Abu Dhabi’s 700-kilometre coastline is home to some of the UAE’s most beautiful shores, offering everything from budget-friendly family spots to exclusive luxury retreats. There are some of the best Abu Dhabi Beaches with soft white sand, turquoise waters and world-class facilities that have gone to made beach days in Abu Dhabi a very special day. In this Abu Dhabi beach guide, you will find everything you need to know about public and private beaches.
There are various free Abu Dhabi Beaches, such as Corniche Beach and Al Bateen Beach, which have a playground and water sports. For nature lovers, Hudsonayriyat Beach and Saadiyat Public Beach are the perfect choices. In the case of luxury tourism, luxurious hotels such as Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, and resorts in Saadiyat Island include exclusive personal beaches with a high level of services, such as the presence of a butler and high-quality cabanas.
Nation Riviera and Cove Beach, which are beach clubs, offer day passes to infinity pools and fine dining. This guide breaks down each option with entry fees, facilities, and what makes them special. From sunrise swims to sunset strolls, Abu Dhabi’s beaches offer year-round sunshine and experiences for every budget and preference.
Let’s explore the top Abu Dhabi Beaches that should be on your list.
Why Abu Dhabi Has Some of the UAE’s Best Beaches
The Abu Dhabi coastline is one of the best beach holidays the region has to offer due to a number of reasons. The emirate has several Blue Flag beaches, which are an international eco-label given to beaches that satisfy tight requirements of water quality, safety and environmental management. These are the calm turquoise waters UAE of the Arabian Gulf that stay clean public beaches and safe family beaches Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
The city’s commitment to beach infrastructure means visitors enjoy excellent facilities including lifeguards, changing rooms, playgrounds, and sports courts at most public locations. For those seeking exclusivity, luxury island private beaches on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island offer resort-style experiences with pristine natural environments. Probably the most vital fact is that the beach weather of Abu Dhabi is almost all year round (from October to April), with the temperatures being conducive and warm enough to allow people to visit the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
Best Public Abu Dhabi Beaches (Free or Low-Cost)
The public and private beaches in Abu Dhabi offer affordable access to the beaches. These swimming beaches in Abu Dhabi are a mixture of natural beauty and good facilities, and, therefore, they are ideal for families, solo travellers or groups.
Corniche Beach (Public & Family Zones)
Corniche Beach is among the most popular beaches in Abu Dhabi, offering clean Blue Flag – certified waters, soft sand, and separate zones for families and singles; wide-ranging facilities such as running tracks, bicycle paths, volleyball courts, football pitches, playgrounds, changing areas, showers, cabanas, sun loungers, umbrellas, lifeguards, security, and prayer rooms. Open every day, 6 am to midnight and swimming up to the time of sunset. There is a fee of AED 10/adult and AED 5/child under 12. Ideal to be in the main city location, with a beautiful sunset, and playful families. It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and budget travelers looking for a safe and vibrant beachfront.
Al Bateen Beach
Al Bateen Beach is a peaceful, family-friendly Blue Flag beach with turquoise water and clean soft sand. There are children’s playgrounds, volleyball, football fields, prayer, tourist police office, cafe/ restaurant and water-sports centre featuring kayaking, paddleboarding and jet-skiing. Rentable sun loungers and umbrellas. Visitors have fun in the water, sunbathe or have light water sports which are guarded by the lifeguards. Open 7 am to midnight with swimming till sunset. The fact that it is amoung the free beaches in Abu Dhabi makes it perfect for a family that wants to enjoy a less crowded beach with quality water sports.
Hudayriyat Beach (Hudayriyat Island)
Hudayriyat Beach is a 600-meter beach situated on the adventure-spiced Island of Hudayriyat and is a mixture of leisure and adventure. It has lifeguards, showers, changing rooms and beach volleyball. Circuit X obstacle courses, BMX track, skate park, splash and climb park, sports complex (football, basketball, tennis, indoor gym).
The experience is supplemented with food outlets and cycling/running paths. There is free access to the beach and a premium Marsana East Beach, which is AED 50 on weekdays, AED 100 on weekends. Ideal with active tourists, adventure tourists, fitness tourists, and families that desire a variety of beach and recreational options.
