With soft sands, lapping waves and a raft of action-packed activities on offer, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for a beach holiday.
Visitors can choose from an array of beaches across the city, from sun-soaked downtown to the exciting waterfront’s of the capital’s offshore islands. If you’re looking to book a holiday where you can indulge in some relaxing sunbathing, take part in beachfront activities or tackle a variety water sports, Abu Dhabi has much to offer all kinds of visitors.
Head down to Corniche Beach in Downtown to get involved with beach volleyball or relax in the peaceful private section. For island hopping, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island both offer pristine beaches and chances to get up close and personal with colourful underwater creatures.
From glittering waters to tranquil stretches of sand, book an Abu Dhabi beach holiday for the perfect sunny getaway.
Beach holidays in Abu Dhabi guarantees glorious sunshine. Summer blazes all year in the UAE, including winter, so it’s ideal for those hoping to top up their tans.
Learn to surf, take to the waves in a kayak, paddle board or discover offshore reef life on a snorkelling trip.
While you’re working on your tan, let the kids go wild in the playground. Many of Abu Dhabi’s beach holiday destinations feature fantastic play areas.
Spot local wildlife from the shore. Head to Saadiyat Public Beach the chance to see hawksbill turtles making their way to the ocean.
Where to stay
From skyscraper hotels offering beachfront views to sandy resorts mere steps from the sun loungers, there are plenty of beach resorts in Abu Dhabi.
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of the action, downtown Abu Dhabi has plenty of choice right by Corniche Beach. You’ll wake to the sound of lapping waves and views of both the ocean and iconic city skyline.
For a quieter experience, head to Saadiyat Island. The beaches here have a tropical feel and the hotels are stylish and sophisticated. There’s also regular shuttle buses and plenty of taxis to explore experiences and attractions further afield.
Abu Dhabi is the ultimate destination for beach holidays, with a different stretch of sand to please everyone. Whatever your preference, from snorkelling to sunbathing, Abu Dhabi’s beach offering has a shoreline to fit your dream escape.
Those looking for beachfront glamour should visit Nuari Island, Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive beach. Perfect for snapping Instagram-worth photos, the beach features cosy boho-spots with colourful parasols and waterside spa.
Families will love the Radisson Blu Beach Club, which covers the western end of Corniche Beach. The private pool boasts exhilarating waterslides and you can even grab a massage between swims.
Yas Beach is a pristine stretch of white sand brimming with sun loungers. Find refreshments at the many beach cafes and food kiosks then rent a kayak or Jet Ski for the afternoon.
Discover more
Reserve day access to one of Abu Dhabi’s most pristine beaches on Saadiyat Island. Take a dip in the turquoise sea, book a private cabana and enjoy food and drink brought direct to your sun lounger.
Brilliantly located on the Corniche, the golden sands have space for everyone, with designated areas for couples or families. Cafes and restaurants are just moments away, offering refreshments.
Abu Dhabi is surrounded by the cobalt-coloured waters of the Arabian Gulf, which gives beachgoers the best opportunity to enjoy some exhilarating water activities. Many of the local beaches offer kayak, snorkelling and Jet Ski rentals, including Al Bateen Beach and the Beach Rotana Club.
Aside from laying beneath the sun and wiling away the day, Abu Dhabi’s beach holiday’s offer plenty of indulgent relaxation opportunities.
Spend the day at Radisson Blu Beach Club to enjoy all the fun of a classic beach day, followed by a pampering session. The on-site spa has a range of classic beauty treatments, including massages. Hop on one of the many spa beds and unwind with a deep tissue massage accompanied by the sounds of lapping waves.
If you’re already on the beach and looking for a quick lunch to keep you going for the afternoon, you won’t have to go far. Each beach features at least one cafe, with some even featuring kiosks so you can buy snacks.
At the end of the day, head back to your hotel to freshen up and reserve a table at one of the many restaurants boasting sea views in the city. Many offer outdoor seating so you can watch the sun set behind the horizon as you dine.
If you’ve already tried water sports, there’s still plenty of other activities to try on shore.
Volleyball is a classic beach game, and you’ll always find a group to join for a fun match. The public section of Corniche Beach has several nets you can use for volleyball and badminton, and you can hire equipment on-site. Have a casual game with the family or test your skills against new friends.
Admire Abu Dhabi in its entirety with the horizon of the Arabian Gulf behind you on a boat tour.
There are plenty of cruises and boat tours, with departure points from Corniche Beach, Yas Island and Al Kasir. Much of Abu Dhabi’s history is shaped by its seafaring heritage, so experiencing it from the water is a must. Cruise by Emirates Palace and Maya Island then sail through Fisherman’s Village to gain a new perspective of the city.
Hop aboard the free shuttle service for a stress-free ride to exciting Yas Island.
Head down to the pier at Corniche Beach towards the end of the day to take in spectacular sunset views over the Arabian Gulf.
Abu Dhabi is known for sunshine and it can get particularly hot in the afternoon. Use plenty of sunscreen and rent a parasol early in the day to stay shaded.
Some of Abu Dhabi’s beaches require a small admission fee for adults but will often be free to kids.
The main section of Corniche Beach is public and free of charge. However, this area can get busy and will generally attract big parties. For extra privacy, Corniche Beach offers access to designated areas that are usually reserved for families, women and couples and there is an admission fee for these spaces.
While you can still visit many of the beaches at night, swimming in the ocean after dark is prohibited. Qualified lifeguards go on duty from as early as 6am when the sun rises and will be overseeing the beach until sunset. This is to ensure the safety of every beach visitor.
Yas Beach offers free entry with a complimentary sun lounger to guests of Yas Plaza hotel, where they will receive a voucher. Those simply visiting will need to pay an admission charge.
During the week, admission is AED 50 for adults and AED 25 for children over eight. This increases on weekends when the beach is at its busiest, costing AED 100 for adults and AED 50 for children. Check the Yas Beach website for the latest prices and information.
The best time for a beach holiday in Abu Dhabi is between April and May in early spring and September and October in early autumn. Visiting at these times will still guarantee sunshine and warm weather without being too hot. However, Abu Dhabi is a year-round destination – when the temperatures peak, there’s plenty to do inside at top attractions, and you can spend cooler mornings and evenings on the beach.
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All imagery provided by © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
