Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi among World’s...

UAE stretch of coast praised for sustainability, serenity and soft, white sand

Saadiyat Beach on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi has been named one of The World's 50 Best Beaches 2025.

Judges said the 8-kilometre stretch of coastline in the UAE rivals some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and Maldives.

Each year beaches are nominated by travel professionals, with the number of votes taken into account as well as a ranking based on criteria, including what makes it unique, the wildlife visitors may encounter and how busy the beach gets. The final list is decided by a panel of experts and ‘beach ambassadors’.

Saadiyat Beach was praised by judges for its "soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters", just minutes from the city centre and the capital's cultural attractions and luxury resorts.

But what truly sets it apart is its commitment to sustainability. The beach is part of the Saadiyat Marine National Park, an eco-reserve that’s home to endangered Hawksbill sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins.

The entire island is a protected haven for wildlife, with Arabian gazelles often spotted roaming around Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and by the coast.

Saadiyat is better known as a tourism destination thanks to its Cultural District, home to the Louvre, and is set to open the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi later this year. TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, an immersive art installation experience, opened in April 2025.

Saadiyat ranked 39th in the the top 50 list but was not the only beach from the Middle East to make the grade.

Little-known Detwah Lagoon on Socotra Island in Yemen was named the 15th best beach due to its turquoise waters and white sand shoreline, and being part of Socotra’s Unesco World Heritage Site. Judges praised the shallow waters teeming with marine life, including rays.

Top spot in the global list went to Cala Goloritzé on Sardinia, Italy, with judges lauding the dramatic limestone peaks and clear waters as well as the strong conservation efforts, with access to Cala Goloritzé limited to people arriving on foot, with restricted numbers, or swimmers from boats moored 200 metres away.

For more information, visit www.saadiyatisland.ae

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