Saadiyat Public Beach
Saadiyat Public Beach is known for its natural, eco-protected environment, pristine white sand, and gentle turquoise waters. It is a beach in a conservation zone where the hawksbill turtles nest. Has amazingly well-maintained dunes, white sand and soft turquoise waters.
Has 300-plus sun loungers, environmentally friendly water sports (sailing, windsurfing), yoga lessons (weekly), towel/locker rental, showers, changing rooms, cafe, retail store, and plenty of parking places. Open 8 AM to 7:30 PM daily. Entry AED 25/adult, AED 15/children aged more than 6; children aged 5 and below are free. Perfect when you want to relax in an environment that is natural and among the best beaches in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Beach (Public Access with Ticket)
Yas Beach is a beach club on the south side of Yas Island, which will be a mixture of natural beauty and resort facilities. It has features as sun loungers, shaded cabanas, an infinity pool, a children’s splash pool with a waterfall, beach bars, an open-air DJ booth, live weekend music, and volleyball courts. Water sports involve sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing.
There are on-site stores, snack shops, and pizza oven facilities. Open 10 am-7 pm daily. Complimentary to guests of Yas Island hotels; AED 60 during weekdays, AED 120 during weekends (including day pass and towel); no charge to children under the age of 12. Ideal beach-club ambience and party place on the Abu Dhabi public beach list.
Best Private Abu Dhabi Beaches (Hotels & Resorts)
To those who want exclusivity and the best services, the luxury beach clubs Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi resort beaches provide the best world experiences to their travellers. These are private beaches Abu Dhabi that have a clear coastline, quality and careful hospitality and luxurious facilities.
Saadiyat Island Resorts (Luxury Private Beaches)
The Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is the site of the most exclusive private beaches in Abu Dhabi in the luxury resorts of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Rotana, Jumeirah Saadiyat, and Rixos Saadiyat. These resorts offer unlimited beach access, exclusive cabanas with butler service, a natural protected beach in an ecologically conscious setting, soft white sand and turquoise waters and there are a number of beaside restaurants.
Beachfront dining, water sports, and beach activities in resorts are of high quality and are served with world-class service. The wildlife conservation is safeguarded by the calm natural beach, which is perfect to attract luxury tourists who look to spend their time at a beachfront with high-end amenities, relaxing and environmentally friendly.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Private Beach
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is one of the most luxurious Abu Dhabi Beaches stretches of coast in Abu Dhabi, where service at the palace level and an extensive individual beach are provided. Has prime luxury sunbeds, high-end cabanas, a caring beachside staff, and serene swimming pools on an exclusive beach. Day passes that are open to non-guests who would like to access the resort in a beach style.
The palace-themed environment gives it an unparalleled exclusivity that is ideal during special events and for people who need an iconic luxury beach clubs Abu Dhabi experience during their travels. Visitors are able to spend hours on beautiful sandy beaches with the highest quality of service, which the name of this world-renowned property is known to provide, making it the final high-end beach resort in Abu Dhabi.
St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Nation Riviera Beach Club
Nation Riviera Beach Club is an exclusive property with its access via an exclusive private tunnel between the St. Regis hotel and the beach. It has luxurious lounges, huge swimming pool, high-end cabanas, bar, and beachfront dining. Day passes that are offered to non-hotel guests.
The serene swimming water and family-friendly nature are added to the high-quality of service, and this gives it a luxury beach experience. In its exclusive tunnel access, high-end facilities, and serene waterfront experience, Nation Riviera Beach Club is a destination of excellence among the guests as well as daily visitors who require high-end tropical refinement and counts as one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Private Beach
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is an exclusive beach with exquisite and clear views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is one of the most distinctive waterfront environments in Abu Dhabi. Characteristics include: soft sandy beach, safe waters, spacious beach set-up, quality loungers and luxury cabanas with quality beachside hospitality. This serene Abu Dhabi resort beaches is the perfect choice of beachfront experiences that are laced with luxurious comfort and spectacular iconic scenery.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi Private Beach
InterContinental is a serene, secluded beachfront and a serene beach cove with sheltered water, perfect in conditions of swimming and children. Characterised by small waves, shade, fine sand, quality loungers and luxurious cabanas. Families have access to pools, waterfront restaurants and marina activities. The high-end upscale experience of relaxing and being safe in a scenic waterfront setting provides a great opportunity to families with its convenient resort facilities, calm setting, and child-safe shallow waters.
