A boat ride to Lulu Island

Lulu Island is across from the Abu Dhabi Corniche. It has been a popular place for people to pop on over to by boat, to picnic and swim.

The island is set for development, with details shared by a popular website here in Abu Dhabi:
http://www.expatwoman.com/abudhabi/monthly_abudhabi_guide_FAQs_Lulu_Island_8969.aspx

I had the opportunity to take a boat ride (thanks Emily and Jim!) around the Corniche, with a stop and a swim at Lulu Island.

The water is warm year-round. In fact, in the summer it can be warm enough that it's not refreshing. This particular evening earlier this summer was lovely, as the water was not too warm, and the evening breeze was still cool.

Lulu Island on our right, as we head there for a swim and bbq:

The Arabian Gulf on our left ... this was a choppier (but fun!) area of the breakwater because you head out to open water from this inlet. (Otherwise, the Corniche area is very calm.)

And leaving the Marina Mall area behind us.

Palm trees have been planted on Lulu Island.

And there are some large umbrellas, as well as some traditional structures for shade and wind protection.

I had not been swimming in the Gulf waters until this day. (I had been to the beach, and waded in, but not fully immersed.) The water is very salty, so you float very easily. And the high salt content is a reason to bring goggles with me next time, as it would be easier on the eyes if you want to really swim.

We left Lulu Island after dark. We navigated our back to the marina, passing a few large boats, some of them having quite the fun with lots of people and music that carried across the water.  We came back alone the Corniche side of the island, where the city is lit up.