etraveladmin Yes, it’s finally time to compile a list of Abu Dhabi’s best beaches, including public beaches, beach clubs, and beach restaurants. Why? Because each and every one of us in Abu Dhabi is a thalassophile (a thalassophile is a lover of the sea, from the Greek word “thalassa”). Especially when it’s October and the temperature in the capital is a balmy 36 degrees Celsius. So, let’s get out of the white office and into the blue sea! But first, let’s choose the best beach!
THE BEACH AT CORNICHE
Let’s start with the Corniche, one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular public beaches. This beach stretches all the way from the nearby Hilton Hotel on the Corniche Road to Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street and beyond. It has been meticulously maintained for years, as evidenced by the famous beach Blue Flag eco-label!
What makes the Corniche Beach one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi: several entrance gates, over 1,100 free parking spots, and separate sections for families and singletons. Furthermore, the Corniche offers stunning views of Lulu Island, is close to the Marina Mall, has several lifeguards on duty, showers, changing rooms, cabanas, and, of course, a microcosm of palm trees.
SAADIYAT BEACH CLUB/SAADIYAT PUBLIC BEACH
Saadiyat Island, another beach in a prime location, is a true slice of heaven. Some of the most important cultural venues in the MENA region, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, will soon join it.
What makes Saadiyat Beach one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi: sailing, windsurfing, and yoga, to name a few activities. Saadiyat also has over 300 sun loungers, 200 parking spaces, showers, changing rooms, a retail shop, and a beach cafe. If you’re willing to pay a little more, the Saadiyat Beach Club has a fantastic (650-square-metre) outdoor pool!
The Saadiyat Beach Club also has a spa, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, private beach bungalows, and several restaurants. Among these are the Safina (Mediterranean).
BEACH YAS
Yas Beach, as the name implies, is the coastal portion/beach club of Abu Dhabi’s famous man-made island, Yas Island. It’s popular because of the white sands, crystal blue waters, and view of the mangroves on the other side of the channel, which provides that ‘back to nature’ feeling we all crave.
What makes Yas Beach one of Abu Dhabi’s best beaches: Yas Island is home to one of the capital’s most beautiful beach clubs, complete with an open-air DJ booth, private chalets, and an abundance of sun loungers. Furthermore, kayaking, Jet Skis, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, beach volleyball, banana rides, speed boat tours, an outdoor gym, and, of course, the unmissable mangrove tours are available at Yas Beach.
