A Place For Everyone
Whether you are on for a morning jog, an evening stroll, casual coffee with friends, or just simply sight-seeing, Corniche is a place to go when in Abu Dhabi. It is an 8-km stretch of road from the Mina Port to the Emirates Palace Hotel, which has bike and pedestrian paths, cafe's, a beach at one side, then family parks at the other.
Facing the opening to the Persian Gulf, it gives you an amazing sunset view. We can't just get enough of sunsets, do you agree?
It is the edge of Abu Dhabi City, hence labeled Street 1/Corniche Road.
Skyscrapers or Beaches?
When you choose to pass the time the Corniche stretch has lots of benches and tents you can sit on where you can just watch the calm sea, oblivious of the buzzing traffic behind you.
Best of both worlds? Yeah, I think you could say that.
Amazing how you can be so close to nature and forget about the stressful day and let all of it disappear with every sound of the waves.
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People come here to spend quality time with their friends or family, or perhaps to just photograph the mesmerizing sunset, who knows?
Fun Fact: In the photo at the right above, you will find a cluster of buildings in the middle of the picture. Called the Mina Plaza tower, these buildings were demolished (even before completion) last November 27, 2020. The 144 floors tower was put down in a controlled implosion that took only 10 seconds and was listed in the Guinness World Record as Tallest building demolished using explosives (controlled demolition).
Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach is divided into 5 sections - the Family beach which is for family, children, and ladies (unaccompanied men are not allowed), the Sahil Beach, which is a paid beach that is open to anybody, then there are three more free to enter public beaches - the West Plaza, East Plaza, and the Western Extension.
Beach parking area is located on the opposite side of the road.
Center of Celebrations
During holidays and special occasions, the Corniche is also a place where residents flock to celebrate. Most fireworks during Eid Holidays, New Year, UAE National Day, and other special occasions can be viewed from here. Other famous events like the Redbull Air Race are held here, too.
Since the Al Reem Island and Yas Island opened, various celebrations have shifted there, but of course, there are still celebrations at Corniche Street.
The 49th UAE National Day held last December 2nd was a bit different when the police had to control the flow of people going to the beach-side of the Corniche, but the street lights and decorations were just as bright. There was still a fireworks display that the residents were able to watch.
Below is a video clip from 2017's UAE National Day Celebration, residents were entertained with an Air Show by the Al Fursan aerobatic display team of the UAE Air Force visible to the residents sitting at the Corniche.
Al Forsan Air Show - UAE National Day 2017.
Wellness
We tend to have a very sedentary lifestyle that revolves mainly at work and home, and occasional leisure.
Corniche Street offers the residents a place to get some outdoor exercises. There are designated bike and pedestrian lanes, and skaters can also freely glide around.
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No matter what you decide to do, there are lots of activities that can be done on Corniche Street. Lined with beaches, family parks, and waterfront, there is no denying that it is still one of the go-to places in the Emirate for residents and tourists alike.
