3 Must-Visit Public Beaches in Abu Dhabi

One of the perks of living in Abu Dhabi is the great, year-round weather we experience, meaning we're lucky to have plenty of opportunities to soak up the rays at the weekend. Plus, the beaches provide a refreshing change from the skyscrapers and city living.

There is of course, plenty of private beaches scattered across Abu Dhabi, but there's only a few public ones that are open to the general population. 

If you want to head to the beach this weekend, but don't want to pay private beach or beach club prices, here's information about the three public beaches you can enjoy in Abu Dhabi. Remember your towel, sunglasses and sunscreen!

Dress code for Abu Dhabi beaches
Ladies must ensure they're wearing a full bikini or swimsuit, and swimming in underwear is not allowed for anyone. Topless sunbathing is strictly prohibited, and the wearing of thongs is not recommended. Beachwear should only be worn on the beach itself, and once leaving the beach area, you must ensure you are appropriately dressed once again. 

The Corniche

• BAKE Beaches open 8am-8pm, Dhs 10 per adult and Dhs 5 per child under 12, kids under 5 go free 
• Public beaches open 8am-8pm and are free for all
• Plenty of parking available

This lengthy 8km public beach extends along Corniche Road from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, where you'll find the main entrance. The beach is split into various sections, catering for everyone from young couples, to families with (noisy) children.

These sections are managed by BAKE, which feature at Gate 2 (families and quiet zone) and Gate 3 (families and children zone). There's also Al Sahil, an area close to Gate 4 that's perfect for singles and groups. The beaches managed by BAKE do have small entrance costs to enter and use their facilities, which include over 600 sun loungers and 27 cabanas. Otherwise, the remaining public areas are free to use.

---

You might also be interested in:

• Wheelchair friendly attractions in Abu Dhabi
• 15 stunning images of Abu Dhabi at sunset
• A whale-free SeaWorld is heading for Abu Dhabi

---

Thanks to its large space, the Corniche is packed with plenty to do to suit all ages, and holds the Blue Flag status, meaning it's clean and safe too! You needn't worry about parking either, as there's over 1,100 free parking spots just a short 5 minute walk away from the different entrances. 

Top tip: If you find yourself hungry during your visit, head to Gate 4 - there's plenty of cafés and restaurants close by to here that you can enjoy. 

Al Bateen Beach

• Free for all
• Open daily from 8am - sunset
• 100 car parking spaces available

Popular with both expats and locals, this public beach offers a superb family-friendly vibe. Plus, the beach is great for fishing and swimming thanks to its calm waters, and beautiful views from its 800m stretch of sand.

It's the perfect spot to just laze around in the sunshine for the day, or alternatively if you're seeking a bit more activity, you can hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to get out on the water. 

Top tip: If you're heading here for the full day, be sure to stock up on snacks and drinks as there's only a handful of cafés around. 

Saadiyat Public Beach 

• Open daily from 8am - sunset
• Dhs 25 per adult, Dhs 15 per child aged 6 - 12, kids under 5 go free
• Hire a sun lounger and an umbrella for Dhs 50 (weekdays) or Dhs 75 (weekends and public holidays)

Similar to the Corniche, Saadiyat Public Beach is run and managed by BAKE, who provide 300 sun loungers, a towel and locker rental service, as well as showers and changing rooms. The beach itself stretches 400m, with clean and turquoise waters surrounding it.

We have no doubt you'll enjoy spending a day in the sunshine on this laidback, leisure-orientated beach, which offers a range of sport and recreational activities for those wanting to join in, too. 

SEE ALSO: Chat with other expats living in Abu Dhabi

There's also a retail shop and beach café for you to enjoy, and there's over 200 car parking spaces within easy walking distance to make use of if you're driving here.