The most attractive beaches in Dubai
The arrival of the beach season in Dubai signals the beginning of a delightful chapter for beachgoers. Dubai’s vast coastline boasts nearly 1,000 kilometers of pristine, inviting sand, making it the ultimate destination for sun seekers. If you’re on the lookout for the finest beaches in Dubai, you’ve landed in the right place. Dubai’s beaches offer a diverse range of activities to cater to every visitor’s preferences. Whether you seek a peaceful escape in a secluded cove with a good book, a friendly game of Frisbee with your companions, indulging in scrumptious beachside cuisine, reclining on a luxurious sun lounger, sipping refreshing beverages in a relaxed atmosphere, or dressing in your most stylish swimsuit for a day of festivities, you’ll find it all here. Thanks to the recent enhancements undertaken by Dubai Municipality, the city’s beaches are now more splendid than ever. Kite Beach and several other popular public beaches have received significant upgrades, adding to the overall charm of these seaside havens. Moreover, there are numerous upscale hotel beaches that offer day passes, along with an array of beach clubs to choose from (and they’re not all located on Palm West Beach). So, grab your beach towel, apply some sunscreen, and embrace the coastal bliss that Dubai’s top beaches have to offer. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a vibrant beach day, you’re sure to find your perfect beachfront paradise in Dubai. It’s time to bask in the sun and let the soothing waves of the Arabian Gulf wash away your cares.
Dubai’s best beaches are available for free
Al Mamzar Beach Park
The trip to the Dubai-Sharjah border to enjoy this specific beach is well worth it because of the iridescent sand and crystal-clear waves. When you get there, you’ll discover not one but four beaches, as well as expansive grassy spaces, bike trails, a swimming pool, several grilling places, and a skate park. Additionally, there are a few cafes and shops scattered about where you can get ice cream and other beach-day essentials. The snorkelling in the shallows is also quite good. Although technically not free at Dhs5, it is a very small fee to pay given the amenities provided.
Cost: Dhs5.
Timing: Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat (and official holidays) 8am-11pm.
Location: Al Khaleej Street, Al Mamzar.
Black Palace Beach
This gorgeous beach, which goes by several names (some refer to it as Al Sufouh Beach, some as Secret Beach, but we prefer the moniker Black Palace), has earned a well-deserved reputation as a legendary destination among longtime inhabitants of Dubai. This location is ideal if you want to get away from the crowd and feel like you’ve ventured off the main path without giving up the Burj Al Arab views.
There are no facilities or eateries at this beach, which is why it has the nickname “secret beach,” so bring supplies with you when you go. However, a quite useful Cafu truck is frequently parked nearby, allowing you to quickly mark something off your to-do list when you visit.
Location: After the bus stop on Al Sufouh Road (about 500 metres before Dubai Media City), turn right onto the slip road.
JBR
The busiest beach in Dubai has a wide variety of possibilities. This stretch of beachfront, as well as the bustling promenade behind it, are constantly bustling with activity, people, and opportunity because of the abundance of restaurants, cafés, beach clubs, inflatable Aqua Parks, and kid-friendly play places. Get there early to secure a prime location on the beach, then spend the day taking in the breathtaking views of Ain Dubai.
Location: The beach is across from JBR.
Jumeirah Open Beach
This is a nice, laid-back beach that stretches quite a distance, from Dubai Marine Beach Resort all the way up to the opulent Four Seasons Resort. It’s perfect for spending some time on the sand with a good book. You can run, stroll, skate, blade, or simply meander along the smooth track that runs along the beach if you’re itching for some land-based exercise.
Location: Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road.
Jebel Ali Public Beach
Unlike many of Dubai’s beaches, it is picturesque, tranquil, and considerably less developed. Jebel Ali Beach should be your go-to destination when all you want to do is lay your towel on the sand, enjoy the sun’s warmth on your skin, and finish your most recent book or podcast. There are few amenities, although a tiny shop sells snacks, ice cream, and cold beverages.
Location: Mina Jelel Ali.
Kite Beach
Consider that list just a sample of the activities available at this fantastic beach hub, which also includes hip cafes and gourmet food stands, a skate park, a human sling shot experience, long stretches of sand, a running track, options for paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking, and, of course, kite surfing.
A great feeling of character still exists in Kite Beach, which is fantastic for both adults and children and everyone in between. Kite Beach’s offers may have increased quickly during the past few years.
Location: Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim.
