Corniche Road

The 9 km long Corniche Road is one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic roads. After all, it is home to the Abu Dhabi Corniche, a popular public beach which has many amenities when it comes to fitness, entertainment and communal events.

Boasting many landscaped pathways and parks, this waterfront locality is also lined with an impressively long sequence of high-rise buildings that enhance the glamour of Abu Dhabi’s skyline.

• Dominated by rental properties with studios and apartments
• Studded with world-famous skyscrapers like Etihad Towers and Landmark Tower
• Abu Dhabi Corniche is a Blue Flag certified beach that runs along the road
• A significant number of parks are located on Corniche Road
• Close to major areas of Abu Dhabi such as Al Khalidiyah and the downtown district

Corniche Road area is a self-contained community where residential choices are countless. Although it’s an area frequented by many visitors due to the ultra-luxurious amenities and events, the renting prices of the residences on Corniche Road are surprisingly affordable. Properties such as villas are rare, but you can choose from many shorefront apartments with ample living space.

Located at the far western end of Corniche Road, the peninsula of Al Ras Al Akhdar is where the luxurious properties of Corniche Road lie. Here you will find commercial and residential skyscrapers of Etihad Towers.

Properties in Corniche Road consists of residential apartments in highrise buildings. There is no property for sale here, but if you want to rent a flat on Corniche Road, you’ll be overwhelmed with the many choices available. The rental properties here range from lavish studios to 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom layouts. The higher-priced units are often fully furnished penthouse suites. These are also located in Etihad Tower 1 and are serviced by the Jumeirah at Etihad Tower Hotel.

People won’t have to worry about car parking as there are many large parking lots near commercial areas such as the Khalidiya Parking Lot adjacent to Nation Towers and the one near Mohammed Bin Saif Mosque.

Transportation options on Corniche Road include a couple of bus stations located on Khalifa Bin Zayed the First Street that commuters can access.

Supermarkets near Corniche Road for daily groceries include Choithrams near Oryx Hotel and Royal City Marketplus. There are many more located off Corniche Road that are a short drive away, such as Lulu Express Carrefour City and SPAR Express Khalidiya. Organics Food and Café, located on the second floor of Nation Towers, has everything for those who are looking for healthy organic produce.

Many Christian worshipping facilities are located in the central region of the city. These include St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Church of St. Anthony, St. Andrew’s Church and Abu Dhabi Apostolic Church. Sikh worshippers can visit the New Gurudwara Abu Dhabi, situated in the Mussafah community about a 27-minute drive away. Hindu residents will have to head to Dubai to visit a temple.

Mohammed Bin Saif Mosque, ADNOC Mosque, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Mosque and Butti Bin Khadim Mosque are some of the mosques near Corniche Road.

There are many schools near Corniche Road located in neighbouring areas that are accessible within a few minutes. For instance, American Community School of Abu Dhabi is a co-educational school that offers the US curriculum, as suggested in the name. The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls is a private school that facilitates students from KG to Grade 12, offering the American curriculum. German International School is a private and co-educational institute and is also considered as one of the best schools in Abu Dhabi.

The nearest educational facilities for preschoolers include Baby Bird Nursery, Tiny Dreams Nursery and Soft Steps Nursery. Other educational institutes close to Corniche Road include 3FOLD Education Centre, Berlitz Khalidiya and International Music Institute.

A few clinics near Corniche Road are The Doctors Medical Centre, Capital Health and First Global Clinic. Other healthcare facilities include Quality Dent Medical Centre, Al Hosn One Day Surgery Centre and ADNOC Medical Centre.

The closest hospital is the King’s College Hospital in the Al Khalidiyah district. It is a world-renowned medical facility known for their expert care.

Facing Al Sahil Beach, the development of Al Khalidiyah extends towards the southern side of Corniche Road. This culturally diverse neighbourhood is known for various amenities such as Al Khalidiyah Park and Khalidiyah Mall.

To the northeastern side of Corniche Road is downtown Abu Dhabi, a commercial centre for the capital that encompasses premium hotels. Other neighbouring areas include Al Bateen, Khalidiya Village and Al Zaab.

A high-end shopping destination, Nation Towers Galleria is a mall near Corniche Road. Also known as a ‘boutique mall’, it is home to a few automotive brands such as Lamborghini and Porsche Design as well as upscale restaurants such as Leopold’s of London and Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor. Another local’s favourite shipping destination, just 9 minutes away from Corniche Road, is Khalidiyah Mall.

Situated just a few kilometres off Abu Dhabi’s coast, the island district Marina Village encompasses one of the largest malls of the capital, Marina Mall. It includes an impressive selection of entertainment, leisure and fashion brands distributed over four floors, a fitness centre, a medical centre and Carrefour hypermarket.

Whether you fancy visiting casual or fine-dining restaurants or perhaps, some delightful snacks by the pool, Corniche Road is a place where you will be spoilt for choice. Casual restaurants near Corniche Road include Buffalo Wings and Rings, Johnny Rockets, Zyara and more.

