Sun, sand and more: All you need to know about Corniche Abu Dhabi
Imagine a place that has it all – a gorgeous waterfront setting, lush green parks, fun rides, activities, a stunning stretch of fully-facilitated beach, plenty of dining options and enjoyable activities for the whole family. The Corniche Abu Dhabi is all that and more.
This family-friendly destination in the capital is ideal for spending some quality fun time with your loved ones. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
ABU DHABI CORNICHE LOCATION
The Corniche is an 8 km stretch of beach and waterfront promenade that covers the northwest coast of Abu Dhabi. This place can be accessed from anywhere in the city, but it’s closer to Al Khalidiya, Al Bateen and the Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah).
HOW TO GET THERE?
If you’re driving, use the Corniche Abu Dhabi location plus code: F8FR+93 Abu Dhabi – the United Arab Emirates for directions. You can also reach the Corniche Area by taking a bus on routes 101, 104, 110, 120, 40, 400, 54 or 63.
THINGS TO DO AT CORNICHE ABU DHABI
From basking in the warm sunshine and swimming in the ocean, to a picnic in the park or cycling around the promenade — there are a bunch of fun things to do at Corniche Abu Dhabi.
ENJOY THE ACTIVITIES AT AL BAHAR, ABU DHABI CORNICHE
An aqua park, a children’s game zone, an outdoor gym and watersports are just some of the fun things to do at Al Bahar. This urban waterfront development has something for everyone, so make it a family day and indulge in some great outdoor activities with your favourite people.
BEAT THE HEAT AT THE SPLASH PARK
There’s a Splash Park at the Abu Dhabi Corniche where you and the little ones can get drenched on a hot summer’s day.
RELAX AT THE BEACH
It goes without saying, there are miles of clean sandy beach with calm waters lapping at the shore at Abu Dhabi Corniche, so make the most of it! You can get sunbeds to relax in the sun, go for a swim or build sandcastles on the beach. Most of the beach is public and free, which means you can head there anytime you want, even if it’s for a solitary walk or a jaunt after sundown.
GO SKATING
Skating enthusiasts have an entire area to themselves, although they have to share it with BMX bikers from time to time. The Corniche Skate Park is located opposite the family park and is open to all, even if you’re just a spectator.
HOW ABOUT A PICNIC OR BARBEQUE IN THE PARK?
The Abu Dhabi Corniche Park is known to be one of the best parks in Abu Dhabi. It is divided into six different smaller parks alongside the Corniche. Most of them feature dedicated children’s play areas while others have outdoor gyms, barbeque facilities and even a fun maze for you to enjoy. If a beach outing doesn’t work for you, an evening at the park definitely will.
ENJOY WATER SPORTS
Looking for a bit of adventurous fun in the sea? You can always opt for some watersports. The Corniche Beach has paddleboard and kayak rentals available for whoever’s interested. To amp up the adrenaline, head over to the Abu Dhabi Parasail facility to fly above the azure waters.
GO CYCLING
Another fun activity to indulge in at Corniche Abu Dhabi is cycling. Bicycle rentals are available at the parks and the promenade. There is also a dedicated bicycle track that runs 8 km long. That’s plenty of roads to peddle on if you ask us!
PLAY BASKETBALL
There are basketball courts at the Corniche. So, whether you want to compete or just throw some friendly hoops, you’ve got a place for that too!
CORNICHE ABU DHABI RESTAURANTS
With so much fun and activities at the Corniche, you’re bound to need sustenance to keep energy levels up. Head over to one of these amazing restaurants at Corniche Abu Dhabi to have your hunger pangs sorted.
MADO
A delicious Turkish cuisine awaits you at this Corniche Abu Dhabi Restaurant. Mado is especially known for its breakfast that you can enjoy with a stunning view.
- Average cost for 2: AED 230
- Location: Level 1, Nation Galleria, Corniche Road
- Timings: 08:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-888-1178
PATRON MEAT HOUSE
In the mood for steaks? This is your place! Tender and delicious, you can enjoy succulent steaks here in a relaxed casual setting.
- Average cost for 2: AED 345
- Location: Corniche Road, Al Bahar
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-633-0022
SHAKE SHACK
You just can’t go wrong with burgers and fries at Shake Shack…and their outlet on the Abu Dhabi Corniche has you covered.
- Average cost for 2: AED 150
- Location: Inside Family Park, Corniche Road
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-492-6866
THE THIRD PLACE CAFÉ
This cosy little coffee shop in Abu Dhabi with a laidback vibe is perfect for a warm meal of soup, pasta and sandwiches. They also have salads and detox drinks for healthy eaters.
- Average cost for 2: AED 205
- Location: Opposite Chevrolet Showroom, Corniche Street
- Timings: 08:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-681-1877
FLAME AND BAKE
Enjoy a delicious shawarma meal and Arabic flavours at Flame and Bake at Corniche Abu Dhabi.
- Average cost for 2: AED 120
- Location: Next To Hollywood Magic, Corniche Street
- Timings: 10:00 am to 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-681-7747
Other good options among restaurants at Corniche Abu Dhabi include:
- Wafi Gourmet
- Organic Foods And Café
- Chagh Kabab
- McDonald’s
- Tim Horton’s
- Starbucks
ABU DHABI CORNICHE TIMINGS AND OTHER INFORMATION
The Abu Dhabi Corniche area is open to visitors all day long. However, if you want to swim. the Corniche Beach timings are from 06:00 am to sundown.
ENTRY FEE
Entry to the public beach is free, but if you’re visiting the Family Beach on Abu Dhabi Corniche, an entry fee of AED 10 per adult and AED 5 per child applies. The beach offers free entry to children under five.
Please note that while access to the Corniche promenade and cycling track is free, you may have to pay for some park, beach and entertainment facilities in the area.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE OTHER ATTRACTIONS LOCATED NEARBY?
When visiting Abu Dhabi Corniche, you can also explore the following attractions nearby.
- Heritage Village – located 5 minutes away
- Qasr Al Hosn – located 9 minutes away
- Observation Deck at 300 – located 6 minutes away
- Qasr Al Watan – located 9 minutes away
- Marina Eye – located 4 minutes away
IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE AT ABU DHABI CORNICHE?
Yes, you can easily find free parking at Corniche Abu Dhabi. There are over 1,100 free parking spaces located within a five-minute walking distance of the beach.
IS THE CORNICHE BEACH IN ABU DHABI OPEN THESE DAYS?
Yes, the beach is open for swimming and other activities. However, given the current situation, beachgoers need to follow strict SOPs put in place by the Abu Dhabi City Municipality for COVID-19 prevention.
WHERE CAN I STAY NEAR CORNICHE ABU DHABI?
There are a number of hotels in and near the Corniche Area. Your best options to stay near Corniche Abu Dhabi include these.
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche
- The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
- Oryx Hotel
- The Eclipse Boutique Suites
- Al Ain Palace Hotel
In case you’re looking for a permanent stay, you can explore the apartments for rent in Corniche Area to find suitable accommodations. Rents for these prime waterfront properties start at AED 38k per annum.
With that, we wrap up our guide on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Spending a laid back day at the Corniche is one of the best free activities in Abu Dhabi.
There are a lot of other things to do in Abu Dhabi that help you explore and enjoy the emirate for all it has to offer. How does exploring the art galleries sound? Maybe a taste of adventure at a theme park or a picnic in the park will tickle your fancy? Take a look at these fun weekend activities in Abu Dhabi for more options.
