Sir Bani Yas Island

This stunning nature reserve island is best known as a luxury holiday resort, boasting as it does three high-end Anantara resorts. But did you know this little wildlife haven, 170km south of the city and 9km offshore from Jebel Dhana, can also be visited for a day trip? A basic day package costing from Dhs500 includes lunch and a wildlife and nature drive, while those feeling flush can sign up for a Seawings seaplane trip from the city.

Lulu Island

This 1,050-acre manmade island, built as a breakwater to protect Abu Dhabi island itself, has developed almost mythical status among Abu Dhabi residents, thanks to its apparent resistance to development. Initially forecast to house a tourist resort and theme park back in the 1980s, (before the island even had a name), it went on to open briefly to the public. But in 2009 all ferry services were abruptly stopped and the island remains largely empty, despite its prime position in the midst of quite extraordinary development. It’s now in the hands of property developers Aldar, who plan to create both leisure and housing developments there but, in the meantime, if you can find a boat to take you there, you’ll be guaranteed a quiet spot on the beach.