Sun, sand but no surf

The island city of Abu Dhabi is surrounded by the azure blue, calm waters of the Arabian Gulf. However, public beaches are few. Many of the beaches are private, attached to the hotels. Some are restricted "ladies only", men only allowed to swim there if they are with a woman or family.

Abu Dhabi has a subtropical, arid climate that is blistering in the height of the summer months. We have had a lot of days where the temperature is over 40C and we have been told it can reach 50C in the hottest months, June, July and August. The white sandy beach looks inviting, but the sun is so hot, you won't see too many people sitting on the beach. You go straight in for a swim and then out and leave. We swam and then stood in the water for ages, but made sure we wore our rashies and hats.