Imagine a beach where world-class surfing meets pristine Arabian Gulf waters, where cycling paths connect to adventure parks, and where you can watch the sunset from soft white sand before the beach transforms into Abu Dhabi’s first-ever night swimming destination. That’s Hudayriyat Beach – and it’s about to become your new favorite place in the UAE.
Last December, I drove across the suspension bridge to Hudayriyat Island expecting just another Abu Dhabi beach. What I discovered was an entire universe of experiences packed onto 3,000 hectares of pure island magic. I spent the morning kayaking through calm waters, the afternoon attempting to surf (badly) at the world’s most advanced wave pool, and the evening watching families play beach volleyball as the Musco lighting system illuminated the shore for night swimming. This wasn’t just a beach visit – it was a revelation during your Abu Dhabi city tour.
What Makes Hudayriyat Beach Different from Every Other UAE Beach
Abu Dhabi’s First Night Swimming Beach
Hudayriyat Beach features the capital’s first-ever night swimming facility at Marsana East Beach, with floodlights illuminating the shoreline and professional lifeguards on duty until 10pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends. This game-changing feature means you can actually enjoy the beach during Abu Dhabi’s hot summer months when daytime temperatures become unbearable.
The night beach experience includes luxury beach furniture, complimentary towels, mini coolers stocked with fresh water, and an on-demand food and beverage service from Marsana’s eight restaurants – all ordered via QR code and delivered to your beach spot.
Night Beach Pricing:
- Monday-Thursday: AED 50 adults (12+), AED 25 children (6-11), Free under 5
- Friday-Sunday: Premium pricing for extended hours until midnight
The Beach Itself: What You Need to Know
Hudayriyat Beach offers free access from sunrise to sunset, with a dedicated 600-metre swimming zone within the vast 24,000 sq. m. area. The beach earned the prestigious Blue Flag sustainability award, recognizing its environmental management, water quality, safety standards, and services.
Key Features:
- Soft white sand that stays relatively cool
- Crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming
- Lifeguard-patrolled with professional safety standards
- Gentle waves ideal for families with children
- Shallow entry making it accessible for all ages
- Stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline across the water
Beach Rules (Important): ✅ Allowed: Swimming until sunset, tents and chairs (daytime only), bringing food and drinks, setting up small tables
❌ Not Allowed: Swimming after sunset (except at night beach area), overnight stays, grilling, bonfires, drinks in or near water
What Makes It Special: Unlike Dubai’s crowded beaches or Abu Dhabi’s hotel-dominated shores, Hudayriyat Beach maintains that rare balance – accessible, clean, spacious, and genuinely family-friendly without feeling commercialized.
Beyond the Beach: Hudayriyat Island’s Incredible Attractions
Surf Abu Dhabi: Ride World-Class Waves in the Desert
Surf Abu Dhabi features state-of-the-art wave pool technology where surfers can enjoy epic barrels and long, custom-designed rides in a private setting, designed in partnership with surfing legend Kelly Slater. This isn’t just the region’s best surf facility – it’s recognized globally as one of the most advanced wave parks ever built.
Wave Options for Every Level:
Beach Break (Beginners): Gentle green water and faster white water mimicking an ocean beach break. Perfect for first-timers learning to paddle and pop up.
Cocoa Beach (Intermediate): Waist-high, butter-smooth waves with easy take-offs. The sweet spot for building confidence and working on technique.
Point Break (Advanced): Fast waves with long, clean faces perfect for turns and soft barrels. Where progression meets showing off.
Kelly’s Wave (Expert): Customisable barrels, open-faced turn sections, and exhilarating speeds designed by Kelly Slater himself. This mechanical marvel delivers perfect barrels on command – the world’s longest ride, biggest barrel, and largest man-made wave.
Pricing: Starting from AED 600 for sessions
Includes: All equipment (boards, wetsuits, accessories, towels, sun protection)
Pro Tip: Arrive at least one hour before your experience time to fully enjoy the best surfing experience
Dining at Surf Abu Dhabi:
Nalu Surf Club: Barefoot luxury with Latin American and Asian fusion, creative cocktails, and direct wave pool views. The laid-back vibe perfectly captures surf culture.
Ilios Beach Club: Modern Greek-Mediterranean cuisine with Mykonos energy. Features the Apollo Bar, cabanas, and DJ sets creating permanent euro summer vibes.
321 Sports: Abu Dhabi’s Premier Sports Village
321 Sports is a world-class sporting facility developed by Modon and managed by Ahdaaf Sports Management, catering to recreational sports enthusiasts and elite athletes.
