When you think of Abu Dhabi, you probably think of a modern city with skyscrapers —or maybe the desert — and not so much about the pristine beaches and decadent infinity pools. But as a coastal Arabian Gulf city with temperatures often in the 25-35C range, Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer when it comes to beating the heat with water sports at a public beach, a day of relaxation at a private beach club, or even kayaking or SUPing in mangroves.

You could enjoy the waters from one of Abu Dhabi’s luxurious beachfront hotels or resorts, but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In this article, I’ll share options for various budgets and interests so you can be sure to carve out some time in your itinerary to enjoy the city’s waters. Whether you're a beach bum, poolside or water activity enthusiast, I’ll help you find your slice of paradise in Abu Dhabi. Pack your sunscreen and hat, and let’s dive in!

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• Abu Dhabi’s Beaches

• Abu Dhabi’s Beach Clubs

• Abu Dhabi’s Mangroves

🏖 Abu Dhabi’s Beaches

Spending time at the beach can be a great way to take in Abu Dhabi’s more serene side. Enjoy its waterfronts and islands, with beaches for every budget. Just note that “public beaches” in Abu Dhabi aren’t free. They have an entry fee to cover the maintenance and cleanliness of beach facilities.

Travelynne Tips:

☀️ The best time to visit the beaches will be September - December, when the UV index is less intense.

❌ It isn’t appropriate to wander around in swimwear here, so wear regular clothes until you’re at the beach.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Most UAE beaches will have a family section, so if you’re alone or with friends, opt for the non-family area if you want to feel more comfortable in regular swimwear.

👙 At the beach, you can wear your swimsuit.

Here are some public beaches you can consider, with notes on cost, location and advantages:

🏖 Corniche Beach

Corniche Beach (4.5 ⭐️) offers family-friendly vibes where the skyline views are as fabulous as the waters are warm and inviting. This beach is your best bet if you are on a budget! For that reason, it is popular and usually crowded on weekends, The water is pretty shallow, so it’s comfortable to go far into the water if you like.

There are lifeguards on duty during the day, and changing cabins and facilities are available for all. Plenty of water sports are possible here by renting a jet-ski, paddleboat, SUP board, or other activity from Abu Dhabi Marine.

• COST: AED 10 per adult entry

  • AED 45-550+ for water sports

• ADVANTAGES: Central and large, budget-friendly, and diverse activities available

🏖 Al Hudayriyat Beach

Al Hudayriyat Beach (4.6 ⭐️) is part of a family-friendly island development and offers lots of free activities, including beach access and sports.

It’s a bit further from attractions than Corniche Beach but could be worth the longer commute to take advantage of things like bike paths and free umbrella and lounger rentals. The freebies are popular and limited, so it is best to arrive early.

Lots of food trucks and options for sports nearby, and overall a fun island development to explore for a morning or afternoon.

• COST: Free entry

  • AED 50+ for bike rentals

• ADVANTAGES: Budget-friendly and diverse activities available

🏖 Yas Beach

Yas Beach (4.3 ⭐️) offers white sands and beautiful beaches near Abu Dhabi’s theme parks and mangroves on Yas Island. It’s not cheap, but beach access is less expensive than the beach clubs I share below. That said, eating and drinking around Yas Beach will add up quickly.

This is ideal for those looking for a more vibrant beach life, with lots of beach bars in the area. You could also visit Yas Island’s theme parks, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World.

• WEEKDAY COST: AED 60 per adult entry

• WEEKEND COST: AED 120 per adult entry

• ADVANTAGES: There’s the beach bar scene or family-friendly theme parks to choose from

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🏖 Saadiyat Beach

Saadiyat Beach (3.8 ⭐️) offers a pristine shoreline with turquoise waters, perfect for a swim or a lazy day sunbathing on Saadiyat Island. However, as Abu Dhabi’s only wavy beach, it can be closed depending on water conditions — which is happening increasingly often according to recent reviews — so it’s best to check ahead. Saadiyat Island is also home to the Abrahamic Family House — unique structures which are home to a mosque, church and synagogue, as well as the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

• COST: AED 25 per adult

• ADVANTAGES: Still near central Abu Dhabi and near other attractions

🏖 Mirfa Beach

Mirfa Beach (4.4 ⭐️) is not your best option for a short trip to Abu Dhabi because it is far away (~110 KM) — but it has a lot to offer in terms of a free and tranquil beach, so I’ll mention it here in case you are staying longer and looking for a beach day trip, where you could also visit the Liwa Oasis. Mirfa Beach is also home to the Al Dhafra Watersports Festival every April.

• COST: Free

• ADVANTAGES: Only good for those with lots of time who are looking for a day trip

Abu Dhabi’s Beach Clubs

If you want to live the luxurious Abu Dhabi lifestyle for a day, but staying at one of the city’s resorts is too far out of budget, you can get yourself a day pass to one of many beach clubs. A day pass will give you access to a pristine beach, lounger, umbrella, pools and often more. Treating yourself to this experience for a day can be fun and is within reach in places like Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, a short drive from central Abu Dhabi. Keep in mind that, beyond your day pass, the cost of food and drinks at these beach clubs can add up quickly.

