Dubai’s beach season is officially on. With close to 1,000km of soft, sugary shoreline across Dubai’s beaches, it’s fair to say that there’s a sliver of sand suitable for everyone. So if you’re looking for Dubai’s best beaches, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you want to curl up with a book in a quiet cove, fling a frisbee with friends, grab some great beach-side food, drape yourself over a luxe sun lounger, sip ice-cold drinks in a chilled atmosphere or fish out a flash swimming costume and party the day away, you can do so.

With Dubai Municipality upgrading Kite Beach and other popular public beaches last season, the city’s beaches are better and more beautiful than ever before.

Plus, there are even more beach clubs to choose from (and they’re not all on Palm West Beach we promise), as well as lots of swanky hotel beaches that offer day passes.

So, grab your towel, lather on the sun lotion and make the most of the coast – these are Dubai’s best beaches.

JUMP TO

• Dubai’s best free beaches
• Dubai’s best beach clubs
• Dubai’s best hotel beaches

Dubai’s best beaches: free to use

Al Mamzar Beach Park

The pearlescent sand and clear blue waters mean that it’s well worth making the journey out to the Dubai-Sharjah border to soak up the joys of this particular beach. Once you arrive, you’ll find not just one beach but four, large grassy areas, bicycle paths, a swimming pool, multiple barbecue areas and a skate park. There’s also a scattering of cafes and kiosks for stocking up on beach day necessities (read: ice cream) and the snorkelling from the shallows is pretty good too. At Dhs5 it’s not technically free, but it’s a very small price to pay considering the facilities on offer.
Dhs5. Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat (and official holidays) 8am-11pm. Al Khaleej Street, Al Mamzar.

Black Palace Beach – temporarily closed

This beautiful beach of many names (some call it Al Sufouh Beach, others Secret Beach, but we rather like the Black Palace title) holds well-deserved legendary status among long-time Dubai residents. Why, you may wonder? Well, this is the perfect spot when you want to escape the crowds and feel like you’ve gone off the beaten track, but wish to do so without sacrificing those Burj Al Arab views.

As befits the secret beach moniker there are no facilities or restaurants here so make sure you arrive with supplies in hand. There is, however, normally a rather handy Cafu truck parked up, so you can tick a quick refuel of your to-do list when you visit.

Unfortunately, visitors heading to Al Sufouh Beach will find it temporarily closed. At the beach entrance, there’s a notice announcing the closure. Stay tuned to Time Out Dubai for updates.
Turn right into the slip road after the bus stop on Al Sufouh Road (just before Hessa Street and about 500m before Dubai Media City).

JBR

There’s options aplenty at Dubai’s busiest beach. From sunrise until sunset (and beyond) this stretch of coast – and the busy promenade behind it – throngs with activity, people and possibility thanks to the children’s play areas, inflatable Aqua Park, sun-loungers for hire and restaurants, cafés and beach clubs galore. Arrive early and snag yourself a prime spot on the sand, then spend the day admiring the superb Ain Dubai views.
The Beach, opposite JBR.

Jumeirah Open Beach

Spanning quite the distance from Dubai Marine Beach Resort all the way up to the swanky Four Seasons Resort, this is a lovely chilled beach – ideal for enjoying a few hours on the sand with a good book. If you’re keen for some land-based activity, hit the smooth track that runs parallel to the beach (we’ll leave it up to you whether you run, walk, skate, blade or simple meander along it).
Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road.

Jebel Ali Public Beach

Picturesque, peaceful and far less built up than many of Dubai’s beaches. When all you want to do is chuck your towel on the sand, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and power through your latest book or podcast, Jebel Ali Beach should be your go-to.

Amenities are limited but there is a small kiosk selling snacks, ice creams and cold drinks (read: the essentials) and from time-to-time pop up coffee or food trucks appear.
Mina Jelel Ali.

Kite Beach

Trendy cafés and gourmet food shacks; a skate park, hanging rope obstacle course, human sling shot experience, long swathes of sand, running track, options to go paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking and of course kite surfing – consider that list just a taste of things to do at this fab beach hub.

Brilliant for adults, kids and everyone in between, Kite Beach may have grown its offerings at pace over the last few years but a real sense of character remains.
Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim.

