If you’re looking for the best beaches in Dubai, 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.
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So, grab your towel, lather on the sun lotion and make the most of the coast – these are Dubai’s best beaches.
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- Dubai’s best free beaches
- Dubai’s best beach clubs
- Dubai’s best hotel beaches
The best beaches in Dubai: 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
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.
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.
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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: Dhs200 (Dhs100 redeemable); Fri-Sun: Dhs300 (Dhs150 redeemable). Open daily 10am-7pm. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR , azure-beach.com (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.
Mon-Wed ladies Dhs100 and gents Dhs200 (includes a regular sunbed), fully redeemable; Thu-Sun ladies Dhs200 and gents Dhs300 (includes a regular sunbed), fully redeemable. FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, 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 Mon-Fri (fully redeemable), Dhs300 Sat-Sun (fully redeemable) 10am-sunset. Bla Bla, The Beach, JBR blabladubai.ae (04 584 4111).
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).
Mon-Thu: from Dh150-Dhs200; Fri-Sun from Dhs200-Dhs250. Daily 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
Mon-Fri: Dhs200; Sat-Sun Dhs250. Daily 10am-sunset. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. kymabeach.ae (04 666 5999).
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.
Dhs300 above six years old (non-redeemable). Daily 12.30pm-2am. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah 1. nammos.gr/nammos-dubai (04 340 1002).
Nikki Beach Dubai
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.
From Dhs300. Tues-Sun, 11am-8pm. Pearl Jumeirah, Dubai. Dubai.nikkibeach.com (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.
From Dhs250 from Mon-Thu (non-redeemable), Dhs350 from Fri-Sun (non-redeemable). Daily from 9am-7pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 1600).
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).
From Dhs150 Mon-Fri, (fully redeemable) Dhs175 Sat-Sun, (fully redeemable). Daily 7am-10pm (pool), 7am-6pm (beach). Building 8, The Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah, riva-beach.com (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.
Dhs250 (fully redeemable on F&B). Daily 10am-8pm. JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Freezone, @soulbeachdxb (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 Mon-Thu Dhs500 (Dhs250 redeemable), Fri-Sun Dhs500 (non-redeemable). Open daily 9am-7pm. Jumeirah Al Naseem, jumeirah.com (800 323 232). (Closing from July 1 until September 1)
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.
Mon-Fri: Dhs200; Sat-Sun: Dhs250. 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.
Dhs200, Mon-Thurs. Dhs250, Fri-Sun. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2000). (Closing from July 1 until August 31)
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).
Free entry (ladies, Mon-Tues) Dhs200 (gents, Dhs100 redeemable Mon-Tues). Closed on Wed. Dhs149 (ladies) Dhs248 (gents) (unlimited house drinks, 1-5pm) Thurs; Dhs299 (ladies), Dhs349 (gents) (unlimited food and beverage, 1pm=5pm) Fri; Dhs349 (ladies) Dhs399 (gents) (unlimited food and beverage 1pm-5pm) Sat; Dhs299 (ladies Dhs349 (gents) (unlimited food and beverage 1pm-5pm) Sun. Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai Marina (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.
Mon-Fri: Dhs200 (fully redeemable), Dhs100 (kids aged 6-12, fully redeemable), Free (kids below 6). Sat-Sun: Dhs250 (fully redeemable), Dhs125 (kids aged 6-12, fully redeemable) Free (kids below 6). Daily 7am-sunset. Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, fairmontthepalm.com (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). Open daily from 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). Daily from 8.30am-7pm. 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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