Travelynne Tips:

💸 For a better deal, hit up the beach clubs on a weekday — rates can be nearly half the price, plus some offer mid-week specials, like free-flow drinks or snacks.

💸 Some beach clubs post special offers on social media, so try sending a WhatsApp message to — or checking the Instagram and Facebook pages of — the beach clubs you’re interested in prior to booking.

Here are three beach clubs in Abu Dhabi — all highly-rated but within different price ranges — that are worth checking out:

💲 Nation Riviera Beach Club

The Nation Riviera Beach Club (4.5 ⭐️) at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers a luxury experience for holidaymakers right on the famous Corniche Beach in central Abu Dhabi.

• WEEKDAY COSTS: AED 160 per adult / AED 265 per couple

• WEEKEND COSTS: AED 230 per adult / AED 345 per couple

• RESERVATIONS: Contact the Nation Riviera Beach Club

💲💲 Saadiyat Beach Club

Saadiyat Beach Club is a popular option for those willing to treat themselves while enjoying Saadiyat Beach — they have a pool, steam room, plunge pool and jacuzzi for those with a day pass from 8 AM until sunset daily.

• WEEKDAY COST: AED 215.00 per adult / AED 399 per couple

• WEEKEND COST: AED 375.00 per adult / AED 599 per couple

• 💸 TUESDAYS: Ladies can get a great deal by choosing a Tuesday day pass for AED 199, including a snack and free-flowing bubbly, white and rose wines or certain cocktails from 12 PM - 4 PM.

• RESERVATIONS: Contact Saadiyat Beach Club

💲💲💲 Nurai Island Resort

Nurai Island Resort (4.3 ⭐️) is located on a private island, so you’ll get a full luxury feel here. You can opt to stay in their hotel, or get a day pass, which includes beach and pool access, water park access as well as boat transfer.

• WEEKDAY COST (includes AED 200 spa and f&b redemption): AED 550 per adult

• SATURDAY COST (includes brunch): AED 700 per adult with soft drinks / AED 800 per adult with house beverages

• SUNDAY COST (includes AED 200 spa and f&b redemption): AED 650 per adult

• RESERVATIONS: Contact Nurai Island Resort

Abu Dhabi’s Mangroves

If you’re not feeling the beach bum vibes, or you’re visiting in peak hot weather months like July and August, you might prefer to take a mangrove or island tour in Abu Dhabi. The city’s mangroves are a natural treasure, a serene sanctuary where the city's skyscraper-studded skyline meets the tranquil beauty of the natural world.

Nestled along the coastline, these lush, green spaces are an important testament to environmental conservation in a fast-developing country like the United Arab Emirates. These mangroves are not just vital ecosystems, but also a haven for wildlife, including flamingos, herons, and ever-so-curious crabs. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, boardwalk strolls and birdwatching here, taking in a rare moment of quiet near the city.

For a unique perspective on Abu Dhabi’s lesser-known natural side, check out one of these experiences:

💲 Jubail Mangrove Park: Boardwalk Experience

• DURATION: 40-50 minutes | COST: ~ AED 15 | RATING: 4.5 ⭐️

• Enjoy the Jubail Mangrove Park Boardwalk, which stretches for about 2 kilometres and is accessible for the whole family. There are three unique trails to explore, educational opportunities about nature and mangrove plants, and rest stops along the way.

💲💲 Abu Dhabi: 2-hour Guided Kayak Tour in the Mangroves

• DURATION: 2 hours | COST: ~ AED 168 | RATING: 4.6 ⭐️

• Swap Abu Dhabi’s high-rise skyline for salty mangrove forests and wetlands on a relaxing kayaking tour with a local guide.

💲💲 Abu Dhabi: Stand-Up Paddle Tour in the Mangroves

• DURATION: 2 hours | COST: ~ AED 168 | RATING: 4.3 ⭐️

• Explore the mangroves of Abu Dhabi on a stand-up paddle tour. Learn the basics with your instructor and discover the beauty of Mangrove National Park.

💲💲💲 Mangrove National Park: Self-Drive Speedboat Tour

• DURATION: 1.5 hours | COST: ~ AED 549 | RATING: 4.7 ⭐️

• Pilot your own speedboat through the lagoon past flamingos and the Sheikh’s palace into the mangroves following your guide. Keep an eye out for marine life as you manoeuvre through the canals.

Have a Great Time in Abu Dhabi!

After exploring the serene shores, luxurious clubs, and verdant mangroves of Abu Dhabi, one thing is clear: this city offers a diverse palette of water experiences that will help you get relief from the heat all while enjoying the nature that this city has to offer. Whether you’re soaking in the sun on the soft sands of Corniche Beach, indulging in the exclusive comforts of a beach club, or paddling through the tranquil mangrove forests, Abu Dhabi proves it has a perfect spot for every visitor. So, make sure to carve out some time to discover one of these waterfront wonders, because they help to bring balance to your visit to this fast-developing vibrant city.

MORE FOR YOUR TRIP TO ABU DHABI:

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