Mercato Beach
Even though this isn’t the most stunning beach in town, Mercato is the place to go for traditional beach holiday activities like shelling, paddling along the shore, making sand castles, and rock pooling. This quieter stretch of sand, which is technically a part of Jumeirah Open Beach, is one of our favorites. Take a break from the heat and treat the family to an ice cream from Mercato Mall as a reward for enjoying healthy screen-free entertainment, or go all out and treat the team to lunch at 3Fils in adjacent Jumeirah Fishing Harbour.
Location: 13a Street, Jumeirah 2.
Nessnass Beach
Although kite surfers are the most common visitors to this beach, there is also plenty of opportunity for paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and sailing. It’s a more tranquil section of the beach, though a Common Grounds cafe will soon be there, making it an excellent place for breakfast.
Location: Nessnass Street, behind Sunset Mall.
Sunset Beach
This large expanse of milky-white sand is frequently abandoned in the morning (it’s wonderful for a stroll before work) and tends to stay peaceful throughout the day, if not quite quiet. Sunset Beach, also known as Public Beach, is a top destination for serious surfers. Families are well cared for with a playground, a number of BBQ spots, and even a pop-up library and free Wi-Fi. Of course, you should stay until sunset, as the name implies.
Location: 2C Street, Umm Suqeim.
Umm Suqeim Night Swimming Beach
In May of this year, Dubai made three of its beaches suitable for swimming at night. Additional lighting, specialised electronic screens with safety instructions, and specialised lifeguards were also provided. Our best choice is an 800-metre stretch close to Sunset Beach, but Jumeirah 1 and 2 are also viable possibilities.
Cost: Free
Timing: Daily from sunset to sunrise.
Location: Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, and Umm Suqeim 1.
Palm West Beach
The Palm Jumeirah shoreline at Palm West Beach offers a wide variety of activities for lovers of the sun and the water. Palm West Beach, located on Palm Jumeirah island, offers all-day seaside entertainment and stunning Dubai skyline views. Enjoy daily exercise, lazy beachfront breakfasts, and sandcastles with a picturesque sunset backdrop. Enjoy shoreside restaurants like KoKo Bay, Surf Club, Lucky Fish, and more. The beach also features five-star hotels, luxury residential properties, and more set to open. Be ready to enjoy a good time with your friends, family, and pets thanks to the 1.6 km of promenade and beachfront, which features restaurants, watersports, and the greatest views of the Dubai skyline. Build sandcastles in front of picturesque sunsets, indulge in languid beach breakfasts, or get your daily dose of fitness along the walking and jogging route.
Timing: 08:00 am to 12:00 am
La Mer
La Mer is a well-known beachside location that combines luxurious housing with upmarket eating, shopping, and entertainment options. This stunning location adds a burst of color to the premium Jumeirah 1 neighborhood with its turquoise seas, white dunes, and hip murals, in addition to its boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. The majority of La Mer South is now closed due to construction; however, exciting new beach clubs and shoreline activities are currently being built at La Mer.
Dubai Island Beach
Dubai Islands Beach, so named after the city’s burgeoning waterfront neighborhood, is quickly becoming the best place in town for a cool plunge and shoreside entertainment. It is the city’s first entirely pet-friendly beach and is situated off the shore of Dubai’s more established metropolis, Deira. Owners are welcome to bring their dogs here for a leisurely jog or swim.
The top beaches in Dubai are beach clubs
Azure Beach
There is a sizable pool, enormous sun loungers that are comfortable, free access to the beach, grass for lounging, and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Spend the day, take in the sunset, and then decide whether or not to stay the night to party.
Cost: Mon-Thu: Dhs300 (Dhs100 redeemable in F&B); Fri-Sun: Dhs400 (Dhs200 redeemable in F&B).
Timing: Open daily 10am-8pm.
Location: Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR (052 777 9472).
Beach by FIVE
This party beach club has significant Instagram potential. Get those phones ready. The 150-metre stretch of beach, which has loungers, luxurious sunbeds, cabanas, and even Jacuzzis, is also quite tempting. Additionally, a selection of specialty drinks and Mediterranean-inspired snacks are available for you to enjoy while you relax in the sun.
Cost: Dhs150 (ladies for sun loungers, redeemable on F&B), Dhs300 (gents for sun loungers, redeemable on F&B), Dhs1,000 (minimum spend for two guests on VIP deluxe sunbeds, daily).
Location: FIVE Palm Jumeirah, palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com (04 455 9988).
It makes sense to go to Bla Bla on JBR’s beachfront when beach day also means party day. This location guarantees raucous Ibiza-inspired vibes, a tonne of live entertainment, a beautiful pool with in-water sun loungers, and excellent views of Ain Dubai. Additionally, they hold a weekly Sunday brunch by the pool, a monthly day-to-night pool party, and a Tuesday Miami Beats ladies’ day. If beach-style preening and partying are your thing, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Cost: Dhs200 with Dhs100 redeemable on food and beverages, Mon-Fri. From Dhs300 to Dhs150 redeemable on food and beverages on weekends
Timing: Open daily, 10 a.m.–sunset.
