If you are looking for a weekend escape from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, this one might be for you. Delma is a small Island between Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The island has been an important port for supplies for pearling ships in the past, and has also hosted an important pearl market. Nowadays the small island is known for its maritime heritage and the yearly sailing festival. Outside of this shortlived rush, the island offers pristine beaches and calm camping spots for all the outdoors afficionados. A ferry connects the island twice a day with the port of Dhannah close to Ruwais. The trip, managed by Abu Dhabi Maritime, takes around two hours and can be booked online.

Other than camping and watersports, there is not too much to do on the island. The inside of the island provides a few small hills, which give a nice view, but you could not call it hiking. For provisions, there is an ADNOC station with all the products (including wood and coal for your BBQ and bonfires) and small grocery stores. There is a small museum in an old fort, talking about the history and culture of the island.

To summarize: if you like get outdoors getaways and you bring your own activities, this is the trip for you. The beaches are some of the nicest I have seen in the UAE and the water is very clean and clear. Because of the schedule of the ferry I recommend planning two nights on the island to have sufficient time to appreciate it. The port in Dhannah is around 2.5h of driving from Abu Dhabi. The whole trip can be done in any car, no 4×4 is needed.