Delma Island

Taking a Break on Delma Island

In the extreme west of the UAE at a distance of 30 kilometres offshore lies the volcanic Delma Island which is home to approximately 6000 people and has been inhabited for thousands of years. Although the island measures 10 kilometres from north to south and 5 kilometres from east to west, it has been blessed with the presence of numerous natural water wells and springs to enable the inhabitants to lead a stable life.

There was a time when fishing and pearl diving were the only professions practised by the residents of the island but courtesy of the tree plantations and forestation projects which have sprung up during the recent years the horizon is now a picture of greenery. Apart from being one of the flourishing pearl production centres in the past, this island is important as an archaeological site as well since it served as a cradle of civilization as long back as seven thousand years ago.

Its growth as a prominent tourist attraction was spurred by the commencement of the two new ferry services travelling between the island and Abu Dhabi. A recent addition has been the introduction of bus services operating in tandem with the ferry timings. The intention behind this is to integrate the land and water transport so as to bring about economic growth in the region by encouraging investment.

At one point of time, Delma Islands were inhabited only by Arab nomads who indulged in pearl trading and animal breeding to earn their livelihood  - and used to travel to and fro between Delma and Liwa. They used to meet in the mosque to pray and congregate