Location: The beach is opposite JBR,blabladubai.ae (058 606 3535).
At this lively beach club at Caesars Bluewaters, go to the Mediterranean in elegant style. You can reserve a single mattress, a double sunbed, a spot on the beach, or by the large pool, and spend the day admiring the stunning sea views here. There are many promotions to look into, including a pink grape all-day offer on Wednesdays (for ladies only). You will need to act quickly, though, as this beach club will close at the end of the month as part of Caesars Palace’s rebranding as Banyan Tree. To learn when Cove Beach will open in JBR, keep checking back.
Cost: Costs vary.
Timing: Open daily, 10 a.m.–sunset.
Location: Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters Dubai (050 454 6920).
One of the most upscale clubs is DRIFT at the One & Only Royal Mirage. The sun-dappled, Provencal-style restaurant is delightful, the beach is stunning, and the bar is a great place to enjoy sundowners. The opulent island beds by the infinity pool are the best option for a special treat (a bottle of fine sparkling grape is included in the cost).
Cost and Timing: From Dhs 200. Mon-Thu, DHS 250, Fri-Sun. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Location: One & Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh.driftbeachdubai.com (04 315 2200).
KYMA Beach
This Palm West Beach adults-only beach club is a chic haven for anyone looking for a more exclusive stretch of sand. The Greek menu keeps diners content, while a chill electro soundtrack amplifies the atmosphere during the day.
Cost: From Dhs200.
Timing: Daily 10 a.m.–sunset (pool), noon–1 a.m. (restaurant).
Location: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah Kymabeach.ae (046 665 999)
With a beach day at the always trendy and undeniably glitzy Nammos, transport yourself to Mykonos. Sit back and unwind in one of the many reclining beds situated on the exclusive stretch of smooth sand before heading to the indoor/outdoor restaurant for some lunch with a Mediterranean flair.
Timing: Open daily, 12.30 p.m.–2 a.m.
Location: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah 1. nammos.gr/nammos-dubai (04 340 1002).
This iconic, ultra-hip beach club has a location in Dubai, and it offers stunning views of the ocean on one side and the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai on the other. Put on your water-friendly glad rags, head to the beach, and relax on a daybed. International cuisine is served in the kitchen, and a regular clientele stops by for sundowners.
Timing: Open Tue-Sun, 11am-8pm.
Location: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira (04 376 6162).
Nobu by the Beach
Nobu by the beach, which is a part of Atlantis The Royal, has a big lagoon pool, a miniature Nobu restaurant, and an outdoor bar with views of the Palm. It is situated on the hotel’s shoreline. Although the pool is where the majority of the fun happens, your admission ticket also grants you access to the hotel’s beach, where we would like to unwind right now.
Cost & Timing: Dhs250 (Mon-Thu), Dhs350 (Fri-Sun) Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Adults-only.
Location: Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 3000).
RIVA Beach Club
Thanks to the relaxed environment, wide stretch of beach (enough area for sandcastles, sun loungers, and splashing in the shallows), and two swimming pools, it’s a perfect choice for families. The onsite restaurant conveniently offers a menu full of family-friendly favourites, including pizzas, pastas, burgers, and classic salads, as well as a drinks menu that is sure to please adults (the better to enjoy when lying horizontally on a lounger).
Cost: Mon-Fri: Dhs125 (fully redeemable), Dhs65 (kids aged 5–12); Sat-Sun: Dhs175 (fully redeemable), Dhs90 (kids aged 5–12).
Timing: Daily 7 a.m.–11 p.m.
Location: Building 8, The Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah (04 430 9466).
Soul Beach
This Jebel Ali beach club, which has been operating for more than a year, is a mainstay of Dubai’s beach club scene. This day-to-night location features a lengthy stretch of golden beach with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas, in addition to a sparkling infinity pool surrounded by a 26-metre-long sunbed. As the sun sets, the party atmosphere intensifies as resident DJs start spinning records, fire dancing starts, and live entertainment starts.
Cost: Mon-Fri: Dhs200 (Dhs150 redeemable); Sat-Sun: Dhs200 (Dhs100).
Timing: Open daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Location: JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Freezone, soulbeachdxb.com (04 814 5126).
