I'm a UAE expert, these are the best beach hotels in Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi’s city break credentials are no secret – but for some reason, Its beaches remain under the radarBut when you see the pristine sands and Maldives-blue waters, you’ll want to ditch that hectic sightseeing tour and kick back with a pina colada instead.

The city and the wider emirate contain 200 islands, and its coastline ranges from wide and wild to calm and current-free. For families, beaches The city’s inland waterways and Corniche are the best, while open sea-facing avenues – such as Saadiyat Island – offer a more untamed, natural setting.

There aren’t a lot of free public beaches Abu Dhabi, Therefore accommodation by the sea can be expensive. However, the following hotel Not only boasts of unmatched accessibility, but also the finest facilities, rooms and service. If you’re staying elsewhere (or just in town for a quick stop) most offer day passes too – which usually include credit for lunch or drinks.

Whatever your style or budget, these are the best beach hotels in Abu Dhabi.

For best hotel in Abu Dhabi, Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Abu Dhabi and luxury hotel In Abu Dhabi, see our guide.

The best beach hotels in Abu Dhabi 2025

at a glance

1. St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is home to the exclusive Nation Riviera Beach Club ,Marriott International,

Perched on one of the most attractive towers on the Corniche, this St. Regis – one of two in Abu Dhabi – might seem like an unexpected beach hotel. But just across the street (through the most spectacular ‘tunnel’ you’ll ever walk through) is its exclusive Nation Riviera Beach Club, complete with deluxe double cabanas, a swimming pool and abundant swaying palm trees. The sand is soft and golden, and the adjacent beach bar serves nibbles and sharers galore: think Cajun-spiced calamari, hickory chicken wings, and poke bowls. Ideal for spending some luxury time at the beach during busy city holidays.

Address: Nation Towers – Corniche St – Al Bateen – W44 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Read more: best hotels in abu dhabi

2. Anantara Santorin Abu Dhabi Retreat hotel

Escape to Greece via the UAE at this Anantara property ,Anantara Santorin Abu Dhabi Retreat,

The water at this boutique adults-only hotel is brilliant, incredibly turquoise: the color you’d expect in the Maldives or the Seychelles, and it’s almost always glass-cool. Add soft sand, abundant sun loungers and a water sports centre, and you have beach perfection. From the curvilinear white architecture to the fuchsia bougainvillea planted at every door, the entire hotel is styled like it’s in Sardinia – and with only 22 rooms, the beach never feels crowded. It’s 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport, a remote beach frequented by turtles, dugongs and tropical fish – so keep an eye out when you’re out exploring on the hotel’s paddleboards and glass-bottom kayaks.

Address: Al Jarf 22, Ghantoot – Al Samha – Al Jarf – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

3. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal hotel

For a family-friendly option, choose The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal ,The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal,

For families, the Ritz-Carlton’s private beach is ideal: the water is quite calm, while the sand is perfect for barefoot play and building castles. It’s situated on an inland waterway, so what you lack in open ocean views you’ll make up for with peace of mind (and the novelty of passing boats and jetskis), with a fenced swimming area for added safety. Even better, the hotel’s massive pool – one of the largest in the UAE – is just a few sandy steps away, complete with a swim-up bar, lifeguard service and restaurant.

Address: Al Karamah Street – Al Rawdah – المُقُع – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

4. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel

Some of the best views from the beach at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr ,Fairmont Bab Al Bahr,

Located on the same bay as the Ritz-Carlton but facing the opposite direction, the Fairmont’s two beaches overlook one of Abu Dhabi’s star attractions: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You can admire its gleaming white domes and tall minarets from your sun lounger (although this is no substitute for an actual visit, ideally arrive at 9am to beat the crowds), while the calm shallows and powdery sand are perfect for families. The beach area is large, including several swimming/splash pools, while the nearby water sports center offers jetskiing, paddleboarding and sunset cruises.

Address: Rabdan – Khor Al Maqta – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

5. St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort hotel

Nothing will bother you at this remote nature reserve beach ,St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort,

Stroll the boardwalk through the grass-topped dunes, and you’ll find the blue shallows and pristine sands of Saadiyat Beach. This 9km-long coastline is a protected nature reserve, where sea turtles come to nest on the sand and dolphins are often seen on calm days – and the St. Regis sits right on the coast. Although it’s only a 15-minute drive from the city center and 10 minutes from the Louvre Museum, this resort’s atmosphere is shamelessly flip-flopping: gracious waiters bring snacks and drinks straight to your sun lounger, while the watersports hub offers kayaks, SUPs and boogie boards.

