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Beaches

The best beaches in Dubai

Thu, May 11, 2023

Dubai's beaches are buzzing hives of activity and accessible all year. Follow our definitive guide of the best free beaches to eat, play and relax shoreside.

Dubai's beaches are buzzing hives of activity and accessible all year. Follow our definitive guide of the best free beaches to eat, play and relax shoreside.

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The best free beaches in Dubai

Make your way here for some free fun under the sun

Sunset Beach

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Sunset Beach, also known as Umm Suqeim beach, is the perfect spot to relax with the sun, sand and Burj Al Arab in the distant background. One of the quieter beaches along the coast, it is a beautiful area for morning jogs and strolls, and watching the sun set across the Arabian Gulf. The calm beach allows you to catch a snooze, or borrow a book from one of the beach libraries dotted along the shore and do a bit of reading while enjoying one of the emirate's most beautiful stretches of sand. Alternatively, grab a bite from one of the foodie kiosks. It's also where that quintessential ‘holding up the Burj Al Arab' photograph you've seen all over Instagram is taken.

Jumeirah Public Beach (Nessnass Beach)

Jumeirah Public Beach (Nessnass Beach)

The Jumeirah Public Beach, lovingly called Nessnass Beach by locals, has become a popular hotspot thanks to its welcoming waters and clean stretch of sand. Whether you’re looking for a laidback day out with the family or want to practice your kitesurfing or windsurfing flips and dips, this is the place to be.

If you’d like to hone your watersports skills, head over to the Kite n Surf kiosk where you can sign up for lessons or equipment rentals for kitesurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking, with group bookings also available. There are some toilets and showers at Nessnass, but it’s not as equipped as other public beaches, such as The Beach at JBR. However, this also adds to Nessnass’s charm, creating a low-key vibe that keeps the city’s residents and visitors coming back for more.

Kite Beach

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If the name didn't already give it away, Dubai's sportiest beach is a favourite with kite surfers. Get here for a spot of beach volleyball or try your balance at stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. There are plenty of non-aqua activities, including a skatepark, an outdoor trampoline and a toddler-friendly area. Post-swim, make your way to one of the many beachside cafes for a bite to eat. We recommend homegrown food-truck-style cafe Salt, which serves up some of the best beef sliders in the city.

Black Palace Beach

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Known as Black Palace Beach thanks to its location next to one of Dubai’s royal residences, this drive-up spot may be hard to find, but it offers the calmest waters and most stunning sunsets in the city. Follow the pathway to discover an untouched shoreline, featuring views of Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab in the distance. While there are no facilities at this beach, it’s a great place to escape the bustle of the city.

Palm West Beach

Palm West Beach Dubai
Sun and sea worshippers will find plenty to do on the shores of Palm Jumeirah at Palm West Beach. With all-day beachfront entertainment, watersports, restaurants and the best Dubai skyline views on the 1.6km of promenade and beachfront, be prepared to have a fun time with your friends and family – as well as your pets! Get your daily dose of exercise along the walking and running trail, indulge in lazy seaside breakfasts, or build sandcastles against the backdrop of picture-perfect sunsets.

The Beach

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Get a taste of an idyllic beachside lifestyle and make your way down to The Beach opposite JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) – a bustling district with hotels, lounges, and family-friendly entertainment. The cosmopolitan area is like a sunny beach resort with a contemporary Arabian touch. From top restaurants to a beachside cinema and shops, everything is at your fingertips at this popular beach spot. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors, sample a range of foodie delights and marvel at the many supercars on show.

Dubai Islands Beach

Dubai Islands Beach

Named after its up-and-coming neighbourhood on the water, Dubai Islands Beach is emerging as the latest spot in the city for a refreshing dip and shoreside entertainment. Located off the coast of Dubai’s older hub – Deira – it is the city’s first fully pet-friendly beach, allowing owners to bring their dogs along for a scenic jog or swim.

The best family-friendly beach clubs in Dubai

Where to go with the whole family in tow

The Byron Bathers Club

Byron Bathers Club venue

Chef Tom Arnel's waterside spot on the shores of Palm Jumeirah takes inspiration from Australian beaches, with a surf-style aesthetic and menu that you can happily graze on all day. Bright, airy interiors complement views of the Arabian Sea, with an easy local neighbourhood vibe that ensures visitors become regulars. Snack on small plates or feast on a selection of mains, with an emphasis on coastal flavours putting the spotlight on seafood and seasonal ingredients.

ULA

ULA Dubai

ULA – which means 'sea jewel' – lives up to its name. Located next to DUKES The Palm, the shoreside spot is a great place to escape for a beach day and a bite to eat. Head over and choose from the inviting lounge areas, pool and beach seating or indoor dining, before settling in to discover a Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates the freshest ingredients. The vibe is laidback with upbeat tunes and families and couples enjoying the sunshine by the shore.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

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Al Mamzar Beach features five pristine beaches for sunbathing or swimming. Before reaching the soft white sand, you'll cross a large section of manicured lawn, with winding foot and bike paths sided by swaying palm trees. Spread over 106 hectares, Al Mamzar includes three stunning pools where families can cool off instead of getting sandy on the shore. For a small fee per person, this expansive park and beach, with lush barbecue areas, landscaped playgrounds, lagoons and a sheltered beach, are perfect for a day out.

You can also rent a sun lounger or even book a private, air-conditioned beach chalet for a more exclusive experience. The beach also holds a ladies-only day on Mondays and Wednesdays, where the park is exclusively reserved for women.