Best Beach Clubs in Abu Dhabi for Day Access
The beach clubs Abu Dhabi provide a high-end coastlines experience, including the day pass Abu Dhabi beaches option that makes the luxury affordable without requiring a hotel reservation. These have great facilities and an exciting ambience.
Cove Beach Abu Dhabi
Cove Beach Abu Dhabi is the trendy, contemporary beach club that is characterised by a glamorous white interior, a trendy atmosphere, and a luxurious beach lounge. It boasts of a clean beachfront access, pools with Instagram-worthy performance, luxury dining and live shows. Designed to suit adults looking to experience an up-to-date, energetic vibe, it provides day passes, cabanas and exclusive activities. Cove Beach provides an exclusive social beach experience, either by unwinding or spending time in energetic music sessions and is among the best beaches in Abu Dhabi.
Perfect For: Social gatherings, trendy atmosphere seekers, Instagram moments, adults-only ambience
Saadiyat Beach Club
Saadiyat Beach Club is located on the secure beach of Saadiyat Island, where one can find one of the most beautiful natural beaches in Abu Dhabi. It has crystal clear water and luxury cabanas, a massive seaside swimming pool, fine dining and a calm adult-oriented atmosphere, making it the perfect destination when you want an upscale day pass. The guests are provided with the use of white soft sands, wellness programs, and superb privacy, with a serene nature that emphasises the natural beauty that Saadiyat is all about with Abu Dhabi pool and beach access.
Perfect For: Luxury beach day, adults seeking tranquillity, wellness-focused visitors, nature appreciation
Yas Beach Club
Yas Beach Club is a casual and yet energetic beachfront venue that is situated on Yas Island and covers a vast area of white sandy beaches, cabanas, water sports, beach bars and pools. It is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Abu Dhabi, individuals who are travelling alone, and other groups of people seeking a cheap but entertaining beach day. Having both chilling zones and vibrant environments, as well as being close to Yas attractions, it has balanced beach clubs Abu Dhabi access and an exciting island atmosphere.
Perfect For: Families, groups, budget-conscious visitors, water sports enthusiasts, Yas Island visitors
Soul Beach (Saadiyat)
The Soul Beach on Saadiyat Island has a long and clean beach with comfortable sunbeds, umbrellas and a serene environment that is conducive to relaxation. It boasts of a well-maintained beachfront and is ideal for sunbathing, walking and relaxing on the beach. Visitors have the benefit of smooth digital ordering to their loungers, superior facilities, and entry to the natural, safeguarded surroundings of Saadiyat, and it is a serene and fashionable beach day escape for both adults and families with Abu Dhabi pool and beach access.
Perfect For: Peaceful relaxation, long beach walks, digital-savvy visitors, Saadiyat Island exploration
Things to Do at Abu Dhabi Beaches
The Abu Dhabi Beaches provide water sports and activities to all. You have the opportunity to swim in the still and warm waters under the watch of lifeguards. To experience the coast, go kayaking and paddleboarding at the Al Bateen Beach or the Yas Beach. Snorkeling on Saadiyat Island gives you an opportunity to learn the beautiful coral and fish in the crystal water. Corniche Beach has beach volleyball courts where one can have fun with a group.
Cycling paths along Corniche and Hudayriyat beaches provide scenic rides by the sea. Watersports rentals include jet skis, sailing boats, and windsurfing equipment at various beaches. The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is year-round, as the weather stays pleasant. These beach activities UAE make Abu Dhabi perfect for families and adventure lovers seeking water sports Abu Dhabi.
Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi Beaches
Knowledge of the Abu Dhabi beach weather will assist in planning the ideal visit to the coast.
October to April – Peak Beach Season
The weather is the most favourable to best beaches in Abu Dhabi during this time, and the high temperatures during the day are between 24°C and 30°C. The months are marked with comfortable humidity conditions and tolerable water temperatures, and therefore, they are the best season beaches UAE to spend more hours on the beach.
