Dousing myself into cool azure beaches is one thing that I enjoy a lot. I’m sure everyone would agree that it is so relaxing and definitely it relieves one’s stress whether from work or in life. I was in Abu Dhabi for Eid break and since I heard about its open beaches at its corniche area (there are more in other locations), I headed there together with Syaoran and Vaj. It was worth the time and what we got into did not disappoint us. In fact, we really had fun that afternoon and our stay lasted for more than 3 hours. Originally, our plan was to stay only less than an hour so that we could spend the rest of the evening roaming around the city center. The open beach is located at the west part of the corniche just across ADCO (Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations) building. I think it is one of the safest public beaches I’ve been to in both UAE and KSA. There are security guards stationed around. Lifeguards are visible and checking the swimmers from time to time. Beachgoers, men and women alike, who are clad in beach attires (bikinis) act properly as they were enjoying the water. Respect to everyone is observed. It is far from what we experienced in Dubai’s public beach where other nationalities ogle like hungry vultures. (please read my post: http://clecstrotter.com/2013/08/10/night-swimming-at-jumeira-beach/)
The beach is well taken care of. The white sand that stretches hundreds of meters is regularly raked. The swimming area is cordoned with buoys as marking suggesting that swimmers are warned not to go beyond. It is clean. I had not seen any trash at all. There is an area that exclusive for families. Mosque is near while restaurants, snack kiosks and children’s playgrounds are just within reach. Changing rooms and showers are also available. They have the basic amenities beachgoers need. But I hope they would add more facilities like water sports to delight those visitors and local residents alike who love water adventure.
The beach front at the Open Beach in West Corniche where we dipped into its clear water.
The beach rules are posted in prominent areas to inform beach goers of the do’s and dont’s
Beach map. Corniche beach, the ultimate experience.
One of the kiosks in the area that sells cold drinks and soft ice cream.
Dipping into its clear water is something I truly enjoyed a lot.
Background of the corniche beach is a cluster of Abu Dhabi’s towering buildings.
Syaoran and Vaj reminiscing child hood days, playing “kingking baka”, a Pinoy game, they both enjoyed.
Across the beach is where Marina Mall and one of the tallest flagpoles in UAE are located. That was our destination after the swim.
Abu Dhabi’s corniche beach serves its purpose i.e. a public beach that is accessible and free for everyone. It is one of the treasures that Abu Dhabi could offer to its guests and also to Emiratis who desire a healthy life, a better quality of life above all. As visitors, let us do our part to ensure that cleanliness and orderliness are maintained at corniche beach or at any beach for that matter. Let us not deprive others of the same fun we too experienced, because afterall in this world everyone, like us, deserves to enjoy the nature.
