Mirfa Beach
Mirfa (coastal town) · Abu Dhabi
Free beach camping on Al Dhafra's quiet coast, with a town five minutes away for supplies.
- Free
- About 15 h
- Bring your own
- Needs a car
How it works
Drive the E11 west, shop in Mirfa and pitch on the sand. Restroom availability varies, so plan to be self-sufficient.
The catch
It is about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi and it gets cold and windy on winter nights.
Bring
Tent, sleeping bags, warm jacket, barbecue supplies
Checked Nov 2026
It is the beach that hosts the Al Dhafra Watersports Festival, and outside festival days you have it nearly to yourself.
- Free
- About 2 h
- Bring your own
- Hard
- Needs a car
How it works
Drive out for the day, park by the public beach and rig on the sand. January to March is the best window.
The catch
It is a long drive west of the city and there is little help nearby if gear breaks.
Bring
Full kit, spare lines, water, food
You need
Your own kit and independent riding ability; launch only in watersports zones, 50-100 m from swimmers
Checked Nov 2026
Al Dhafra's only developed beach is free and almost never crowded, with clear turquoise water.
- Free
- About 5 h
- Needs a car
How it works
Drive the E11 west, stock up in Mirfa town and set up on the sand. Overnight camping on the beach is common.
The catch
It is about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, and the town is packed for a week each April during the watersports festival.
Bring
Shade, food, water
Checked Nov 2026
Al Dhafra's only developed beach: turquoise water, almost never crowded, and free.
- Free
- About 4 h
- Easy
- Needs a car
How it works
Drive to Mirfa, park by the beach and swim. Pick up supplies in the town if you're staying to camp.
The catch
It's a long drive west of the city with little nearby beyond Mirfa town, so bring everything you need.
Bring
Swimwear, water, food, shade
Checked Nov 2026