Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi has been named one of the world's best stretches of coastline, ranking 19th in The World's 50 Best Beaches list for 2026.The beach was one of only two destinations from the Middle East, along with Detwah Lagoon in Yemen, to feature on this year's ranking. The list was compiled from votes by more than 1,000 travel professionals, including journalists, content creators and industry experts.Located on Saadiyat Island, the eight-kilometre beach was praised for its white sand, turquoise waters and conservation efforts.“Saadiyat Beach, located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, offers travellers not only an escape from the vibrant, bustling city, but also a destination that rivals some of the best Caribbean and Maldivian beaches,” organisers said in their description of the destination.Organisers highlighted efforts to protect endangered hawksbill turtles that nest along the shore. WamInfoThe ranking recognises the wider Saadiyat Beach, which includes public and private destinations such as Kai Beach, Saadiyat Beach Club and stretches of shoreline attached to luxury resorts, all set along the island's natural coastline.The beach's environmental credentials were a major factor in its selection. Organisers highlighted efforts to protect endangered hawksbill turtles that nest along the shore, as well as the area's rich marine ecosystem.The waters surrounding Saadiyat Island form part of the Saadiyat Marine National Park, a 59-square-kilometre protected area that is home to bottlenose dolphins, hawksbill turtles and a variety of other marine species.Saadiyat Beach was praised for its white sand, turquoise waters and conservation efforts. Khushnum Bhandari / The NationalInfoOrganisers of The World's 50 Best Beaches say destinations are nominated by travel professionals and then assessed by the organisation's team and a panel of "beach ambassadors", who evaluate factors including wildlife, natural beauty, remoteness, water quality, calm conditions and the overall beach experience.Saadiyat Island is one of Abu Dhabi's flagship tourism destinations, known for its luxury resorts and cultural attractions. It is home to Saadiyat Cultural District, which includes Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the soon-to-open Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.The World's 50 Best Beaches list for 2026 was topped by Entalula Beach in Palawan, the Philippines, followed by Fteri Beach in Greece and Wharton Beach in Australia.The World's 50 Best Beaches 2026Entalula Beach – PhilippinesFteri Beach – GreeceWharton Beach – AustraliaNosy Iranja – MadagascarEast Beach, Vomo Island – FijiShoal Bay East – AnguillaDhigurah – MaldivesPlaya Balandra – MexicoKoh Rong – CambodiaDonald Duck Bay – ThailandCayo de Agua – VenezuelaCala Macarella – SpainOne Foot Island – Cook IslandsPrincess Diana Beach – Antigua and BarbudaTurquoise Bay – AustraliaPK 9 Beach – French PolynesiaGrace Bay – Turks and Caicos IslandsAnse Georgette – SeychellesSaadiyat Beach – UAECanto de la Playa – Dominican RepublicWineglass Bay – AustraliaBoulders Beach – South AfricaPink Beach – IndonesiaDetwah Lagoon – YemenAnse Source d'Argent – SeychellesBaia do Sancho – BrazilSeven Mile Beach – Cayman IslandsSiesta Beach – USKlein Bonaire Beach – BonaireCathedral Cove – New ZealandSanta Giulia – FrancePaje Beach – TanzaniaOfu Beach – American SamoaGrand Anse – GrenadaLe Morne Beach – MauritiusVoutoumi Beach – GreeceBahia de las Aguilas – Dominican RepublicMeads Bay – AnguillaPorto Katsiki – GreeceGoyambokka Beach – Sri LankaFlamenco Beach – Puerto RicoNungwi Beach – TanzaniaBon Bon Beach – PhilippinesCala Goloritze – ItalyBang Bao Beach – ThailandGreen Lagoon Beach – French PolynesiaHorseshoe Bay – BermudaMoheli – ComorosPalombaggia – FranceKelingking Beach – Indonesia