Mercato Beach

All the neighbourhood feels. Sure, this isn’t the most spectacular beach in town but when old-school beach holiday activities are on the agenda – rock pooling, sand castle building, shell collecting and shoreside paddling – Mercato’s your beach. Technically part of Jumeirah Open Beach, this is a quieter section of sand we’re rather fond of.

Seek respite from the sun and reward the family for embracing wholesome screen-time free fun with an ice cream from Mercato Mall or up the ante and treat the team to lunch at 3Fils in nearby Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (you won’t be disappointed).
13a Street, Jumeirah 2.

Nessnass Beach

While this beach is most popular with kite surfers, there’s plenty of scope for paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and sailing too. It’s a quieter stretch of sand, though a Common Grounds cafe is coming soon, so it’ll also be a great spot for brekkie.
Nessnass Street, behind Sunset Mall.

Sunset Beach

This wide stretch of milky-white sand is often deserted in the early morning (it’s great for a pre-work stroll) and tends to remain if not exactly quiet, then certainly calm, throughout the day. Keen surfers often cite Sunset Beach, also known as Public Beach, as a top spot, fishing is popular, families are well catered for thanks to a children’s playground and clutch of BBQ areas and there’s even a pop-up library and free Wi-Fi (our kinda place). As the name suggests, you should of course stick around for sunset.
2C Street, Umm Suqeim.

Umm Suqeim Night Swimming Beach

Dubai opened up three of its beaches for night swimming in May this year, with extra lighting, dedicated electronic screens with safety information and dedicated lifeguards. Our top pick is an 800m-stretch near Sunset Beach, but there are also options in Jumeirah 1 and 2.
Free. Daily from sunset-sunrise. Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1.

Dubai’s best beaches: beach clubs

Azure Beach

The pool here is huge, the giant sun loungers are comfy, beach access is included, there’s a lush green lawn for lazing and the views out over the Arabian Gulf are stellar. Spend the day, enjoy the sunset, then decide if you’re going to stay to party the night away.
Mon-Thu: Dhs300 (Dhs100 redeemable in F&B); Fri-Sun: Dhs400 (Dhs200 redeemable in F&B). Open daily 10am-8pm. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR (052 777 9472).

Beach by FIVE

Ready those ‘phones: this party beach club has serious Insta potential (we’re talking a glass-sided pool and a chandelier to start). The 150-metre stretch of beach is pretty alluring too, with loungers, deluxe sun beds, cabanas and even Jacuzzies. There’s also a range of signature drinks to sip while you soak up the sun and a menu made up of Mediterranean-style bites.
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). FIVE Palm Jumeirah, palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com (04 455 9988).

Bla Bla

When beach day equals party day, Bla Bla on JBR’s beachfront is a no-brainer. This place promises exuberant Ibiza-inspired vibes, lots of live entertainment, a fancy pool complete with in-water sun loungers and ace views of Ain Dubai.

They also host a monthly day-to-night pool party, weekly Sunday brunch by the pool and Miami Beats ladies’ day on Tuesdays. Beach-style preening and partying opportunities don’t get much better than this (if that’s your bag).
Dhs200 with Dhs100 redeemable on food and beverages, Mon- Fri. From Dhs300 with Dhs150 redeemable on food and beverages, Weekends. Open daily, 10am-sunset. The Beach opposite JBR,blabladubai.ae (058 606 3535).

Cove Beach

Escape to the Med in chic style at this breezy, buzzing beach club at Caesars Bluewaters. Here you can book a single mattress, sunbed or double sunbed, settle on the sand or by the vast pool and spend the day accompanied by gorgeous sea views. There’s plenty of promos to check out, including an all-day deal on pink grape on Wednesdays (women only). However, you’ll have to be quick as this beach club is closing at the end of the month as part of the Caesars Palace reflagging to the Banyan Tree brand. Cove Beach is relocating to JBR, so stay tuned for its opening date.
Prices vary. Open daily 10am-sunset. Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters Dubai (050 454 6920).

DRIFT Beach Dubai

DRIFT at the One&Only Royal Mirage is one of the classiest clubs of them all. The beach is a beaut, the sun-dappled, Provencal-inspired restaurant is lovely and the bar is a fabulous spot for sundowners. For a real treat, the luxury island beds set by the infinity pool are the way to go (a bottle of premium sparkling grape is included in the price).
From Dhs200. Mon-Thu, Dhs250 Fri-Sun. 10am-7pm. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh.driftbeachdubai.com (04 315 2200).

