Saadiyat Beach Club

Saadiyat Beach Club is a beach club on the shore of Saadiyat Island, set among the dunes. It has a private beach and an infinity pool lined with cabanas, restaurants, a spa and a gym, and non-members can visit on a day pass. The club is run by Aldar.

What to see

The draw is a quiet beach and a pool overlooking the sea. Saadiyat's beach, about 9 km long, holds Blue Flag status; dolphins are sometimes seen offshore and hawksbill turtles nest in the dunes. The day pass covers the pool and beach, a towel, a sunbed (first come, first served, outside members-only areas), a bottle of water, and the steam room, jacuzzi and sauna.

The Mediterranean restaurant Safina hosts the Farm to Beach brunch on Saturdays, alongside Cabana 9 and the Beach Bar. There is a gym, padel courts (rackets and balls extra) and the 1847 spa. For families there is a kids' club with an attendant and a children's pool.

Getting there

It is about a 20-minute drive from central Abu Dhabi via Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway, taking exit 14 on Saadiyat Island. Parking is free, and valet is available. Without a car, a taxi is easiest.

Planning your visit

On the official website a weekday day pass costs AED 299 for women and AED 369 for men, AED 569 for couples, AED 125 for children aged 6–12 and AED 699 for a family of two adults and two children; at weekends it is AED 349, 419, 669, 175 and 799. Ladies' offers run on Tuesdays and Fridays. Partners sell cheaper passes, but not for every month. Book ahead at weekends and in peak season: walk-ins are admitted while space lasts, and at capacity only members get in.

Before you go

Bring a passport or Emirates ID, which are checked at entry. Payment is by cash or local bank card. Swimwear only at the pool, on the beach and at the Beach Bar; the restaurants are casual. Guests under 21 must be with an adult, alcohol is served from 21, and outside food and drinks are not allowed. A full refund requires at least 72 hours' notice.