Best Swimming Pools in Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is known to many people as the most beautiful beach destination in the Middle East. But when you’re not after sandy shores and salty waters, where can you find the finest pools on Saadiyat Island?

1. Saadiyat Beach Club

Saadiyat Beach Club is the island’s premier pool destination and arguably one of the most glamorous in Abu Dhabi. You can spend an entire day swimming and lapping the luxury vibes in the club’s 650-square-metre, temperature-controlled infinity pool. 

You’ll even have your pick between private cabanas, sun loungers or plush daybeds, all with views out to the Arabian Gulf. Poolside, you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a few house beverages and bubbly versions at one of the club’s award-winning restaurants or their boho-chic beach bar.

Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset

Day pass entry fees: 

• Weekdays (Mon-Fri): AED 215 for singles, AED 399 for couples and AED 100 for children aged six to 12  
• Weekends (Sat, Sun, and public holidays): AED 375 for singles, AED 599 for couples and AED 150 for children aged six to 12  
• Sunday Family Day Pass: AED 799 for two adults and two kids below 12 years old

2. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

Tap into the Island rhythm at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort’s 400-metre private shoreline. Choose between three stunning outdoor pools and beach access to the azure waters and white sands of Saadiyat Island. Nothing says relaxation like a poolside cocktail, and here you’ll find many swim-up poolside bars serving delicious mocktails, tropical mixed drinks and tasty snacks.

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset

Day pass entry fees:

• Weekdays (Mon-Thu): AED 375 for adults (AED 200 redeemable as F&B credit).
• Weekends (Fri-Sun): AED 475 for adults (AED 200 redeemable as F&B credit).
• Children aged five to 11: AED 120 all week (AED 50 redeemable on food).

However, day passes in Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort are subject to availability. So, book early to secure yourself a spot.

3. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

Occupying an enviable location on the island’s beachfront, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas boasts a fantastic, larger-than-life outdoor pool. With your arms atop the pool’s edge, you can look out into the sea and possibly catch a glimpse of Hawksbill turtles, dolphins and the occasional dugong, a few of Saadiyat Island’s frequent visitors.

Order your favourite alfresco treats, drinks and light meals and have them delivered right to your sunbed from the Pool Bar, the resort’s casual dining venue. Book your day pass at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee entry.

Hours: From 7 a.m. to sunset  

Day pass entry fees: 

• Weekdays (Mon-Fri): AED 250 for adults (including AED 200 food and drinks credit) and AED 100 for children aged four to 15 (including AED 50 food and drinks credit)
• Weekends (Sat, Sun, and public holidays): AED 375 for adults (including AED 250 food and drinks credit) and AED 100 for children between four and 15 years old (including AED 50 food and drinks credit)

4. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is a family-friendly, five-star luxury resort with not one, not two, but five indoor and outdoor heated pools, including adults-only, children and whirlpool facilities. 

Bring your little ones along and book a day pass at Nation Riviera Beach Club, the exclusive beachfront venue at St. Regis, featuring lounger- and cabana-lined, temperature-controlled pools, a 200-metre stretch of pearly white sands and a Jacuzzi area.

If you’re on a diet, you’ll especially appreciate the three under 300-calorie menu options available at Cabana Beach Bar and Grill, one of the club’s poolside eateries, that offers a tantalising selection of dishes that’ll still keep that waistline nice and trim. 

Hours: 

• Nation Riviera Beach Club: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Pool hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Children’s pool: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Private beach access: 8 a.m. to sunset

Day pass fees:

• Weekdays (Mon-Fri): AED 160 for singles, AED 265 for couples, AED 370 for a family of two adults and two kids and AED 75 for each additional child aged four to 16
• Weekends (Sat, Sun): AED 230 for singles, AED 345 for couples, AED 465 for a family of two adults and two kids and AED 85 for every additional child aged four to 16

5. Nurai Island

If you want to crank up the luxury factor, why not book a day pass to Nurai Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secrets? This exclusive oasis is just a 10-minute boat ride from the shores of Saadiyat Island. Here, you can take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the island’s turquoise waters.

You can also sign up for water sports activities, like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or wakeboarding, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage at Nurai Spa. 

When you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite at the Ginger Mermaid, an Asian-inspired cuisine restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and sushi, or head on over to the Smokin’ Pineapple, where you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and iconic cocktails with a side of boho-chic, hammock-jungle vibes. 