Sofitel The Palm

Book your own cabana or pull up early to get a beach bed at the five-star Sofitel Dubai The Palm. The hotel offers access to 500m of private beach and the kids will love the endless swimming pools – one even features a waterslide. Book a brunch package with one of the in-house restaurants to make a day of it, or choose a pool and spa combo for optimum relaxation.

Beaches
  • Sofitel Dubai The Palm

Soul Beach

Set over a 3,000sqm beachfront oasis at JA The Resort, Soul Beach features an array of indoor and outdoor spaces on the edge of the resort’s marina. At the centre, there’s a shimmering infinity pool, lined by a luxurious lounging area leading down to the pristine sands below. For seaside bites as the sun goes down, there’s a lounge with a relaxed beanbag seating area and a selection of flatbreads and dips. The cost of a day pass here is fully redeemable on food and drink, while private cabanas are available with a minimum spend.

The Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria name is synonymous with luxury, and the brand’s Palm Jumeirah property does not disappoint. The hotel’s beach and pool day pass can also offer great value, with access to not only the 200m beach and two pools, but also an outdoor Jacuzzi, a baby pool and an hour’s access to Coco’s Kids Club – a supervised club for children aged three to 12, offering a chance for mum and dad to relax in peace on the beach.

The Ritz Carlton, Dubai

Buy a day pass at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai – one of the most popular resorts along the Jumeirah Beach Residences shoreline – and you'll have access to the resort's pristine beach, multiple pools and excellent service. La Baie provides an upbeat cabana-surrounded experience that's ideal for couples, while the children's pool has an adjacent sandy playground, waterfall, lazy river, slide and fully covered shallow area

The liveliest beach clubs in Dubai

Follow the party crowd to these hotspots

Riva Beach Club

Riva Beach Club Dubai
Riva Beach Club adds a new dimension to Dubai’s beach scene by being the city’s first stand-alone beachside destination. Located on Palm Jumeirah’s shoreline, Riva Beach Club is a restaurant and beach in one. It’s a relaxed but vibrant nook, suited to any occasion. Riva is home to several outlets aside from the famous à la carte dining, such as Sophie’s organic cafe.

Azure Beach

Azure Beach Dubai
Experience tranquility when you visit Azure Lounge, a Mediterranean-style casual hangout by the beach. Dine, sip or simply relax at the sophisticated paradise at the heart of Rixos Premium Dubai JBR. The infinity pool comes equipped with private island beds, that grant views of Ain Dubai on one side, and Palm Jumeirah on the other.

Bla Bla

Dishes from Asia Asia in Dubai
A massive one-of-a-kind experience at JBR, Bla Bla has something for everyone. With multiple lounges, restaurants and a beach club, this social destination caters to all tastes and cravings. Bla Bla is a one-stop-shop where you swim and lounge pool-side, dine and spend the evening with friends moving from venue to venue. An ideal day-to-night option, soak in the sun's rays at the beach club – the orange private cabanas are much-coveted.

Playa Beach Club

Playa Beach Club

It has all the elements that draw a chic crowd: a prime perch on the pristine Palm Beach West complete with an infinity pool, views of the Dubai Marina skyline and bold boho-chic interiors. And it's all complemented by a creative menu featuring Japanese and Peruvian favourites. Chef Carlo Valentino has put together two separate menus, one catering to those soaking in the sunshine outside with easy-to-eat plates, as well as a more fine dining offering for foodies seated indoors by the open kitchen or at one of the cosy booths.

Nammos

Nammos Dubai
Ultra-trendy Nammos covers all bases, whether you are looking for a laid-back lunch spot or upbeat restaurant with party vibes at night. A sister outpost of the famous Mykonos original, the Dubai space comes complete with a lush garden and terrace, and is perched right on the waterfront. From the moment you pull up to the private entrance, next to the Four Seasons Jumeirah Resort, you are guaranteed a memorable experience, with an always dressed-up crowd.

The best luxury beach clubs in Dubai

When you're looking for Dubai-style luxury

Bulgari Resort Dubai

Bulgari Resort Dubai

One of the world’s most glamorous properties, The Bulgari Resort is a Dubai gem. With its pristine private beach and a signature swimming pool, your five-star holiday has never looked so good. Lounge in luxury by the sand or strike a pose at one of the poolside day beds. The resort’s beach restaurant, La Spiaggia, is also a chilled spot for leisurely meals with an Instagrammable backdrop.

Summersalt

Summersalt Beach Club in Dubai

Enjoy unparalleled views of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab set against a backdrop of blue sea and skies at Jumeirah Al Naseem's Summersalt beach club. Housed in one of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts at the Madinat Jumeirah complex, Summersalt has made quite the splash in Dubai’s must-see scene. Here you'll find relaxing loungers, pool and beach access, and delicious cuisine inspired by the spice route. Nearby are popular restaurants like Il Borro Tuscan Bistro and Rockfish, making this beach club one of Dubai’s hottest spots to chill out.

Twiggy by La Cantine

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A sunshine-filled spot that will brighten your day, Twiggy by La Cantine is a refreshing beach club and restaurant at Park Hyatt Dubai. Dine by the 100m infinity pool, which has its own menu complete with small plates such as poke bowls, lobster rolls, sushi and caviar, or swap the sun beds for a table on the terrace because the a la carte menu is more than worth it, filled with celebratory Mediterranean dishes.

DRIFT Beach Club

You’ll want to stay a little longer at DRIFT Beach Club. Nestled in the plush surrounds of One&Only Royal Mirage, this adults-only beach club is far from ordinary. Laze by the infinity pool, enjoy a lunch in the sunshine with friends, or simply lounge by the soft sands. The private beach club looks out over a kilometre of prime beachfront with sweeping views of Dubai’s skyline. Come for the sunshine, stay for the chic, laid-back vibes.

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