Opened in 2008, Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Beach is one of the city’s most popular beaches and tourist destinations. The eight-kilometer stretch of beach stretches along Corniche Road from the Hilton Hotel to Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Interesting attractions such as Marina Mall and Presidential Palace are also nearby.

Corniche beach is the emirate’s premier spot for family fun in the sun. The Corniche Beach district is divided into three sections of family, single and public beaches, and offers clean water, children’s play equipment, bike and cart rentals, and an inflatable water park, Aquafun.  

Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach is known not only for its pristine scenery but also for unique beach-user services such as a library and multiple sports facilities. It is also known for its Blue Flag, an international ecolabel for beaches that guarantees clean and safe water.

As such, the beach strives to meet certain standards regarding environmental management, water quality, safety, and service. Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach is full of fun activities for all ages. People can swim in the clear waters here, but this is restricted to a 40-meter radius around the beach and only allowed until sunset.

The Corniche is a place for everyone, and you will find yourself surrounded by expats, Emirati locals, workers, families, and tourists. On the Arabian Gulf shores, this complex is a popular destination for fun and frivolity.

Google Reviews 7,664 ★★★★★ 

Location: Corniche Rd (West), Abu Dhabi 

Timing: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm 

Facilities and Services Offered by Corniche Beach

Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi, offers a range of facilities to ensure people’s well-being and safety. These services include

• Beach Library
• Tourist Police Office
• Community Police Office
• Abu Dhabi City Municipality Office
• Separate prayer rooms for men and women
• A cycling path
• Bathrooms
• Showers
• Changing rooms
• First aid room
• ATM
• Children’s playground
• Football ground
• Volleyball and basketball court
• FunRideSports Bicycle Rental – (mountain bikes or city bikes, from the rental shops at the beach to explore the Corniche. These can also be booked in advance via phone or email.
• Lifeguards on duty till sunset, and a team of security personnel as well.
• Signboards and facilities for people with special needs.
• Two outlets of BAKE shops sell beach gear, swimwear, and sunscreen.
• Beachgoers can also rent towels, sun loungers, or a cabana from those available at the beach for an added fee.
• 1000 parking spots within a 5-minute walk from the beach.
• Free shuttle bus rides every half hour, which can accommodate up to 30 passengers at a time.

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Corniche Beach Privacy Segregation

Corniche Beach is made up of 5 sections to accommodate different groups, including couples and families with children. These sections are managed by the beach management company BAKE.

• Gate 2:

quiet time with family

Admission fee:

AED 10

• Gate 3:

family and children only

Admission fee:

AED 10

• Gate 4:

singles and groups

Free admission

It also includes other beach sections such as West Plaza Section, East Plaza Section, and Western Extension Beach for other groups such as singles, couples, and groups. These are open public beaches with no entrance fee. The final section is Al Sahil Beach, located at Gate 4, which requires an admission fee.

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Restaurants/Dining Options at Corniche Beach

After a long day at the beach, people can visit nearby restaurants, cafes, and snack bars for refreshing drinks and snacks.

Some of these restaurants are located near Gate 4. Some of the outlets are 

• Nova Café
• Rosina Bellina
• Asia de Cuba
• Cafe Brasileira
• Cinnabon
• SAJ2GO
• Special Juice Bar
• Baskin Robbins
• Cold Stone Creamery

Activities for families at Corniche Beach

There are several activities for families to enjoy at Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi. Here are some examples:

Swimming:

Corniche Beach has calm and shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families to take a swim and cool off on a hot day.

Playground: 

Corniche Park, located nearby, has a large playground that offers children of all ages a range of activities, including climbing structures, swings, and slides.

Picnics: 

The beach has several designated areas for picnics and family gatherings, making it an excellent spot for a family day out. Visitors can bring their own food or purchase snacks and refreshments from nearby cafes and food trucks.

Cycling: 

The Corniche Beach area has a dedicated bike path, allowing families to rent bikes and enjoy a leisurely ride along the waterfront.

Water Sports: 

For families looking for more adventure, there are several water sports activities available on the beach, including kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.

Heritage Village: 

Located near the entrance of Corniche Beach, Heritage Village offers families an opportunity to learn about the traditional Emirati way of life through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

Corniche Beach Bike Track

Few biking trails offer more breathtaking views than the Cornish Bike Track, which stretches along Corniche Beach. Recharge the batteries of the whole family on leisurely flat routes dedicated to cyclists.

