Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi Corniche is the place where the capital connects with the sea. At its heart lies the immaculate Corniche Beach, loved for its soft sand and well-kept walkways. Along this famous stretch, the waterfront is a hive of activity. SurfnSlide indoor surf park and Bounce Abu Dhabi at Marina Mall draw in the adventurous, while the Emirates Palace Beach Club brings five-star sophistication to the water’s edge.

Meanwhile, popular marinas found at the opulent Emirates Palace and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club are busy launch points for virtually every watercraft you could imagine �� think yac

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Landmarks, leisure and living history

On the inland side of the Corniche, you’ll find a dense concentration of museums, gardens and historic landmarks, each one adding a new layer to Abu Dhabi’s story. Explore traditional crafts at the House of Artisans, learn about Abu Dhabi's past at Qasr Al Hosn, or view the iconic 3D art installation at The Founder's Memorial. You might even choose to take it easy, and join local families on an afternoon stroll through the area’s sprawling green spaces, like Sheikha Fatima Park and The Lake Park.

The Corniche also links together a vast array of Abu Dhabi’s bucket-list sites, painting a clear picture of the city’s history. Qasr Al Watan, the Cultural Foundation and Heritage Village each capture a different moment in the city’s past and present, and they’re not to be missed. Add a couple of long-running traditional shopping spots like Hamdan Centre and the World Trade Center Mall, and it’s abundantly clear that the Corniche showcases every facet of Abu Dhabi’s personality in a way few other locations can.

Things to do in the Corniche area

Walk along Corniche Beach

See Emirates Palace's grand design

Explore Arab heritage at Qasr Al Watan

Visit centuries-old Qasr Al Hosn

Jump around Bounce Abu Dhabi

See traditional life at Heritage Village

Shop at the World Trade Center Mall

Marvel at The Founders Memorial

Coastal experiences in the Corniche area

ALL LOCATIONS

Where to stay in the Corniche area

Getting around the Corniche

With its central location, broad pedestrian promenades and dedicated cycling paths, the Corniche is one of the city’s most walkable and accessible areas.

The Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus is a free and efficient way to reach the Corniche: Route B1 conveniently loops through central Abu Dhabi with stops near key Corniche landmarks, including Heritage Village, the Founder’s Memorial and Qasr Al Watan.

The public bus network also serves the Corniche well, with multiple routes – including Bus 5, 7 and 8 – stopping at regular intervals along the stretch. These connect the Corniche to the central bus station and nearby neighbourhoods like Al Zahiyah and Al Bateen.

Prefer to get around on two wheels? The Corniche is one of the best places in Abu Dhabi to do it. The area has dedicated bike lanes and multiple Careem Bike stations, allowing visitors to rent bikes on demand via a mobile app. With flexible pricing and hourly or daily options, it’s a scenic, sustainable way to explore the area.

Finally, taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are widely available and offer a quick and comfortable way to get around or transfer between destinations along the Corniche.

Thrilling water activities in Abu Dhabi

FAQs about the Corniche

What are the activities available at Abu Dhabi Corniche?

The Abu Dhabi Corniche offers a wide variety of activities for all types of visitors. Enjoy dozens of water adventures, including jet skiing, yacht rental, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, parasailing, banana and donut boat rides, fishing charters and dhow cruises. These are just the beginning – check out the map above for the full list of available water activities around the Corniche area.

Of course, the Corniche area's activities go beyond those on water. Along the shore, visitors can walk, jog or cycle along the wide promenade, relax at family-friendly parks, explore nearby cultural landmarks and enjoy beachside cafés and food trucks.

Are there bicycle rentals available at Corniche?

Yes, bike rental is widely available along Abu Dhabi's Corniche. You’ll find several rental stations offering single bikes, tandem and family-friendly options.

Is entry to Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach free?

Yes, entry to the public beach at Abu Dhabi Corniche is free. The beach is divided into open-access and gated sections. While the public areas are free of charge, some gated family and singles sections offer added amenities (like sunbeds and lifeguards) for a small fee.

What are the best times to visit Corniche?

The Corniche is best enjoyed during the cooler months between October and April, especially in the mornings or late afternoons when the weather is pleasant and the light is ideal for photos. Evenings are popular with both locals and visitors – the promenade comes alive with families, runners and casual diners enjoying the breeze.