The Abu Dhabi Corniche is the capital’s landmark waterfront — a manicured promenade of public beaches, cafes and cycling paths running the length of the city. Free, well-kept and genuinely lovely, the Abu Dhabi Corniche is where the city comes to walk, cycle and swim.
It is one of the best free days out in the capital, at its best from late afternoon into the evening. Here is how to make the most of it, as part of our main Abu Dhabi guide.
Getting your bearings on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
The promenade runs along the western waterfront, taking in the public beach, the breakwater and a string of parks and cafes, with Khalidiyah just inland.
Where to eat on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
Seafront cafes and seafood are the Corniche’s calling card; see the best Corniche seafood and the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Beach and things to do on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
Corniche Beach flies the Blue Flag for clean, safe swimming, and the promenade is built for cycling, running and lazy afternoons; see the UAE’s best beaches.
Where to stay
A run of waterfront hotels lines the Corniche, putting the beach and promenade on your doorstep.
Getting to the Abu Dhabi Corniche
Central and genuinely walkable and cyclable end to end, with taxis on tap; about 90 minutes from Dubai.
Best time to visit
Late afternoon into the evening is best for the promenade and beach; October to April brings the most comfortable weather.
Where to eat and drink on the Corniche
The Corniche is lined with some of Abu Dhabi’s best waterfront dining, and seafood is the local speciality — our guide to the best seafood restaurants on Abu Dhabi Corniche rounds up where to eat with a Gulf view. Beyond the fish, the beachfront cafés and hotel restaurants along the promenade make the Corniche a natural spot for a long, easy meal.
For drinks, the Corniche and its neighbouring hotels feed into our roundups of Abu Dhabi’s best clubs and bars and the best bar food in Abu Dhabi, while the public beach, cycle track and sunset views keep the daytime just as busy. Few stretches of the capital pack in as much to eat, drink and do.
Explore more of Abu Dhabi
Just inland: Khalidiyah. Or head back to the main Abu Dhabi guide.
Good to know
The Corniche is Abu Dhabi’s showpiece waterfront — an eight-kilometre sweep of landscaped promenade, cycle paths and Blue Flag beach running the length of the city’s northwestern shore. It’s the capital’s outdoor living room, busiest at sunset when joggers, cyclists and families fill the path and the skyline lights up across the water. Beach clubs, kiosks and the nearby Marina Mall make the Corniche an all-day destination through the cooler months.