Visiting the corniche of Abu Dhabi

The Corniche extends on nearly 8 kilometers or two hours of walking and it is not recommended to the make it by foot in full sun. During mornings and evenings, it is a very fine route for jogging. You can also discover it by bike. Due to the pavement the practice of roller is not very easy but the old track is gradually replaced by a new one more adapted. At the crossroads of the side of The Emirates Palace, you can rent 4 seats bycycless (30AED per hour). There is no much shops, so we suggest you bring a bottle of water.

In the north, the corniche begins at the level of the commercial port. In the sector, you can go to the Fish market and the carpet souk and see the port of Dhows (traditional fishing boats). From there it is better to use a taxi and ask the driver to drop you in the middle of the Corniche and complete the walk. On the journey admire the great architectural variety of skyscrapers bordering the sea.

By foot you will follow the trail winding in the vegetation up to the public beaches, next to the bicycle path that runs along the road. At a large half circle arc, many cafes serve ice cream and refreshments. On this large esplanade are held regularly attractions and temporary exhibitions. Further, made a stop near the fountains and admire the point of view. The parking area and the stand of bicycle rental mark the end of the Corniche. From there you can continue in the direction of The Emirates Palace, or direct you to the peninsula of Marina Mall.

The jetty leading to Marina Mall (18th Street) is a very good continuation of the ride. It offers a breathtaking view on the Corniche and its towers of glass. The coffee in the Boulanger is a good place to rest at the end of the promenade. On the other side of the road, you will see the new presidential palace (white building with many domes and marina). Continue your day to The heritage village and by doing the shopping at Marina Mall.

Si vous souhaitez vous baigner, tenue de plage obligatoire : l'accès pourra vous être refusé si vous êtes en tenue de ville. Il existe plusieurs plages sur la partie Ouest de la corniche du coté de l’Emirates Palace. Équipées de cabines pour se doucher et se changer, certaines plages sont en accès libre. D’autres, payantes (5AED), sont pourvues de chaises longues (« family beach ») mais les hommes seuls ne peuvent y rentrer. Il y a aussi des plages dédiées au volley ball. Le plus simple est de se faire déposer ou de se garer sur le parking payant du Hilton Beach Club (nombre de places limitées), puis de remonter à pied la corniche et rentrer sur la plage qui vous tente le plus. Les plages sont ouvertes de 7h30 à minuit et si vous avez le choix évitez les jours de week-end à forte influence (vendredi-samedi).

Beaches are clean and well maintained. The limitation of city water pollution on this part of the coast has allowed to Abu Dhabi to be awarded the coveted Blue Flag, guarantee of the quality of bathing waters.

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort offers a corner of landscaped beach with swimming pools, restaurants and bars serving of alcohol. It is free for guests of the hotel but charged 180AED for external customers.

At the other end of the Corniche, The Meridien enables external customers to access its private beach: 145AED per person the weekend (couple 275EDA), 90AED on week days (couple 150EDA).

The Watercooled Society has elected domicile at the Le Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort and offers nautical activities varied with or without instructor: dinghy, catamaran, windsurfing, kayaking, zapcat… All Saturdays at 16h00 the activity Yoga And Stand Up Paddle is proposed for the sum of 100AED (booking required).

It should be noted that it is not asked to pay the entry to the Le Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort to access the activities of Watercooled, but you will not be able to enjoy the Beach Club before or after the activity. It is essential to book by phone in advance ( +971 (0) 2 639 5997). For more information visit their Internet site.

The Meridien Hotel, which is not exactly on the corniche, also offers a few nautical activities: wakeboard, water skiing, kayaking, Stand Up Paddle, boats rental.

Côté mer, les restaurants de la corniche sont essentiellement regroupés autour du point intitulé sur notre plan « cafés et restaurants ». De l’autre côte de la route, d’autres options de restauration existent mais vous n’aurez pas la vue sur la mer.

If you are looking for a restaurant on top of the range, go to the West of the Corniche to hotels Le Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Saint Regis, and to hotels Sofitel and Sheraton Resort.

The Hilton, the oldest International Hotel of Abu Dhabi, offers no less than 10 restaurants for all tastes. The Italian restaurant Bocca is the most known, with a pianist on Fridays and Sundays evenings. For lunch with a view on the corniche, mount to the Terraza which offers a selection of international dishes. For a drink in a pub atmosphere that will be the Hemingway's. To listen to live jazz, direction the Jazz Bar (all days except on Saturday, glass of wine offered by the House for the women). The restaurants VASCO's and escape are located on the other side of the street to the Beach Club.

In a register more classy, The hotel Saint Regis offers 5 stars luxury rooms and several restaurants, bars, lounges. Appropriate clothing is recommended.

At the other end of the Corniche Abu Dhabi, Le Royal Meridien (not to be confused with The Meridian) is not exactly by the Corniche, but its rotating panoramic restaurant offers a breathtaking view during lunch time. The night view is also interesting.

The Sheraton Resort also has several restaurants as well as The Sofitel in Abu Dhabi Corniche, elegant brand-new skyscraper in Manhattan style.

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