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TOP 5 best beach in Abu Dhabi

There are all kinds of beaches in Abu Dhabi, each with its public: the most well known are those of The corniche - the most beautiful are on Saadiyat Island - the smallest on Yas Island, along the mangrove - the most confidential at the the Emirates Palace. The more offbeat on Maya Island. This article will help you to find the beach that suits you and will give you some practical advice.

Odyfolio recommends with beach in Abu Dhabi
BASIC
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

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COMFORT
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island - All Inclusive

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PRESTIGE
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

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What to wear to go to the beach in Abu Dhabi?

The question that come to many foreign visitors has a simple answer. How to dress to go to the beach in the United Arab Emirates? In fact it is very simple, and almost the same as elsewhere in the world. Slip of bath or pants for men, swimsuit one or two parts for women. The naturism, top-less and strings have however not their place here.

Top 5: The beaches of the Corniche

Abu Dhabi Corniche with its line of skyscrapers ©Odyfolio

The public beaches free of charge of The corniche of Abu Dhabi are open to all with proper beach attire. These beaches have toilets and showers. There is also next to The heritage village a small beach accessible (in front of the Corniche).

Family beaches are reserved for families and women, and in theory not accessible to men alone. You can go there for a few dirhams. Higher price apply for long chair and weekend (Friday Saturday in the UAE).

There are also the beaches of the hotels of the Corniche. Better to hold a reservation in the hotel, either purchase a day pass. They are secure, have a swimming pool and toilet. These include the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort and The Saint Regis. Also, even if they are not exactly on the corniche, The Intercontinental, The Sheraton and The Khalidiya Palace Rayhann by Rotana.

Public beaches of the Corniche have a public more conservative than beaches in hotels. You can bring food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Check out our article devoted to The corniche of Abu Dhabi for more information. It should be noted that beaches of the Corniche are along a wide sea channel (not open sea).

Odyfolio recommends with beach access on the Corniche
BASIC
Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche

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COMFORT
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

comfort at budget price

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PRESTIGE
Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche

the most luxurious

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Top 4: Yas Beach

On Yas Island, there is a beach club operator on a small beach stuck between the island and the mangrove. Once acquitted entry fees (50EDA in Week and 100EDA on Friday or Saturday, as well as during the school holidays) you will be able to consume alcohol and listening to loud electronic music. There is prohibited to bring food and drink. Children of 8 to 16 years pay half fare, free of charge for the kids than 8 years old. In general hotels in Yas Island provide free access to this beach club. It is forbidden to bring water or food. Yas Beach has the license to serve alcoholic beverages. For more information see The official website of Yas Beach.

On the motorway linking Saadiyat to Yas Island, there is a large undeveloped beach but very difficult to access. The amateurs of kyte surf go there with all-terrain vehicles (see our article on water sports in Abu Dhabi)

Odyfolio recommends in Yas Island
BASIC
Centro Yas Island-by Rotana

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EXCELLENT
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island

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highly recommanded

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COMFORT
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

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Top 3: Spring break style on Maya Island

Maya Island Beach, off Abu Dhabi ©Odyfolio

Maya Island is an atypical place in Abu Dhabi with a very beautiful beach. At the origin, a hotel resort, which still hope to attract tourists. In the meantime, on Fridays and Saturdays, hordes of young people take the shuttle-boats to to get drunk and listen to electronic music.

To get there, direction a pier located behind The Emirates Palace. Shuttles every hour of from 10am to 4pm. Guards are very attentive to maintain good balance between men and women. On busy days, they may not accept groups of unaccompanied men.

In the morning the atmosphere remains calm, you can swim in the large outdoor swimming pool, enjoy the jacuzzi alone and the beautiful beach. As the day goes there is more and more people, the atmosphere becomes very festive, everybody dance in the pool with beer in hand. From 5pm it may become more agitated, so it might be the good time to head back to the city. Last shuttle is at 8pm.

The access for the day is 100AED and includes the return transportation. Sometimes groups of young women are exempt from paying. It is strictly forbidden to bring food and beverages (bags searched before the departure). So everything is done to make you buy on site. Count 20AED for a bottle of water. There is a very decent restaurant on site with air-conditioned room, and by the pool snack food is on sale.

Top 2: The private beach of the Emirates Palace

Private beach of the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ©Odyfolio

Relaxing on the private beach of the the Emirates Palace is the ultimate luxury experience. Rather reserved to its rich clients, its 1.300 meters overlooking artificial beach and turquoise waters offer a lot of space. The ideal place to relax

Top 1: Saadiyat, the most beautiful beach of Abu Dhabi (and UAE)

Park Hyatt Beach on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi ©Odyfolio

The beach of Saadiyat Island is the most beautiful of Abu Dhabi. Easily accessible by taxi from the center (25AED to 50AED), it gives the impression to be in another country. In our opinion, it is the most beautiful beach of the United Arab Emirates, far ahead of those in Dubai and Fujairah.

For more information on the beaches of The island of Saadiyat Island check this webpage. Public beach has entrance fee. Beaches of hotels Saint Regis, Park Hyatt, as well as of the Saadiyat Beach Club are absolutely sublime.

Odyfolio recommends near Saadiyat
BASIC
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

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COMFORT
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island

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PRESTIGE
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island - All Inclusive

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Map of the beaches in Abu Dhabi

Map of Abu Dhabi with the main tourist attractions ©OpenStreetMap contributors

Visit also

Abu Dhabi Things to do
Mosque Sheikh Zayed Abu Dhabi
Le Louvre
Saadiyat Island
Emirates Palace
Hotels Abu Dhabi
Hotels Yas Island
Yas Island
Shangri-La
Corniche
Masdar City
Water Sports
Fish market
Heritage Village
Itinerary Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Shopping

Notes and references ▼