Which beach in Dubai will make you happy? The Top 30

Which Dubai beach to choose for sunbathing in 2022?

In this guide, we've compiled a list of some of Dubai's most beautiful beaches and features, to help you choose your itinerary.

Dubai, the luxury hub of the United Arab Emirates, is a dream destination for many people. The world associates this beautiful city with luxury and high-class places and lifestyles. It is home to white sand and snowy beaches that locals and tourists can enjoy at any time of the year.

Most of them are private and target high-end groups. However, the government has made an effort to provide free public beaches. Here are the six best beaches in Dubai.

Why a beach in Dubai for winter sun?

For winter sun, there's nothing better than the glittering city of Dubai.

Dubai is not all about shopping and nightlife: here the sea is warm and the beaches, even the free ones, offer a piece of paradise where sunbathing is a real pleasure for the whole family. Here, the waters of the Indian Ocean are softened by the tranquility of the Arabian Gulf and diving into the water is simply an incredible experience.

So, in addition to a pair of comfortable shoes, don't forget to bring a nice swimming costume and a towel: it will be very useful!

It's no coincidence that Dubai is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UAE.

With a superb climate that can be enjoyed from October to May; Dubai's pristine coastline offers a warm and sunny retreat for those who have already tired of the western winter; becoming a melting pot of holiday-hungry tourists every year.

Tourists who come here to bathe in the sea find paradise on earth; which is however maintained through certain rules and considerations based on local culture and traditions.

For example, if there is no fixed dresscode, on the beaches of Dubai. It's best to avoid tight bikinis and opt instead for more traditional outfits, such as a classic bikini or a full-length bikini.

Also remember to take a good bottle of water with you to the beach; to stay hydrated, or if you want to be on the safe side make frequent stops at the bar. Finally, remember that alcohol can only be consumed in bars and restaurants.

Read the guide: What to do in Dubai in winter, 53 atypical activities and visits

Are there any natural beaches in Dubai?

There is really only one beach in Dubai, but it has different names. Jumeirah Beach stretches for 60km, the length of the city. The water is clean and the beaches are clean but not white sand.

Nevertheless, with miles of coastline, Dubai's beaches range from the simple (just sun, sand and sea) to the ultra-luxe.

Most of the public beaches have been built in recent years, which means you can expect to find cabanas to change into, places to get food and hire water sports equipment. For something more decadent, there are many Ibiza-inspired beach clubs and high-end hotels with private beach access.

As far as clothing is concerned, bikinis and swimming trunks are perfectly acceptable. Just cover up before stepping out onto the sand, especially on the free public beaches listed below.

Dubai's best beaches: Free access

4*4 Beach Dubai

4×4 Beach

All you need to enjoy this free beach in Dubai is a car. Ideally a 4×4, as the name suggests; a picnic, (there are no restaurants or toilets around) and the necessary kit for a day at the beach: towels, toys, hats, sun cream, etc...

This huge expanse of sand stretches from the road to the shore (ideal for an intense sand run workout) and the arches of the bay offer a magnificent view. Stretch your neck to the left and you'll even see the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in the distance.

On the corner of Al Athar Road and Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2.

Al Mamzar Park

Al Mamzar Park Beach - Dubai

The pearly sands and clear blue waters mean it's worth the trip to the Dubai Sharjah border to soak up the joys of this particular beach.

Once you arrive, you'll find not one but four beaches:

• Large green spaces

• Cycle paths

• A swimming pool

• Multiple barbecue areas

• A skate park.

There are also plenty of cafes and kiosks to stock up on beach day essentials (read: ice cream) and snorkelling from the shallows is also very good.

Dhs5. Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat (and public holidays) 8am-11pm. Al Khaleej Street, Al Mamzar.

Continue reading with : Dubai restaurant: Top 34 best in 2022

Al Sufouh Beach

Al Sufouh Beach Dubai © image hotels.com

This beautiful Dubai beach with many names (some call it Secret Beach, others Black Palace Beach) holds a well-deserved legendary status among long-time Dubai residents.

