Abu Dhabi Corniche

Until the 1970s, the area now occupied by Abu Dhabi’s Corniche was simply a functional beach, an impromptu natural port, where boats, often traditional dhows, would weigh anchor and unload their cargo of goods or people. Today’s reality is rather different, and reflects the remarkable transition that the city, and the country as a whole, has undergone.

Glittering Beachfront

The Corniche is a 8km-long waterfront boulevard stretching all the way from the magnificent $3bn dollar Emirates Palace Hotel at the southern end all the way to the skyscraper-studded area near Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed port off to the north. Probably the Corniche’s most popular attraction is the Blue-Flagged Corniche Beach, which extends from near the Hilton Hotel to just past Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, where you can find its main entrance. Access to the public area of the beach is free, and there are 1,100 free parking spaces within a five minute walk. It’s well monitored by lifeguards, and is perfect for young children, but be aware that it can get very crowded on weekends.

When you’ve had enough beach for the day, take a stroll along the Corniche, which offers a great opportunity to admire some of the city’s most dramatic architecture. Many of Abu Dhabi’s administration buildings are located here, but in the evenings there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a drink and watch the sun go down.