Meander along a palm-lined route overlooking the water. Pass the immaculate gardens by the sea and look for the stunning bicycle sculpture by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.

There are plenty of benches along the route, perfect for resting, as well as plenty of cafés and restaurants serving snacks, ice creams, and drinks. There is a 12-kilometer cycle path from Port Zayed to Marina Mall.

Fun for kids at Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi

Along the 5 miles (8 km) of Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach, there is something for children of all ages.

A separate family area allows children to be children without disturbing those seeking peace and quiet. Access to Gate 2 gives your family access to a dedicated zone with a built-in quiet zone. Gate 3 provides access to the action-packed Family Play Zone.

Lifeguards patrol all areas, and a floating fence ensures that no one is more than 40 meters from the beach. If the kids are fidgeting, take a walk and find a nearby playground. 

Exercise outdoors at Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi

Stretch your limbs and get your heart pumping with a workout on Cornish Beach. The Brilliant Boardwalk is an excellent spot for a scenic run.

Join a group fitness session by the sea or lay out your yoga mat on the lawn and take deep breaths. Try our selection of outdoor fitness equipment at Al Bahr on the beach.

You can also play soccer, basketball, and volleyball on the outdoor courts. Finish off with a refreshing swim in the dazzling Arabian Gulf.

When the sun goes down, taking a walk while admiring the waterside garden will heal your body and soul.

Attractions Nearby Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi

There are several attractions and facilities located near Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi. Here are some of them:

Emirates Palace Hotel: 

This luxury hotel is just a few minutes from Corniche Beach and features a private beach, multiple restaurants, and a spa.

Marina Mall: 

This shopping center is located just across the road from Corniche Beach and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Heritage Village: 

This cultural attraction is located near the entrance to Corniche Beach and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Emirati life through exhibits and demonstrations.

Abu Dhabi Corniche: 

This scenic waterfront promenade stretches for several kilometers along the coastline and offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Corniche Hospital: 

This medical facility is located near the entrance to Corniche Beach and provides emergency and healthcare services.

Abu Dhabi Breakwater: 

This popular fishing spot is located near the western end of Corniche Beach and offers a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Corniche Park: 

This large green space is located along the Abu Dhabi Corniche and features walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Etihad Towers: 

This iconic skyscraper complex is located a short distance from Corniche Beach and features luxury apartments, a hotel, and a variety of restaurants and shops.

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Reviews about Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi

★★★★★ 

A beautiful beach where you can enjoy everything from family beaches to single-person beaches. There are no waves, it is calm, and the water is lukewarm. The Emirates’ sun is very strong, so bring sunscreen. They scored goals on the beach and chilled in the water, so we played a little football, great beach and is free. Parking is a bit of a walk, but there may be one nearby, but I couldn’t find it. 

★★★★★ 

Along the long Corniche, there is something for everyone. There are many new coffee and dining spots with indoor and outdoor seating. Robusta Coffee is your go-to place to brew great coffee. The parks and playgrounds along the Corniche are clean and well-maintained. Some paid activities are open at night. There is a new outdoor ‘gym’ or workout area with a variety of stations and workouts. There are some basketball courts in the center that appear to be free to use. We always grab some circulators to get off the Corniche and then walk or use different paths to get back. There is so much to do, not to mention clean beaches and blue waters. 

★★★★★ 

One of the best beaches I have been able to swim and enjoy while living in Khalidiya was Corniche Beach. Really quiet beach, relatively close to Serang; you can even walk there.

Perhaps the only thing the beach lacks to make it more comfortable is a few umbrellas in public areas to protect yourself from the sun. 

★★★★★ 

Try to get there in the morning or by 5:00 pm. It gets really busy in the evening. Weekends are even worse. Bicycles cannot be used during this time because there are so many people. But if you go late at night or early in the morning, you should be fine. Ladies, even if you’re covered, definitely go with a buddy unless you like being stared at or attacked! It is located at the westernmost point of the Corniche.  

Wrap up!

In conclusion, Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day out by the water. With its stunning views of the city skyline, calm waters, and range of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Families can take advantage of the playground and designated picnic areas, while those looking for adventure can try their hand at water sports. Nearby attractions such as the Emirates Palace Hotel and Marina Mall offer visitors even more options for entertainment and dining. 

The peaceful atmosphere of Corniche Park and the fishing spot at Abu Dhabi Breakwater provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its free admission and 24-hour accessibility, Corniche Beach is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day out in Abu Dhabi.

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