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When you think of Abu Dhabi, chances are your mind goes to luxury hotels, sweeping desert safaris, and architectural icons like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. And rightly so—the city has mastered the art of dazzling its visitors with grandeur, tradition, and architectural marvels.
But what if this summer, you’re seeking something a little more laid-back, yet equally luxurious? A different kind of escape, one that swaps packed itineraries for sunset cocktails, quiet coastal stretches, flavourful dining, and a curated retail therapy.
From sun-soaked beaches and inventive culinary experiences to boutique shopping spots that blend global style with local character, Abu Dhabi invites you to discover a fresh, unexpected side of the capital.
Let’s take a look at what this summer in Abu Dhabi really has in store for you.
Must-Visit Beaches and Beach Clubs in Abu Dhabi
Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island
With crystal-clear waters and soft white sands, Kai Beach is a serene retreat on Saadiyat Island. It’s perfect for relaxed lounging, peaceful walks, and reconnecting with nature. A charming beach shack and teepee-style beds enhance the experience with rustic, island-inspired aesthetics and comfort.
- Must-Do: Try paddleboarding at sunset—calm water, golden light, and maybe even a turtle sighting.
Saadiyat Beach Club
A retreat of timeless elegance, Saadiyat Beach Club blends pristine nature with refined luxury. Expect a beachfront infinity pool, private cabanas, Mediterranean dining, and ambient music. As a protected dune area, the beach is known for its eco-ethics and frequent hawksbill turtle nesting.
- Must-Do: Don’t miss the indulgent weekend brunch with sea views and live stations.
Yas Beach, Yas Island
Set on the quieter shores of Yas Island, Yas Beach is an upbeat mix of leisure and adventure. Palm-shaded cabanas, a stylish beach bar, and water sports like kayaking and jet-skiing make it ideal for couples and families looking for both relaxation and activities by the sea.
- Must-Do: Book a guided mangrove kayak tour for a peaceful paddle through nature.
Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche
This exclusive beach club attached to The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers a 200-metre private beach, infinity pool, swim-up bar, and wellness facilities. With its luxe setting and attentive service, it’s a quiet hideaway tucked within the city, refined yet welcoming for a sun-soaked afternoon escape.
- Must-Do: Book a rejuvenating massage followed by a cocktail in your cabana.
Café del Mar, Yas Bay Waterfront
Channelling Ibiza vibes, Café del Mar brings poolside lounging, international DJs, Mediterranean bites, and signature cocktails to the Yas Bay waterfront. This upbeat beach club is made for social travellers seeking rhythm, relaxation, and a splash of style, all under Abu Dhabi’s golden skies.
- Must-Do: Attend a sunset pool party with tapas and cocktails in your cabana.
A Culinary Journey Through Abu Dhabi
Meylas, Al Muneera
Set in a charming seaside space, Meylas celebrates Emirati soul food with recipes passed down through generations. The setting is cosy and nostalgic, and the open kitchen prepares dishes like balaleet, harees, and regag with heart. Dining here feels like sharing a meal in an Emirati family home.
- Must-Try: Start with balaleet—a saffron-laced vermicelli breakfast dish topped with eggs.
Hakkasan, Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental
This Michelin-starred restaurant elevates Cantonese cuisine with artistic finesse. Located inside the ultra-luxe Emirates Palace, it pairs opulent interiors with dishes like dim sum, Peking duck, and seafood specials. This place is perfect for refined date nights or long, leisurely dinners with a view.
- Must-Try: The crispy duck salad with pomelo and pine nuts is a signature favourite.
99 Sushi Bar, The Galleria
This stylish sushi bar brings Madrid’s fine dining flair to Abu Dhabi with its beautifully plated nigiri, tartares, and modern omakase menus. Expect cosy interiors, world-class service, and premium Japanese dishes—including bluefin tuna flown in from Japan. 99 Sushi Bar is ideal for people who love gourmet seafood dishes and a fine dining experience.
- Must-Try: The bluefin tuna nigiri. It’s silky, elegant, and unforgettable.
Bu Tafish, Al Bateen Marina
Serving since 1968, Bu Tafish is a homegrown favourite for traditional Emirati seafood. Its casual vibe, marina views, and generous platters of grilled fish, prawns, and calamari make it a family-friendly staple. It’s loved by locals for its authenticity and flavour-packed, spice-laced dishes.
- Must-Try: Grilled jumbo prawns with Arabic spices and lemon butter.
Mika, Yas Marina
At Mika, Mediterranean charm meets yacht-club cool. This elegant bistro offers shareable mezze, grilled seafood, and artisan cocktails against the stunning Yas Marina backdrop. Chic yet laid-back, it’s the perfect place for a long lunch or a golden hour dinner with waterfront views.
- Must-Try: Feta filo bites drizzled with thyme honey and sesame
Boutiques: Shop The Best of Abu Dhabi
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious shopping destination, The Galleria, houses elite brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Cartier. Alongside its high fashion offerings, it features curated perfume ateliers, cafés, and waterfront views that elevate the experience far beyond a typical mall visit.
- Must-Buy: An oud-based fragrance—rich, earthy, and classically Arabian.
Yas Mall, Yas Island
Just minutes from Ferrari World, Yas Mall is a family-friendly retail hub with over 370 brands, dining zones, and entertainment attractions. From best fashion to cosmetics and regional designer boutiques, it’s your go-to for a full-day retail adventure.
- Must-Buy: Limited-edition sneakers or activewear from Nike and Adidas concept stores.
The Mall at World Trade Centre
This central-city mall fuses contemporary fashion with Emirati heritage. With high-street brands, boutique kiosks, and a breezy rooftop dining space, it appeals to both locals and travellers. Don’t miss the seasonal limited-time stores featuring local artisans and handmade goods.
- Must-Buy: Camel leather belts or wallets crafted by local designers.
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Souk
Step into one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest and most traditional shopping experiences. The Gold Souk glitters with 22k designs of rings, necklaces, and bangles, while Madinat Zayed overflows with textiles, perfumes, and electronics at competitive prices.
- Must-Buy: Customised gold jewellery with Arabic calligraphy—a personal souvenir with a story.
Warehouse421 & Independent Boutiques
A cultural space and creative market rolled into one, Warehouse421 showcases regional artists and independent designers. From handmade ceramics and concept jewellery to slow-fashion labels, it’s a treasure trove for thoughtful gifting and discovering the UAE’s creative spirit.
- Must-Buy: Limited-edition pottery or hand-illustrated home décor by local makers.
This Is the Abu Dhabi You Didn’t See Coming
Less rush, more rhythm. That’s the kind of summer Abu Dhabi delivers when you step off the typical trail. It’s beach mornings without a plan, meals that turn into memories, and boutique finds that feel more personal than picture-perfect.
Here, the pace slows down just enough for you to truly enjoy it all, sun, spice, style, and a little something you didn’t expect. So, plan your Abu Dhabi summer trip now, because the best journeys don’t just check boxes; they change the way you travel.