Abu Dhabi Beach Holidays

Why pick Abu Dhabi for a beach break?

• Beachfront resorts with modern facilities and strong dining on-site
• Chic beach clubs for full, sun-soaked days by the sea
• Corniche Beach for organised sections and big skyline views
• Plenty of water sports, plus snorkelling and diving areas
• Coastal nature spots, including Saadiyat Island’s long stretch of sand

Beaches and beach clubs to know

Beach clubs

Beach clubs in Abu Dhabi are set up for proper day-long lounging. Expect plush sunbeds, manicured gardens, shaded spots when you need a break from the sun, and easy access to the sand a few steps away.

Corniche Beach

Corniche Beach is the best-known city beach. It’s divided into sections, including areas for families and larger groups, and it’s a good option when you want facilities close by alongside views of Abu Dhabi’s futuristic skyline.

Saadiyat Island

For a longer, more open feel, head to Saadiyat Island. The beach runs for around nine kilometres and is known as a long-time nesting spot for hawksbill turtles, which makes it a strong choice if you want a quieter stretch of sand with a nature angle.

Water activities

If you like doing more than swimming, Abu Dhabi’s coastline gives you plenty of options.

• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Wakeboarding
• Kitesurfing

There are also good areas for snorkelling and diving, ideal for a half-day change from sunbathing.

Wildlife and nature near the coast

Beach time in Abu Dhabi can come with wildlife too. Saadiyat Island is the key beach area linked with hawksbill turtles. For a bigger wildlife day, the Arabian Wildlife Park is home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals, including gazelles, giraffes and cheetahs.

Family beach days

If you’re travelling as a family, Abu Dhabi makes it easy to mix the beach with one classic day out. Yas Waterworld is a popular waterpark option when you want slides and water coasters between beach days. If the heat feels heavy, the city’s malls and indoor edutainment centres are useful for a cooler afternoon before heading back to the coast.

One day away from the sand

If you want one non-beach day that still fits a beach-first itinerary, consider a lap of the Formula 1 circuit at Yas Marina or a short desert outing such as 4x4 dune bashing. Keep it to one day, then return to the shoreline rhythm.

How to plan and book your Abu Dhabi beach holiday with Southall Travel

• We can arrange flights and beachfront hotels together, keeping the trip centred on beach time and coastal areas
• Help choosing the right base, from Corniche Beach for facilities to Saadiyat Island for longer, calmer sand
• Speak to our travel advisors at Southall Travel for guidance on planning your Abu Dhabi beach holiday, including all inclusive options