Address: Al Saadiyat Island – SDN1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Read more: Best Family Hotels in Dubai

6. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island hotel

To be guaranteed a high-quality beach, book a room on Jumeirah Saadiyat Island ,Jumeirah Saadiyat Island,

At the opposite end of Saadiyat Beach, Jumeirah feels more remote than the St. Regis: the coast here is quieter, but you have to travel a few minutes further to reach the town. The entire beach is a Blue Flag area for its impeccable cleanliness and quality, and the sand gently falls into the muddy waters – while lifeguards patrol the coast on foot and by paddleboard. Bonus points for the hotel’s zero-plastic efforts, too: from biodegradable wheat straws to free refillable bottles and water stations throughout the grounds.

Address: Al Saadiyat Island – SDN3 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

7. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas hotel

From beach bars to watersports, there's plenty to do on the beach at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas — From beach bars to watersports, there’s plenty to do on the beach at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas ,Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas,

Also on the popular coast of Saadiyat Island, the Rotana holds a prime position on the beach and is one of the few UAE hotels to offer all-inclusive packages. The sunsets here are gorgeous: best enjoyed on the long sandy walk or with passionfruit mojitos at the Nsama Beach Bar. Motorized watercraft are prohibited in this marine wildlife sanctuary, so the beach never feels noisy or bustling – and the hotel’s sun loungers are plentiful even at peak times. If the ocean is a little too rough for the youngsters, there’s a splash pool, lazy river and waterslides in its place.

Address: Al Saadiyat Island – SDN1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

8. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yam Villas Resort hotel

For a nearly empty beach experience, visit this Anantara resort ,Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yam Villas Resort,

Getting to Sir Bani Yas Island is an adventure, involving a two-hour drive from the capital and a 25-minute boat trip – but your reward is a vast sandy beach almost to yourself. At the all-villa Al Yam Resort, sun loungers are 25 steps away, the sand is covered with exotic shells, and turquoise waters lap at the shore. No crowds, no noise: it feels like your own private island. Little gazelles are nibbling on the grass, and peacocks are strutting by each villa’s pool – while beach activities range from SUP and snorkelling to kayaking through the island’s mangrove forest. A great place to spend a few days off from the city.

Address: Sir Bani Yas Island, 12452 Dassah, United Arab Emirates

9. Al Maya Island & Resort hotel

Al Maya Island and Resort Hotel is located on an island just off the city center ,Getty Images/iStockphoto,

For an island escape without leaving the capital, visit El Maya – just like the locals do. Every weekend, they come here for ‘vacation’ on the sand, but weekdays are much quieter: ideal for a short respite from the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi. It’s not as glitzy as most Abu Dhabi beach hotels, but the beach is immaculate, thatched cabanas are shady, and waiters take naps among the loungers with trays of signature cocktails (try the ‘Dive Deeper’ with peach schnapps and fresh ginger). To reach the island, it is a 15-minute boat trip from the Al Maya Boat Dock, near the western end of the Corniche.

Address: Al Maya Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

10. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

For a private beach, visit the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi ,Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas,

From sunset yoga on the sand to moonlit dinner at Shala Beach Lounge, life at the Park Hyatt revolves around the Saadiyat shoreline. The hotel is located on a private part of the beach, and all of its rooms have west-facing balconies – so open your patio windows and enjoy the sea breeze and views. While families are welcome (and its free kids club entertains ages five to 12), the resort’s atmosphere is decidedly adult – whether you’re taking a round on the nearby sea-view golf course at Saadiyat, or flopping on a sun lounger with a frosty rosé in hand.

Address: Al Saadiyat Island – SDN1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Why trust us?

The hotels on this list have been carefully selected by The Independent’s expert travel writer, Hazel Plush, who has been traveling to the Middle East for many years and has a deep knowledge of the destination. When selecting which hotels to include, Hazel considered her experience staying in hotels and evaluated location, amenities, service, and all the other details that create an exceptional stay for all types of travelers.

questions to ask

Which currency do I want?

Abu Dhabi uses the UAE dirham (AED).

Where are the best beaches?

For beaches where entry is free, visit Al Baten Beach, Corniche Beach, Al Hudayriyyat Island and Mirfa Beach.

When is the best time of year to visit?

Abu Dhabi can be extremely hot during the summer months, so for more pleasant weather, visit between November and April, when temperatures hover around 24C (75F) during the day and 13C (56F) at night.

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