Things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi Corniche has one of the most scenic settings of the region. Stretching across the northwest shore of the capital, the white sandy beaches and broad walkways make for a beautiful spot for tourists. There are a lot of things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
- If you enjoy sports there are two football fields, five volleyball courts and three general fields.
- You could go also for a swim or take a speedboat to view the Abu Dhabi skyline in all its splendour.
- Once, you have had your fun, you could dine at any of the fantastic restaurants in Abu Dhabi Corniche.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche Fireworks performance gathers a crowd in thousands.
- Simply put, there is no shortage of things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
This blog will guide you on how you can make your trip to the Abu Dhabi Corniche memorable.
Things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche
There are various activities in Abu Dhabi Corniche one could opt for. If you plan to visit, there is plenty of beach action at Abu Dhabi Corniche where you can have some fun in the sand or you can take small tours from there to enjoy the beauty of the capital city. You can also find small gardens and elegantly designed benches that overlook the Arabian Gulf that is perfect for enjoying the views of the calm sea. Here’s a closer look at each of the fun activities in Abu Dhabi Corniche
Visit the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach
- Timing: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Entry Fee: AED 10 (Adults) AED 5 (Children)
- Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach entry plan: Gate 1 Singles & Groups, Gate 2: Families & couples, Gate 3: Families with children
The Yellow Boats 60 minutes tour
Yellow Boats allow you to explore the skyline of Abu Dhabi. In fact, the 60-minute cruise will be a riveting experience, where you can take in some of the key attractions of Abu Dhabi.
- The first landmark of your journey would be the majestic Emirates Palace. You can click your new Facebook profile display picture with this striking building in the backdrop. You will see some amazing yachts docked at the shore.
- The second noteworthy spot would be the Corniche Abu Dhabi itself. The panoramic views of the Corniche make it look 10 times more beautiful. It gives an entirely new perspective on how one views the place.
- Last, you see wooden boats of fishermen in the fishermen’s village. The simplicity here would be in stark contrast to the carefully designed outlook of the two prior sights.
Boats leave twice a day at 10:00 am and 02:00 pm. To avail the 10% off early bird discounts for Yellow Boats in Abu Dhabi and avoid last-minute hassles, one can book the seats online, well in advance. You can charter the boat for up to 10 people and get some VIP treatment for AED 1500. Fees for adults is AED 200, while for children it’s AED 150. Most tourists rank the Yellow Boats tour fairly high on their list of things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Phone: +971-559950153
Email: book@theyellowboats.com
Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace makes it to our list of most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi for a good reason. The golden hues, the astonishing water fountains and the beautiful landscape make it one of the most visited places near Abu Dhabi Corniche. The grand halls, over 100 domes and a thousand chandeliers take you back a century. You will be impressed with the uniqueness of the land, a far cry from the modern buildings we see in Abu Dhabi.
You can have a sumptuous dinner at any of the culinary places.
Among the top restaurants at the Emirates Palace are Le Vendome, Meziai Emirati and Gold Cappuccino. Or you can stay in the hotel for a day or two to soak in the imperial elegance. If you are a foodie, you would definitely enjoy the top restaurants at Emirates Palace. Guided tours are also an option, with the cost depending on the time and places you want to visit. It’s a 4-minute drive from the Corniche Abu Dhabi, so you have got no excuse.
- Phone: +971-2-6909000
- Email: info@emiratespalace.ae
Qasr al Watan Palace
There isn’t much to say about the Qasr al Watan Palace, except that its magnificence and splendour is simply unmatched. Whenever you are writing a list of things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche, this one comes in the must-visit section. You will learn so much about the history of the place and get a little preview of the royal lifestyle.