Le Vendome at Emirates Palace Hotel offers a lavish lunch and dinner buffet with international and Arabian dishes. Another fine-dining option is Li Beirut Restaurant in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. It offers contemporary and traditional Lebanese cuisine at its best. The beachfront Asia de Cuba is an upbeat spot and unique addition to the dining scene in the capital.

Overlooking the azure waters of the Corniche, Escape Restaurant at the swanky Hiltonia Beach Club offers a perfect hideaway where you can enjoy some paired cheeses and cocktails while watching the sunset.

Overlooking the glory of the vast Arabian Gulf, the immaculate Corniche Beach is divided into three portions. Maintained by an organisation called BAKE, the sections include Gate 2 that is a designated quiet zone for families, Gate 3 is for families and children and Al Sahil Beach (Gate 1), for singles and groups. Awarded the Blue Flag status, this beach strip meets the international criteria for optimal environmental aspects such as water quality, cleanliness of sand and safety. Located near Corniche Road, the Corniche Beach holds around 600 sun loungers and 27 family cabanas available for rent.

Exceeding 160,000 sq. m. of built-up area, the UAE Presidential Palace and Qasr Al Watan (which is open to the public) is situated in Al Ras Al Akhdar, just 9 minutes away from the area.

There are tons of leisure activities offered in Marina Mall. These include Emirates Bowling Village, BOUNCE Trampoline Park and a 9-screen multiplex VOX Cinemas for the movie buffs.

Abu Dhabi’s highest vantage point, Etihad Tower’s Observation Deck at 300 is a sightseeing platform on the 74th floor of Tower 2. High up at 300 metres (984 ft.), the deck offers an outstanding birds-eye perspective of the corniche, Abu Dhabi’s cityscape and the majestic Arabian Gulf.

Covering 80,000 sq. m. of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Bahar is a vibrant beachfront development that has up to 48 leisure, retail and dining outlets as well as a venue for concerts and community events. Spelling out ‘I heart AD’ which can be seen in the satellite view, a giant waterpark called Aquafun stays afloat in the waters, just a few metres away from the coastline. It is one of the fairly new waterfront activities in Abu Dhabi, cherished by the locals. It features ramps, bridges, slides, steps, balloons and monkey bars. It is a favoured beachside spot for many families, kids, as well as those wanting a fun and energetic day out. Moreover, A’l Bahar includes a range of sports facilities such as an outdoor gym, football pitches, and beach volleyball and basketball courts.

From uninterrupted pedestrian pathways and bike tracks to landscaped green spaces and food kiosks, there are several outdoor recreational options along the stretch of Corniche Road. Dividing the beach park from the pathway and the busy street, there is a boardwalk designated for walkers and runners. Similarly, there is a separate track for those who cycle. One can rent a bike from one of the four stations of FunRideSports located along the Corniche, with rental rates of AED 30 per hour for adults and AED 20 per hour for kids.

While it is surrounded by pristine sandy beaches and sparkling waters on one side, Corniche Road is bordered by many spacious gardens and landscaped recreational areas on the other. These include Al Khubeirah Garden, Family Park, Urban Park, Lake Park, Formal Park and the Recreation Park.

The aforementioned, Al Bahar Abu Dhabi Corniche nearby is also a spot where the emirate’s well-established Bodytree Yoga studio offers health and wellness classes. Another fitness facility, Haddin’s has a one-of-a-kind outdoor beach gym concept ‘Fitness by the Shore’ based in the heart of this newly developed beachfront community.

Numerous beauty salons and spas have lined up along the street so there are a lot of options for the ladies and gents living on Corniche Road where they can get themselves pampered. Some of these facilities include Sugar Beauty Salon, Sky Gents Saloon and Victoria Spa and Salon.

Regarded as one of the largest cultural fiestas of UAE, the Mother of the Nation Festival creates an entertaining atmosphere for all visitors. Every year, it dazzles the evening skies of Corniche Road with fireworks and hosts a series of activities, musical shows and performances from 4 pm until midnight. The event features six different zones:

• Happiness Zone

It appeals to visitors of all ages and features an interactive fantasy world of nature

• Souq Zone

Features food carts that offer an eclectic array of cuisines and traditional shops that give a unique retail experience

• Main Stage

This is the focal spot in the Mother of the Nation festival where the limelight is on the top local and international artists displaying their talent

• Beach Dining

Adorning the shoreline, this is an urban dining zone where a variety of dining options are available at kiosks, food trucks and restaurants

• Progress

Advocating values of kindness, sustainability, innovation and wonder, the Progress Zone features fun activities such as planting, crafts, bungee-jumping and much more

• Mother of the Nation Pavilion

The main essence of the event, the pavilion exhibits an inspiring walk-through of the accomplishments of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and her contribution towards empowering women across UAE.

Living close to the beach is tempting but there are things one may want to consider before making a move to the area. Since Corniche Road is one of the most happening and most-frequently visited areas of Abu Dhabi residents face parking and traffic woes.

• The Abu Dhabi International Airport is at an estimated distance of 30 minutes
• Accessible through Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway, Yas Island is about 28 minutes away
• The largest stadium in UAE, Zayed Sports City Stadium, is located on an 18-minute drive