The Corniche is one of the most iconic roads in Abu Dhabi, with its beachfront location and pristine promenade. You’ll share the road with cyclists, joggers, making this a lively and bustling spot to soak up the atmosphere of the city. Corniche Road stretches for five miles along the entire north-west shore of Abu Dhabi, taking in lush landscaped parks, boutiques and picnic areas along the way.
The Corniche Abu Dhabi is also one of the best places in the city to enjoy views of its impressive skyscrapers, so don’t forget your camera. You can take it easy by chilling out on the golden sands of the public beach for the afternoon or rent a bike and explore the sights of Corniche Road on two wheels.
Sun-seekers and families looking to soak up the energy and atmosphere of Abu Dhabi’s famous beachfront. Enjoy some of the best views of the city from the promenade.
People-watching as you stroll along the idyllic promenade. Stop for ice cream or a refreshment at one of the many cafes and juice bars along the way.
Corniche Road Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to stroll and take in views of the city. You can also explore by cycling and feeling the breeze: rent a bike from the Cyacle bike-share station, which you’ll find by the Nation Riviera Beach Club at the Corniche’s south-western end. Make sure to bring some water along with you if you’re exercising on the promenade, as there are sections without shade.
The Blue Flag Corniche Beach is one of the best in Abu Dhabi, and it runs alongside the length of the Corniche Road. You can hire towels or choose to bring your own. Take along a book to chill out in the sun, or paddle in surf. The water here is crystal clear and shallow, making it the perfect spot for families with young children.
You can combine your time on Corniche Road with a visit to the Etihad Towers, which you’ll find just across the street. This complex of five strikingly modern buildings feature two floors of luxury boutiques, as well as pool-side cafes and eleven world-class restaurants, offering cuisines ranging from Lebanese to Italian. It’s the perfect place to relax and refuel after exploring Corniche Road.
Pack a picnic for an al fresco lunch when you visit the Corniche Road. On the island side of the promenade, you’ll discover a series of immaculate parks, which feature paths for walking and grassy lawns for sitting on. There are also plenty of charming water features dotted throughout, as well as views of the glittering Arabian Gulf. Pick up a light lunch and refreshments from the wide selection of bars and restaurants lining Corniche Road.
A visit to Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Road is a feast for the eyes, with many of the city’s most famous buildings visible from the Promenade. As well as the sparkling Etihad Towers, look out for the luxury 5-star hotel, Emirates Palace and the enormous Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana hotel. The gentle waters of the Arabian Gulf look particularly idyllic when you visit the beachfront at sunset.
The Corniche Road runs along the north-west coast of Abu Dhabi, parallel to Corniche Beach and across the street from the Etihad Towers.
It’s about 22 miles (35 kilometres) from Abu Dhabi’s prime entertainment and leisure district, Yas Island, to Corniche Road. The journey will take around half an hour by car and will cross Al Jubail Island and Saadiyat Island.
Corniche Road is 10 miles away from the idyllic Saadiyat Island. The journey is around 20 minutes by car, and will take you past Zayed Port and the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the north-western shore of the city.
It’s a half-hour drive to get to Corniche Road from Abu Dhabi International Airport (35 kilometres). You’ll travel past Masdar City and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque before arriving at Corniche Road.
Public carparks can be found across the road from the beach. Once parked, Corniche Road and the beach can be accessed by foot.
Corniche Beach is separated into sections, so there’s a space for everyone. Families will love Gates 2 and 3, which have dedicated quiet zones and lifeguards. They’re also shielded from view by fences for privacy.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from on Corniche Road, including Nahaam, which serves delicious fresh seafood, and the French-inspired Café Du Roi and Restaurant.
The beach features showers, changing rooms and cabanas if you fancy some shade. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rental.
The public section of Corniche Beach is free to access. You have to pay to access the private areas of the beach, with different prices for adults and children. Sun loungers cost a little extra too.
There are 1,100 free parking spaces within a five-minute walk of the Corniche.
Corniche Road is close to both the Nation Towers and Etihad Towers, both of which offer shops and boutiques where you can indulge in some retail therapy.
You can access Corniche Beach from the gulf side of Corniche Road. There are also tunnels below the street, many of which feature colourful tiled art to represent traditional UAE stories and buildings.
Located on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi contains 8,000 square metres of galleries. Visit at sunset for an unforgettable kayak trip around the outside.
Can’t get enough of the beach? Buy an all-day pass to this beach club, which offers both adult and children’s pools with spectacular ocean views.
You’ll find Marina Mall at the end of Corniche Road. It’s the perfect place for some shopping at both high-end boutiques and high-street stores.
Corniche Road is a seaside boardwalk stretching for five miles.
Corniche Beach has Blue Flag status due to its clean water and pristine sand.
30,000 to 50,000 visitors come to the Corniche every month.
Many Abu Dhabi city tours include Corniche Road.
Qasr Al Watan is another of Abu Dhabi’s most famous landmarks. This opulent palace celebrates the UAE’s people, culture and history, and it’s also a premier shopping and dining destination.
Yas Beach is another popular spot in Abu Dhabi. Expect fine white sand, a backdrop of mangroves and crystal clear waters. There’s also an infinity pool and plenty of restaurants to enjoy.
Capital Gate, also known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi, is one of the city’s most distinctive buildings. Its striking asymmetrical shape with 35 stories makes it a prime photo spot.
All imagery provided by © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
