When idling on a sunlounger, swimming in the sea or strolling under a canopy of trees, it's hard to believe that the Corniche was a dhow-loading bay for cargo and passengers until the 1970s. In 2004 land was reclaimed to form the 8km Corniche, and a decade later a major landscaping project transformed the seafront into a much-loved public amenity. The western end of the Corniche at Al Kahlidiyah offers the most facilities.

Parks, fountains, cycle tracks, walking paths and beaches snake along the waterside. Lots of benches, shady spots and exercise stations make this a popular destination for strollers and joggers, and there's a growing number of cafes.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Al Khalidiyah Garden

0.33 MILES

This garden is a good place for people-watching. Once the sun goes down Al Khalidiyah's paths are prime territory for strollers and joggers, while its…

2. Corniche Beach

0.56 MILES

There are several gates to this spotlessly maintained, Blue-Flagged public beach. The turquoise sea, view of Lulu Island, palm trees and gardens make it…

3. Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

0.59 MILES

Although looking a bit worn and tired, this reconstructed village is one of the few places to get an insight into the pre-oil era of the United Arab…

4. UAE Flagpole

0.65 MILES

At 122m, this giant flagpole was the tallest free-standing flagpole in the world when it was constructed in 2001. It lost its title to the Raghadan…

5. Founder's Memorial

0.67 MILES

After six years of planning and construction, this memorial celebrating the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the United Arab Emirates…

6. Al Khalidiyah Public Park

0.71 MILES

One of many popular, shady parks in Abu Dhabi, this park offers a respite from the heat of the Corniche in summer. There's a jogging track (20-minute…

7. Marina Eye

0.75 MILES

This observation big wheel sits rather incongruously in the Marina Mall car park but with its capsules reaching up to 60m at its highest point, it's a…

8. Observation Deck at 300

0.92 MILES

Ride the lift to the 74th floor (your ears may pop along the way) for panoramic views looking down on the skyscrapers and coastline below. The '300'…