Who doesn’t love a blissful beach holiday? But can it be done while you are holidaying in the Middle East? Contrary to the belief that visiting Middle Eastern destinations means, being surrounded by Arabian structures or golden desert dunes, these destinations often awe you with their pristine coastlines. The UAE, for instance, is a fascinating Middle Eastern destination, popular for its amazing coastline and beaches. But, often you will end up visiting a beach that is quite popular, where you wouldn’t find the kind of relaxing solace you want. So where should you go? Easy! Head to the secret beaches in the UAE, unbeknownst to many, hidden from tourists and overshadowed by hyped-up popular beaches. Here are some of the best hidden beaches in the UAE that are absolute must-visit spots. They complement perfectly as additions to an Abu Dhabi City tour, Dubai city experiences, or even while exploring the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. Check out these serene beaches and select the ones that you find interesting to enjoy a slice of quietude for your UAE holiday.
Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi
Edging Saadiyat Island, located 20 minutes away from Abu Dhabi city centre, Saadiyat Beach is not exactly a hidden gem, but it is still quite exclusive and stunningly tranquil to visit. As one of Abu Dhabi’s upcoming spots, Saadiyat Beach is relatively uncrowded and is yet to catch the eyes of beachgoers and leisure tourists. Though it is a public beach, it isn’t free to explore. Adults have to shell out AED 25, and kids are charged AED 15 to access this beautiful Abu Dhabi beach. However, you will realise it is worth the money spent as you bury your feet in the soft sand and put them in the turquoise waters crashing against the shore. On an Abu Dhabi holiday, after you are done with your city sightseeing, cultural visits and theme park experiences, keep a day free to explore Saadiyat Island, where you can combine a visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi and evenings at Saadiyat Beach for a unique experience.
Shuweihat Island, Abu Dhabi
Among the hidden gems of Abu Dhabi, Shuweihat Island truly deserves a mention. Tucked away in the west of Abu Dhabi, its remoteness works in its favor as an uncrowded, untouched spot in the UAE. Unlike the Corniche Beach or other popular beaches in Abu Dhabi, the tourist footfall is quite low. The scenery is also unlike anything you will encounter in the UAE. Shuweihat Beach features turquoise waters that crash against the orange sandstone cliffs, eroded over time to give them a rugged, canyon-like charm. The spellbinding hues of blue and orange are instantly refreshing and extraordinarily beautiful to view, making them perfect for flaunting on your social media handles. The beach is also family-friendly, as the rock formations and coves offer a unique setting for both adults and children to explore.
Shuweihat Beach is a must-visit if you are after a peaceful, off-the-grid beach experience. Since it is quite remote, remember to plan a picnic and carry food, water, and other refreshments and supplies, as there are no shops or restaurants near the beach.
Mirfa Beach, Abu Dhabi
Image Credit : visitabudhabi.ae
Located in the Al Dhafra region, around 100 km away from Abu Dhabi City Centre, Mirfa Beach is where you can find a hushed, uncrowded spot away from the humdrum of Abu Dhabi’s daily life. The scenic long drive to this beach itself is a soothing start to your beach day in Abu Dhabi. Flanked by bright, clear waters sloshing along the white sandy shores, it is the perfect spot to enjoy tranquil nature and solitude among picturesque scenery. Since it is still not on the radar of development and has a remote location, there are no water parks or resorts here, which keeps the natural charm and untouched scenery intact for its visitors. However, this beach gets crowded during the Al Dhafra Watersports Festival held annually in February or March.
Black Palace Beach, Dubai
Beaches in Dubai are quite popular, be it Jumeirah Beach or Kite Beach. But there are secret beaches in Dubai that quite a few travellers know about, and one of them is Black Palace Beach. So, when you visit Dubai, take a detour to this quaint beach tucked between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. Also known as Al Sufouh Beach, the beach is astonishingly uncrowded, even though it is set right within Dubai’s popular hotspots. One reason could be the limited signage guiding people to this beach. However, this works in favour of those who know about this beach and guard it as a secret so that its calmness remains intact. The beach is less flashy than the rest of Dubai’s popular beaches, is near the Madinat Jumeirah complex, and its entry access is so narrow that it can be easily missed if you do not know where to go. This beach is your chance in Dubai to just enjoy the Gulf views, leaving the chaos of city life behind. It’s perfect for unwinding, soaking in stunning views, and enjoying a quieter side of the city.
Khorfakkan Beach, Sharjah
Although associated with Sharjah, the beach is actually located along the UAE’s eastern coast. Khorfakkan Beach is an exclave of Sharjah, but it’s surrounded by Fujairah. This 3-km crescent-shaped, white-sandy shore, caressing the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman and flanked by the majestic, rugged terrains of the Hajar Mountains, is a peaceful spot to simply bask in nature’s beauty. It is also an adventure hotspot. From swimming and deep-sea fishing to kayaking, plenty of watersports are at your disposal here. The clear waters are a kaleidoscope of vibrant corals and aquatic life, making it a great spot for adventurers to go snorkeling. Nature lovers and family holidaymakers would have the scenery etched in their minds, as the sunsets are magical to watch, with the sky painting the sea and mountains in warm orange and pink hues. Additionally, nearby attractions like the Khorfakkan Waterfall and Roman-inspired Khorfakkan Amphitheatre add cultural and scenic plus points to your trip.
Al Jazirah Al Hamra Beach, Ras Al Khaimah
The adventure capital of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, also has its share of hidden gems to offer discerning guests seeking the solace of sublime relaxation. Al Jazirah Al Hamra in Ras Al Khaimah is a coastal township, known as the last of the pearling towns of the UAE. Flanked by a sweeping coastal shore and overlooking serene azure waters, Al Jazirah Al Hamra Beach is located near this historic town. The beach is secluded and has nearly no touristy spots. It is so distinct from the luxury resort-laden beaches in and around Dubai. This beach is a fantastic choice if you are in Ras Al Khaimah for an adventure visit and then want a relaxing day by the sea and a bit of historical essence as well. Moreover, if the mountain adventures aren’t enough to fill your adrenaline quota, the adventure experiences can continue with watersports such as jet-skiing, paragliding, kayaking, and more.
Conclusion
A beach vacation need not be just a tropical destination. Here in the UAE, the beaches are wonderfully serene and amazing to just unwind from the daily stress of life. So, while visiting the UAE with the idea of exploring the city life, Arabian culture, and desert safaris, you also get to discover the shores of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The beach offers a break from the UAE’s desert vibe, with cooling sea breezes and a laid-back atmosphere. It is also a wonderful way to hush down the bustle of modern life after a Dubai City tour or sit still in tranquillity after adrenaline-rushing adventures at Ras Al Khaimah. Strolling around the beaches and enjoying the views is one of the best ways for locals and tourists to unwind after a long day, making it one of the most sought-after things to do in the UAE.
