Coastal Dubai is the perfect place for a weekend beach holiday. Boasting year-round sunshine and more sand than you can shake a stick at, it's a sunbather’s paradise. Although luxury hotels have laid claim to many stretches of shore here, there are still numerous free, picture-perfect beaches (or you can plump to pay for a little luxury and opt for day access to higher-end facilities). If sunbathing isn’t for you, the Dubai coast offers numerous activities from running tracks to kids’ play areas, plus a whole host of watersports including surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and kayaking, to name but a few.
Swimming is permitted here, but note that some beaches don’t have lifeguards and that all swimmers should take note of local currents and conditions. Standard swimsuits and shorts are acceptable but overt displays of affection and public drinking are not (however, many beaches are near to hotels, where beachfront bars are the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner or two). Pack your SPF and take your pick from the best beaches in Dubai.
1. Jumeirah Beach
This free beach, located in front of Jumeirah Beach Residences, is dotted with hotels featuring laid-back beach bars and is opposite Marina Walk, where there are eateries, shops and hotels aplenty. While it’s very easy to access from the street, this also means it’s a pretty open spot and is fantastic for people-watching, but is one to avoid if you’re looking for a more secluded stretch of sand.
Come the weekend, you’ll find all manner of life here, from sunseekers topping up their tans to families playing ball games. You can also rent water sports equipment from Water Adventure Dubai or have a go at the inflatable obstacle course just offshore (which is brilliant fun for kids and adults alike – life jackets are provided but this is one for swimmers only). Outside of the usual beach activities, you’re also close to the Ain Dubai ferris wheel, which provides a birds-eye view of the area.
2. Kite Beach
A beautiful long stretch of sandy beach located just to the right of the Wasl island complex, Kite Beach is popular with (you guessed it) kiteboarders thanks to the expanse of space for huge kites (as well as great conditions for the sport in the area). As well as watching kite surfers perform gymnastic feats in the water, there’s also entertainment to be found here in the form of kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding (you can hire equipment on the beach, on the day) as well as a running track (better during the cooler months) and kids’ play area.
This well-serviced beach is a great stop for families, as there are restrooms, places to eat and shaded spots. The nearby Kite Beach Market is dotted with kiosks boasting eateries, coffee shops and juice bars, as well as shopping for beach trinkets and local handicrafts.
3. Black Palace Beach
Known locally as “the secret beach”, Black Palace Beach (also called Al Sufouh Beach) does feel a little like a well-kept secret – the entrance is close to numerous gated, high-walled properties (including royal palaces) and its secluded locale means it seems like a private beach (rest assured, it’s a public beach and there is no fee to enter).
This is a great spot for some quiet reflection, a peaceful swim (though note this beach is not staffed with lifeguards) or a picnic with friends and family. It’s also devoid of lights at night, which makes it a beautiful place to watch the stars. However, while the beach boasts tranquility, it is not big in the way of facilities – there are no shops, restaurants or equipment rental shacks around here – so do as the locals do and bring your own supplies.
4. Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
While there are numerous excellent free beaches in Dubai, there are also plenty of luxury offerings that are worth splurging your cash on. Jumeirah Mina Al Salam is the perfect place to flop onto a sunlounger and relax as refreshments are delivered directly to you (bliss on a hot day). Passes range from AED 350-450 depending on the day.
If you want to step up the luxury, book a private beach cabana for the day (you’ll be looking at a rather eye-watering AED 1200 to do so). As well as access to the pristine beach, the fee for the day also includes access to the pool area if you’d like a break from the sand. Close by is the beautiful Madinat Jumeirah, so make a day of your visit and hop in an abra to travel around the cute man-made waterways or head to Souk Madinat for a spot of shopping.
5. Palm West Beach
This developed area on The Palm is part beach resort, part dining and shopping destination. The beach itself is free to enter (although upscale resorts have monopolised a lot of the sunbathing turf and you’ll need to pay if you wish to use these areas) and comes complete with pristine white sand, turquoise waters and views of the Dubai skyline.
Outside of luxury sunbathing, there’s plenty to do here – especially if you’re visiting with little ones. Try paddle boarding or wakeboarding, play some beach games, or grab a bite to eat at the (numerous) restaurants here (most have kids’ menus but the higher-end joints may feel less comfortable for families). Outside of the beach, you can hit Aquaventure World at the far end of The Palm for an adrenaline-filled afternoon (leave a few hours for this and note that it comes with a cost).
6. Jumeirah Beach Park
A stunning white sand beach a few blocks to the right of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (that’s the one shaped like a wave, for those not in the know), Jumeirah Beach Park is a popular spot in Dubai for strolling, sunbathing and enjoying the view at sunset. This is a great place to come for a picnic or evening barbecue (there are BBQ facilities here but cooking out is only permitted in designated grilling zones), as well as the usual rota of swimming and water activities.
There is a small fee (AED 5) to enter Jumeirah Beach Park but it’s well worth it. You’ll also find children’s play areas here and a small cafe (or pop into the hotel for a proper bite to eat). Note that Mondays are reserved for women and children only.