Why you may ask? Well, it's the place to be when you want to escape the crowds and feel like you're off the beaten track. But you want to do so without sacrificing the views of Burj Al Arab.

This beach lives up to its name as a secret beach, there are no facilities or restaurants here, so make sure you arrive with supplies in hand.

Turn right into the slip road after the bus stop on Al Sufouh Road; (just before Hessa Street and about 500m before Dubai Media City).

JBR

"JBR Beach Dubai

There are many options on Dubai's busiest beach. From sunrise to sunset (and beyond), this part of the coast and the bustling promenade behind it is packed with activity. As well as people and opportunities with children's playgrounds; an inflatable water park, sun loungers for hire and restaurants, cafes and beach clubs aplenty.

Arrive early and snag a prime spot on the sand, then spend the day taking in the stunning views of Ain Dubai.

The beach, opposite JBR.

Jumeirah Open Beach

Jumeira Beach © image by Franks Travelbox

Stretching a fair distance from the Dubai Marine Beach Resort to the swanky Four Seasons Resort, this is a beautiful and relaxing beach; ideal for enjoying a few hours on the sand with a good book. If you fancy some land-based activity, take the smooth track parallel to the beach. We'll let you decide whether to run, walk, skate, or just stroll along it.

Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road.

Jebel Ali Public Beach

Picturesque, peaceful and much less built up than most of Dubai's beaches. When all you want to do is throw your towel on the sand; feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and read your latest book or podcast, Jebel Ali Beach should be your choice.

Amenities are limited but there is a small kiosk selling snacks, ice cream and cold drinks and the occasional pop-up cafe or food truck appears.

Mina Jelel Ali.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach Dubai

Hip cafes and food huts; a skate park, a suspended obstacle course, a human slingshot experience, long stretches of sand, a 14km beachfront running track (for the most part). Options for paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking and of course kite surfing; consider this just a taste of the things to do at this fabulous beach centre as it undergoes a major redesign.

Brilliant for adults, children and everyone else, Kite Beach may have increased its offerings in recent years; but a real sense of character remains.

Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim.

The Sea

"The Sea Beach Dubai

If the sparkling blue sea, soft white sand, palm-lined paths, quaint but cool beach huts, funky street art and twinkling string lights appeal to you; we have an idea you'll love La Mer.

At this trendy coastal dining and shopping destination you'll find:

• Fast food restaurants

• Gourmet ice cream trucks

• Upscale restaurants

• A retro cinema

• Inflatable playground

• Water park.

Jumeirah 1, lamerdubai.ae.

Mercato Beach

Mercato beach Dubai

Sure, it's not the most spectacular beach in town, but when old-fashioned beach holiday activities are the order of the day; rock pooling, sandcastle building, shell collecting and shore paddling - Mercato is your beach.

Seek respite from the sun and reward the family with an ice cream from Mercato Mall or up the ante and treat the team to lunch at 3Sons in nearby Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (you won't be disappointed).

13a Street, Jumeirah 2.

Nessnass Beach

Although this is the most popular beach for kite surfers, there are also plenty of opportunities for paddling, kayaking, swimming and sailing.

Once you've worked up an appetite, head to the turquoise and pink Circle Café (formerly Park House) for coffee and healthy food.

Nessnass Street, behind Sunset Mall.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach Dubai © image Byut

This wide expanse of milky white sand is often deserted early in the morning (ideal for a walk before work) and tends to be quiet.

Avid surfers often cite Sunset Beach as a favourite spot, fishing is popular, families are well catered for with a children's playground and several barbecue areas, and there's even a short-lived library and free Wi-Fi (our kind of place).

As the name suggests, you should of course stay for sunset.

Street 2C, Umm Suqeim.

