New beaches, trains and a new visa – 2026 has a lot in store for Abu Dhabi
2026 is finally here, and with it come plenty of changes in Abu Dhabi. While we’re always in awe of what the capital has up its sleeves, this year brings some truly exciting developments.
From what is sure to become your new beach hangout in Yas Bay to a new museum in the Saadiyat Cultural District and a new GCC visa, 2026 is set to be one for the books.
What’s coming up in Abu Dhabi in 2026?
Two new Yas Island beaches
Opening date: TBC
Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, is bringing us two new beaches at Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island.
Each beach will extend 280 meters, creating a combined beachfront of 560 meters. West Beach, situated on the western side of the pier, will be a family-oriented destination featuring children’s play areas, premium dining options, food trucks, pedestrian walkways, and places to chill and relax.
East Beach, located opposite the Etihad Arena, will focus on helping beachgoers get active, offering outdoor workout spaces, beach football and volleyball zones, open seating, and a sunset lounge for enjoying sports, entertainment, and music events.
Etihad Rail
Opening date: TBC
View this post on Instagram
It was back in May 2025 that Etihad Rail announced that passenger trains would be up and running in 2026. While an exact date is yet to be announced, we might be zooming up and down the country in a comfortable carriage instead of driving around sooner than we think. The network will connect regions across all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Al Dhaid and Ras Al Khaimah, with a total of 11 cities.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Opening date: TBC
It was a busy time for museum openings in 2025. We had teamLab Phenomena in April, the Natural History Museum in November and the Zayed National Museum in December. But next year, it will be the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opening its doors.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, recently revealed that the museum will feature masterpieces from the greats, like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, alongside contemporary artists.
You might also like: This area of Abu Dhabi is getting 16 new parks
Flying taxis
Launch date: TBC
View this post on Instagram
2026 is set to be a big year for transportation. Not only is the new Etihad Rail starting to transport passengers this year, but flying taxis are also set to start taking off this year. With prices starting around AED 300 for inner city flights, it could be a good way to beat the morning rush…
New GCC visa
Launch date: TBC
Have you made the New Year’s resolution to travel more? Well, the new GCC visa might come in handy. Instead of having to worry about getting a visa every time you book a trip to one of the Gulf countries, you can get access to all six with a Schengen-style visa.
Follow Yalla for all the latest news
