With miles of sandy shores, Dubai’s beaches come in all shapes and styles. There are pristine public beaches with free facilities and sun loungers for rent. The busiest stretches are serviced by water sports centres and family-friendly food trucks and eateries, while more private barefoot luxury can be found at one of Dubai’s ever-growing designer beach clubs, where entertainment is provided by DJs and costumed dancers. As an added bonus, Dubai’s beaches aren’t just places to party during the day; some are open at night too.
Beach, JBR
Embracing the bustling tourist and residential area of Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), The Beach, JBR is a hive of activity. This stretch of the Arabian Sea is a playground for water skiers and jet skiers, and there’s also an inflatable water park. Try to navigate its slippery obstacles without falling into the sea.
Insider tip: Facilities include huts, sun loungers and parasols for rent, plus free toilets, showers and changing rooms. Outdoor workouts are also free, behind a running track lined with exercise machines.
How to get here: Dubai Tram stations within Dubai Marina are close to JBR 1 and JBR 2, but you can reach most places by foot or taxi.
Palm West Coast
Before you set off on your stroll along the length of Palm West Beach, brace yourself. Peacocking the shoreline – or watching others do it – is the most popular pastime on this popular stretch of coastline. Backed by five-star hotels, the sand is divided into parcels occupied by beach clubs, bars and restaurants, each pumping out competing baselines.
Insider tip: Tune in to your favourite tunes and rent a sun lounger from one of the hotels or clubs and spend the day admiring the views, which include the Dubai Marina skyline and the Ferris wheel of Bluewaters Island. Stay until after sunset to see how the promenade is 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 mega-resort Atlantis, The Palm is a bohemian retreat with crocheted umbrellas, natural wooden cabanas, two Instagram-worthy pools, and an open-air restaurant.
Insider tip: Treat yourself by booking a private pool cabana. The water is wonderful and the service is attentive. Entry costs AED 200 ($43) Monday to Thursday and AED 250 (£54) Friday to Sunday and on public holidays; women can choose to visit on Tuesday (Women’s Day), in which case the entry fee includes unlimited selected drinks and food discounts.
How to get here: The Palm Monorail runs along Palm Jumeirah, stopping at Atlantis and The Palm; otherwise, you can take a taxi.
Umm Suqeim “Sunset” Beach
This stretch of coastline, called Sunset Beach, is at its best in the late afternoon, and not just for the revered twilight views. It’s one of Dubai’s few night swimming spots, so stay here after sunset to see the floodlights washing over the sand and to swim in the dark waters.
Insider tip: Dine at Bu Qtair, originally a simple beach shack that has been serving the daily catch since the eighties. Today, it is one of Dubai’s most famous heritage restaurants, still specialising in local spicy fish dishes.
How to get here: The nearest one is Mall of the Emirates Metro station, approximately 10 minutes away by taxi.
Kite Beach
One of the long stretches of beautiful beaches fronting Jumeirah neighborhoods 1, 2 and 3, Kite Beach is a community gathering spot. Deep and wide, with an equally generous boardwalk and skies full of kite surfers, it’s also a popular spot to fly hand-held kites.
Insider tip: Join families on an early morning hike and stop at playgrounds along the way, or gather in front of quaint food trucks at sunset to enjoy stacked burgers.
How to get here: Take a taxi.
Jumeirah Beach (Nessnass Beach)
Confusingly, Google Maps lists more than one Jumeirah Beach. The two main sunbathing areas are just north of Kite Beach, on either side of the Dubai Canal. This beach on the south side is also known locally as Nessnass Beach, because of nearby Nessnass Street, and is another of Dubai’s night swimming spots.
Insider tip: At the end of the beach, the Dubai Canal is ripe for strolling with its collection of quirky bridges. Just beyond this section of coastline is the air-conditioned Sunset Mall, an ideal getaway when the mercury rises.
How to get here: Take a taxi.
Jumeirah Public Beach
Continuing north, past the Dubai Canal, you’ll reach what Google calls Jumeirah Public Beach, overlooking Jumeirah Bay Island, home to Bulgari Dubai, one of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts, and the millionaires’ lunch spot, the Yacht Club.
Insider tip: At the northern end of the beach is the pretty Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, home to local, award-winning Asian eatery 3Fils and its sister restaurant BRIX Desserts. For a delicious lunch, order a Wagyu sando at the former and finish with a fancy pie at the latter.
How to get here: Take a taxi.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Family-friendly Al Mamzar Beach Park in Deira almost touches the border of Dubai’s neighbouring emirate of Sharjah. Not many tourists venture this far north, but those who do should explore the coastal park’s sandy beaches, cool pools, landscaped gardens and playgrounds. Entry costs just AED5 (£1) per person.
Insider tip: Thanks to the special barbecue and picnic areas, you can prepare your own feast and enjoy it in the garden.
How to get here: Take a taxi.