Facilities Include:
- FIFA-certified football fields (5v5, 7v7, 11v11)
- World Rugby certified rugby fields
- Indoor and outdoor tennis courts
- Padel tennis courts (indoor and outdoor)
- Basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton courts
- Six-lane athletics track
- 50-meter outdoor swimming pool
- Cricket fields and batting nets
- State-of-the-art gym with functional training area
- Yoga studio, sauna, plunge pool
- Recovery facilities for athletes
Membership Options:
- Platinum Membership: Gym access, pool, beach access at Bab Al Nojoum, recovery facilities, discounts on activities
- Silver Membership: Gym access with service discounts
- Day Passes: AED per day for gym, functional fitness, showers, lockers, recovery facilities
- Free Trial: One fitness class free before committing
Special Programs:
- 321 Sports Football Academy
- World Padel Academy (WPA)
- Exos Performance Mentorship
- Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Series
- Pickleball sessions (fastest growing racket sport in USA)
Circuit X Adventure Park: High-Adrenaline Fun
Circuit X at Hudayriyat Island was designed to deliver high-adrenaline experiences across four distinct parks.
The Four Parks:
1. BMX / Pump Track
Features for cyclists to perform feats, jumps, and tricks. Open Monday-Thursday 17:00-23:00, Friday 16:00-23:00, Weekends 09:00-00:00, 16:00-23:00.
2. High Ropes Park
Zip lines, aerial obstacles, and challenges testing your fear barriers. Same hours as BMX track.
3. Skate Park
Designed for skateboarders and scooter riders of all levels with various obstacles. Sunday features adult hours (13+) from 20:00-22:00.
4. Splash & Climb Park
Water fun for kids with climbing elements. Weekdays 16:00-23:00, Weekends 09:00-23:00.
Summer Camps: Circuit X offers camps with activities including kayaking, water obstacles, football, team building, ziplining, science experiments, and arts & crafts.
Pricing: Day passes and monthly memberships available starting from AED 200+
OCR Park: Permanent Obstacle Course Paradise
OCR Park (Obstacle Course Racing) features the UAE’s largest permanent obstacle course site. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts wanting to test their strength, endurance, and agility through challenging obstacles.
Bab Al Nojoum: Glamping Under Arabian Stars
Experience luxury camping in duplex tent villas that evoke Maldives-style tranquility. This urban camping destination offers beachfront glamping with stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and that unique blend of nature and luxury.
What’s Included:
- Luxury tent accommodations
- Access to private beach areas
- Dining at 28 Degrees Restaurant
- Stargazing with minimal light pollution
- BBQ facilities and campfire experiences (in designated areas)
Perfect for: Romantic weekends, family bonding, friends’ getaways, anyone wanting overnight beach experiences without roughing it.
Cycling Paradise: Two-Wheeled Adventures
The suspension bridge has two cycling track loops, one 5 kilometers long and the other up to 10 kilometers long, with dedicated bike tracks providing stunning views of Downtown skyline, Etihad Towers, and the Arabian Gulf.
Cycling Features:
- Dedicated cycling lanes on suspension bridge from mainland
- Well-lit tracks for night riding
- Trail X: Abu Dhabi’s first mountain bike trail
- Scenic routes showcasing island’s natural beauty
- Bike rentals available (Yas Cycles has shop on island)
- Helmets included with rentals
Events: The island hosts the Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Series and Tour de Hudayriyat with special recovery passes at 321 Sports.
Dining & Refreshments: From Food Trucks to Fine Dining
Waterfront Dining at Marsana
Marsana is the vibrant waterfront promenade featuring colorful beach huts, vibrant street art, sculptures, and diverse dining outlets.
Popular Restaurants:
- Shrimp Pot: Seafood specialists
- Drilled: Casual dining
- Al Shader Restaurant and Grill: Traditional Arabic cuisine
- Harr & Hloo: International fusion
Weekend Food Trucks
The beach comes alive on weekends with various food trucks offering everything from gourmet burgers to Arabic street food, ice cream, fresh juices, and coffee.
Bringing Your Own
Unlike some UAE beaches, Hudayriyat welcomes you bringing your own food and drinks. Set up small tables, pack a picnic, and enjoy meals on the sand. Just remember drinks aren’t allowed in or near the water.
Heritage Trail: Cultural Discovery
The Hudayriyat Heritage Trail celebrates the island’s history as home to pearl divers. Walk through the trail discovering cultural and lifestyle experiences that connect modern Hudayriyat to its traditional roots.
