Day: September 3, 2025

Abu Dhabi Opens a New Family-Friendly Night Beach at the Corniche
Activities
Sandhya Satheesan

Abu Dhabi Opens a New Family-Friendly Night Beach at the Corniche

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche just got a glowing new addition: a free night beach where families, fitness lovers, and late-night strollers can all come together to enjoy the city’s shoreline after sunset. Imagine dipping your toes in the cool sand, watching the skyline sparkle, and knowing it’s safe and welcoming for everyone. That’s exactly what the capital’s newest beach experience promises. Open every evening until midnight, the night beach is designed with both fun and safety in mind. Lifeguards are on duty, allowing families to relax while kids splash in the water, and sports facilities add an extra layer of energy for those who want more than just a swim. What makes it even more special is its inclusive design, featuring accommodations to support visually impaired visitors, ensuring the beach truly belongs to the entire community. With this initiative, Abu Dhabi is proving that the Corniche isn’t just a daytime hotspot; it’s now a vibrant, family-friendly escape where the city comes alive long after the sun goes down. This guide will help you learn more about the new free night beach before you pack your bag to Abu Dhabi.  Snapshot at a Glance  Feature Details Location Braille signage, tactile paths, and floating wheelchairs (available at Gate 3) Size 1,000 sqm swimming area Hours 6 AM-10 PM (Mon-Thu) Until midnight (Fri-Sun) Entry Fee Free Facilities Lifeguards, first aid, sports courts, bright lighting, family-friendly zones Accessibility Braille signage, tactile paths, and floating wheelchairs (available at Gate 3)  Why Now? Abu Dhabi’s Urban Strategy The launch of the Corniche night beach isn’t just a random addition; it’s part of a bigger vision for the city. Abu Dhabi has been steadily investing in public leisure spaces that make urban life more vibrant, safe, and family-oriented. By opening beaches that come alive after sunset, the capital is adapting to the way residents and visitors actually want to spend their time. Long summer days in the UAE can be intense, and cooler evenings naturally invite people outdoors. A night beach creates the perfect setting for families to relax, play, and connect without worrying about the midday heat. From evening swims to late-night walks, it reflects a shift in lifestyle towards after-dark recreation. This move also ties into a broader national trend. Night beaches have already become popular at Marsana on Hudayriyat Island and other coastal spots across the UAE, proving that there’s a real demand for extended hours. With its Corniche project, Abu Dhabi is taking the lead in positioning itself as not only a cultural and business hub, but also as a global family tourism destination. Facilities & Features of the Night Beach The Corniche night beach is designed with families in mind, with safety being the top priority. Lifeguards are stationed across all swimming zones, giving parents peace of mind while kids enjoy the water. On-site first aid services add an extra layer of reassurance, ensuring that help is always close at hand. The beach is also illuminated with strong, eco-conscious lighting, balancing security with sustainability so visitors feel safe even late into the night. Beyond swimming, the night beach is packed with options for recreation and play. Sports lovers can make use of volleyball, basketball, and football courts, perfect for evening matches under the stars. Families will find designated spaces where children can play freely and groups can gather for picnics or celebrations, turning the beach into a true community hub. The experience is not just about activity, it’s also about atmosphere. Visitors can take in stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline glowing against the night sky, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. With easy access to the Corniche promenade, the beach seamlessly blends into the city’s iconic waterfront, making it ideal for a casual evening stroll or a romantic walk by the sea.  Inclusivity: Accessible Beach at Gate 3 One of the most standout features of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche night beach is its commitment to accessibility. At Gate 3, a specially designed zone has been created for visitors with visual impairments and mobility challenges, making sure the joy of the beach is truly for everyone. This inclusive area is equipped with Braille signage, tactile ground surfaces, and guiding ropes that provide safe navigation from the promenade to the water. Visitors can also make use of floating wheelchairs, enabling a comfortable and secure swimming experience. To ensure complete safety, the zone has a dedicated lifeguard along with staff trained to support people of determination. Entry is not only free but also extended to one companion, reinforcing the city’s commitment to inclusivity. By integrating these thoughtful features, Abu Dhabi is aligning with its broader vision of becoming a leader in inclusive tourism and universal design, setting an example for other global destinations to follow. Visitor Experience Guide Category Details Getting There Easily accessible from downtown Abu Dhabi via Corniche Road. Public transport, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are available. Parking near Gates 4-6. Best Times to Visit Open all day, but best enjoyed after sunset. Summer evenings: cooler, breezy swims. Weekends: lively family vibe until midnight. Weekdays: quieter atmosphere. What to Bring Swimwear, towels, hydration, and beach games. Follow modesty dress codes for public beaches. Picnic snacks and mats are recommended for family zones. Nearby Attractions Cafes & eateries on the Corniche promenade. Cycling tracks & children’s playgrounds. Saadiyat Cultural District (short drive). Corniche as a Landmark Stretching over 8 kilometers along Abu Dhabi’s coastline, the Corniche is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Known for its pristine, Blue Flag-certified beaches, landscaped walkways, and family-friendly spaces, it has long been the capital’s go-to destination for relaxation and outdoor activities. For both residents and tourists, the Corniche represents the perfect balance of urban living and natural beauty. The addition of the night beach brings a fresh vibrancy to this iconic stretch. By extending beach life beyond daylight hours, Abu Dhabi has reimagined how the Corniche can be experienced through late-night swims, starlit sports matches, or simple evening strolls with the skyline as a backdrop. In many ways,

