All about the Al Mirfa Beach in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is blessed with gorgeous beaches and Al Mirfa Beach undoubtedly is one of the emirate’s best-kept secrets. About an hour and a half away from the central city, this beach is located in the small village of Mirfa (or Al Marfa) in Al Dhafra region.

Previously known as Al Gharbia, Al Dhafra has stunning beaches and islands, which are gradually being developed for visitors. Al Mirfa Beach, the only developed beach in the region, is home to the annual 10-day Al Dhafra Watersports Festival that takes place in April.

On most days, this pristine coast with turquoise waters is peaceful and uncrowded, so the long, long drive to get there is totally worth it. Camping facilities are available and you can buy supplies from the small village nearby.

A hidden gem amongst the beaches in the capital city, Al Mirfa Beach is Mirfa’s claim to fame. While the well-known beaches in the capital city offer exciting and fun activities and attract large crowds, this rather secluded location won’t disappoint you either. Tourists and residents visit the place regularly. In fact, it is a world away from the urbanised setting we are generally used to. So the next time you feel like heading to a tranquil and peaceful place, Al Mirfa Beach could be a good choice.

All about the Al Mirfa Beach

Al Mirfa Beach, Abu Dhabi is a great option for people who want to camp overnight, organise a picnic with family and friends or just want to swim in the clear waters. This blog is a complete guide to Al Mirfa Beach and the fun activities it offers. 

Al Mirfa Beach

After driving for about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi city along E11, the arterial highway, you can reach Al Mirfa Beach that offers the perfect break-point. You can spend some time at the corniche and the park to recharge before you move ahead with your journey. 

Alternatively, if you want to really rejoice in the calm and surreal atmosphere for a longer period, there is a hotel near the beach where you can stay for a while. You can relax on the beach for hours without being disturbed. For those used to urban life, this can be a completely different experience.

Moreover, fishing is allowed at the beach and patient fishermen, in particular, are likely to be rewarded handsomely.

You can also take part in watersports, with packages relatively cheaper than those in the more famous beaches in Abu Dhabi.

Towards the western side of the beach, we can see a naturally grown mangrove forest, surrounded by lush green plantation. Besides the obvious ecological benefits of the forest, it’s another sight to behold.

Al Mirfa Hotel

The three-star Mirfa Hotel is located beside the sea stretch. This is the only such establishment in the area and is the hub of most activity. It’s a beautifully designed hotel with lots of facilities but there are a limited number of rooms, so please make a reservation so you are not confronted with any issues in the last minute.

You will find a fully equipped gym, a billiard table and a kid’s playing area here. If swimming in the seawater isn’t your thing, you can take a dip in the 25-metre long temperature-controlled pool at the Al Mirfa Beach hotel. Similarly, there is a temperature-controlled pool for your little ones as well. The floor lit tennis, basketball and volleyball courts are avenues for people who prefer exercising in a competitive setting.

Furthermore, you can also opt for their fishing tours. Similarly, water sports packages are also very appealing and one might find the costs here to be slightly cheaper than the major beaches in Abu Dhabi.

You can choose from the following activities available at Al Mirfa Hotel:

• Jet Skiing
• Wake Boarding
• Kayaking
• Stand-up board
• Banana ride
• Donut ride
• Fishing trip
• Boat Cruise around the Island
• Kite Surfing Area

Al Gharbia Watersports Festival

The 10-day Al Gharbia Watersports Festival is organised every year in April. Different competitions held include traditional and modern sailboat races, surf-ski kayaking, wakeboarding and kite flying. Local and international competitors can take part in the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival. It’s a unique experience just seeing this amazing festival take place in this quaint and charming town.

During the festival, camping facilities are provided to participants as well as visitors. A Sunset Souk, live entertainment and a kid’s play area, add to the carnival-like atmosphere.

FAQs

There are certain things you might want to know before you plan a visit to Al Mirfa Beach.

How long will it take to drive from Abu Dhabi to Al Mirfa Beach?

It will take around one hour and thirty minutes to drive from Abu Dhabi to Al Mirfa Beach.

If you want to visit the beach from Dubai, it will take around three hours.

How do I get to Al Mirfa Beach?

From Abu Dhabi, you will have to take the E11 Highway. It’s a straight drive and the roadside signs will indicate the distance to Al Mirfa.

Are there any restaurants in the area?

There are a few restaurants in Al Mirfa Hotel. 

Is there any Al Mirfa Beach entry fee?

There is no Al Mirfa Beach entry fee.

This completes our guide to Al Mirfa Beach. The term ‘hidden gem’ is often overused but we feel that Al Mirfa Beach qualifies for that status. Not many people are aware of it and due to its relative distance, people prefer going to beaches closer to the city. While the splendid beaches in Abu Dhabi and exclusive beach clubs in Abu Dhabi are certainly enjoyable, Al Mirfa Beach offers a different experience.

Another beach that falls in the same category is Dibba Beach in Fujairah. Those living in the UAE are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches.