Dubai’s beaches
Dubai is not just about imposing skyscrapers and ostentatious luxury; the emirate is also home to some magnificent beaches. From sandy beaches open to the public to private beaches belonging to upscale resorts along the coast, Dubai has it all. Whether you’re looking for thrilling water sports, total relaxation under the sun or a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Dubai’s beaches have something for everyone. Wondering which are Dubai’s most beautiful beaches? In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Dubai’s most picturesque beaches.
Dubai’s beaches
In all, Dubai has 12 public beaches along its coastline, offering free access to sun, sea and sand. In addition to these publicly accessible beaches, there are also a number of small private beaches scattered along the coast, reserved exclusively for guests of hotels and resorts, as well as residents of private villas lining the coastline.
Most of Dubai’s beaches are open to the public, with the notable exception of the area around the Burj Al Arab, which boasts a large number of private beaches reserved exclusively for guests of the luxury hotels in the Madinat Jumeirah complex, such as the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Burj Al Arab Hotel. On Palm Jumeirah Island, most beaches are also private, accessible only to island residents or guests of the hotels and resorts located there.
The majority of Dubai’s beaches are located between the Port Rashid harbor at the mouth of Dubai Creek, the Dubai Marina and The Walk promenade in the south of the city.
JBR Beach – Jumeirah Beach Residence
Dubai’s most popular beach is undeniably Jumeirah Beach Residence, also known as JBR Beach, The Beach and Marina Beach. Located close to Dubai Marina and the famous The Walk promenade, this superb stretch of sand offers spectacular views over the blue waters of the sea, with the buildings of Palm Jumeirah Island and Bluewaters Island as a backdrop, as well as the imposing skyscrapers of Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences.
On the beach, beach beds are available to rent at several locations, and a wide range of water activities can be booked, including jet-skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, banana boat rides and fun at the Aquafun water park. For younger guests, there are several play areas just behind the beach, plus a 600-meter running track, fitness facilities and a beach volleyball court.
JBR Beach has several dining options along the beach and on The Walk, ideal for eating out, especially in the evening. At dusk, The Walk attracts many tourists and residents alike. If you’re passionate about luxury cars, The Walk is the place to be in the evening, when many locals come to show off their Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other high-end vehicles.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park, a vast 106-hectare park in Dubai’s Old City, includes its own beach. As well as relaxing on the sand, the park is ideal for strolling, cycling along its winding paths, entertaining family and friends around its barbecue areas, or taking a dip in its swimming pool. With five palm-fringed sandy beaches, each area is supervised by a lifeguard and equipped with changing rooms and showers, as well as plenty of shade for those wishing to escape the sun. In addition to its magnificent beaches, Al Mamzar Park also boasts lush vegetation.
Mercato Beach
If you’re looking for a day at the beach in Dubai away from the usual crowds of popular beaches like JBR, La Mer and Jumeirah Open Beach, Mercato Beach is a perfect choice. Nestled along Jumeirah Beach Road, in side street 13a, close to the Al Ljaza cafeteria, this quiet little beach offers a peaceful atmosphere, mostly frequented by locals rather than tourists. Its location next to the Mercato shopping center makes it easy to get to, so you can enjoy a day at the beach and take an easy lunch or shopping break. You can also enjoy a meal at the Al Ljaza cafeteria, just a few steps from the beach.
Sunset Mall Beach
Sunset Mall Beach is located next to Sunset Mall, in the Jumeirah 3 district. From this beach, you have a beautiful view of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.
4×4 Beach
The 4×4 beach, as its name suggests, is very popular with people who use four-wheel drive cars to enjoy the beach.
four-wheel-drive cars to enjoy the beach. The 4×4 beach is on the corner of Al Attar Road and Jumeirah Beach Road.
Free-Fun Beach
Free Fun Beach is Dubai’s sportiest beach and is also known as Kitesurfing Beach. This beach offers the best conditions for kitesurfing and other water sports where wind is important.
Bu Qtair Beach
Bu Qtair Beach is a relatively small beach located at the end of 11a Street, a side street off Jumeirah Road.
Black Palace Beach
Black Palace Beach, also known as Al Sufouh Beach, offers breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab Hotel, Palm Jumeirah and Madinat Jumeirah. It is located between Madinat Jumeirah and The Walk, close to the royal palaces. Heading south along Al Sufouh Road towards JBR / Dubai Media City / Dubai Marina, you’ll pass a number of palaces along the coast. Just beyond these palaces, you’ll find the entrance to Palace Beach, where you can almost drive your car right up to the shore. However, this beach does not offer showers, changing rooms, toilets or catering services.
Beach rules
When you’re lying on the beach in Dubai, there are a few rules you need to follow. For example, it’s forbidden to walk or lie on the beach shirtless or nude. After sunset, swimming in the sea is prohibited. It is also forbidden to take photos of people on the beach. Ensemble photos are often no problem, but it’s forbidden to photograph people, especially women.
As far as clothing is concerned, the beach is not very different from a beach in the Netherlands or Spain. You’ll see women wearing tiny bikinis or swimsuits and men wearing short or long swimsuits. The only difference is that in Dubai, you’ll also see women wearing burkinis strolling along the beach, whereas in Europe, it’s only sporadic. Don’t forget that in Dubai, it’s not very popular to walk around in your bathing suit off the beach. Beachwear is for the beach only. Would you like to take a stroll along the promenade, visit a store or dine in a restaurant? Put on a t-shirt, dress or pants and a shirt.