Abu Dhabi is getting a new public beach on one of its most idyllic islands.
Kai Beach Saadiyat will open this Thursday.
The licensed oceanfront oasis will channel boho vibes with macrame parasols, wooden sunloungers and driftwood-crafted tables.
It will open in the same location that used to be Saadiyat Public Beach, and is managed by Saadiyat Beach Club.
The former public beach in this location closed when Abu Dhabi restricted access at beaches and parks across the emirate to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It never fully reopened.
Operated by Aldar, Kai Beach Saadiyat will open in soft launch this week and will welcome visitors every day from 7am until sunset with no reservations. It will operate on a first come, first served basis.
Beachgoers will need to show green status on Al Hosn app, or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours, to gain entry to the 500-metre-long pristine shoreline and turquoise Arabian Gulf waters.
Standard rates for entry start at Dh75 on weekdays and Dh95 on weekends and public holidays.
Children under 6 enter free and children aged 6 to 12 pay reduced entry fees.
Fees are slightly more expensive than the site's predecessor, which started at Dh25. However all visitors will have access to a sunbed.
Towels will not be provided during the soft launch phase, but this will change when the beach fully opens in October.
Beachgoers visiting Kai Beach will be able to purchase food and drinks from MLT food truck, but no outside food will be allowed into the vicinity.
When the venue opens fully there will be a beachside restaurant on site.
There are a wide range of soft and house beverages on sale including iced coffees and fresh juices. Shisha will also be available and guests can order it to their sunloungers.
Showers, changing rooms and restrooms are provided at Kai Beach making it easy and convenient to freshen up after a visit.
There's also free parking outside the venue.
Yas Bay: the complete guide to Abu Dhabi's waterfront destination — in pictures
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Yas Bay Waterfront has opened to the public. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Pier 71 is home to a number of restaurants and lounges at Yas Bay Waterfront. -
Guests can enjoy views of Al Raha Beach skyline from Yas Bay Waterfront. -
The boardwalk at Yas Bay Waterfront. -
Yas Bay Waterfront has a three-kilometre boardwalk that overlooks the Arabian Gulf. -
There are art installations around the waterfront area. -
A giant bronze sculpture emerges from the water at Yas Bay Waterfront. -
Paradiso, which is helmed by Nicole Rubi, the woman behind LPM Restaurant, and Michelin-lauded chef Pierre Gagnaire. -
Paradiso, a Mediterranean restaurant that originated in Cannes, France, is now open at Yas Bay Waterfront. -
The rigatoni pasta dish at Paradiso. -
Pizza with tomatoes and oregano at Paradiso. -
Etihad Arena is located within Yas Bay Waterfront. -
More restaurants and concepts are set to open in the coming months. -
Cafe del Mar's cabanas come with their own Jacuzzi. -
An installation lights up at night at Yas Bay Waterfront.
