The Corniche and Saadiyat beach: Abu Dhabi by the water

The Corniche runs along the western edge of the city for about eight kilometres, with a wide promenade, a cycle track and a Blue Flag public beach. It is where Abu Dhabi walks in the evening: joggers, families, cyclists and people simply sitting on the sea wall. Bikes can be hired along the way.

Go in the last two hours before sunset in November to March, walk or cycle one stretch and stop for tea or an early dinner. Entry to the promenade is free; check which beach sections are free and which are ticketed.

Saadiyat's beaches are wider and quieter, with white sand, clear water and facilities. It is the better choice for a proper swim or a long afternoon, and it sits beside the Cultural District, so a museum in the morning and a beach after lunch works well. Sunset here is a quieter version of the Corniche's.

Public beaches are family-oriented and modest swimwear is expected away from resort areas. Weekends are busy; weekday afternoons are easy. There is more on sunset locations in our guide to the best places to watch the sunset in Abu Dhabi.

Bring water, a hat and a cover-up for the walk, and keep a layer for the evening breeze in winter. Cafés along the Corniche are easy for a stop, and restaurants fill early on Fridays and Saturdays, so book a table if you plan to eat after sunset.

In the cool months, sunset falls between about 5:30pm and 6:30pm, so plan to be on the water by about 5pm. A taxi or ride-hailing app is the simplest way between the Corniche and Saadiyat, and the two work well on separate days.