Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Corniche is a popular area for family recreation. On warm, sunny days, snag a spot under an umbrella at Corniche Beach at either the public, family, or singles entrances, and cool off with a plunge in the designated swimming area.

In the evenings, you can join locals strolling along the well-paved promenade or sit in one of the landscaped parks and gardens scattered along the way. Be sure to bring your camera, as the Corniche offers spectacular views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline and unobstructed panoramas of the turquoise water.

• There is free parking within a 5-minute walk of the beach.

• Lifeguards are on duty at Corniche Beach during designated swimming hours.

• There is a small entry fee for the family and singles sections of the beach, but the public area is free.

• The Corniche was awarded Blue Flag status—an internationally recognized eco-label indicating clean and safe water.

• Abu Dhabi is a conservative city, so dress modestly on the beach, and cover up before leaving the sand.

The Corniche is easy to reach by taxi, but you can take bus line 34 to the Corniche Street stop as well. The best place to access the free public beach is at the intersection of Corniche Road and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. To enjoy the promenade, simply follow the path along the waterfront.

The beach is least crowded during the week; on the weekend, it can be very hard to find a free umbrella. For the best weather, consider visiting during the spring or fall. In the summertime, the beaches are quite hot, but an evening walk along the promenade is still a popular pastime.

The most popular way to explore the Corniche is by bike. There are numerous companies that rent out bikes for a reasonable fee as well as bike-share stations. You can take your time when exploring the boardwalk, stopping for a drink at a local cafe or taking photos of the picturesque setting. Just be sure to stick to the designated bike paths.