I have to say, in contrary to my pessimistic expectation due to long journey before reaching you, approximately 8hours land & water transport from Dubai... I am wrong. Its worth the long wait after seeing your beauty, but let me tell my expedition just to reach you.
It was early January, best days of the year, my 2 friends & I started from Dubai a 2hours ride from Al Ghubaiba bus station to Abu Dhabi bus terminal. We paid ticket Dhs. 25 per person (price and time mention here are subject to change without prior notice yep! :)
 |
| Jebel Dhanna Bus |
From Abu Dhabi terminal carried by Jebel Dhanna bus, we travel a looong and winding road via Ghweifat International Hi-way for about 4hours (thanks to my two friends, makes this trip less boring), with 2 bus stops to Ruwais:
This is 90% scenario of 3hours dragging tour along Ghweifat
International Hi-way.
First stop at last! Tareef Station, bought some snacks and obey nature's call, happy :)
Second stop Ruwais station. Before this we had one stop also in a small Ruwais community.
Third stop Mugharaq Jabel Dhanna, buy Dhs. 25 ticket per person for the Ferry.
Jabel Al Dhanna Port, to be carried by Yameela to Delma Island.
 |
| Yameela Ferry |
The passengers are in the 2nd floor on the right side, while the cars below, we left our luggage on the left side below.
We should have been here yesterday, but because of the bad weather they cancelled the trip. There is no assurance of the tour since it always depend on the weather, better to be updated so not be stacked in the ferry station.
We cruise along passing Sir Baniyas Island on our right (as per google map) which I didnt notice as I was sleeping during the trip.
We reached a "sperm shaped" island as what my OB Gyne doctor friend says, but a key shaped to most people’s eyes (having doctors with you, our viewpoints makes more interesting ;)
Dalma (IATA: ZDY)
is an Emarati island
located in the Persian Gulf approximately 42 kilometres (26 mi) off
the coast of Abu Dhabi and 116 kilometres (72 mi) from Doha.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalma_(island)
And for less than an hour I behold you...
Oh such a fresh, dainty and peaceful haven you are...
 |
| Dalma Island Ferry Station located in Y-side on eastern part |
It was foggy that time since its January and very cold. Before reaching my doctor friend's impecable abode, I saw this sophisticated mosque.
They said there are three old mosques, dated about 100years old, but I saw only 2 lovely mosque one colored bronze and the other is blue and bigger than the later.
After some refreshments and a little rest, we tried to visit the places before sunset as we arrived at 3pm. Here's what I found on this interesting island:
The island is modernized with paved roads, we drive side to side and inside the island smoothly on fresh air and quiet streets. The best thing is no traffic jam even Sunday, the environment everyday in Dalma island is like Friday morning in Dubai, so relax.
About the citizens, because of the small size of the island most of the people knows who’s who, I find them friendly and welcoming, I experience the authentic Emirati hospitality here.
Getting a glimpse of other places we visited:
Inside Delma Island Mall – small with just handful shops and restaurant.
2 Palaces can be found in the tail of the island and other near the head of the key. We saw Municipality, Wedding Halls, Parks and Hotel. People's basic social needs, complete.
They have dormant volcano makes the island rich with good soil and oasis.
 |
Undisturbed Delma Island beaches |
Oh, I loved your beach crispy clean, fresh breeze and the view... hypnotizing!
This is the beach side in the upper part, about every 1 or 2km playground for kids are available, families just sitting around in the shades, wish I got pictures of it :(
Mangroves in the shores, looks scarry to me, besides are black-like-diamond rocks.
Inside land or head of the key are mountainous area
Delma Island Museum
Museum – small one which dates back from the time I didn’t ask
as its close when we went there, I guess they are doing some repair.
Hospital - on the left Y-side of the sperm shaped... I mean key shaped island :) is their hospital. Just the ambiance itself you'll get healed, the tranquility is healing. What surprised me is apart from advanced medical equipment, Dalma Hospital has Dialysis Center.
back side of the Dalma hospital
The island has a gym with temperature controlled pool, better sets of gym appliance for work out, their courteous team made us feel really welcome. As we had some stretching on what they called Xbox 360 3D Just Dance lesson with test and scores (ah, new generation thing which my generation doesnt know).
“The world is flat” the island's distant from Abu Dhabi is not hindrance to be connected to the world. In case I lived here and the most I’m really happy knowing, is the very good wifi connection. Need not to mention people here are holding new tech gadgets!
On our way back to Dubai:
Going home thru the airport, via Delma Island Plane – clean, simple check-in procedures. We had graceful service from the airport staff.
Actually we can travel by plane to and from, but we want to
experience both choices. At first thru
land and water and now it’s via air. The flying time from the place is
45minutes to Abu Dhabi, everyday there is flight but depends on availability.
In less than an hour we landed in Abu Dhabi. Smooth and easy check out, ready to travel back to Dubai.
You can reach the island free via small plane in Abu Dhabi airport courtesy of the government but depends on availability of the sit, of course they prioritize the locals first. I’m fortunate to get one ticket on that day :)
- - - 0 - - -
Other facts about Dalma Island UAE:
Being a volcanic island, Delma's terrain is a combination of mountains hills, valleys and plains. It is home to about 6000 people. The island has been inhabited for the past thousands of years, thanks to the numerous water wells and springs which provide fresh water for the inhabitants and enabled them to lead stable life.
Like pearl diving and fishing in the Gulf waters, selling of fresh water also provided a source of income for the people who used to transport fresh water from the island to other parts of the emirate to earn a living.
Delma also boasts of all the services facilities and utilities, including banking services, telecommunication, postal services, police station and offices for immigration, labour and social services.
Reference: http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/Delma_Island_-_from_a_barren_land_to_a_charming_oasis/22011.htm
Visit their website: http://dalmaisland.com/?lang=en
*my first blog tGw 15thJanuary 2015
About this:
The information and research gathered here are
within article/blog date. Prices, dates
and other details may change. We advise
you to contact their number or visit their website for updates.
