Al Mirfa
The town
Al Mirfa lies on the western coast of Al Dhafra. The drive from Abu Dhabi takes about 1 hour 45 minutes on the E11, and the X88 express bus from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station stops at Al Mirfa Bus Station on its way to Al Dhannah.1
Mirfa Beach is free to enter, with camping and watersports from kayaking to kiteboarding. Places to stay include Beach Bay Hotel Mirfa, Edge by Rotana, Mirfa Hotel and the Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah eco-camp.1,2
Sea festivals
The 13th Al Dhafra Water Festival ran from 17 to 26 March 2022 on Mughirah beach, organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. Its programme included a 43-foot traditional dhow sailing race, the Al Mirfa traditional rowing race, kitesurfing and paddleboarding, and a fishing championship.3
The Dalma 60-foot dhow race covers 80 nautical miles (125 km) from Dalma Island past eight islands, including Sir Baniyas and Marawah, and finishes at Al Mirfa. Its fifth edition was held from 7 to 20 May 2022.4
Setting up
| Item | Who |
|---|---|
| Mainland licences | Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) |
| Chamber of commerce | Abu Dhabi Chamber |
Source: UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland; UAE Government Portal: National Economic Register, business licensing authorities; UAE Government Portal: Accessing services for mainland companies5,6,7
Al Dhafra follows Abu Dhabi's rules: membership of the Abu Dhabi Chamber is required, licence documents must be in Arabic, and applications can be made at ADDED and TAMM branches.8
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Al Mirfa?
Al Mirfa is a coastal town in Al Dhafra, about 160 km west of Abu Dhabi city by the E11. Mainland businesses there are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Sources
- Experience Abu Dhabi: Al Mirfa
- Experience Abu Dhabi: Mirfa Beach
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): 13th Al Dhafra Water Festival kicks off tomorrow on Mughirah beach (16 March 2022)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): 5th Dalma Race Festival to flag off on 7th May (19 April 2022)
- UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland
- UAE Government Portal: National Economic Register, business licensing authorities
- UAE Government Portal: Accessing services for mainland companies
- Investor Abu Dhabi Guide (ADDED), via the UAE Government Portal
Figures checked 23 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.