If it’s endless sunshine and luxury service on the azure waters of the Persian Gulf you have come to Abu Dhabi to enjoy, then you won’t be disappointed.
Abu Dhabi has a superb selection of hotels with their own private beach access. Most are calm, shallow-water beaches, whilst those on Saadiyat Island experience gentle waves and uninterrupted views of the Gulf.
Here, we’ll guide you through all of the areas of Abu Dhabi boasting beach frontage and what you can expect in terms of hotels – luxury and value options for visitors to Abu Dhabi.
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Saadiyat Island Beach Resorts in Abu Dhabi
We’ll start with the string of luxury resorts that line the coast of Saadiyat Island. The hotels along Saadiyat Beach enjoy the natural soft, white sand and crashing waves from the Persian (Arabian) Gulf.
- The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island (Ultra All-inclusive)
- Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
- Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
These resorts are luxury offerings, equally perfect for family beach vacations in Abu Dhabi or luxury romantic couple escapes. They all have family-friendly facilities such as kids’ clubs as well as private villa options, some with their own private pool.
They don’t come cheap, but package deals can be available, especially if visiting mid-week (Monday to Thursday), making them sensational value for the setting and service you get.
Abu Dhabi Beach Hotels Along The Corniche
Many hotels could be classified as sitting on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, though as a large road separates most from the beach itself, only one hotel at the East end of the Corniche actually has its own beach frontage. This is the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, with a small lagoon-style beachfront and pool. It’s a little dated but a great value city option.
Abu Dhabi hotels on the Corniche West
There are many more hotel beach options at the western end of the Corniche and the area known as Al Ras al Akhdar, which has its own beach or beach club.
- The St Regis Abu Dhabi – attached (via underpass) to the Nation Riviera Beach Club
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi (the old Hiltonia – now West Bay)
- Emirates Palace
- Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel
- Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
- Bab al Qasr Hotel
- Khalidiya Palace Rayhann by Rotana, Abu Dhabi
- InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace remains one of the city’s flagship hotels with its absolutely pristine 1.3km long beachfrontage; the others on this list all include excellent facilities for both hotel guests and daycation use.
If you are staying at a hotel in Abu Dhabi without its own beach, you may be able to pick up a sensational package to one of these beach clubs for day use only so you don’t miss out on the Abu Dhabi beach experience.
Abu Dhabi Hotels on the Beach in Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club Area)
Although officially renamed Al Zahiyah in 2014, most still refer to this little pocket of the city, facing towards Al Maryah Island, as Tourist Club Area (adjacent to Abu Dhabi Mall). Once the heart of the city’s entertainment zone in the 1970s and 80s, now just two popular family resort hotels remain on the waterfront:
Although views from the beaches have become somewhat tainted over the past decade with construction, the area has become settled again with calm waterfront views, and the hideous powerlines have been removed!
Both hotels can offer sensational daycations and overnight packages and have a lively nightlife scene with many attached pubs and restaurants.
Beach Rotana also has residences that are great for larger families and those looking at longer stays in the Capital in serviced apartments.
Beach Hotels on Abu Dhabi’s Grand Canal (Khor al Maqta)
There are several hotels along the Grand Canal, the waterway that separates Abu Dhabi island from the mainland, that enjoy their own beach front. These are:
- Fairmont Bab al Bahr
- Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
- Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
- The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
The Ritz Carlton sits immediately adjacent to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whilst the other three sit on the opposite bank (the name Bab al Bahr “Between the Bridges” referring to Al Maqta Bridge and Mussafah Bridge, two of the three main thoroughfares into Abu Dhabi Island.
Each commands spectacular mosque views, particularly at sunset. The waters here are calm, and a traditional dhow service operates between the hotels. This is a great location for those wanting to be close to both the city of Abu Dhabi and off-island options, including the Yas Island theme parks, AUH airport, and easy access to Dubai.
We’re not going to lie though; these are imported sand beaches for the most part and are simply not as nice as the soft white sand you’ll find on Saadiyat.
Abu Dhabi Beach Hotels on Yas Island
Although there are no Yas Island beach resorts, all of the hotels on Yas have access to Yas Beach via a shared shuttle service. This private beach is free for hotel guests or sunbeds can be rented to daycationers at Yas Beach Club.
Yas Islands hotels with beach access include:
- Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
- The WB, Curio Collection by Hilton
- W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
- Yas Island Rotana
- Centro Yas Island by Rotana
- Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island
- Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island
- Crowne Plaza Yas Island
- Staybridge Suites
This is a good option for those on short stopovers who want to catch a bit of the city’s theme park action as well as catch a little bit of sun.
The Yas Island hotels are significantly cheaper than the resort-style offerings on Saadiyat Island. Though granted, not as luxurious, they are practical and convenient – you are less than 10 minutes from Zayed International Airport (AUH).
Beach Hotels Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi
Beyond these clusters of hotels, there are other locations just outside the city centre and further around the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, offering guests a private beach with their hotel stay.
Beach Hotels Near the City
- Al Raha Beach Hotel – off the E10 Highway, close to the new airport on the way to Dubai
- Zaya Nurai Island Resort – exclusive luxury island experience just 10 mins off the Saadiyat Island coast
- Al Maya Island & Resort – accessed by boat, adjacent to the Presidential Palace, there are 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas to rent
Also, consider the glamping site and new luxury villas on Hudayriyat Island. Only moments away from the city, Bab al Nojoum Hudayriyat offers tents to beachfront chalets with their own pool, as well as more luxurious ocean view and overwater villas.
Beach Hotels Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi Emirate
- Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort – Al Dhafra, Western Region 3 hours west of the city
- Anantara Desert Islands Resort – Sir Bani Yas Island, approx 2.5 hours west of the city, then a ferry ride
- Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat – Brand new in February 2024, this boutique 22-room adult-only coastal retreat sits in Ghantoot, halfway to Dubai on the Persian Gulf
- Nawras Island – still to come later in 2024, the unveiling of the luxury resort by Hilton’s exclusive LXR Collection brand promises ocean front villas – stay tuned!
See all of our hotel & resort reviews and recommendations in Abu Dhabi
Before you go… Important Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack, as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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