Beaches · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
The best beaches in and near Abu Dhabi
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: George Antony, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Corniche Beach (On the main island, along the Corniche). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 33°C (91°F)
The beaches
On the main island, along the Corniche · Families and an easy city swim
1.Corniche Beach
Lifeguarded sections of sand along the city's seafront promenade with calm, shallow water, shade and facilities; some areas charge a small entry fee.
About 15–20 minutes by taxi from downtown · Clear water and a quieter setting
2.Saadiyat Public Beach
A long, natural white-sand beach backed by dunes, with sunbeds, a café and lifeguards for a small entry fee.
Yas Island, about 25 minutes from downtown · A beach break between theme parks
3.Yas Beach
A relaxed beach club on Yas Island's western shore with sunbeds, a restaurant and calm water, close to the theme parks.
About 10 minutes by taxi from the Corniche · A local, low-key swim
4.Al Bateen Beach
A small public beach on the island's quieter south-western side, popular with residents and less busy than the Corniche.
About 20 minutes by taxi from downtown · Active days with cycling and swimming
5.Hudayriyat Beach
A beach on Hudayriyat Island with cycle tracks, sports facilities and a waterfront promenade at Marsana.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| February | 21°C (70°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| March | 22°C (72°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| April | 25°C (77°F) | 35°C (95°F) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 40°C (104°F) |
| June | 31°C (88°F) | 42°C (108°F) |
| July | 32°C (90°F) | 43°C (109°F) |
| August | 33°C (91°F) | 43°C (109°F) |
| September | 32°C (90°F) | 41°C (106°F) |
| October | 30°C (86°F) | 37°C (99°F) |
| November | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for first-timers, families and beach
Corniche and Al Khalidiyah
The Corniche runs for about 8 kilometres beside the sea, with a cycle path, lifeguarded beach sections and lawns where families picnic in the evening. Hotels here put you near Qasr Al Hosn, Marina Mall and the Heritage Village, and the restaurant streets of Al Khalidiyah are a short walk inland. It is the most walkable base in the city during the cooler months.
- Good
- Beach and promenade on the doorstep; Central for downtown sights; Wide choice of mid-range hotels
- Watch out
- About 30–40 minutes by taxi from the airport and Yas Island; Evening traffic on the Corniche road
- Nearby
- Corniche Beach, Qasr Al Hosn, Marina Mall, Heritage Village
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Public buses link downtown with Yas Island, Saadiyat, the airport and the suburbs, and pay with a rechargeable Hafilat card.
- Car — Roads are wide and well signed, and a rental car is useful for Al Ain, Liwa and the desert.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in January–December. The busiest of those is December, so book early.
Beach safety
Street crime is low, and the main risks are heat, sun and road traffic. Drink plenty of water, avoid long outdoor walks at midday from April to October, and take care crossing wide roads. Local laws on public behaviour, drugs and alcohol are strict, so respect them. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Abu Dhabi have beaches?
Yes: Corniche Beach, Saadiyat Public Beach, Yas Beach, Al Bateen Beach and Hudayriyat Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Abu Dhabi?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Abu Dhabi?
Corniche Beach: Lifeguarded sections of sand along the city's seafront promenade with calm, shallow water, shade and facilities; some areas charge a small entry fee.