Your Guide to the Best Beaches in Abu Dhabi

Mamsha Beach, Saadiyat Island

Best for: a luxe feel, swimming & beachfront dining

Saadiyat Island’s beaches take the trophy for beauty - the tranquility, white sands, and crystal clear waters are unmatched anywhere else in Abu Dhabi. Mamsha beach is ideal for couples, families, or solo beach-goers, with its chilled vibe and long promenade lined with an excellent choice of beachfront restaurants - great for a stroll, leisurely lunch, or sundowners on your way home from the beach. 

• Entry price: weekdays AED125, weekends AED200, children AED100, under 5s FOC.
• Facilities: showers and washrooms, and a supermarket.  
• Food: order from the beach or visit one of the many restaurants on the promenade. We love Antonia for authentic Italian pizza & pasta, and Niri for Japanese fusion and affordable cocktails!
• Watersports: not available to hire, but you can take your own non-motorised equipment.
• Parking: paid underground parking - get your ticket stamped if you visit a restaurant for reduced fees.

Google maps: Mamsha Beach 

Contact: +971 (0) 56 538 9037

Also read: All The Best Abu Dhabi Pool Days To Try

Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island

Best for: swimming, views & getting away from the hustle and bustle 

Kai Beach is one of Abu Dhabi’s only natural beaches, offering a calm escape with boho vibes. As you arrive, you’ll walk through a pretty beachfront restaurant with whitewash walls and fringed parasols to a boardwalk that takes you over the protected dunes. If you're lucky, you’ll spot some gazelles before you arrive at one of the most breathtaking views in the city - white sands, turquoise waters, and a space to truly unwind. 

The outdoor bar and restaurant offers a good bar snack menu, is licensed to serve alcohol, and has a good vibe, with a DJ playing unobtrusive music most days. 

We think this is one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi. 

• Entry price:
  Weekday adult: AED150 with AED50 redeemable on F&B, children: AED75 with AED25 redeemable on F&B.
  Weekend adult: AED225 with AED50 redeemable on F&B, children: AED100 with AED25 redeemable on F&B.
  *Small family discounts available
  *Friday is a ladies-only beach day for parts of the year
• Facilities: basic showers and washrooms. Towels are available for purchase. Football goals and volleyball nets are free to use on the beach. 
• Food: a licensed restaurant & bar - food & drink can be served in the restaurant or to your sunlounger. 
• Watersports: nothing available to hire, but you can take your non-motorised equipment. 
• Parking: free parking that can get very busy later in the day during peak times. 

Google maps: Kai Beach

Contact: +971 (0)50 283 5795

Also read: Your Guide To Summer Brunches In Abu Dhabi

‍Corniche Beach 

Best for: free beach in Abu Dhabi, city location & children's playgrounds 

The Corniche Beach is one of the most popular public beaches in Abu Dhabi, known for its soft sands, clear blue water, and prime city location. Running parallel to the beach is an 8 km scenic walkway, making it perfect for not just sunbathing and swimming but also staying active - think long walks, scenic bike rides, or a morning jog with views of the Arabian Gulf. 

There are several playgrounds and shaded picnic areas along the way, making it an excellent day out for families. Cycling is a great way to explore Corniche Beach. Download the Careem bike app for details on renting bikes.

A great place to start is A’l Bahar Beach, located near the centre of the Corniche. This area offers free beach access, a children's playground, and a small selection of beachfront restaurants and cafes. 

• Entry price: free - AED10. Sunbeds and parasols AED25, available in gated sections.
• Facilities: basic showers and washrooms. No towels provided. 
• Food: limited cafes & ice cream shops are available beachside, more variety if you use the infantry tunnel and head into the city. For upscale dining, head to Nation Riviera Beach Club, which is a short walk or taxi ride away from A’l Bahar Beach, and check out one of our favourite seafood restaurants, Catch. 
• Watersports: available in West Bay Beach Club 
• Parking: Al Boom Park or Al Nawfal Park - pay and display. Walk to A’l Bahar Beach via the infantry tunnel, which is a 5-minute walk. 

Google maps: A’l Bahar Beach

Also read: The Ultimate Guide To Dining At Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi

Yas Beach, Yas Island 

Best for: beach clubs with pool access, regular DJ & good-time vibes 

A top choice for those looking for Yas Island beach clubs. Catering for everyone, including families, with a shaded children's pool, a beautiful infinity pool surrounded by stylish cabanas and comfortable loungers, and a white sandy beach with clear turquoise sea. 