The Palace and Garden ticket for this wonderful experience is AED 60 for adults and AED 30 for children. If you want to just spend your time roaming around the garden, you’ll have to pay AED 25 for adults and AED 12 for children. The Palace opens for the public at 10:00 am and shut off time is 07:00 pm. Recently opened to the public, this has already become one of the most visited places near Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Take a cab from the Corniche, and you’ll reach your destination in under 10 minutes. Before the visit, just prepare by reading our guide to the Qasr Al Watan Palace. It will help you make the most of your time there.
- Phone: +971-6-00544442
- Email: contact@qasralwatan.ae
Observation Deck at 300
If the Yellow Boat tours give you a panoramic view of the capital from the sea, the Observation Desk at 300 is the place for a perfect selfie with an overhead view of the capital. Located near the rental flats in Etihad Towers, it will take 9 minutes for you to get to Observation Desk from the Corniche. Once you are there, the view is definitely worth the AED 95 entry fee. You can also take your family and friends for an afternoon high-tea.
‘High-tea at the top of the world’ will cost you, AED 250 per person.
The high-tea starts from 02:00 pm and goes on till 06:00 pm, while the facility is open for the public from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm. This exercise should be highest (literally and figuratively) amongst the things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Phone: +971-2-8115666
Email: jadrestaurants@jumeirah.com
The Founder’s memorial
The tremendous development and growth of the capital city result from the grand vision of the late H.H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Founder’s Memorial is a tribute to the legacy of the man who made such a huge difference and influenced the lives of millions as a leader. Through art, stories and multimedia presentations, you can learn so much about the great UAE leader. This is one of the most visited attractions in Abu Dhabi Corniche. Fonder’s memorial is a short distance from the beach, it’s open from 10:00 am to 09:00 pm and the entry is free.
Phone: +971-2-4100100
Email: hello@thefoundersmemorial.ae
Heritage Village
Peek into the past of the region, by visiting the Heritage village. This would be an entirely unique experience, where you would learn the desert way of life. A souk, a mosque and encampment will take you back in time, making this one of the topmost attractions in Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Since Entry is free, this is also one of the best free things to do at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. So you won’t feel guilty spending some cash on the gift shop where craftsmen showcase tremendous skills.
Moreover, there is also a small spice shop which sells herbs & handmade soaps. It is open from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Saturday to Thursday and on Friday it closes at 03.30 pm. Take a break for your routine life and take the 5-minute drive from the Corniche.
Phone: +971-26814455
Email: info@torath.ae
Cycle your way around Abu Dhabi Corniche
Cancel your expensive gym membership if you are renting an apartment on Abu Dhabi Corniche Road or even a nearby area. Instead, you can cycle for half an hour on the spectacular track at the Corniche. You can sign up online for the cycle from the comforts of your home and avoid the whole on-site process. The station is opposite Nation Riviera Beach club. There are several other stations near this area where you can take a break or return the bike. It would be advisable to take water and a towel along especially if you are riding during the day.
For adults, you’ll have to pay AED 30 per hour and for children, the fee is AED 20 per hour.
Go for a swim
Visitors are allowed to swim on the Abu Dhabi Corniche beach till sunset. However, it restricted to 40 metres. Don’t worry, there are plenty of bathrooms, changing rooms and you could even rent towels if you have forgotten to take your own. The crystal clear water of the Corniche would recharge your batteries for a week. You just can’t run out of things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
For tourists, it is an eye-catching spot and a chance to create the best memories. Watch out for the Abu Dhabi Corniche Fireworks performance schedule, the whole spectacle is marvellous. For those living on the Abu Dhabi Corniche road or nearby, it provides an opportunity to relax and take a break from their hectic daily schedules. The Corniche presents you with a chance to understand the history of the region, have lavish food, or even engage in a simple activity like playing a friendly game of volleyball with your friends. So you now know what to tell your friends when they ask for things to do at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Besides the Corniche there are other tourist’s spots in the capital which might interest you. If you spend a lot of time watching NAT-GEO, there are many attractions for animal lovers in Abu Dhabi. Similarly, you can visit the top art galleries in Abu Dhabi, if you have a keen eye for art.