Al Marjan Island Beach Park
About
Al Marjan Island Beach Park offers families a perfect blend of beach fun and park amenities along Abu Dhabi's pristine coastline. With calm, shallow waters safe for young swimmers, dedicated playground equipment, and shaded picnic areas with BBQ facilities, this beach park provides everything needed for a full day of family entertainment in a beautiful setting.
Highlights
- ✓Calm, shallow waters perfect for young children learning to swim
- ✓Well-maintained playground equipment with swings and climbing structures
- ✓Shaded picnic pavilions with BBQ grills for family cookouts
- ✓Clean, soft sand ideal for building sandcastles
- ✓Beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf with gentle waves
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early morning (before 9am) to secure shaded picnic spots and avoid the intense midday heat, especially October through April
- 2.Bring reef-safe sunscreen, as the UAE is increasingly protective of marine environments, and reapply frequently as the sun is very strong year-round
- 3.Pack or purchase covered footwear for kids as the sand gets extremely hot during midday, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot
- 4.Bring your own BBQ supplies if planning to grill, including charcoal and utensils, as on-site availability can be limited
- 5.Consider visiting on weekdays when the beach is less crowded compared to Friday and Saturday (the UAE weekend)
Best Time to Visit
Visit during cooler months (November through March) when temperatures are comfortable (70-85°F). Early mornings (7-10am) or late afternoons (4-7pm) are ideal to avoid peak heat. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than the local weekend (Friday-Saturday).
What to Know
Parking is typically free at the beach park. Modest swimwear is expected (covering shoulders and knees when not in the water), and facilities include restrooms and changing areas. Outside food and drinks are generally allowed for picnics.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited November through March when temperatures are pleasant (70-85°F). Summer months (June-August) are extremely hot (100-115°F) and should be avoided or limited to early morning visits. The beach is open year-round with no seasonal closures.
Nearby Eats
The Corniche area nearby offers numerous family-friendly dining options including international chains and local Arabic restaurants with kids' menus. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks as on-site food options may be limited.
More Activities Near Abu Dhabi
Corniche Beach
Corniche Beach is Abu Dhabi's premier family beach destination, offering pristine sand, shallow swimming areas perfect for young children, and dedicated playgrounds along the waterfront. With its well-maintained facilities, calm waters, and shaded picnic spots, it provides everything families need for a safe and memorable beach day in the UAE capital.
Children's Library at Zayed the First Street
The Children's Library at Zayed the First Street offers a wonderful air-conditioned retreat where young readers can explore age-appropriate books in multiple languages, participate in interactive storytelling sessions, and enjoy hands-on learning activities. This cultural gem provides a perfect opportunity for international families to introduce their children to Emirati hospitality while fostering a love of reading in a beautifully designed, child-centered space.
Hili Fun Zone
Hili Fun Zone is a family-focused amusement park offering classic rides and attractions perfect for younger children in Abu Dhabi. With bumper cars, slides, arcade games, and a variety of kid-friendly rides, it provides an accessible and affordable entertainment option for families looking for air-conditioned fun away from the desert heat.
Liwa Adventure Tours & Safari LLC
Liwa Adventure Tours & Safari LLC offers families an authentic Arabian desert experience with thrilling dune bashing adventures, traditional camel rides, and immersive Bedouin camp visits in the stunning Liwa Desert. This 5-star rated tour operator specializes in family-friendly desert safaris that combine excitement with cultural discovery, creating unforgettable memories against the backdrop of the world's largest uninterrupted sand desert.