28 of the best beach day passes in Dubai

One&Only Royal Mirage is one of Dubai’s most opulent hotels, with extensive grounds and a long stretch of private beach. Buying a day pass – which costs from AED200 on weekdays and AED250 on weekends – to its beach club DRIFT gives you access to sun loungers and an Instagram-worthy pool, with a pristine beach and Provencal menu adding to the draw. This adults-only spot is also one of the city's most photographed thanks to its chic French Riviera-inspired decor and sparkling views.

Riva is a private beach club on Palm Jumeirah’s trunk, and regularly voted a Dubai family favourite. With a relaxed restaurant and gazebo area, a temperature-controlled pool and plenty of sun loungers and parasols, Riva has everything you need for a day by the sea. While it might not be as luxurious as some of Dubai’s resorts, it’s also much friendlier on the wallet, with prices for pool-only access starting from AED95 per adult on weekdays and AED125 on weekends, fully redeemable on food and drink consumed on the day.

An azure infinity pool overlooking sweeping views of the city skyline greets visitors at this all-day, adults-only hotspot that's sure to impress. For AED250 per person on weekdays (or AED300 on weekends), you can start the day perched under a parasol on a sun lounger, then move on to the terrace for dinner as live entertainment adds to the upbeat atmosphere. There's a bohemian theme throughout, from the show to the decor that delights with bamboo, rattan furnishings, terracotta and turquoise accents blending seamlessly.

Bluewaters Island actually has several options if you're looking for day access to its beach and massive pools. At Caesars Palace, you can pay from AED290 per adult, with AED145 redeemable on weekdays, for a day at its Neptune or Fortuna pools and beach, with handy access to Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant nearby. Or through the resort’s dedicated Cove Beach club, you can enjoy a day at a popular Mediterranean-style pool and beach retreat like no other. The most recent seaside spot to spill onto the Caesars' sands is Venus Ristorante & Beach Club,  boasting stunning Ain Dubai views, palm trees and strategically-strewn hammocks providing the perfect frame for that all-important Instagram photo.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel is justifiably famous and a great choice for a family vacation. Fortunately, a day pass to its beach and pools lets anyone sample a slice of the same experience. The hotel's extensive beach has plenty of room for everyone to have a good time, with one of the best views around of Burj Al Arab’s billowing sail. There are also plenty of dining and refreshment options right on the sand with South of France's Verde Beach, a popular and lively choice, and Nuska Beach offering Mediterranean flavours.

This Thai-inspired resort is designed around a meandering waterway, with its huge pool one of its primary features. A day pass costing from AED250 per adult on weekdays (with AED150 of that redeemable) gives you a taste of the Far-Eastern hospitality on offer. You'll feel pampered thanks to waiter service directly to your sun lounger – and of course, you'll get access to Anantara’s beautiful beach with scenic views across Palm Jumeirah. A selfie by the 50m infinity pool is a must and, if you want to kick up the pace, book in for a range of watersports at the activity centre.

Based in the heart of Dubai’s popular Jumeirah Beach Residence, Azure Beach offers daily live entertainment with a trumpeter, dancers, contemporary violinists and saxophonists that add to the upbeat vibe. The adults-only main pool is huge, and you can gain access by opting for their AED200 weekday pass – AED100 of which is redeemable. On weekends, prices go up to AED300 per person (with AED150 redeemable) but given the popularity of the venue and the slick service, you'll feel it's worth splashing out on. Book well enough in advance and you may even secure one of the venue's coveted 'VIP pool islands'.

The Mina Seyahi beach also overlooks one of the city’s yacht marinas, making it a great place to spot some glamorous-looking boats. A day pass, from AED200 per adult on weekdays, offers access to the beach and lagoon-style pool, as well as the hotel’s gym – great if you want to include a workout. An added attraction is Jungle Bay Waterpark, which has plenty of thrills for all ages, though access to that incurs an additional charge. Mina Seyahi is also home to Barasti, a classic Dubai beach hangout spot, where you can enjoy beach access for free, but it does get busy at peak times.

