Known for vast oil reserves, trade ports, and skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi also houses scenic landscapes and beaches to indulge visitors with a soothing experience across the desert city. Here are our top picks:
Corniche Beach
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Beach, which opened in 2008, is one of the most popular beaches and tourist destinations in the city. The 8 kilometres long beach extends along the Corniche Road, from near Hilton Hotel to Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Other interesting attractions, such as the Marina Mall and the Presidential Palace are located nearby.
Saadiyat Public Beach
The Saadiyat Public Beach, covering about 400 metres, is set on the Saadiyat Island’s natural shores. The beach is managed by the beach operator, BAKE and was opened in 2013. Here, beachgoers can enjoy a relaxed day outdoors with the white sandy shores and tranquil blue waves, as well as a multitude of water sports and activities.
Family Beach
Family Beach is a scenic attraction in Abu Dhabi. The beachfront attracts beach lovers to bask in the sun and have a great time watching the azure blue ocean or play in the clean white sand. Family Beach is specially reserved for families, children and women. Unaccompanied men are not allowed. With some rules to follow, a visit to the family beach can prove to be an excellent outing for families.
Al Sahil Beach
Al Sahil Beach in Abu Dhabi is a beautiful seashore with loads of facilities to make a day at the beach exciting. Visitors need to pay a small entry fee to access this beach. Some beach ethics are expected from visitors; otherwise, there are no restrictions upon entering and exploring Al Sahil Beach.
Ghantoot Beach, Abu Dhabi
Tourists hoping to get a respite from the heat of Dubai choose to travel along the Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi to access the private beach of Ghantoot. The area is one of the most popular local spots for holding beach parties, yet it remains less crowded ordinarily with only about a handful of people at the beachfront on weekdays. It has turned out to be an open secret of Emiratis and Expat population who are often found heading out of the city to this fantastic beach. Sundown finds the crowd head towards the bar that can also be reached via the pool.
Yas Beach
The Yas Beach is the perfect place on the Yas island to have some relaxing time. After you have been to the bustling parts of the island, take yourself to the beach and relax under the sun loungers or you can even get access to the Private Cabanas. The place also holds a beach bar. Absorb the beauty of the ocean and if you inclined towards adventure activites, then this beach is the perfect one for you.
Al Bateen Beach
The Al Bateen Beach stretches over 800m overlooking the beautiful ocean and Hudairiyat Island. The beach is perfect for families and they can enjoy everything from fishing to swimming to a family picnic. The ‘Blue Flag Sustainability’ award was also recently given to the beach by the Emirates Wildlife Authority, so you can be assured about its cleanliness. If you are someone who wants to enjoy water sports, then you should visit the Water Sports Center present on the beach. The place also houses a lot of lovely cafes.
There is also a section which is only for women and about 1,100 women and children can safely enjoy the waters. Visitors also get female lifeguards to ensure their safety.
National Riviera Beach
This beach has a 200-m stretch of white sandy shores overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It is a part of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, so if you aren’t staying in the hotel, get yourself a day pass. A fully air-conditioned walkway/tunnel leads you to the beach. As it is a private beach, it’s not crowded. You can also swim in the temperature-controlled swimming pools and get to the swim-up bar. Visit the water sports centre to have some fun or have a nice lunch at any of the restaurants present on the beach.
Al Mirfa Beach
To reach Al Mirfa Beach, you will need to travel till Mirfa, a small village of the Al Dhafra region. The beach is stunning and it remains calm, so it is perfect for people who want to get some relaxation. If you have the dream of camping by any beach, you can do so here. Apart from that, the beach also has access to a number of watersports.
Zaya Nurai Island
Zaya Nurai Island is one of the best private beaches of Abu Dhabi. You just need to take a boat ride to this luxurious private island. They do allow day guests or you can even book a stay over here. You get to enjoy the sandy beaches as well as the specialised swimming pools. The lush greenery of the island is also great for taking some leisurely strolls. You may also ride the boat to explore the waters.
How many of these interest you? Have you been to any of them? Let us know in the comments section below!