Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Corniche runs about eight kilometres along the northwestern edge of Abu Dhabi island, a landscaped strip of promenade, cycle lane, parks and play areas between the city and the water, with the towers of the business district on one side and the Gulf on the other. Part of the beach is a managed Blue Flag section with lifeguards and a charge, part is free, and a family-only section is set aside. Lulu Island lies about a kilometre offshore and Marina Mall closes the western end. The present Corniche was built out on land reclaimed from the sea in 2002-2004; before the 1970s this was a beach where dhows anchored to land cargo and people.

What's there

• The Blue Flag beach - a managed and lifeguarded section of sand along the front.
• The promenade - eight kilometres of walking and cycling route along the shore.
• The skyline - the business district towers standing behind the beach.
• Lulu Island - the artificial island lying offshore across the channel.

When to go

October to April for the beach and the walk; summer is only bearable after dark. Evenings and weekends are busiest. Ramadan changes beach and cafe hours.

Things to know

The free beach sections have fewer facilities and get crowded. Modesty rules apply and swimwear is for the beach only. Summer humidity makes the promenade unpleasant for much of the day.

Nearby

Emirates Palace is west, and Saadiyat Island is northeast.

Key facts