Summersalt
The food at Summersalt, one of Dubai’s most upscale beach clubs, is just as important as the sunbathing when it comes to an afternoon spent there; therefore, we advise you to come hungry. Fill up on some delicious food before retiring to your cabana for an afternoon nap. The area is divided into two equally alluring eateries, one Peruvian and one Asian. Expect quiet conversation and the sound of waves lapping against the shore instead of any pounding beats.
Cost: Dhs800 for adults (Dhs400 redeemable).
Timing: Open daily, 9 a.m.–midnight.
Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem, jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/al-naseem-summersalt (800 323 232).
Surf Club
Surf Club can be the place for you if you’re seeking a buzzy beach club. A three-day celebration to celebrate the venue’s recent reopening at Palm West Beach set the tone for this season. With rows of sun loungers and cabanas, as well as the restaurant known for its seafood-focused menu with a raw bar and sushi counter, there is also plenty of space to unwind here. On-site sunbed reservations are available.
Timing: Open daily, noon–1 a.m.
Location: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, events@surfclubdubai.com, @surfclubdubai (056 688 1332).
At this stylish resort at the Park Hyatt Dubai, you may learn about beachside luxury. This location is a must-see even though the beach may be artificial (the white sand feels amazing underfoot, in our opinion) and isn’t the largest on the list. Relax on lounge chairs, take your time eating lunch, and take in the sunset views.
Cost: Dhs200 (Mon-Fri), Dhs250 (Sat-Sun).
Timing: Daily 10 a.m.–sunset.
Location: Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, twiggy.ae (04 602 1105)
We’re all looking forward to White Beach’s reopening, as it hasn’t yet reopened for the winter season. The location for an authentic party by the water is this ultra-hip beach club and bar. New front-row loungers, plush cabins with private plunge pools, a sizable infinity pool, and a diamond-shaped pool that was added last year are all there. There are lots of amenities here to take you from a beach day to a party on the sand, including a stylish restaurant, a terrace with views of the Dubai cityscape, and live DJs.
Timing: Re-opening soon.
Location: Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 2000).
Spend the day relaxing here by the glass-fronted pool (you know, the one you’ve seen on Instagram) or on the beach (select between plush sun loungers and private cabanas). In either case, you’ll be admiring the flowing seas, the clear skies, and the towering Ain Dubai in style (along with the occasional skydiver who descended from adjacent SkyDive Dubai to keep an eye out for).
Timing: Open Thu-Tue 10 a.m.–2 a.m., closed Wednesday
Location: Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai Marina, www.0-gravity.ae (04 399 0009).
The Byron Bathers Club
Australian beaches serve as the inspiration for Chef Tom Arnel’s waterside restaurant on the Palm Jumeirah shoreline, which has surf-style decor and a cuisine that you can contentedly munch on all day. Views of the Arabian Sea are complemented by light, airy decor, and the relaxed neighborhood atmosphere guarantees that guests stay often. Snack on small plates or indulge in a variety of major dishes with a focus on coastal flavors that highlight fresh seafood and ingredients.
Location: Al Manhal Building, Shoreline 4, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
ULA
ULA, which is Latin for “sea jewel,” is true to its name. The beachside location, which is close to DUKES The Palm, is a fantastic getaway for a day at the beach and some food. Visit the property and select from the appealing lounge spaces, pool and beach sitting, or inside dining before settling down to enjoy a meal with a Mediterranean flair that highlights the finest ingredients. Families and couples are having a good time while listening to lively music and relaxing by the water.
Location: Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel Palm Jumeirah – The Palm Jumeirah
The best beaches in Dubai are those near hotels.
The Fairmont is a great option for a beach day adventure because it has six pools to select from (including one exclusively for adults and another just for family), as well as an 800-metre stretch of golden sand to explore.
Children under the age of six stay free by default at the hotel, which offers a number of beach and pool day bargains throughout the year.
Cost: Dhs200 (adults, redeemable on F&B), Dhs100 (children aged six–12, redeemable on F&B), Mon–Fri. Dhs250 (adults, redeemable on F&B), Dhs125 (children aged six–12, redeemable on F&B)
Timing: Saturday-Sun and public holidays. Daily 7am-7pm.
Location: Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 457 3388).
Visit the iconic Dubai landmark to have a true sense of vacation living right in your own city. The iconic wave-shaped hotel has a fresh lease on life thanks to a sea and sand-inspired 2019 renovation, and the atmosphere is still family-friendly while still feeling appropriately swanky.
Take your time enjoying the silhouette of the Burj Al Arab and consider how fortunate you are to call Dubai home. This beach is in an excellent location and also happens to have some of the best views in town.