KYMA Beach

This adults-only beach club on Palm West Beach is a sophisticated retreat for those seeking a more exclusive strip of sand. The Greek menu keeps foodies happy, while the vibes – and volume – ramp up during the day with a chilled electro soundtrack.
From Dhs200. Daily 10am-sunset (pool) noon-1am (restaurant). Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. Kymabeach.ae (046 665 999).

Nammos Dubai

Spirit yourself away to Mykonos with a beach day at the ever-stylish and decidedly glamorous Nammos. Relax into one of many reclining beds set on the private stretch of silky sand, then head to the indoor-outdoor restaurant for a spot of Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
Open daily 12.30pm-2am. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah 1. nammos.gr/nammos-dubai (04 340 1002).

Nikki Beach

The Dubai incarnation of this world-famous, super-trendy beach club has simply glorious views out to sea on one side, with exquisite vistas towards the Downtown Dubai area and Burj Khalifa on the other. Hit the beach, donning your water-appropriate glad rags, and lounge on a daybed. The kitchen serves international dishes and you’ll find a regular crowd coming through for sundowners.
Open Tue-Sun, 11am-8pm. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira (04 376 6162).

Nobu by the Beach

Located at Atlantis The Royal, Nobu By The Beach looks onto the hotel’s shores and features a large lagoon pool, a mini Nobu restaurant and an outdoor bar overlooking the Palm. Most of the action here is around the pool, but your entry fee also gets you access to the hotel’s beach – and there are few more serene beach spots we’d like to relax on right now.
Dhs250 (Mon-Thu), Dhs350 (Fri-Sun) Daily, 9am-7pm. Adults-only. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 3000).

RIVA Beach Club

One of Dubai’s best all-round beach clubs and a great pick for families thanks to the chilled atmosphere, spacious strip of beach (plenty of room for sandcastles, sun loungers and splashing in the shallows) and duo of swimming pools.

Handily, the onsite restaurant also has a menu packed with family-friendly favourites – pizzas, pastas, burgers, classic salads – and a drinks list likely to appeal to adults (all the better for sipping while assuming the horizontal position on a lounger).
Mon-Fri: Dhs125 (fully redeemable), Dhs65 (kids aged 5-12); Sat-Sun: Dhs175 (fully redeemable), Dhs90 (kids aged 5-12). Daily 7am-11pm. Building 8, The Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah (04 430 9466).

Soul Beach

Having been open over a year now, this Jebel Ali beach club is a firm favourite on Dubai’s beach club scene. As well as a gleaming infinity pool surrounded by a 26-metre-long sunbed, this day-to-night destination boasts a long stretch of golden sand with sun beds and umbrellas aplenty. Come sunset the party atmosphere picks up pace, as resident DJs hit the decks and the fire dancing and live entertainment begins.
Mon-Fri: Dhs200 (Dhs150 redeemable); Sat-Sun: Dhs200 (Dhs100).Open daily 10am-10pm. JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Freezone, soulbeachdxb.com (04 814 5126).

Summersalt

One of the more exclusive beach clubs in Dubai, an afternoon spent at Summersalt is as much about the food as it is about the sun-worshipping, so we suggest you arrive hungry. Divided into two equally enticing restaurants – one Peruvian and one Asian – fill up on some great grub before retiring to your cabana for an afternoon snooze. Don’t expect any thumping beats here – just gentle chatter and waves hitting the shore.
Dhs800 for adults (Dhs400 redeemable). Open daily 9am- midnight. Jumeirah Al Naseem, jumeirah.com/en/dine/dubai/al-naseem-summersalt (800 323 232).

Surf Club

If you’re looking for a lively beach club, Surf Club could be the one for you. The Palm West Beach venue recently reopened with a three-day party, setting the tone for what’s to come this season. There’s also plenty of space to chill here too, with stacks of sun loungers and cabanas, plus the restaurant famed for its seafood-driven menu with a raw bar and sushi counter.
Sunbeds available to reserve on location. Open daily, noon-1am. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, events@surfclubdubai.com @surfclubdubai (056 688 1332).

