If you’re looking for the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, look no further.
Abu Dhabi might be a bustling city with glamorous skyscrapers and breath taking architecture, but it also makes for the perfect sun, sea and sand destination thanks to its beautiful beaches.
Whether you’re a resident in the city or a tourist, you can spend your days dipping in and out of crystal clear oceans and soaking up the sun, enjoy evenings watching a picturesque sunset over the Arabian sea or be the life of the party at one of Abu Dhabi’s popular beach clubs. You can also snag spectacular beach and pool day deals across the city.
The capital is home to an array of both private and public beaches that are all worth a visit. Here are the best beaches in Abu Dhabi.
Al Bateen Beach
This family-friendly spot enjoys a great location and it’s ideal for a quiet day chilling out. If you’re looking for the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, you should definitely get it on your radar. The waters are calm and the views from the 800m stretch of sand are equally soothing. If you’re feeling active, you can hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and get out on the water. There are also a handful of cafés, around 100 car parking spaces and plenty of lifeguards on duty.
Free. Open daily 8am-sunset. Al Bateen, Khalifa Al Mubarak Street, off Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
Al Maya Island & Resort
If you want to relax but also like a party atmosphere then this could be ideal: Al Maya has one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a party. Catch a boat from a dock next to the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana and then take a 20-minute jaunt over to this resort. On weekends there’s a party atmosphere where you can lie on one of the many sun loungers, sit around the poolside bar, hit the dance floor and party to tunes being spun by top DJs, or jump into the massive pool and socialise around the swim-up bar.
Dhs200 (weekdays) Dhs250 (weekends and public holidays). Open Sun-Fri, 10am-8pm, www.almayauae.com (02 667 7777 ).
Corniche beach
You’ve probably driven past it lots of times but have you ever spent a day on the beach on the Corniche? It’s one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a quick trip. The pristine beachfront is a fantastic family spot on which to enjoy a relaxed day. The seaside boardwalk is four miles long and the walkways are paved and dotted with benches and gardens that overlook the ocean. Surrounding the Corniche beach there are children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants.
Free. Open daily 8am-8pm.
Hudayriat Island
This huge island opened its beach back in 2018 and is home to one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi. The rest of the island remains untouched, the space just over the hulking Hudayriat Bridge is a popular spot. There are food trucks and sports facilities from the island and the 600 metre-long beach is open daily from 8am to 7pm and is free to use for the public. There are also three new slipways for boats and jet-skis, plus Circuit X Skate Park making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers in the capital.
Free. Open daily 8am to 7pm. Hudayriat Island.
Kai Beach Saadiyat
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Abu Dhabi that are new, Kai Beach Saadiyat just opened. It’s located where Saadiyat Public Beach used to be and is now managed by Saadiyat Beach Club. The beach is open daily from 7am to sunset. There are no reservations and entry is on a first come first served basis.
Dhs75 (adults, weekdays) Dhs35 (kids, weekdays) Dhs95 (adults, weekends) Dhs60 (kids, weekends). Daily, 7am-sunset. Saadiyat Island, kaibeachsaadiyat.com
Soul Beach
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, Soul Beach at Mamsha is an easy choice. Powdery white sands and Saadiyat blues, could you ask for more? Entry is Dhs50 for adults and Dhs25 for kids on weekdays and Dhs70 for adults and Dhs40 for kids on weekends. If you’re wondering where to eat after your beach day, there are loads of awesome restaurants at Mamsha.
Open daily, 6am-7pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat (050 929 0936).
Yas Beach
Styling itself as a “beach playground” big on beats and brunches, Yas Beach is a must-visit location. The club is home to restaurants and a bar, as well as being a spot to enjoy plenty of watersports. There’s a fee to get in, but it’s also free if you’re staying at any of the hotels on Yas Island. This is one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi.
Open daily 10am-7pm. Dhs60 (adults, Sun-Thu), Dhs120 (adults Fri-Sat, public holidays), free (kids 11 and under when with an adult). Yas Island (056 242 0435).
Zaya Nurai Island
Looking for the best beaches in Abu Dhabi? You could spend your life travelling the world and you’d struggle to find a beach which tops this one for pure, indulgent luxury. Take a ten-minute private boat ride from Saadiyat Island and you’re there. There are also plenty of dining options to choose from including Frangipani, which offers dishes that use organic and seasonal produce. You can stay here, too, but for most of us an Instagram pic on the seaside swings are enough. It costs Dhs480 per day, but you get Dhs420 of that back to spend on food and drinks on the island.
Dhs480 per person, including boat transfer. Open daily 10.30am-11pm. Advanced booking required (02 506 6274).
