There are mornings and then there are perfect mornings. The latter is guaranteed when you're on the golden beaches of Abu Dhabi.
The sea-fringed capital of the United Arab Emirates has over 200 islands, all of them spectacular. With that in mind, there are all kinds of people pouring into Abu Dhabi every day – tranquillity seekers, adrenaline junkies and party animals, to name a few – to take advantage of the capital’s beauty. Serene white beaches where the sapphire sea meets the sky offer peaceful moments, water sports ensure that your adrenaline is pumping, and evenings bring dazzling seaside parties.
If that isn't enough to convince you to book your ticket to Abu Dhabi right now, this list of alluring beaches will have you packing your bags and heading to the capital of the United Arab Emirates before you can say “UAE”.
Saadiyat Public Beach
Saadiyat Public Beach is where you should head if you've got some time on hand to simply lay back and relax. The public beach is a more economical option when you simply want to soak up some sun.
The beach has over 100 sun loungers for beach-goers to sit back and relax in the shade. You can rent towels, stash your stuff in lockers, shower, watch people indulging in water sports, and maybe even join in! Wherever you sit, you’re guaranteed great views, so just dig your toes into the white sand and gaze at the glimmering sea.
Entry for adults - Rs 509 per person
Entry for children - Rs 306 per person
Entry fee to the beach including a sun lounger with umbrella: Rs 1,018 per person on weekdays and Rs 1,527 per person on weekends.
Where to eat:
There are quite a few restaurants where you can appease your rumbling stomach. Do try the ice cream at MU at Saadiyat Public Beach.
How to get there:
Bus - Catch the 404 bus from Al Wahda Bus Terminal, which will take you to the beach in 20 minutes. Bus fares may range from Rs 35 - Rs 60.
Taxi - A cab from Abu Dhabi will drop you at the beach within 17 minutes. The cab fare may run up to Rs 650 - Rs 850. You can also book an Uber to get to Saadiyat Island.
For more information, head to Visit Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Beach Club
Hawksbill turtles choose this spot to nest, so it must be something special. Hedonists will love this private beach and Saadiyat Beach Club's extravagance. Take a dip in the club’s outdoor pool, surrounded by cabanas. Settle down with a drink while gazing out at the crashing waves.
Saadiyat Beach Club does more than just pamper its guests. In order to protect nesting turtles, the club blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings.
Take a stroll down the wooden boardwalk and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch dolphins leaping out of the water. As evening gathers with the promise of a glorious sunset, sit on the rooftop at the Beach House in Park Hyatt. Sample Mediterranean cuisine as nature paints you a pretty picture.
Entry fee:
We recommend getting a day pass at Saadiyat Beach Club, which includes access to the beach, swimming pool, loungers, workout room and spa facilities. Entry is free for children under the age of six.
Weekday rates: Rs 4,842 (single), Rs 6,780 (couple) and Rs 1,937 for children (ages 7-17).
Weekend rates: Rs 7,264 (single), Rs 10,170 (couple) and Rs 2,905 for children (ages 7-17).
For more information, head to Visit Abu Dhabi.
Yas Beach Club
If it is larger-than-life entertainment you want, that’s what you'll get at Yas Beach Club on Yas Island. The perfect place for a sunny day, Yas Beach Club invites people to top up their tans and relax.
The beach bar ensures you have a drink in hand while you enjoy views of lush mangroves.
Splash around in the turquoise sea or get a shot of adrenaline while flyboarding, jet skiing, or riding a bright yellow banana boat.
Evenings here are for partying to the in-house DJ's beats. Get there on Friday night for their adults-only pool party where you can sway to the music and the roll of the waves. The area’s stunning five-mile promenade separates Abu Dhabi centre’s gleaming skyscrapers from the beach, and offers sweeping views of the coastline.
With its white sands, crystal clear waters, and natural mangrove surroundings, Yas Beach is an idyllic getaway perfect for water sport enthusiasts and families.
This beautiful island boasts such a diverse range of attractions that you might want to fit in a few extra days here if you can. Yas Beach is only a tiny part of this place, which is also home to a race track and theme parks galore.
If you love speed, make sure you get a seat on the world's fastest roller-coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. This hair-raising ride hits a speed of 240 km/hr and will get you in the mood for the Yas Marina Circuit, where the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held. The circuit also has other motor sports events taking place throughout the year, so go ahead and get a seat in the shaded stands.
Water babies can go to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and enjoy Bubbles Barrel, the largest sheet wave in the world, as well as over 40 other rides and slides. Whatever rides you choose to go on, you will get completely soaked, with a big smile on your face.
Movie and comic buffs can look forward to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, which has six themed zones to help you lose yourself in the world of fantasy.
We can't possibly leave out the du Arena, where legends like Madonna, The Rolling Stones and more have left audiences enthralled. The open-air venue hosts concerts, K-pop performances and more.
Entry fee to Yas Beach Club:
Weekday rates: Rs 1,162 (for adults). Fee includes beach towel and sun lounger.
Weekend rates: Rs 2,324 (for adults). Fee includes beach towel and sun lounger.
Entry for children under the age of 11 is free.
Where to eat at Yas Beach Club:
The beach bar has a variety of cuisines to choose from. There are food kiosks available at the beach where you can devour Italian pizzas or sample some authentic Arabic food.