May to September – Summer Beach
The period of summer is characterised by high temperatures that are usually above 40°C. When coming here in this time, it is best to have some beach time in the early morning (before 10 am) or late afternoon (after 5 pm) to escape the intense heat. Get lots of water, wear high-SPF sunscreen, and take advantage of shadows and air-conditioned beach clubs.
Sunrise vs Sunset Beach Experiences
The morning beach experiences (6-9 am) are colder places with calmer water, and nice sunrise scenes, and the Corniche Beach is particularly very beautiful. The time of the day when the sun sets behind the hills (5 pm-sunset) gives an opportunity for golden-hour photography and nice temperatures.
Entry Fees, Timings & Dress Code
Going to the beaches in Abu Dhabi, one must know the local culture and the right to get access. Public beaches are either free or incur low charges, whereas the private beach clubs demand either day pass or hotel guest pass. Dress conservatively – ladies must wear one-piece swimsuits or wrap bikinis with sarongs when walking; men must wear swim shorts.
The dress code in the private resorts is more relaxed, and topless sunbathing is not allowed everywhere. Do not take pictures of strangers, and must not take pictures of women and children without permission. Maintain cleanliness in beaches, obey the lifeguards and observe the noise levels at family beaches. There are places where there are ladies’ sections and timings.
Alcohol is only allowed at licensed beach clubs, and drone usage is restricted.
Safety Tips for Visiting Abu Dhabi Beaches
The beach safety UAE is emphasised, and considerable measures are in place at every major beach. Always swim in flagged areas which are under the supervision of lifeguards – red indicates no swimming, yellow is a warning, and green is safe swimming. When one is caught in the rip current, then swim across it sideways until you are out of it and then go back.
The strong UAE Sun affects the use of SPF 50+ sunscreen to be applied after every two hours, as well as hydration. You should be avoiding the hot hours (11am-3pm). Always supervise the children when near water and apply a floatation device to weak swimmers.
To have a safe visit in beach clubs, secure valuables in beach club lockers, beware of rare jellyfish post storms, and abide by the swimming rules UAE.
FAQ – Abu Dhabi Beaches
Q1: Are Abu Dhabi beaches free to access?
Many beaches offer free access, including Corniche (public zones), Al Bateen, and Hudayriyat. Saadiyat charges AED 25; Yas Beach AED 60-120.
Q2: What are the best public beaches in Abu Dhabi for families?
Al Bateen Beach and Corniche Beach family zones offer calm waters, playgrounds, lifeguards, changing facilities, food outlets, and safe swimming areas.
Q3: Which beaches in Abu Dhabi allow swimming?
All major beaches permit swimming, including Corniche, Al Bateen, Hudayriyat, Saadiyat, and Yas Beach.
Q4: What is the dress code on Abu Dhabi public beaches?
Modest swimwear required: women wear one-piece suits or covered bikinis with sarongs; men wear swim shorts. Topless clothes are strictly prohibited.
Q5: Are Saadiyat Island beaches open to the public?
Saadiyat Public Beach is open (AED 25 entry). Resort beaches (Park Hyatt, Jumeirah, Rixos, Rotana) are private, requiring guest status or day passes.
Q6: Do Abu Dhabi private beaches offer day passes?
Yes, venues like Nation Riviera, Cove Beach, Saadiyat Beach Club, Yas Beach, and Soul Beach offer day passes from AED 60-300+, depending on the location.
Q7: Which is the best beach for water sports in Abu Dhabi?
Yes Beach offers comprehensive options: jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing. Al Bateen also provides kayaks, paddleboards, and jet ski rentals.
Q8: Are there ladies-only beaches in Abu Dhabi?
No permanent ladies-only public beaches exist, but some venues offer ladies-only days or hours. Check the beach website for updated status.
Q9: Is BBQ allowed on Abu Dhabi beaches?
BBQs and open fires are generally prohibited on public beaches for safety. Some private areas may allow portable equipment – verify with management.
Q10: What are the beach timings in Abu Dhabi?
Corniche and Al Bateen open until midnight (swimming until sunset). Yas Beach operates 10 am-7 pm. Private clubs typically run 9 am-7 pm or later featuring the best beaches in Abu Dhabi and among the top Abu Dhabi tourism hotspots.
1 AED