Read More »
Surf Abu Dhabi
Activities
Niya Mariam Santhosh

$5,450 for a Surf Session? Step Inside Abu Dhabi’s Mega Wave Pool

Abu Dhabi’s surfing experience just got a luxury upgrade, and the price tag is making waves. A recent $5,450 surfing headline has caught global attention, sparking curiosity among adventurers and skeptics alike.  Following the buzz led us to Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, where the world’s longest artificial wave pool meets Kelly Slater Wave Company’s groundbreaking technology. From flawless barrels to a luxury price tag, Abu Dhabi’s latest attraction is redefining what it means to chase the perfect wave.  Feature Details Pool Length Reported at 690 m, it is the world’s longest artificial surf pool. Some sources list it as 560 m.  Water Volume Holds 80 million litres of seawater, filtered for safe surfing. Wave Technology Powered by Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), it offers world-class artificial waves.  Developer Built by Modon Properties, it has shaped Abu Dhabi as a global surf hub.  Opening Year & Events Opened to the public in October 2024, and hosted the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour (Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic – September 27–29, 2024); later became the second stop on the 2025 WSL Championship Tour (Feb 14–16, 2025). Session Types Includes Open Surf (public access), Surf Trip Plus, Surf Trip, and Discovery/learn-to-surf coaching, all catering to beginners to pros. Pricing Packages are available at premium rates, with VIP luxury surf sessions up to $5,450. The Story Behind Surf Abu Dhabi Building a world-class surf destination in the middle of the desert might sound improbable, but that’s exactly what Abu Dhabi has done. When the headline of a $5,450 luxury surf session went viral, it wasn’t just the price that grabbed attention, it was the idea that surfing in Abu Dhabi could rival legendary spots like Hawaii or Australia. This bold project proves that the UAE isn’t afraid to create big waves. At the heart of this vision is Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s buzzing sports and leisure destination. The wave pool is the jewel in the crown, making the island a must-visit stop for both tourists and locals looking for world-class adventure. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime surf trip, this is your chance to have the perfect vacation.  Want to know the secret behind those perfect waves? The answer is a partnership between Modon Properties and the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC). Blending their ambitious development plans and cutting-edge surf technology, Abu Dhabi now boasts the largest saltwater surf park in the world. This collaboration brought surf culture to the desert in style.  Of course, no luxury surf destination would be complete without world-class design. That’s where BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd), the architecture and design firm behind Surf Abu Dhabi, came in. From the Surf & VIP Club to the waterfront terraces, everything has been crafted to give visitors the feeling of being at an exclusive surf resort. Think blackened steel, natural stone, timber finishes, and chill-out lounges where you can watch waves roll in all day. The final result? The UAE has now become a major player on the world surf map thanks to Surf Abu Dhabi. The venue hosted the World Surf League Longboard Tour in 2024 and has secured its place as a stop on the 2025 WSL Championship Tour. This is Abu Dhabi’s way of saying, “The desert’s got waves too.” The Technology Behind the Waves of Surf Abu Dhabi The answer to Surf Abu Dhabi’s picture-perfect waves lies beneath its surface–it’s smart engineering by Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC). Picture a giant underwater wing gliding smoothly along a track, pulled by a powerful pulley system. As it moves, it pushes water in just the right way to form perfect, surfable waves.  The coolest part? The speed and angle can be adjusted, which means every wave can be customized. Whether you want a soft, beginner-friendly roller or a fast, barreling ride, Surf Abu Dhabi has it all. It’s like having an ocean on demand, right in the middle of Hudayriyat Island. Are you a beginner? Then start with the “Beach Break” or “Cocoa Beach” settings, which are perfect for learning the basics. Intermediates can step it up with the “Point Break” wave, ideal for practicing carves and trims. And for advanced surfers, the legendary “Kelly’s Wave” creates powerful, barreling rides that feel straight out of Hawaii or Indonesia.  While the majority of surf parks around the world opted for freshwater, Abu Dhabi made the bold choice and went for saltwater. Pumping in 80 million litres of slightly desalinated Arabian Gulf seawater, the pool gives riders the same buoyancy and board feel they’d get in the open ocean. This means less adjustment, more comfort, and an instant connection to the waves. Perhaps what sets this surfing experience apart is its record-breaking ride length. The pool stretches up to 690 meters, allowing surfers to enjoy waves that last nearly a full minute. It’s no wonder Surf Abu Dhabi is now hailed as the world’s longest surfable wave pool.  Surf Abu Dhabi Experiences & Pricing: What You Can Expect If you’ve been wondering how much it costs to surf at the world’s longest artificial wave pool, here’s the scoop. From total beginners to pro surfers chasing barrels, Surf Abu Dhabi offers a range of sessions for every level. That viral $5,450 price tag isn’t the whole story. Already know the basics? Then, the Open Surf Beginner session is a great starting point for you. You’ll spend 60 minutes on the mellow Cocoa Beach wave, catching around 6–8 rides for about AED 1,800 (US$490). If you want a bigger challenge, the Intermediate and Advanced Open Surf slots give you 90 minutes of wave time with 20–24 rides, priced at AED 3,500 (US$950).  Never touched a surfboard? No problem! The Learn to Surf group lesson gives you 45 minutes of wave action on the gentle “Beach Break” wave for just AED 600 (US$160). This is a perfect first step into the sport. If you need more personal guidance, upgrade to the 1-on-1 Learn to Surf option, a 90-minute personalized lesson

Read More »