Saadiyat beach, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi doesn’t have as many beautiful public beaches as Dubai, but this one is a ream gem, so if you are in Abu Dhabi then do make sure to visit it.

The best time to go to any beach in the UAE is between September and May, when the temperature is between 25 and 35 degrees. In the summer the heat is unbearable for most, so I wouldn’t recommend baking at a beach. Summer is mainly for indoor activities here in the UAE.

Although, if you are like me then the water temperature in the winter will be way too cold for you to swim. To my shame, we have been here since December last year and I’ve only just managed to fully enter the water a week ago. (we are now in May). We have been to the beach in the winter, it was nice to lie on the sand and soak up some rays even if I only touched the water with my little toe.

Saadiyat beach is not free. The all-inclusive rate is 95 AED on weekends, 70 AED on weekdays, but that includes a sun umbrella and two loungers, or 35 AED on weekends (20 on weekdays) for a basic rate without the umbrella and the loungers. I’d suggest going for the all-inclusive rate as there is no shade on this beach.

Amenities: There is free parking in the front, clean restrooms, showers and changing rooms, 2 cafes that offer pizza, salad , hot dogs and also soft drinks and there is an ice cream shop too.

The last time we were here during Ramadan, so it was not allowed to eat and drink at the beach, only at the café area which was curtained. One of the restaurants was open, but there was no music of course.

We drove to get there, but you can get to Saadiyat beach by taxi, there are always taxis waiting in the front so you will be Ok on your way home too, and there are regular buses coming here from the centre as well.

The sand at this beach is white, the sea a beautiful turquoise colour, so it instantly became my favourite spot in Abu Dhabi.

The water is quite calm so it’s not suitable for surfing and there are no water sports activities available here (yet).
Right next door is the Saadiyat beach club, which is much more exclusive and elegant, but the entry fee there is double, so unless you’re planning to spend the whole day at the beach I’d say Saadiyat public beach will do splendidly! We felt like we were on holiday somewhere on a tropical island, while we only had to drive 20 minutes from our house to get to this beautiful spot. So yes, Abu Dhabi is still my favourite place to live 😊