Lace up your walking shoes and explore the capital on foot
Explore the city’s old Arabian architecture and modern high-rises by hitting the streets on foot.
Eastern Ring Road
You might find it odd to walk down the capital’s busiest road for pleasure but the noise from the traffic is balanced out somewhat by the mangroves and birds on the other side.
The dedicated walkway – which is also known as the New Corniche – is often busy with fishermen, runners and people picnicking. There are shaded benches that overlook the water, which is great for watching the sunset. At the junction with Al Saada (19th) Street, there’s a large park with a dolphin water fountain that children enjoy playing in.
Corniche
This picturesque stretch – which is nearly 9km long and takes just over an hour to walk – is sandwiched between the Arabian Gulf on one side and the city’s skyline on the other. At the eastern end of the Corniche you can glimpse fishing dhows – one of the last remnants of tradition in the capital – and on the western side you’ll find a couple of beach resorts and five-star hotels.
There are plenty of benches and grassy spots along the way so you can take a break, and there are various food stalls along the public beach.
Yas Island
This quiet island is great for walking, because it’s one of the few places in the capital with dedicated pedestrian paths. While walking you can take in the landmarks including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Viceroy. Walk along Yas Leisure Drive and finish at Yas Marina where you can stroll the promenade, take the kids to the playground or grab a bite from one of the restaurants.
Prefer walking in a completely car-free setting? Head to Yas Marina Circuit on a Tuesday – or Wednesday for the ladies-only night – for TrainYas, a free event where you can walk the track at your leisure.
Hamdan Street
Get a dose of old Abu Dhabi by walking along Hamdan Street, which is swarming with shisha cafés, restaurants, electronic shops, tailors and barbers.
The road stretches from Al Zahia in the east to Al Hosn in the centre of the island. Along the way you’ll pass landmarks such as the Hamdan Centre – an old shopping mall that sells everything from electronics to fake designer handbags – and Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest building in the city. We recommend exploring its back streets – you might be surprised at what you’ll find.
Need to know
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) aims to make the streets around the capital “safer, more comfortable and eco-friendly” by implementing pedestrian-friendly paths in line with the city’s 2030 vision.
The plan states that “unobstructed pedestrian walkways are required and the proper placement of light standards, traffic sign poles, utility boxes, benches and plantings are now mandatory for designers of new or redesigned streets.”
Ferdinand Godinez
