Best beaches in Abu Dhabi

Made up of over 200 islands, Abu Dhabi boasts countless beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered. And with the summer season approaching, these idyllic stretches of sand will offer respite from the scorching temperatures. With a plethora of activities to enjoy under the warm Arabian sun, here are the best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a day of pure fun in the sun.

Key Takeaways

• Saadiyat Public Beach offers pristine sands and clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
• Nurai Island is a luxury private island offering an exclusive beach experience with high-end amenities.
• Yas Beach is a popular spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and various water activities.
• Saadiyat Beach Club provides a luxurious beach experience with premium facilities and services.
• Corniche Beach is a family-friendly public beach with a Blue Flag certification, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and sustainability.

Saadiyat Public Beach

Saadiyat Public Beach is one of Abu Dhabi's most stunning public beaches. It easily rivals private beach clubs with its breathtaking surroundings. Located along the northern shore of Saadiyat Island, the entrance is just east of the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. Although the beach access fee is higher than other public beaches in the city, visitors find the wide strip of soft, white sand and excellent facilities worth the extra cost.

• Location: Northern shore of Saadiyat Island
• Nearby Landmark: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
• Facilities: Sun loungers, changing rooms, showers
• Food Options: On-site food truck serving a variety of dishes

Enjoy a little 'sun-lounger service' with drinks served right to you!

Nurai Island

For the ultimate glam island getaway, spoil yourself with a day at Abu Dhabi's most exclusive beach destination. Privately-owned Nurai Island is home to just Zaya Nurai Island resort, which touts itself as a chilled-out, bohemian-chic city escape.

Every kind of luxury your heart could desire awaits on Nurai Island. If you are committed to an ultimate beach experience in Abu Dhabi, this is the place to find it.

Directions: Just a 10-minute drive from Saadiyat Island, arrive at the Zaya Nurai Island Welcome Centre where speed boats are available to take guests back and forth to the island in just 20 minutes.

This is actually a day trip from the city, but well worth the travel! You don't need to be staying on the private island to visit, but you will need to book a day pass to gain entry. Book through the hotel to get access to the most outrageous private island experience in Abu Dhabi. Water swings, jet skiing, fishing expeditions, snorkeling, swimming, surfing, lounging in the sun, and every kind of luxury your heart could desire await on Nurai Island.

Yas Beach

Yas Beach, located on the tranquil southern shore of Yas Island, offers a serene retreat with its crystal-clear waters and natural mangrove surroundings. Whether you're seeking family fun or a peaceful afternoon by the infinity pool, Yas Beach caters to every mood, providing an enchanting escape on this paradisal island.

Visitors can relax on stunning beach cabanas and loungers, and enjoy delicious food and refreshments at the beach's restaurant and food stalls. The beach club adds a lively atmosphere with funky beats, making it a fun place to unwind and party at the water's edge.

With its white sands, crystal clear waters, and natural mangrove surrounds, it's an idyllically tranquil getaway. From adventures through the mangroves to relaxing by the sea, Yas Beach offers something for everyone.

Saadiyat Beach Club

Luxury meets natural simplicity at the Saadiyat Beach Club, a lifestyle venue for those seeking exclusivity and quality. Located on Abu Dhabi's most iconic location, this club offers a 9km stretch of Blue Flag-certified beach. You can spend a whole day lounging on the soft, powdery white sand or head straight to the infinity pool to snag one of its chic poolside cabanas. Pre-booking a cabana is highly recommended due to their popularity.

The club is part of a protected habitat, so keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the bay or the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtles. While outside food is not allowed, you can enjoy sun-lounger service with drinks served right to you. A nearby food truck offers a variety of options, from tacos to burgers.

Radisson Blue Beach Club

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, located at the western end of Abu Dhabi Corniche, offers one of the best deals for beach club access in the city. Visitors can enjoy a seamless experience with smooth check-ins and beautiful suites overlooking the hotel's pool. The beach club provides day access to its pristine beach facilities, making it a popular choice among both tourists and locals.

Al Bateen Beach

Al Bateen Beach offers a tranquil escape to the waterfront, perfect for swimming and sports. Awarded the Blue Flag sustainability award, this beach boasts an 800-metre strip ideal for beach volleyball and kayaking. For females seeking privacy, Al Bateen Ladies Beach provides a dedicated space with strict safety measures and serene surroundings. After a day of relaxation by the sea, you can also visit Al Bateen Ladies Club or indulge in a culinary journey at the FACT award-winning tashas nearby.

Al Bateen Beach is a favourite among residents, locals, and tourists alike, thanks to impressive views of Al Hudayriat Island and a well-used ladies-only section. The shallow, calm waters also make the 800-metre stretch a good choice for families with young children. For fans of water sports, paddleboards, jet skis, and snorkelling equipment can be hired on site, and a sunset kayak is a great way to round off a day here – as is a stop at the artisan ice cream parlour.

