The Best Beaches to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Yas Beach, Abu Dhabi | © Sarah_Ackerman/Flickr

The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi lies elegantly off the coast of the country towards the Arabian Gulf. Boasting some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches, tourists and residents alike enjoy year-round access to the sands and warm waters. Here are some of the best beaches to visit while in Abu Dhabi, just be sure to grab some sunscreen as the Arabian sun can get a little strong midday!

The Corniche

The most popular beach for a reason, the Corniche is the best way to indulge in the sight of the sparkling Arabian Gulf right under the dazzling skyline of the city of Abu Dhabi. With numerous food stalls, large umbrellas, and walkways for those who don’t want to walk on the sand, this is the perfect place to soak up the beautiful UAE beach weather.

The Corniche is one of the longest stretches of beachline in Abu Dhabi | © Achilli Family/Flickr

Saadiyat Public Beach

A gorgeous beach with sparkling white sand and turquoise-blue waters, this beach boasts numerous services as well. With clean showers, lockers, and even a beach yoga class every week, tourists and residents alike come back to this beach on a regular basis.

Al Maya Island

A little more of a tourist island, with the usual parties during the weekend, this island is only 10 minutes offshore and boasts beautiful beaches, party venues, places to eat, and swimming pools. The parties are usually loud and full of young people on Thursday and Friday nights, but during the day on Saturdays or during the week, the island is perfect for quietly relaxing on the beach.

Al Bateen Beach

Loved for its family-friendly atmosphere, this beach is perfect for a relaxing day out. With its calm waters and several lifeguards on duty, you’ll always feel safe at this beach.

Abu Dhabi beaches have some of the calmest waters in the country, making this a perfect place for families | © Mathias Apitz/Flickr

Lulu Island

Accessible by boat and facing the Corniche beach at a close distance, Lulu Island is a favorite for those who want to feel like they have their own tropical island. Generally not crowded or well-known by tourists, Lulu Island has shallow waters, clean sand, and the perfect breeze to really make you feel like you’re on a tropical paradise.

Hudariyat Island

While there are plans to develop and build on this island, it hasn’t happened yet so now is your chance to enjoy its pristine beaches and nature before the development comes rolling in! Connected by a bridge to the mainland right to Al Bateen Beach, Hudariyat Island is perfect to explore Abu Dhabi’s natural island life.

Yas Beach

Famous for its abundance of beautiful people and the rich and famous, this beach is perfect not only for beach-going but for people-watching as well. This beach usually gets crowded fast, so be sure to save a spot early in the day!

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