For a long time, Abu Dhabi’s beaches played a solid second fiddle to those of Dubai, and the UAE capital was better known to tourists for high-profile sporting events rather than sea and sand.
But the development of Yas and Saddiyat Islands, and the flurry of high and mid-range resorts in the emirate, have seen Abu Dhabi emerge as a beach destination in its own right, with the added benefit that its coastline is replete with natural ecosystems – like its mangrove forests – and wildlife, from dolphins and turtles to flamingos and other birdlife, that Dubai’s lacks.
Meanwhile, high-end beach clubs abound, many of them open to non-guests for a price, and offering food and drink options as well as access to pools and spas. Elsewhere, public beaches on Saadiyat, Yas and Abu Dhabi proper offer facilities and affordable low-key beach days.
1. Corniche Beach
The OG of Abu Dhabi beaches, the Corniche public beach stretches along the waterfront of the city and is accessible via three gates, confusingly numbered 2, 3 and 4. Gates 2 and 3 are for families and solo women and are shielded from view via a fence, while Gate 4 is for all beach-goers and is free. Other areas are priced AED 10 (for adults) and AED 5 (for kids).
As well as the sand and the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, Corniche Beach also has boat and jet ski rental, snorkelling, and a range of restaurants and cafes nearby. It is a great spot at sunset to take in the Abu Dhabi skyline, including the world’s tallest flagpole at Marina Mall.
2. Mirfa Beach
You’ll need your own wheels to reach this public beach in Al Dhafra, south of Abu Dhabi, and other than a small town selling essentials nearby, there isn’t much in the way of facilities – bring what you need with you. There are lifeguards and facilities, including showers. The Beach Bay Hotel is nearby if you were thinking about making a weekend of it.
Mirfa really comes into its own during the annual Al Dhafra Water Festival, when visitors descend on the area for kiteboarding, wakeboarding and kayaking – there are nearby camping facilities for those who want to stay over. There is also live entertainment, play areas for kids and a night market that opens for the duration of the event.
3. Kai Beach
Located between the Park Hyatt Hotel and the Saadiyat Island Golf Club on the north-western side of Saadiyat Island, Kai Beach is a 400m stretch of white sand on Abu Dhabi’s newest island. Entrance fees range from a modest AED 75 in the week for adults (AED 40 for juniors and under fives go free) to an eye-watering AED 225 on weekends, perhaps demonstrating its popularity. As well as loungers and changing rooms, there is a food truck here and drinks service.
4. Saadiyat Beach Club
Another excellent option on Saadiyat is the Saadiyat Island Beach Club, which pairs a pretty beach and coastline with luxury cabanas, a beautiful pool and all the food and drink options offered at a five star hotel. The club is part of a protected habitat due to its status as a nesting site for endangered Hawksbill turtles, and dolphins have been spotted in the bay. It is open from 8am to 9pm and online deals can make entry relatively affordable.
5. Yas Beach
Yas Beach is free for anyone staying in one of the island’s hotels, and as such is popular with families and tourists in Abu Dhabi who want the natural beauty of the coastline paired with all the benefits of a hotel resort – food and drink options, pools and complimentary sunloungers. There’s often a party atmosphere at Yas Beach, with live music and DJs particularly around the pool area. Those not staying on Yas can get a midweek guest pass for AED 80 (AED 150 on weekends), but children under 12 go free, making it a good family option.
6. Al Bateen Beach
This 800m public beach to the west of Abu Dhabi sits in the shadow of the Hudayriat Island bridge, and is a good spot to arrange kayaking and jet skiing trips. Swimming is only allowed between sunrise and sunset, rules that are actively enforced. Entry is free.
Next door is the popular Al Bateen Ladies’ Beach, reserved for women and girls and open between 8am and 9pm (but you can only swim until sunset). Boys under six are permitted.
7. Eastern Mangroves and Jubail Mangrove Park
If you’d rather get your body moving than lounge about in a cabana, make the most of Abu Dhabi’s most impressive feats of nature: mangrove forests. Many of the beaches listed above (including Al Mirfa) have mangroves, but by far the best place to kayak among them is the Jubail Mangrove Park. On land, there is a well-designed boardwalk and three hiking trails. Make sure you go at high tide, otherwise the mangroves will be surrounded by sand and desert scrub.