Cost: Dhs500 (adults, including Dhs250 credit on F&B at Nuska Beach), Dhs300 (kids aged 5–12, including Dhs100 credit on F&B at Nuska Beach). Mon-Thu, Dhs600 (adults, including Dhs250 credit on F&B at Nuska Beach), Dhs300 (kids aged 5–12, including Dhs100 credit on F&B at Nuska Beach), Fri-Sun.
Timing: Open 9am-6pm.
Location: Jumeirah Street, Umm Sequim. www.jumeirah.com (04 348 0000).
The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray delivers when it comes to luxurious beach days that we frequent repeatedly. It has opulent surroundings, an excellent private beach, a 59-metre infinity pool, and plenty of family-friendly amenities.
Cost: Dhs350 (fully redeemable).
Timing: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Location: Palm Jumeirah (04 453 0000).
Le Royal Méridien Resort & Spa
Throw everyone’s cosies in a suitcase and head to Le Royal Méridien Resort & Spa for a family beach and pool day when the kids deserve a treat and the adults really need one! To get the most adrenaline-fueled enjoyment, hit the waterslides first. Then, as your energy levels start to wane, head to the lovely private beach for ice cream and a more sedate day spent lounging on the sand.
Cost: Dhs300 (fully redeemable), Dhs100 (kids aged 6–12, fully redeemable).
Timing: Daily, 8.30 a.m. onwards.
Location: Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina (04 316 5550).
Raffles the Palm Dubai
You’ll feel zen as soon as you enter the lush green gardens of this “ultra-luxury” residence. As you snuggle into a wonderful lounger by the stunning temperature-controlled pool or unwind in elegance on one of the city’s best beaches, that feeling will only get stronger. This location has changing areas and lockers, and reservations are advised.
Cost: Dhs350 Mon-Fri, Dhs400 Sat-Sun.
Timing: Open 9am-7pm.
Location: Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, raffles.com (04 248 8888)
Sofitel Dubai, The Palm Resort & Spa
An excellent choice for family beach days At this Polynesian-style resort on The Palm, there are six temperature-controlled swimming pools in addition to a tonne of family-friendly water slides, flumes, and waterfalls. While more daring older children test their skills at the available water sports or launch themselves around the inflatable obstacle course, Aqua Bounce, adults can rest on the sand.
Cost: Dhs150 (adults), Dhs50 (kids aged six–12) Mon–Fri, Dhs200 (adults), Dhs70 (kids aged six–12),
Timing: Saturday-Sun and public holidays.
Location: Palm Jumeirah, sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com/ (04 455 6677).
Waldorf Astoria
The Palm Jumeirah location of the Waldorf Astoria brand, which is associated with luxury, does not disappoint. In addition to the hotel’s two pools and 200-meter beach, the hotel’s beach and pool day pass also provides access to an outdoor Jacuzzi, a baby pool, and one hour of Coco’s Kids Club, a supervised club for kids ages three to twelve that allows parents to unwind on the beach in peace.
Location: Waldorf Astoria, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
The Ritz Carlton
You may gain entrance to the resort’s immaculate beach, several pools, and first-rate service by purchasing a day pass at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, one of the most well-liked hotels along the Jumeirah Beach Residences seashore. Couples will enjoy the cheerful cabana-surrounded experience at La Baie, while kids will enjoy the neighboring sandy playground, lazy river, slide, waterfall, and fully covered shallow section at the children’s pool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dubai offers a wide array of stunning beaches for locals and tourists to enjoy, making it a true paradise for beach enthusiasts. The city’s coastline spans nearly 1,000 kilometers, providing a diverse range of beach experiences. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a secluded cove with a captivating book or the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling beachfront, Dubai has something for everyone. Thanks to the recent upgrades by Dubai Municipality, the city’s public beaches like Kite Beach have become even more enticing, with improved facilities and amenities. Additionally, there are upscale hotel beaches that offer day passes, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy luxury beachfront experiences. The list of beach options in Dubai is extensive, ranging from family-friendly spots with water slides and children’s pools to tranquil, adults-only beach clubs that cater to those seeking relaxation and entertainment. Many of these beach destinations offer a plethora of dining options, stunning sea views, and a range of water activities. Whether you’re interested in enjoying the picturesque views of Dubai’s iconic landmarks like the Burj Al Arab, taking a leisurely walk on the smooth beach track, or experiencing a vibrant beach party, there’s a beach in Dubai to match your preferences. Dubai’s beaches provide a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making them perfect for everything from a peaceful day of sunbathing to lively beachfront gatherings. So, whether you’re a resident or a visitor, grab your sunscreen and head to one of Dubai’s magnificent beaches to make the most of your beach season in this dynamic city.