Don’t miss the fabulous beach day deals at Yas Beach Club, including:
Pink Wednesdays: entrance, unlimited drinks, and a main course for ladies for AED99.
Sunny Side Brunch, every Sunday: AED250 with soft drinks and AED350 with house drinks.
Happy hour, 1PM-3PM Monday - Thursday: 2 FOR 1 on selected drinks. 

• Entry price: Monday-Thursday AED80, Friday-Sunday AED150, Children aged 11 and under go for free. Includes entrance, sunlounger, umbrella, and towel.
• Facilities: showers, washroom, infinity pool, kids pool, volleyball, padel. 
• Food: licensed restaurant & bar. 
• Watersports: jet ski, jetcar, donut & kayak hire available. 
• Parking: free parking onsite. 

Google maps: Yas Beach, Yas Island

Contact: +971 (0) 56 242 0435

Also read: Your Guide To Summer Brunches In Abu Dhabi

Hudayriyat Island Beaches 

Best for: sports & free beach access in Abu Dhabi 

Hudayriyat Island (or Hudayriat - you'll see it spelt both ways!) is Abu Dhabi’s top destination for sports and recreation, and is also home to a stunning man-made beach. The beach has soft white sand and still clear waters, and is dotted with cafes, playgrounds, a splash pad, and other children's activities. 

Further afield on the island, the more adventurous amongst you can explore bike tracks, including a 5 km paved route and a 15 km off-road Trail X, a high ropes course, Surf Abu Dhabi, a heritage trail, a skate park, and tons of other fun-packed activities. Note that you will need to use a bike, car or taxi to get around the island. 

• Entry price:
  Hudayriyat Main Beach: FOC
  Marsana West: weekend AED50 per adult, AED25 per child and weekdays AED25 per adult and AED10 per child
  Marsana East: weekends AED100 per adult, AED50 per child and weekdays AED50 per adult, AED25 per child. Children under 6 are FOC
• Facilities: showers, washrooms, shop
• Food: choose one of the many cafes at Marsana, here are our top picks. For high-end dining, head to Nalu Surf Club.
• Watersports: Sahara Marine Watersports offers jet skiing, kayaking, pedal boats,yacht hire, and more 
• Parking: ample free car parking 

Google Maps: Marsana Beach 

Also read: Where To Eat & What To Do On Hudayriat Island

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas - Pool & Beach Day Pass 

Best for: luxury, Saadiyat Island beach access, huge pool, great kids club 

Most of the hotels in Abu Dhabi offer pool & beach day passes, and if you know where to look, there are some incredible deals to be found. This is one of our favourites!

A day pass here gives you access to Saadiyat Island's pristine coastline, one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, and all of the facilities of a 5* resort. The hotel is home to Abu Dhabi’s largest swimming pool and a kids club, complete with a mini lazy river, waterslide, and splash pad! 

You can go big on lunch because you have F&B credits included in the price of your day pass! We love Nasma Beachfront bar - mainly for the view and the cocktails, but if you need a break from the heat, you can head indoors to an excellent gastro pub or Italian restaurant. A pool & beach day here is a win for the entire family! 

• Entry price:
  Weekdays: AED250 with AED150 redeemable on F&B
  Weekends: AED350 with AED200 redeemable on F&B
  BB+ offer: (sign up to BB+ here)
  Adults AED280 with AED160 redeemable on F&B
  Children 4 -15 AED100 with AED50 redeemable on F&B 
• Facilities: showers, washrooms, 5* hotel service 
• Food: there are plenty of options here, including poolside snacks, beachfront dining at Namsa Beachfront Bar, or, if you need a break from the heat, check out Hamilton’s Gastro Pub for good quality pub food. 
• Watersports: paddleboard and kayak hire available 
• Parking: valet parking is included 

Google Maps: Saadiyat Rotana Resort 

Contact: +971 2 697 0000

Also read: All The Best Abu Dhabi Pool Days To Try

Saadiyat Beach Club

Best for: luxury beach days, Ibiza-meets-Bali vibes, Saadiyat beach access 

Hang out at one of Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive members-only beach clubs, tucked away on the shores of Saadiyat Island. Here you’ll find plush day beds, a serene infinity pool, gym, spa facilities, and beachfront dining, all set against a backdrop of pure luxury and natural beauty.  