Trail Features:
- Historical markers and information boards
- Traditional architecture elements
- Pearl diving heritage exhibits
- Nature walks through island’s ecosystems
- Photo opportunities with cultural backdrops
Hours: Everyday 06:00-22:00
Entry: Free
How to Get to Hudayriyat Beach
By Car (Easiest Option)
A suspension bridge connects Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Street (19th street) to Khalifa Al Mubarak Street. Simply navigate towards Hudayriyat Island via the bridges connecting it to the mainland.
From Abu Dhabi City Center: 10-15 minutes
From Dubai: 1.5 hours via E11 highway
Parking: Large free parking area near beach entrance
GPS Coordinates: Search “Hudayriyat Beach Abu Dhabi” or “Marsana East”
By Public Transport
Bus Number 73: Starts from Reem Island and provides transportation to Hudayriyat Beach
By Taxi/Uber: Readily available from anywhere in Abu Dhabi. From city center costs approximately AED 20-30.
By Bicycle
The island is extremely popular with cyclists who use designated lanes to ride their bikes right over the suspension bridge from the mainland – a scenic and healthy way to arrive.
Best Times to Visit Hudayriyat Beach
By Season
Winter (November-March): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutely perfect. Temperatures range 20-28°C, making all-day beach visits comfortable. Water remains warm while air is pleasant. This is peak season – expect more crowds on weekends but still manageable.
Spring (April-May): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Still excellent. Temperatures climbing to 30-35°C but not unbearable. Water is perfect for swimming. Good time before summer heat arrives.
Summer (June-September): ⭐⭐⭐
Very hot (40-45°C+) during daytime. This is when night beach truly shines. Come for sunset onwards when temperatures drop and swimming under lights creates magical experiences. Daytime visits require heat tolerance.
Autumn (October): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Transitioning from hot to pleasant. Good middle ground between summer heat and winter perfection.
By Day of Week
Weekdays (Sunday-Thursday): Less crowded, easier parking, more space on beach. Perfect for peaceful visits.
Weekends (Friday-Saturday): Busier atmosphere, food trucks operating, more families, energetic vibe. Arrive early for best spots.
Best Timing:
- Sunrise swimmers: 6:00-8:00 AM (practically empty, stunning morning light)
- Family morning: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (comfortable temperatures, lifeguards on duty)
- Sunset lovers: 4:00-7:00 PM (golden hour photography, comfortable evening air)
- Night beach: After sunset until 10:00 PM or midnight (unique experience, cooler temperatures)
What to Bring: Your Essential Packing List
Must-Haves: ✓ Sunscreen (SPF 50+ essential)
✓ Sunglasses and hat
✓ Swimwear and towel
✓ Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
✓ Cash for food trucks and rentals
✓ Phone/camera for photos
✓ Light cover-up or shirt
Recommended: ✓ Beach umbrella or pop-up tent (allowed during daytime)
✓ Folding chairs
✓ Cooler with drinks and snacks
✓ Beach toys for kids
✓ Waterproof phone case
✓ Flip-flops or water shoes
✓ Small first aid kit
✓ Portable phone charger
For Active Visitors: ✓ Cycling clothes and helmet (if bringing own bike)
✓ Athletic shoes for sports facilities
✓ Skateboard/scooter for skate park
✓ Tennis/padel racket if you have preferred equipment
Perfect Day Itineraries at Hudayriyat Island
Family Day Out
8:00 AM – Arrive early, claim prime beach spot, kids play in shallow water
10:00 AM – Breakfast at food trucks or bring picnic
11:00 AM – Explore Circuit X Splash Park (kids’ favorite)
12:30 PM – Lunch at Marsana restaurants
2:00 PM – Rest time at beach, build sandcastles
3:30 PM – Walk Heritage Trail, rent bikes for easy loop
5:00 PM – Return to beach for sunset
6:00 PM – Dinner and departure
Cost estimate: Free beach + AED 200-300 for Circuit X + meals
Fitness Enthusiast’s Dream
6:00 AM – Sunrise run on athletics track at 321 Sports
7:00 AM – Gym session (day pass)
9:00 AM – Quick beach swim
10:00 AM – Surf lesson at Surf Abu Dhabi
12:00 PM – Recovery facilities (sauna, plunge pool)
1:00 PM – Healthy lunch at Nalu
2:30 PM – Padel match at WPA x 321 Sports
5:00 PM – Cycling loops around island
6:30 PM – Beach volleyball pickup game
8:00 PM – Protein-rich dinner
Cost estimate: AED 800-1,200 (day pass + surf session + court rental + meals)
Romantic Couples Escape
4:00 PM – Arrive for golden hour beach time
5:30 PM – Kayaking rental for sunset paddle
7:00 PM – Shower and change at facilities
8:00 PM – Dinner at Ilios Beach Club with wave pool views
10:00 PM – Night beach stroll under illuminated shoreline
11:00 PM – Overnight glamping at Bab Al Nojoum
Cost estimate: AED 1,000-1,500 (activities + dinner + glamping)
Adventure Seeker’s Challenge
9:00 AM – BMX track session at Circuit X
10:30 AM – High Ropes Park obstacles and zip lines
12:00 PM – Quick lunch
1:00 PM – Surf Abu Dhabi intermediate session
3:30 PM – OCR Park obstacle course
5:00 PM – Skate park
6:30 PM – Mountain biking on Trail X
8:00 PM – Well-deserved feast at Shrimp Pot
Cost estimate: AED 600-900 (park passes + surf + meals)
Money-Saving Tips
Free Activities (AED 0):
- Beach access and swimming
- Cycling tracks and paths
- Heritage Trail exploration
- Playgrounds for children
- Watching sunset
- Jogging/running tracks around island
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Bring your own food and drinks (allowed)
- Visit on weekdays (some facilities offer discounts)
- Day passes vs. memberships if visiting occasionally
- Free trial fitness class at 321 Sports
- Public parking (free)
Splurge-Worthy Experiences:
- Surf Abu Dhabi (truly world-class, worth every dirham)
- Night beach with full service
- Glamping at Bab Al Nojoum
- Fine dining at Ilios or Nalu
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hudayriyat Beach really free?
