Al Diar Dana Hotel

Abu Dhabi is built on an island surrounded by many smaller islands (some manmade), therefore it has plenty of coastline to offer. A number of luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi, such as the Beach Rotana Hotel and Emirates Palace, are equipped with private beaches, water sport facilities and swimming pools. These are the most accessible beaches from the city and are quite pleasant. In addition, there are some pretty public beaches behind the Emirates Palace Hotel at Al Ras Al Akhdar area, divided into "families" and "singles" beaches, with the latter really for single men. However, my hotel guide indicated that there are some great isolated beaches a little further out, including on an island off the coast of the gulf that can only be reached by boat. Excursions can easily be organised.