There’s an excellent kids pool for those seeking a family-friendly beach day, and the club regularly hosts ladies days, DJ nights, and brunches, but overall, the feel is quiet, laid-back, and luxe. 

• Entry price: 

Weekdays: ladies AED225, men AED285, children AED100, couples AED399

Weekends: ladies AED325, men AED375, children AED150, couples AED599

• Facilities: luxury showers, washrooms, gym, padel, spa.
• Food: four restaurants, including a fabulous beach bar, Cabana 9, and a fine dining restaurant, La Salle. 
• Parking: free onsite parking 

Google maps: Saadiyat Beach Club

Contact: +971 (0) 2 656 3500

Also read: The Ultimate Guide To Dining At Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi

Al Maya Island 

Best for: budget-friendly island beach day, groups of friends, boat ride fun

Looking for a beach day with a twist? Al Maya Island offers a different vibe, and it’s all about experience. Just a 15-minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi, this private island may not be super plush in terms of facilities, but it makes up for it with atmosphere, great value, and that fun feeling of leaving the city. 

Once you arrive, you’ll have access to a beachfront pool, licensed bar & restaurant, and a long stretch of sandy beach - get there early to see hundreds of gazelles that live on the island strolling along the coast! 

• Entry price:
  Monday - Thursday AED200 per adult with AED150 redeemable on F&B (ladies go for free before 3PM), AED50 per child aged 6-12, fully redeemable on F&B, and children under 6 go for free. |
  Friday - Sunday AED250 per adult with AED100 redeemable on F&B (ladies go for free before 3PM), AED100 per child ages 6-12 AED50 redeemable on F&B, and children under 6 go for free.  
• The boat leaves hourly from Maya Island Boat Dock from 10AM, and returns hourly until evening. 
• Facilities: showers and washrooms, swimming pool, beach, restaurants, overnight accommodation 
• Food: Al Maya Grill Restaurant & Pool Bar.
• Watersports: mini yacht experience, jet ski hire 
• Parking: free parking at boat dock

Google maps: Maya Island Boat Dock

Contact: +971 (0) 2 667 7777

Also read: All The Best Abu Dhabi Pool Days To Try

Fahid Beach Club

Best for: dog-friendly beach, Instagrammable interiors, lively vibes 

The newest addition to the Abu Dhabi food scene - Fahid Beach Club opened late 2024 and is already turning heads. Set on a pristine stretch of white sand between Yas Island and Jabail Island with boho-chic interiors that make this venue as Instagramable as they come - check out our reel here! A DJ plays daily from afternoon to evening, switching the energy from relaxed lounging to beachside party. 

Don’t miss special events, including:
Ladies day on Thursdays from 1PM-4PM, ladies get free-flow selected drinks for AED149

Brunch with King of Funck on Saturdays from 1PM-5PM, AED249 for a set sharing menu with soft drinks or AED349 for a set sharing menu with house drinks 

Bonus! It’s one of the only dog-friendly beaches in Abu Dhabi, making it a great day out for you and your pup. 

• Entry price:
  Wednesday - Thursday: single bed AED150, double bed AED250, small cabana AED350, big cabana AED500 - fully redeemable on F&B
  Friday - Sunday: single bed AED250, double bed AED350, small cabana AED500, big vabana AED1000 - fully redeemable on F&B
• Facilities: showers, washrooms, ice-bath, padal 
• Food: comes courtesy of the team behind Barbossa, a Yas Bay favourite, served fresh from food trucks right on the sand, and they’re licensed to serve alcohol too! 
• Watersports: kayak hire available 
• Parking: free onsite parking 

Google maps: Fahid Beach Club

Contact: +971 (0) 56 358 4458

Also read: All The Best Abu Dhabi Pool Days To Try

Yas Bay Beach, Yas Waterfront - soon to open!

Best for: free beach access in Abu Dhabi & beachfront dining 

Set to open soon, Yas Bay Waterfront is bringing a new free beach to Abu Dhabi. While it doesn’t sit directly on the open ocean like the Saadiyat Island beaches, Yas Bay Beach will offer an urban-style beach day, close to Yas Island Theme Parks and within walking distance to some of Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants, including Asia Asia, Barbossa, and Central. We’ll be back with full details on this soon!

Google Maps: Yas Bay Waterfront

Also read: All The Best Abu Dhabi Pool Days To Try