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11 of Abu Dhabi's best beaches for sun, sand and sea
Looking for the best beaches in Abu Dhabi to soak up some Vitamin sea? The emirate has a beach to suit every traveller, whether you’re after a laid-back stretch of powder-soft white sand near the city, an escape to a remote island home to 17,000 free-roaming animals, or a luxury break on a private island.
Many of the emirate’s world-class hotels also offer direct access to the sea and facilities to take advantage of on your beach day. So, lather up the sunscreen, pack your hat and shades and pick your spot!
1. Kai Beach
Kai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the UAE. Previously the Saadiyat Public Beach, and now managed by Saadiyat Beach Club, this piece of turquoise heaven has sun loungers, changing rooms and showers you can use. Enjoy a little 'sun-lounger service' with drinks served right to you and replenish your energy from the nearby food truck. The day pass for adults is AED 125 on weekdays and AED 200 on weekends. AED 50 is redeemable on F&B. Kids pay AED 60 on weekends and AED 100 on weekdays, with AED 25 redeemable on F&B.
2. Saadiyat Beach Club
Lounge on a 9km stretch of Blue Flag-certified beach at Saadiyat Beach Club. Enjoy a swim and keep an eye out for dolphins or Hawksbill turtles, as the club is part of the protected habitat where these critically endangered creatures have nested for years. Dip in the outdoor chilled pool or grab a bite at one of the restaurants to end your beach day. On weekdays, the day pass for ladies is AED 215 and AED 275 for men, with AED 100 redeemable on F&B. Kids between 6- 12 years pay AED 100, with AED 50 redeemable on F&B. The club offers couples, families and brunch deals to take advantage of.
3. Corniche Beach
As a Blue Flag-certified public beach, Corniche Beach boasts a seaside boardwalk, gardens, walking and cycling pathways, a kid's play area, and several restaurants and cafes. The 2km beach is divided into three sections: Al Sahil (Gate 4, free entry) is perfect for singles and larger groups, while Gate 2 (which has a quiet zone) and Gate 3 are great for families. You can find showers, changing rooms and cabanas. Entry to the public beach is free. The family beach is AED 10 per adult and AED 5 per child up to 12 years of age.
4. Yas Beach
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s family-friendly entertainment hub just a 30-minute drive from the city, is home to an F1™ race track, theme parks, a golf course – and the beautiful Yas Beach. Book a beach cabana or sun lounger to truly take in the beauty of this seaside haven. The beach is open from 10am to 7pm. Guests at selected Yas Island hotels enjoy free access to Yas Beach. For non-hotel guests, the entry fee for adults is AED 80 (Mon - Thurs) and AED 150 (weekends), with AED 50 redeemable on F&B.
5. Al Bateen Beach
This Abu Dhabi beach covers 800m of picturesque waterfront in one of the city’s quieter areas and is Blue Flag certified. It overlooks Hudariyat Island and Hudariyat Bridge, so it offers unique views. Pack a picnic and pick a gazebo, sun lounger or day bed to settle in for the day. There’s a nearby kids' playground, restaurants and activities from volleyball to kayaking. Enjoy free entry to this beautiful beach throughout the week!
6. Al Bateen Beach for Women
Al Bateen Beach for Women is the best beach in Abu Dhabi that's reserved exclusively for ladies. Awarded Blue Flag status for its clean beach and impeccable environmental and safety standards, this beach has female lifeguards, fences and barriers to ensure complete privacy. The beach is open from 8am to 9pm, but swimming is only allowed until sunset. The entry fee is AED 25 for adults and AED 5 for children aged 3 to 12, and boys over the age of 6 are not permitted.
7. Zaya Nurai Island
For barefoot luxury, head to Nurai Island, a boutique private island resort − just a 12-minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island. Complete with luxurious villas, plunge pools, sea swings and spas, everything here is designed to ease stress. Try sunset yoga or let the wind lull you to a relaxing nap on a hammock or day bed. The entry fee for day guests is AED 750 per adult - AED 550 of which is redeemable against food and beverage, spa and activities. This includes beach and pool access as well as the boat transfer.
8. Nation Riviera Beach Club
This exclusive 200m beachfront retreat and fitness centre is connected to The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche. You’ll be spoilt for choice at Nation Riviera Beach Club with swimming pools, beach volleyball and indoor or beach-circuit training. The watersports centre also offers kayaking, paddleboarding and more. The entry fee for non-members is AED 160 on weekdays and AED 230 on weekends. Members pay AED 105 on weekdays and weekends. The club also offers special packages for couples and families.
9. Intercontinental Bayshore
The InterContinental Abu Dhabi is home to the InterContinental Abu Dhabi Bayshore Beach Club. This beach boasts a 300m beachfront, an infinity pool, a children’s pool and play areas, a day spa and more. Relax on sun loungers, in private cabanas or enjoy refreshments by the pool with its swim-up bar overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The entry fee for day guests is AED 129 for adults and AED 59 for kids (on weekdays); AED 150 for adults and AED 59 for kids (on weekends).
10. Mirfa Beach
Mirfa Beach is located in the village of Mirfa in Al Dhafra, roughly 1.5 hours from Abu Dhabi. This tranquil, uncrowded beach offers the perfect escape, even including camping facilities and watersports from kayaking to kiteboarding. The 10-day Al Dhafra Watersports Festival is also held every April here. Feeling adventurous? Kayak through the mangrove forest on the western side of the beach.
Entry to Mirfa Beach is free throughout the week.
11. Sir Bani Yas Island
This unique desert, beach and wildlife paradise is the Arabian Gulf's only dedicated cruise beach stopover, located in Al Dhafra. Sir Bani Yas Island is home to ancient heritage attractions and the Arabian Wildlife Park, one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves where more than 17,000 animals, including Arabian oryx, giraffes and cheetahs, roam freely. At this Abu Dhabi beach, you can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding activities too. For a high-end stay, there are three Anantara luxury beach resorts on the island.