Twiggy by La Cantine

A lesson in beach-side luxe awaits at this chic French Riviera-style destination at the Park Hyatt Dubai. While the beach might be manmade (the white sand underfoot still feels pretty great to us) and certainly isn’t the largest on the list, this place is a must-visit. Luxuriate on loungers, linger over lunch and lap up the sunset scenes.
Dhs200; (Mon-Fri), Dhs250 (Sat-Sun). Daily 10am-sunset. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, twiggy.ae (04 602 1105).

WHITE Beach

Yet to re-open for the winter season, we’re all eagerly awaiting the relaunch of WHITE Beach. This super-trendy beach club and bar is the place for a proper party by the sea. There’s a huge infinity pool plus a diamond-shaped swimming pool that was added last year, along with new front-row sunbeds and luxury cabins that come with private plunge pools. Add to that the chic restaurant, terrace, Dubai skyline views and live DJs, and there’s plenty to take you from beach day to a party on the sand here.
Re-opening soon. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 2000).

Zero Gravity

Spend your day here lying back on the beach (choose between plush sun loungers and private cabanas) or by the glass-fronted pool (you know, the one you’ve seen on Insta). Either way, you’ll be soaking up views of rolling waves, bright blue skies and the looming Ain Dubai in style (with the odd descending skydiver from nearby SkyDive Dubai to look out for, too).
Open Thu-Tue 10am-2am, closed Wed. Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai Marina, www.0-gravity.ae (04 399 0009).

Dubai’s best beaches: hotel beaches

Fairmont The Palm

With six pools to choose from (including one just for adults and another specifically for families), as well as an 800m stretch of golden sand to explore, The Fairmont is an excellent choice for a beach day outing.

The hotel runs a number of beach-and-pool day deals throughout the year which are well worth checking out and children under the age of six go free as standard.
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), Sat-Sun and public holidays. Daily 7am-7pm. Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 457 3388).

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Enjoy a real taste of holiday living in your own city at the iconic Dubai landmark. A sea and sand-inspired 2019 refurb gave the famous wave-shaped hotel a whole new lease of easy-breezy, contemporary-chic life and the vibe remains family-friendly yet suitably sophisticated.

The beach here boasts a prime location and just so happens to have some of the finest panoramas in town; take your time admiring the silhouette of the Burj Al Arab and think just how lucky you are to call yourself a Dubai resident.
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. Open 9am-6pm. Jumeirah Street, Umm Sequim. www.jumeirah.com (04 348 0000).

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Palatial surroundings, a superb private beach, 59-metre infinity pool and lots for families, too: when it comes to luxe beach days that we return to time and time again, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray delivers.
Dhs350 (fully redeemable). Daily, 9am-7pm. Palm Jumeirah (04 453 0000).

Le Royal Méridien Resort & Spa

When the kids deserve a treat and the adults are seriously in need of one (always?), throw everyone’s cossies in a bag and head to Le Royal Méridien Resort & Spa for a family beach and pool day. Our advice is to hit the waterslides early for plenty of adrenalin-fueled fun, then once energy levels are starting to dip make your way over to the lovely private beach for ice creams and a more genteel sand-based afternoon.
Dhs300 (fully redeemable), Dhs100 (kids aged 6-12, fully redeemable). Daily 8.30am onwards. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina (04 316 5550).

Raffles The Palm Dubai

Wander through the verdant green gardens at this ‘ulta-luxury’ property and you’ll feel an immediate sense of zen. That vibe will only get stronger as you settle yourself into a lovely lounger by the stunning temperature-controlled pool or recline in style on one of the city’s finest beaches. Lockers and changing rooms are available here and booking is encouraged.
Dhs350 Mon-Fri, Dhs400 Sat-Sun. Open 9am-7pm. Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, raffles.com (04 248 8888)

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

A winner of a beach day destination for all ages. In addition to six temperature-controlled swimming pools and numerous kid-friendly water slides, flumes and waterfalls, the beach at this Polynesian-style resort on The Palm is tip-top. Adults can lay back and relax on the sand while adventurous older kids try their hand at the various water sports on offer or launch themselves around inflatable obstacle course Aqua Bounce.
Dhs150 (adults), Dhs50 (kids aged six-12) Mon-Fri, Dhs200 (adults), Dhs70 (kids aged six-12), Sat-Sun and public holidays. Palm Jumeirah, sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com/ (04 455 6677).

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