Dubai's best beaches: beach clubs

Azure Beach Dubai

Azure Beach

The pool here is huge, the giant loungers are comfortable, beach access is included, there's a lush green lawn to lounge on and the view of the Arabian Gulf is stellar. Spend the day, enjoy the sunset, then decide whether to stay and party all night.

Beach by FIVE

Get those phones ready: this festive beach club has some serious Insta potential (we're talking a glass pool and a chandelier for starters). The 150-metre beach is also very appealing; with sun loungers, luxury deckchairs, cabanas and even hot tubs.

There's also a range of signature drinks to sip on while soaking up the sun and a menu of Mediterranean-style bites.

FIVE Palm Jumeirah, palmjumeirah.

Bla Bla

When a day at the beach means a party, Bla Bla on the JBR waterfront is a no-brainer. This place promises an exuberant Ibiza-inspired atmosphere, plenty of live entertainment, a chic pool with loungers in the water and a stunning view of Ain Dubai.

They also host a monthly pool party; a weekly Sunday poolside brunch and a Miami Beats Ladies' Day on Tuesdays.

The preening and beach-style party options don't get much better than this (if this is your bag).

Open daily, 10am-sunset. The beach in front of JBR.

Cove Beach

Escape to the Mediterranean in chic style at this lively, airy beach club in Caesars Bluewaters. Here you can book a single mattress, sunbed or double sunbed; sit on the sand or by the large pool and spend the day with stunning sea views.

There are plenty of promotions to choose from, including an all-day offer on pink grapes on Wednesdays (women only).

Prices vary. Open daily from 10am to sunset. Caesars Bluewaters Dubai.

DRIFT

DRIFT at the One&Only Royal Mirage is one of the most stylish clubs of all. This beach in Dubai is beautiful, the sunny Provençal-inspired restaurant is charming and the bar is a fabulous place for aperitifs.

For a real treat, the luxury island beds by the infinity pool are the way to go (a bottle of premium sparkling grapes is included in the price).

One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh.

Nammos Dubai

Escape to Mykonos with a day on the beach at the ever-elegant and decidedly glamorous Nammos. Relax in one of the many reclining beds on the private stretch of silky sand; then head to the indoor-outdoor restaurant for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.

Open daily from 12:30 to 2:00. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah 1. nammos.gr/nammos-dubai.

Nikki Beach

NIkki Beach Dubai

Dubai's incarnation of the world-renowned ultra-trendy beach club offers stunning sea views on one side, and magnificent views of downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa on the other.

Head to the beach, put on your water-friendly rags and relax on a daybed. The kitchen serves international dishes and you'll find a regular crowd for aperitifs.

Open Tue-Sun, 11am-8pm. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeira.

RIVA Beach Club

One of Dubai's best all-round beach clubs and a great choice for families thanks to the relaxed atmosphere; spacious beach (plenty of room for sandcastles, sun loungers and splashing around in the shallows) and the duo of pools.

Conveniently, the on-site restaurant also offers a menu full of family-friendly dishes:

• Pizzas

• Pasta

• Hamburgers

• Classic salads

• A list of cocktails to please the adults

All the better to sip on while sitting in a horizontal position on a sun lounger.

Shoreline Apartments Building 8, Palm Jumeirah (04 430 9466).

Soulbeach Dubai

This new spot in Jebel Ali JA, The Resort is fast becoming a favourite on Dubai's beach club scene. As well as a sparkling infinity pool surrounded by a 26-metre-long sunbed, this day and night destination has a long stretch of golden sand with plenty of sunbeds and parasols.

As the sun goes down, the party atmosphere picks up as resident DJ Shehzad K hits the decks and fire dancing and live entertainment begins.

Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm, weekends 10am to midnight.

JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Freezone.

Twiggy by La Cantine

A lesson in beachside luxury awaits you at this chic, French Riviera-style destination at the Park Hyatt Dubai. Although the beach is man-made (the white sand beneath our feet always feels nice) and certainly not the biggest on the list, this place is a must-visit.

