Al Maryah Island , formerly known as Sowwah Island, is a natural island located northeast of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is named for a famous oasis region in Abu Dhabi, Al Mariyah, which in turn is named after the species of Arabian deer – Al Mariyah – which live there.Al Maryah Island covers approximately 114 hectares and is currently being developed by Mubadala to be a new city center.