Yes! There is no entry fee to Hudayriyat island, and many of the island’s features are free to use, including the beach, bike paths and playground. You only pay for specific activities, dining, or the night beach premium service.
Q: Can I camp overnight on the beach?
No. Overnight stays, grilling, and bonfires are not allowed on the public beach. However, you can book glamping at Bab Al Nojoum for overnight experiences.
Q: Are there showers and changing facilities?
Yes. The beach has showers and separate bathrooms for men and women.
Q: Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely. The shallow, calm waters, lifeguard supervision, playgrounds, and family-friendly atmosphere make it ideal for kids of all ages.
Q: Can I bring my own bike?
Yes! Many visitors bring their own bikes. Alternatively, rent from Yas Cycles shop on the island.
Q: What’s the best beach in Abu Dhabi?
Hudayriyat Beach consistently ranks as one of Abu Dhabi’s best due to its accessibility, cleanliness, free entry, and the incredible range of activities on the island.
Q: How long should I plan to spend?
Minimum 2-3 hours for beach only. Full day (6-8 hours) to enjoy beach plus island activities. Weekend stay to experience everything including glamping.
Q: Is food expensive on the island?
It varies. Food trucks and casual dining are reasonably priced (AED 30-60 per person). Fine dining at Ilios or Nalu is premium (AED 150-300+ per person). Bringing your own food is allowed and free.
Final Verdict: Why Hudayriyat Beach Is Abu Dhabi’s Best-Kept Secret
Hudayriyat Beach isn’t just a beach – it’s a complete destination that happens to have an incredible beach as its centerpiece. Hudayriyat Mar Vista Beach is a vibrant touristic, cultural and sports destination offering food and beverage outlets, entertainment, leisure offerings, and facilities for sports activities.
Choose Hudayriyat Beach if you want: ✓ Free, clean, spacious beach access
✓ Swimming under the stars (night beach)
✓ World-class surfing in the desert
✓ Professional sports facilities
✓ Adventure parks for all ages
✓ Scenic cycling routes
✓ Diverse dining options
✓ Cultural experiences
✓ Glamping under stars
✓ Family-friendly atmosphere
What makes it special: While Dubai’s beaches feel commercialized and Abu Dhabi’s Corniche gets crowded, Hudayriyat maintains that perfect balance – accessible yet spacious, developed yet natural, family-friendly yet sophisticated. The island’s master plan ensures every element complements the others, creating a cohesive destination rather than disconnected attractions.
The suspension bridge crossing alone is worth it – cycling over the water with Abu Dhabi’s skyline behind you and the turquoise Gulf ahead creates that “I love the UAE” moment. Add world-record-breaking wave pools, night swimming under professional lighting, professional sports facilities, adventure parks, and pristine beaches, and you understand why locals consider Hudayriyat their weekend sanctuary.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet morning swim, an adrenaline-packed adventure day, a romantic sunset escape, or a full weekend immersion in everything Abu Dhabi’s island paradise offers, Hudayriyat Beach delivers beyond expectations.
Pack your bags, charge your camera, and discover why this island is rapidly becoming the worst-kept secret in Abu Dhabi – because once you visit, you’ll want to tell everyone about it.
Pro tip: Follow @hudayriyatisland and @surfabudhabi on Instagram for latest events, special offers, and stunning photography inspiration before your visit.
Useful Links:
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