Lounge on the sun loungers, linger over lunch and take in the sunset scenes.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, twiggy.ae

WHITE Beach

This super hip beach club and bar is run by the same team behind WHITE Dubai, and as you'd expect, it's a place for a real beach party. There's a huge infinity pool, a chic restaurant and terrace and the views over Dubai's rooftops are sensational: with your drink in hand, admire the beach or pool view from your sun lounger.

Live DJs ensure that the party atmosphere builds throughout the day in this huge open-air party space. Tuesday's Daysies Ladies Day is worth a visit, as are the weekend brunches.

Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah.

Zero Gravity

Spend your day here lounging on the beach (choose from plush loungers and private cabanas) or by the glass-enclosed pool (you know, the one you saw on Insta). Either way, you'll enjoy views of the waves, bright blue skies and the Ain Dubai looming in style (with the odd skydiver descending from SkyDive Dubai to watch out for too).

Open Thu-Thu 10am-2am, closed Wed.

Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai Marina.

Dubai's best beaches: hotel beaches

Fairmont The Palm Beach Dubai

Fairmont The Palm

With six pools to choose from (including an adults-only pool and one especially for families); as well as a half-mile stretch of golden sand to explore, the Fairmont is an excellent choice for a day at the beach.

The hotel runs a number of beach and pool day offers throughout the year that are well worth a visit and children under six are free as standard.

Daily 7am-7pm. Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Enjoy a real taste of holiday in your own city in Dubai's iconic landmark. A sea and sand inspired refurbishment in 2019 has given the famous wave-shaped hotel a whole new lease of easy living; contemporary and chic and the ambience remains family friendly but suitably sophisticated.

The beach here enjoys a prime location and happens to be one of the city's most beautiful views; take your time to admire the silhouette of the Burj Al Arab and think how lucky you are to be a Dubai resident.

Open from 9am to 6pm. Jumeirah Street, Umm Sequim.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

A sumptuous setting, a gorgeous private beach, a 59-metre infinity pool and great deals to boot: when it comes to the luxury beach days we return to again and again, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray delivers.

The weekday breakfast-brunch offer at the Imperium Restaurant is particularly attractive. Feast on a range of pastries, eggs to your liking, fresh juices and more; then head to the sand and sleep in the sun.

Monday to Friday 7am to 11am (breakfast), 9am to 6pm (pool and beach access). Palm Jumeirah.

Daily 9am-7pm. Palm Jumeirah.

Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa

When the kids deserve a treat and the adults really need one (still?), throw everyone's pods in a bag and head to Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa for a family day at the beach and pool.

Our advice is to hit the slides early for lots of adrenaline-fuelled fun, then once energy levels start to drop, head to the beautiful private beach for ice cream and a more refined afternoon on the sand.

Fully exchangeable on F&B. Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Al Sufouh.

Neptune Pool & Beach at Caesars Palace Dubai

With 500 metres of private beach, five pools and 30 cabanas (sun loungers, waiter service, chilled refreshments, ice water and fluffy towels are standard), plus a range of water adventures on offer, a brilliant beach day is a shoo-in here.

Step away from the beach at 5pm and head to the Rum Truck by the pool for happy hour deals and party vibes.

Bluewaters Island.

Raffles The Palm Dubai

Stroll through the lush gardens of this 'ultra-luxury' property and you'll immediately feel a sense of zen. This mood will only be reinforced when you sit in a lovely sun lounger by the beautiful temperature-controlled pool or recline in style on one of the city's most beautiful beaches. Lockers and changing rooms are available here and booking is encouraged.

Open from 9am to 7pm. Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah.

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

A winner of a beach day destination for all ages. As well as six temperature-controlled pools and plenty of child-friendly slides, channels and waterfalls, the beach at this Polynesian-style resort on The Palm is top-notch.

Adults can lie back and relax on the sand while the more adventurous can try their hand at the various water sports on offer or take on the inflatable Aqua Bounce obstacle course.

Palm Jumeirah.

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