WHITE Beach is Atlantis, The Palm’s main beach club offering, and is perfect for spending the day at Palm Jumeirah’s most famous resort. With prices starting at AED200, this adults-only spot offers plenty of amenities along a great stretch of pristine sand. However, the club is not the only way to enjoy the Atlantis beach – a ticket to Aquaventure Waterpark also includes beach access, if you’re keen on some more active fun with the family.

*Note: WHITE Beach is currently closed for the summer season.

Located right next to Skydive Dubai’s Marina base – meaning you get a great view of their planes taking off and skydivers coming in to land – Zero Gravity is an independent beach club renowned for its upbeat atmosphere and music. This is a great place to enjoy a lively day at the beach or pool, especially if you want to carry on the fun with friends after the sun sets. And with entry free for ladies from Monday to Thursday and AED150 for gents (with AED100 redeemable), this spot's easy on the wallet too. There are also brunch deals on Saturdays and Sundays for those looking for an all-in package.

Stunning sunsets and Instagram-worthy shots are guaranteed at AURA Skypool, which soars 50 floors above Palm Jumeirah. The world's highest 360-degree infinity pool wraps around the deck, giving you vantage points across the city's skyline. Prices start from AED250 and there are three different time-based packages to choose from, including an all-day option and plenty of gourmet bites to keep you satisfied in the sunshine.

Located on the creek at the Jaddaf Waterfront, this designer hotel has fully redeemable passes that give you access to its three pools. Whether you are going with the family and want to frolic in the Central or West Pool, or heading straight for the East pool that has a lively DJ on weekends, the five-star resort pampers with its trademark Versace print subtly showing up in all your photographs. Friendly service and an Italian-inspired menu add to the allure, as does the price tag which comes in at AED200 per person, fully redeemable.

Elevate your list of seaside retreats by adding The Club, a new beachside lifestyle destination that includes a selection of beach clubs. Nestled on a prime stretch along Palm West Beach, The Club is home to SĀN, an African-themed spot where you can stretch out for a day in a villa, floating cabana or on a sun lounger. Alternatively, head to Peruvian-themed Playa Beach Club for a boho-chic vibe, stunning infinity pool and impeccably presented Nikkei plates, or Tulum-inspired Eva Beach House for chic surroundings and artisanal bites. Prices on weekdays start at AED150 per person, rising to AED200 on weekends, but vary depending on the venue.

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. From AED100 per person on weekdays and AED200 on weekends (both fully redeemable), 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 sunshine by the shore.

Located on the other side of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab at Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel, Summersalt presents a combined beach club and gourmet dining experience. The premium space offers a luxurious setting to relax in while dining on Nikkei cuisine. Regular entry prices are either AED500 (non-redeemable) or AED800 (with AED400 redeemable - only available from Monday to Thursday) or for ladies there's a pass for AED250 (non-redeemable - only available from Monday to Thursday).

For a lively daytime experience at The Club, Playa has a ladies day offer which runs every Tuesday. For AED180, ladies can enjoy the pool and beach experience, along with a selection of sushi and salad and three beverages between 11am and 3pm. Playa offers a chic Tulum-inspired experience with a temperature-controlled pool and cool ocean views. The menu features a range of Peruvian dishes, including crudo, robata and Josper-grilled delicacies.

Named after a paradise island off the coast of Ibiza, Tagomago is a beach club and restaurant that brings the same bohemian charm and western Mediterranean flavours to Palm Jumeirah. The family-friendly establishment sits on the east edge of Dubai’s famed archipelago, taking over the circular two-storey structure that previously housed Italian restaurant Il Faro. Up to 120 sunbeds line the private beach and guests can also enjoy its seaside lounges, terrace dining area and pretty pergola paths.