The Corniche Abu Dhabi

ATOL Protected
All of our holidays that include flights are protected by the ATOL scheme from the moment you book. So if one of our suppliers fails, you’ll get your money back. If you’re left stranded abroad, a flight home will be arranged at no extra cost. Our ATOL number is 11806
ABTA Protected
As proud ABTA members we deliver the highest standards when it comes to our holidays. So if you book with us you’re guaranteed the best service. Our ABTA number is P8283, Y6720.
Secure trust account
Unlike many other travel companies we operate on a trust account model. Once we’ve paid the airline for your flights, the rest of you money is held in a trust account. We do not have access to this directly and can only withdraw funds when you are back home from holiday

Whether you run, cycle, rollerblade or just walk it, no holiday to Abu Dhabi is complete without a trip along The Corniche. Explore the 8km-long beachfront promenade, which sweeps along the western curve of the island and stretches from the Hilton Hotel to the harbour. It's simply the finest way to see the city. Stroll along the fantastic stretches of wide paved boulevard that run along the white sand. Rest on benches near fountains, relax in serene parks or run around in children's playgrounds. You can hire bikes at several stations along the route and even small pedal cars, which are great fun for kids.

The Corniche is clean, very well maintained and safe for all ages. You'll appreciate the added safety of clearly marked separate walking and cycling paths. This area used to be the haunt of pearl fishers and some of the promenade was built on land reclaimed from the sea. Until 2003 the line of hotels was at the water's edge, but now The Corniche takes you right up to the sand.

As you walk or cycle along, take in the captivating architecture on one side and the clear blue sea of the Arabian Gulf on the other side. You might spot a fishing boat bobbing about. Among the buildings you'll pass are Marina Mall, Etihad Towers, World Trade Center and Baynunah Tower.

If you're a cat lover, you'll be pleased to meet plenty of friendly local moggies. Gardeners will enjoy looking at all the flowers and plants which add colour and natural life to The Corniche. You should also look out for Baywatch-style lifeguards and the Abu Dhabi police patrolling on bicycles. Keep an eye out for beach volleyball matches or stop to watch the skateboarders showing off their tricks.

Head over to the free beach, hire a lounger and sunshade for a luxurious day, or simply throw a towel on the sand to keep it low key. You'll have no concerns about swimming, as the beach can boast a Blue Flag for its clean and safe water. You don't even have to dodge the traffic to get to the parks across the road, as there are pedestrian underpasses decorated with mosaic murals. Check out the family park, with trains and boats in the toddlers' village and even a Treasure Island, complete with a pirate ship for older kids to climb on.

You'll discover no shortage of things to see as events take place on The Corniche all year round, such as the Red Bull Air Race and Red Arrows displays, live music and outdoor cinema screenings. Enjoy the gentle breeze from the water. You'll find that the boulevard is cooler, and particularly photogenic, at sunrise and sunset. After an afternoon strolling, running or cycling, take a break at one of the cafés along the way. The Corniche is one of those spots which is great for people watching, so take a seat, order a drink or an ice cream and let the world go by.

More Things To Do ideas

Find more Things To Do in Abu Dhabi City: Abu Dhabi Louvre | Emirates Palace | Sheikh Zayed Mosque | Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi