapes plans island trips with a focus on seclusion and privacy. We plan United Arab Emirates by video call according to your wishes for calm and accessibility.

Which places are part of the programme in United Arab Emirates?

For United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Bassata Village are on file, and Island Escapes checks how quiet they really are.

Who is an island trip to United Arab Emirates suited to?

Couples and families who look for calm and privacy and prefer a trip with few changes and plenty of time on the beach and in the water.

Which accommodations are listed for United Arab Emirates in the catalogue?

The catalogue lists houses such as Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi and Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort for United Arab Emirates, and Island Escapes asks about the journey by boat or seaplane.

Which destinations in United Arab Emirates work well together?

A second island like Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah combines with United Arab Emirates if the crossing stays short.

Can I adapt the trip?

Yes. We tailor duration, accommodation, travel and pace to your wishes. On a video call, we discuss how secluded you want to travel and which excursions you would like.

How much does a trip to United Arab Emirates cost?

The price depends on the dates, the accommodation and the length of the trip. We do not quote flat prices, but prepare an individual offer after you have filled in the planner.

How does the consultation work?

The consultation takes place by video call. After the planner you receive a reply from us within one working day.

How do I start planning?

You fill in the planner and state dates, budget and wishes. We get back to you by video call within one working day.

Plan your trip

Tell us in the planner how secluded your island should be.

Fill in the planner. You will get a reply by video call within one working day.

Island Escapes

Plan your journey step by step: travel dates, travellers and personal preferences, tailored to your destination.

Plan your own journey

More countries for Island Escapes

countries in the catalogue of Island Escapes: Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil.

Gallery

  • Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, ExperienceAbu Dhabi City Golf Club, Experience
  • Abu Dhabi Golf Club, ExperienceAbu Dhabi Golf Club, Experience
  • Bassata Village, ExperienceBassata Village, Experience
  • Cheeky lolo Entertainment, ExperienceCheeky lolo Entertainment, Experience
  • Desert Safari Ras Al Khaimah, ExperienceDesert Safari Ras Al Khaimah, Experience
  • Emirates Heritage Village, ExperienceEmirates Heritage Village, Experience

Overview

MonthMaximum temperatureRainy days
January24.1 degrees3
February25.5 degrees1
March29.5 degrees1
April33.5 degrees1
May37.6 degrees0
June40.6 degrees0
July41.7 degrees1
August42 degrees0
September40.1 degrees0
October35.9 degrees0
November31.2 degrees1
December26.5 degrees1

Next steps

How to take United Arab Emirates further.

Advice is given by video call, and you choose the appointment in the planner.

  1. Plan your own journey

Sources and last update

Sources: Travel information from the Swiss Vibes catalogue.

Data as of: 1 August 2026.

Updated: 1 August 2026.

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