Thanks to its sheltered location on Abu Dhabi’s western peninsula, Al Bateen Beach enjoys blissfully calm waters, making it a family favourite with locals who love to swim and fish. Facing out onto Hudairiyat Island and with the cityscape in the distance, it’s a wonderfully scenic seaside spot that has been awarded Blue Flag status. A playground and ample watersports amenities also make Al Bateen one of Abu Dhabi’s most child-friendly beaches.

Nation Riviera Beach Club

Nation Riviera Beach Club, attached to The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, is one of the most renowned beach clubs in the city. It's hugely popular with locals for its year-long beach club memberships, but it also offers day access for casual visitors. Located directly on the Corniche, it provides a perfect blend of luxury and convenience.

Beach Rotana Club

The Beach Rotana Club, located in Al Zahiyah on Abu Dhabi Island, offers a unique blend of luxury and convenience. Although the beachfront is relatively small, the club compensates with a large garden area filled with numerous facilities. Guests can enjoy access to a 394-foot stretch of beach, a spa, sauna, massage rooms, pool, snack bar, and supervised play areas for kids.

For water sports enthusiasts, the club provides excellent scuba diving opportunities and kayak rentals. One of the highlights of a day at this beach club is the stunning view of Al Maryah Island, especially during the early evening when the buildings glow golden as the sun sets.

The quality of the food was excellent as were all of the staff. We stayed in a club room and the staff's attention to detail in there was second to none with ...

Address: Beach Rotana Hotel, 10th Street, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi Island

Corniche Beach

Corniche Beach, crowning Abu Dhabi’s main seafront, stretches over 8km of golden sand. This spotlessly maintained Blue Flag public beach is a gem in the heart of the UAE capital. The beach is divided into three sections: Al Sahil (Gate 4, free entry) is perfect for singles and groups, while the other sections cater to families and those seeking a quieter experience.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from volleyball and football to cycling and walking along the pathways. The turquoise sea and view of Lulu Island add to the beach's charm. Families will appreciate the children’s play area, and there are several cafes and restaurants nearby, including Catch at St. Regis and West Bay Lounge, ensuring that satisfying your cravings is never a challenge.

The Corniche Beach is a great place to unwind, admire the skyline, and people-watch, making it a must-visit spot in Abu Dhabi.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Beach

The pristine white-sand beach at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel offers a perfect setting for a relaxed day of sunbathing and swimming. Located on the Khor Al Maqta waterfront, this beach provides stunning views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the creek. All the amenities you'd expect from a resort-run beach are available here.

An added bonus is that beach day passes are often more affordable here compared to other five-star resorts in Abu Dhabi, and children under 12 can enter for free.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi, with its over 200 islands and miles of pristine beaches, offers a beach experience for every type of traveler. From the bustling Corniche Beach to the serene sands of Saadiyat Public Beach, each location provides a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot, a luxurious private retreat, or a public beach with free access, Abu Dhabi has it all. As the summer season approaches, these beaches become the perfect escape to enjoy the warm Arabian sun and the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf. So, grab your sunscreen and head to one of Abu Dhabi's stunning beaches for a day of relaxation and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Abu Dhabi have a beach?

Yes, Abu Dhabi has a ton of beautiful beaches, whether you access them from the city’s shoreline, on an island, or from a private luxury hotel.

Are Abu Dhabi beaches artificial?

Abu Dhabi has a mix of natural and manmade beaches. Several of the shorelines that naturally existed were further enhanced and extended to make them more accessible and enjoyable.

Which beaches are free in Abu Dhabi?

These beautiful Abu Dhabi beaches are open to the public and free to enter: Al Bateen Beach, Corniche Beach, Al Hudayriat Island, and Mirfa Beach.

Are Abu Dhabi beaches clean?

Yes, Abu Dhabi’s beaches are kept incredibly clean for visitors and residents to enjoy, including a range of accessible amenities.

What are the best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a day of fun in the sun?

Some of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi for a day of fun in the sun include Saadiyat Public Beach, Nurai Island, Yas Beach, Saadiyat Beach Club, and Radisson Blue Beach Club.

Is there a beach type to suit every traveler in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, Abu Dhabi offers a beach type to suit every traveler, whether you’re after a laid-back stretch of powder-soft white sand near the city, a family-friendly escape on a remote island, or a luxury break on a boutique private island.

Do Abu Dhabi's public beaches have entry fees?

Abu Dhabi has several public beaches – some with free entry and others with a small admission fee. All are well-maintained and offer clean water for swimming.

Which Abu Dhabi beaches have a Blue Flag Beach Certificate?

The Corniche Beach, Hudayriyat Island, and Marsana public beaches all have a Blue Flag Beach Certificate, awarded to beaches and marinas developed to the highest standards of sustainability.