How to get there:
Bus - Get the 190 bus from Al Wahda Bus Terminal to reach the island within 50 minutes. Bus rates vary from Rs 35 to Rs 130.
Taxi - Hail a cab from Abu Dhabi to get to the island within 23 minutes. Cab fares can go up to Rs 1,200.
For more information, head to Visit Abu Dhabi.
Corniche Beach
One of the best things to do here is to hire a bicycle and pedal along the promenade. If you're in the mood to sit by the sea with a book, make sure you get here early to rent yourself a sun lounger.
The beach has three sections. If you're with a group of friends or are going solo, then get in through Al Sahil. Gate 2 is for people looking for a quiet spot on the beach. Families with kids can go through Gate 3, which has a play area to keep your little ones busy.
Entry to the pubic beach is free!
Corniche Family Beach - Rs 195 (adult) and Rs 97 (children under 12 years)
Where to eat:
You'll be spoilt for choice here. Puff away at shisha cafes or get some ice cream to beat the heat. Dig into fresh seafood in a stylish setting at Catch.
How to get there:
Corniche Beach is easy to locate as it stretches along Corniche Road in Abu Dhabi.
Bus - Take the number 33 or 34 bus from the bus stop near Iranian Private School and get off at Abu Dhabi stop.
You can also book a private car or cab to get you there.
For more information, head to Visit Abu Dhabi.
Zaya Nurai Island
Zaya Nurai Island, a private island boutique resort, spells indulgence. The place boasts stunning sunshine-drenched beaches, as you would expect, with the word 'Nur' meaning ‘light’. If you're looking for a glorious sunset that makes your heart sing, this is where you'll find it.
A short, complimentary boat ride from the shores of Abu Dhabi brings you to Zaya Nurai Island, where luxury villas boast their own secluded beach. You won't be able to resist diving into the infinity pool. There’s also a welcome drink waiting for you when you get out of the pool.
Entry fee:
Day passes are priced at Rs 9,350 and are redeemable against food, beverages, the spa and other activities.
Where to eat:
Visit restaurants like Nurai's Terrace, Olive and Salare, and Beach Burger for serious gorging sessions. Make reservations in advance to ensure a spot.
How to get there:
Zaya Nurai Island offers a complimentary speed boat transfer from the Welcome Centre on Saadiyat Island. Boats depart every hour from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. Just a ten-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island, the secluded resort is also conveniently accessible from all major travel ports in the UAE.
For more information, head to Visit Abu Dhabi.
Al Bateen Beach
Tread down the sandy shore for a lively game of volleyball. This family-friendly beach has a lot of water sports on offer, so make sure you try out paddle-boarding and kayaking.
The nearby Al Hudariyat Bridge lights up at night, twinkling against the darkness.
The waters are calm and inviting. The beach is safe, with lifeguards on patrol, so feel free to enjoy the sea on your skin.
Entry is free!
Where to eat:
There are a few cafes here to take care of hunger pangs. You can also bring your own picnic.
How to get there:
Bus - Take the line 011 bus from Al Wahda Bus Terminal which will drop you at Al Bateen in 23 minutes. Fares range between Rs 7 to Rs 11.
Taxi - You'll be at the beach within 10 minutes by cab. Fares are estimated to be around Rs 240 - Rs 300.
For more information, go to Visit Abu Dhabi.
Lulu Island
Parallel to Corniche Beach, Lulu Island is easily accessible by boat. Feel the salty sea breeze in your hair as you zoom over. Once there, you'll realise that Lulu is home to a beach that hasn’t been marred by commercialisation.
There are cabanas to lounge in, and water sports to get your pulse racing. Lulu invites you to dip your feet in the water or spend hours making your very own sandcastle. If you stick around long enough, the island will reward you with a sunset that turns the water the colour of molten gold.
Entry fee:
About Rs 300 per person.
Where to eat:
Pack all your favourite food in a lunch basket and bring it along for a memorable picnic by the sea.
How to get there:
Lulu Island is a 10-minute boat ride away from the Corniche. You can also take a boat from the Marina Sunset Bay breakwater.
Learn more about Abu Dhabi attractions here.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island isn’t just famous for its beautiful beach, but also its Arabian Wildlife Park. Go on a safari to spot oryx, cheetahs, gazelles and friendly giraffes (who you can feed as they extend their necks towards you in greeting).
There are some unique beach activities here, such as land sailing, dhow cruising and kayaking.
All that action is bound to make you work up an appetite, so don’t forget to try some of the luscious seafood available on the island.
Entry is free!
Where to eat:
Get a bite to eat at the many restaurants in Sir Bani Yas Island’s resorts.
How to get there:
Enjoy a leisurely two-and-a-half-hour drive from Abu Dhabi to the port town of Jebel Dhanna via the E-11 highway. Follow the Sir Bani Yas Island/Desert Islands sign that leads you to Jebel Dhanna jetty, and then enjoy a quick 20-minute boat ride to Sir Bani Yas Island.
For more information, go to Visit Abu Dhabi.
Take a few days off, abandon your routine, and head for Abu Dhabi. Make sure you go through Visit Abu Dhabi's website to discover more experiences to look forward to.
The beaches of this capital city await you with their shimmering waters, golden sand, and fruity cocktails. Book a break: you deserve it.
In association with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi