7 Best Beaches in Abu Dhabi
What is the Most Popular Beach in Abu Dhabi?
With blue skies and sunshine a common sight in Abu Dhabi, it’s no surprise that the best beaches in the region should not be missed. The coastal capital of the United Arab Emirates benefits from the warm, protected waters of the Persian Gulf (also known as the Arabian Gulf). However, desert summers are so hot we recommend visiting from November to March when it’s a bit cooler.
In Abu Dhabi, you can enjoy constructed Blue Flag beaches, which are pristine and filled with amenities, and natural beaches where professional athletes compete in water sports. There’s something for everybody in Abu Dhabi, from luxury beach clubs to sunny campsites for those hoping to sleep among the sand.
1. Corniche Beach
A Blue Flag-certified beach with downtown and island views
Good for: Couples, Adventure, Families
Corniche Beach is a serene, scenic place to spend the day and has some of the best views in Abu Dhabi, especially at sunset. The 5-mile-long (8-km-long) beach is well-maintained and peppered with palm trees for shade. You can access the beach in 3 ways: Gate 4 is for singles and groups, Gate 2 is for families and has a designated quiet zone, and Gate 3 is for families and children.
Families, especially, love Corniche Beach due to its nearby playgrounds, volleyball courts and walking paths, as well as changing rooms, and other well-maintained amenities. When you need a bite to eat, head to one of the many beachside cafés along the shoreline.
Corniche Beach
2. Al Bateen Beach
A beach overlooking Hudayriat Island
Good for: Families, Adventure
If you’re looking for a memorable beach vacation, you won’t be disappointed by a trip to Al Bateen Beach. The first thing you’ll notice upon arrival are the stunning turquoise waters and shimmering soft white sand with Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking skyline as a backdrop.
This free beach draws in families as there are plenty of activities for all ages. Beach volleyball and jet skiing are particularly popular, along with swimming. Add this less-crowded beach to your Abu Dhabi itinerary.
Location: Khalifa Al Mubarak St, Al Qurm, Qasr Al Shatie, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Phone: +971 (0)50 699 7006
Al Bateen Beach
3. Al Hudayriat Island Beach
The Marsana waterfront promenade has a splash park and swimming pool
Good for: Adventure, Food
A day at Al Hudayriat Island Beach is dedicated to fun. The beach is located on its namesake island near Abu Dhabi’s downtown. There is no shortage of activities to do including swimming, tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball, or running and biking along the paved path.
Visitors especially love the variety of cuisines available to sample at Al Hudayriat Island Beach. Food and ice cream trucks line the beach’s perimeter offering local and international fare. Because of the beach’s ideal location and ample amenities, it can become quite crowded. Visit on weekdays for the best chance to avoid crowds.
Location: Al Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open: Daily from 7 am to 6 pm
Al Hudayriat Island Beach
4. Yas Beach
Nearby a scenic forest of mangroves
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Nestled on one of Abu Dhabi’s most thrilling islands, Yas Beach is a thrill on its own. Here you can rent a jet ski, sure, but for an extra boost of adrenaline, you could rent a jet car, instead. A jet car is a luxury watercraft that is designed to look and handle like a sports car.
If you’re not staying at a beachside hotel or a member of Yas Beach Club, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to enjoy this beach. Visiting on Mondays through Thursdays is cheaper. The price is worth it, however, for the access to cozy beach loungers, the beachside bars, and Instagram-worthy views, including a heart-shaped, flower-covered trellis set for selfies.
Location: 92 Al Ihtiraf St, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +971 (0)56 242 0435
Yas Beach
5. Al Maya Island & Resort
It’s possible to rent the entire island for a day
Good for: Families, Adventure, Luxury
Al Maya Island & Resort offers an upscale beach experience in Abu Dhabi. The resort rooms are designed like Tuscan villas with their own private pools. The resort is fully equipped to maximize your family’s time on the beach. Enjoy a wide variety of water activities like knee boarding, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing at sunset.
For longer stays in Abu Dhabi, consider getting a membership to the Al Maya Beach Club. Memberships are offered for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or a year. With the membership, you get beach access across the Al Maya property, free cabana reservations, and free entry into Saturday pool parties, among other amenities.
Al Maya Island & Resort
6. Saadiyat Beach
Near Soul and Kai Beach
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Food
Saadiyat Beach on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island offers a piece of paradise. Saadiyat Beach Club is the pinnacle of luxury. Guests and members get access to pools, fine dining, a gym, and Jacuzzis, as well as the beach. The beach itself is pristine and a nesting site for hawksbill turtles.
Getting to Saadiyat Beach is easy. Located on an island, this beach is well-connected by bridges to the surrounding islands as well as Abu Dhabi’s mainland. Anyone can enjoy Saadiyat Beach for free, but if you want any amenities like lounge chairs or changing rooms, you’ll need to purchase a day pass at a beach club or hotel resort.
Location: Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Saadiyat Beach
7. Mirfa Beach
A rich history of pearl harvesting
Good for: Adventure, Families
For a secluded and tranquil beach day, find your way to Mirfa Beach. Al Mirfa is a fishing town west of Abu Dhabi. The natural beach is simple with a few public amenities like concrete pavilions, a volleyball net, and showers. It’s a great place to catch a sunset. You can even pitch a tent and camp here.
One of the rare times Mirfa Beach is crowded is during the Watersports Festival. The spring festival lasts 10 days and features professionals and amateurs in a number of water sports like boat racing, windsurfing, and water skiing. Festivalgoers are invited to camp, enjoy live music, and shop at the pop-up market.
Location: Al Marfa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Mirfa Beach
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