At Nurai Island, there’s also a waterpark for the kiddos, so be sure to bring the whole family along for a day of fun in the sun. 

Day pass prices:

• Weekdays (Mon–Fri): AED 550 for adults (AED 200 for spa and F&B redemption) and AED 275 for children between five and 12 years old (AED 100 for F&B redemption)
• Saturday passes include the Island Brunch, starting at AED 700 for adults and AED 325 for kids aged five to 12  
• Sunday pass: AED 650 for adults (AED 200 for spa and F&B redemption) and AED 325 for children aged five to 12 (AED 100 for F&B redemption)

Day passes cover access to the pool, beach and waterpark, as well as boat transfers to and from the island.

Best Swimming Pools in Abu Dhabi

Island retreats aren’t the only places in the capital where you can cool off in style. If you’re on the hunt for top-notch swimming pools in Abu Dhabi that come with a side of panoramic skyline views, nature-infused settings or holiday vacation vibes, here are some of our favourites:

1. The Abu Dhabi EDITION

Did someone say rooftop pool? One of the trendiest venues in the city, The Abu Dhabi EDITION’s pool is an infinity-edge dream with views out over the Al Bateen Marina and the city skyline in the distance. Relax cabana- and sun lounger-side, order delicious gourmet-prepared food and sip on your icy cold cocktails as you listen to chilled-out beats and watch the sun go down.

Hours: Sunday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pool access prices: AED 150 from Sunday to Wednesday and AED 225 from Thursday to Saturday

2. Anantara Eastern Mangroves

Another infinity pool hall-of-famer, but this time, edging the capital’s skyscrapers on one side and an expanse of lush greenery on the other, is the Anantara Eastern Mangroves. Melt your stresses away on the umbrella-shaded sunbeds and let your little ones splash around in the separate kids’ pool right by your side. 

If you’re in the mood for an adventure, rent a kayak and paddle your way through the surrounding mangroves, or hop on one of their private rhino boats or luxury yacht tours.

Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pool day pass experience fees: AED 150 per person (including AED 150 for food and beverage credit)

3. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Streaks of celeste ripple at the base of an Olympic-sized pool whose edges are dotted with mini water fountains. Tall palm trees sway in the breeze, with a view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Abu Dhabi Creek peeking out from the horizon. 

If this sounds like your version of poolside paradise, then a day pass to the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr might just be what you’re looking for. In this a little of the old, a little of the new five-star hotel, you can swim laps in the pool or laze the day away on a sunbed and savour a menu of gourmet burgers, fresh salads and mixed drinks from the swim-up bar, all while taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pool and Beach Pass fees: 

• Monday-Friday: AED 149 (with AED 100 food and beverage credit) or AED 100 for pool and beach access only
• Saturday-Sunday: AED 199 (with AED 100 food and beverage credit) or AED 150 to use only the pool and beach

4. Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Deep in the heart of the dunes, a mere 50 km from Abu Dhabi lies Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, a cream-coloured, palace-like retreat with Arabesque design accents that add to its allure.

Kick back by the poolside under a sunbathing gazebo and let your eyes drift towards the expansive desertscape. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink or two from Panache, a laid-back dining spot with a swim-up bar, or visit Saray Spa for a deep cleansing treatment, traditional Turkish hammam, sauna and steam room session, or a dip in the plunge pools.

Day pass prices: AED 150 per person

5. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri

One of Abu Dhabi’s most renowned hotels, the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, also happens to be home to one of the capital’s most exquisite, sandstone-tiled infinity pools with sleek pavilions and sunbeds overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Khor Al Maqta creek.  

Whisk your partner away on a romantic daycation to this fabulous resort and treat them to a couple’s massage at CHI, The Spa and a delectable breakfast from the onsite pool and beach bar.

Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. 

Day pass fees: 

• Weekdays: AED 250
• Weekends: AED 300

Book Your Next Pool Day in Abu Dhabi

When all you need is to press pause on the daily grind, escape from routine and indulge in a bit of luxury, Abu Dhabi’s hotels, high-end resorts and private beach clubs are just the ticket. Book your spot now for Saadiyat Island’s pool day pass options or grab exciting offers at Abu Dhabi’s most relaxing venues and prepare to unwind in style.