With miles of sandy shores, Dubai’s beaches come in many shapes and styles. There are pristine public beaches with free facilities and sun loungers to rent. The busiest stretches are serviced by water sports centres and family-friendly food trucks and eateries, while more exclusive barefoot luxury can be found at one of Dubai’s ever-growing selection of designer beach clubs where the entertainment is orchestrated by DJs and costumed dancers. As an added bonus, Dubai’s beaches aren’t just places to play during the day; some are open at night too.
The Beach, JBR
Embracing the bustling tourist and residential district of Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), The Beach, JBR is a hive of activity. This stretch of the Arabian Sea is a playground for wakeboarders and jet skiers, and there’s an inflatable water park. Try to negotiate the slippery obstacles without falling into the sea.
Insider tip: Facilities include cabanas, sun loungers and parasols for hire, as well as free toilets, showers and changing rooms. Behind the building is a running track with al fresco fitness equipment, and training is also free.
How to get here: Dubai Marina is home to Dubai’s JBR 1 and JBR 2 tram stations, but most trams are accessible on foot or by taxi.
Palm West Beach
Work on your swagger before you stroll the length of Palm West Beach. Peacock watching along the boardwalk – or people-watching those who do – is the prevailing pastime on this trendy stretch of coastline. The sand, backed by five-star hotels, is divided into plots occupied by beach clubs, bars and restaurants, each pumping out competing baselines.
Insider tip: Go for the music you like and rent a daybed at one of the hotels or clubs and spend the day admiring the views, including the skyline of Dubai Marina and the Ferris wheel of Bluewaters Island. Stay until after sunset to see the promenade lit up at night.
How to get here: Take a taxi.
White beach
Dubai is full of beach clubs and White Dubai is one of the best. Located in the Atlantis mega-resort, The Palm, it’s a boho retreat with crocheted parasols, natural wood cabanas, two Instagrammable pools and an open-air restaurant.
Insider tip: Pamper yourself by booking a private pool cabana. The water is lovely and the service is attentive. Entry costs AED200 ($43) Monday to Thursday and AED250 (£54) Friday to Sunday and public holidays; ladies may prefer to come on Tuesday (Ladies Day), when the entry fee also includes unlimited selected drinks and food discounts.
How to get here: The Palm Monorail runs along Palm Jumeirah and stops at Atlantis, The Palm. You can also take a taxi.
Umm Suqeim “Sunset” Beach
This stretch of coast, known as Sunset Beach, is at its best in the late afternoon, and not just for its revered twilight views. It’s one of the few designated spots in Dubai for night swimming, so stay after dark to watch the floodlights bathe the sand and take a dip in the murky waters.
Insider tip: Dine at Bu Qtair, originally a simple beach shack that has been serving the catch of the day since the 1980s. Today, it is one of Dubai’s most famous heritage restaurants that still specialises in locally spiced seafood.
How to get here: The nearest metro station is Mall of the Emirates, approximately 10 minutes away by taxi.
Kite Beach
Kite Beach is one of the many beautiful beaches that surround Jumeirah 1, 2 and 3. It is a community gathering place. Deep and wide with an equally generous promenade and skies full of kite surfers. It is also a popular spot for flying kites.
Insider tip: Join families enjoying a morning stroll with stops at the playgrounds along the route, or gather at the trendy food trucks at sunset to feast on stacked burgers.
How to get here: Take a taxi.
Jumeirah Beach (Nessnass Beach)
Confusingly, Google Maps highlights multiple Jumeirah beaches. The two main sunbathing areas are just north of Kite Beach, on either side of the Dubai Canal. This one, on the southern side, is also known locally as Nessnass Beach, after nearby Nessnass Street – and it’s another place in Dubai to swim at night.
Insider tip: At the end of the beach, the Dubai Canal is ripe for a stroll with its collection of interesting bridges. Just behind this stretch of coastline is the air-conditioned Sunset Mall, an ideal escape when the mercury rises.
How to get here: Take a taxi.
Jumeirah Public Beach
If you drive further north, past the Dubai Canal, you will come to what Google calls Jumeirah Public Beach. This beach overlooks Jumeirah Bay Island, where you will find one of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts, Bulgari Dubai. There is also a Yacht Club, a lunch spot for millionaires.
Insider tip: At the northern end of the beach lies the picturesque Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, home to award-winning Asian eatery 3Fils and its sister restaurant BRIX Desserts. For a delicious lunch, order a Wagyu sando at the former and finish off with a fancy cake at the latter.
How to get here: Take a taxi.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
The family-friendly Al Mamzar Beach Park in Deira practically hugs the borders of Dubai’s neighboring emirate of Sharjah. Not many tourists venture this far north, but those who live nearby should explore the seaside park’s sandy beaches, cool pools, landscaped gardens and playgrounds. Entry costs just AED5 (£1) per person.
Insider tip: Designated barbecue and picnic areas allow you to prepare your own feast and enjoy it on site.
How to get here: Take a taxi.