Abu Dhabi Corniche

      The Abu Dhabi Corniche will take a special place in the minds of all the travelers who take an opportunity to spend a few moments along this picturesque beauty and visiting the Corniche can be considered as one of the top ten Things to do in Abu Dhabi. Located along the north-western shore of Abu Dhabi, the Corniche is marked at one end by the Breakwater where the Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi theatre are located, while the other end hosts the traditional port and Iranian souk. It can also be defined with the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel at one end and then extending along the Emirates Palace Hotel on to the Heritage Village at the other end. 

      The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a long road that extends almost 9 km with a lengthy stretch of beach along it. There are several lush, green gardens lined all along the Corniche with fountains strategically located at every intersection of the Corniche walkways and the entrance. It has been one of the popular Abu Dhabi locations for quality leisure and recreation, as well as a iconic destination for several high-end entertainment and sporting events like the free Yasalam concerts, part of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that runs every year, the World of Music, Art and Dance (WOMAD) and Volvo Ocean Race 2011. 

      With the modern buildings facing the sea in the background, Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.  The other side of the Corniche road is famous for star hotels, restaurants and high rise buildings and it is a premium housing location in the capital, offering luxurious apartments for residents. Shopaholics has got plenty options to roam around Marina Mall with Carrefour inside and premium supermarket brands such as Spinneys and Abela.

     The Abu Dhabi Corniche not only provides a refreshing landscape to unwind and is slated to be a top tourist beach destination in Abu Dhabi. There is a dedicated parking area further along the Abu Dhabi Corniche on the other side of the road. The newly-refurbished waterfront has become one of the most popular Abu Dhabi attractions and has got separate sections for families, entertainment events, barbecues, and beach activities. 

      Athletes can go for some practice, families can relax in the nicely carved sitting chairs under the numerous palm trees and enable children to enjoy in the greenish playgrounds and love pair can manage to get some romantic space in the open to spend time with each other and watch the sunset, the Abu Dhabi Corniche is the best place for all. A separate cycle track has been provided for cycling enthusiasts and has got clearly demarcated areas for walking, playing beach volleyball, children's playgrounds, swimming area and toilet facilities.
 

      The new beach on Abu Dhabi Corniche for the public extends along Corniche Road from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, where its main entrance is located.  Benches have been placed along the landscaped area giving the people one of the most beautiful sights of the turquoise water.  There are specified swimming areas in the Abu Dhabi Corniche that are monitored by lifeguards. For enhanced security in the sea, the swimming areas will be demarcated by the floating fences at 40 meters into the sea. Several beach umbrellas are placed for those visiting the beach and who want to get under the shade away from the hot sun. 

     The newly launched permanent wakeboarding Beginners Park developed by Abu Dhabi Municipality in conjunction with Flash Entertainment is open to the public daily from 12pm to 6pm and is free to use. The enthusiasts can get assistance & top tips from wakeboarding experts for catching the waves. (Corniche Road West, Al Khubeirah,  Corniche Pedal Power, Fees :  AED 5 for family  (US$1.50), AED10 (US$ 3) for single males, Tel : + 971 2 6788888) 

360 Degree Virtual Tour of the Corniche, Abu Dhabi

 

Hotel Accommodation near Abu Dhabi Corniche: The Abu Dhabi Corniche has got some of the most well-known hotels in the city, like the long-standing Sheraton, the Hilton, Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, Sofitel, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi and the Emirates Palace Hotel, all hotels situated near the Corniche road. Plenty of accommodation options are available in the TCA (Tourist Club Area) which is just 5 minutes drive away in to the city or go for a royal stay in Yas Island which is just 10 minutes drive away from this Abu Dhabi attraction.

How to reach the Abu Dhabi Corniche: International travelers can choose from three international airports located within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to get in to the Corniche located on Abu Dhabi Island. Abu Dhabi Corniche is just 40-minutes drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 100-minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, and about 140 minutes drive from Sharjah International Airport. Travelers coming from Dubai can either go through Yas Island to drive straight to Corniche road or cross Sheikh Zayed Bridge (or Maqta Bridge) to reach the Abu Dhabi Island. Once you reach in the Abu Dhabi Island, go ahead for Tourist Club Area (TCA) where a number of hotel accommodations are available or directly jump to Abu Dhabi Corniche which is just 5 minutes away from there. Corniche road is the 1st Street in the capital.

 

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