An uncommon association, perched at the edge of the Arabian peninsula, where the endless desert meets the clear ocean, Dubai is a beach-lovers paradise. And whether you’re looking for natural ones or luxury beach parks, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice in this land of luxury. While popular shores with stunning see more footfalls, Dubai has its fair share of hidden bays and deserted coves to be explored. Read on to discover some of Dubai’s best beaches, including some gorgeous hidden gems.
1. Jumeirah Beach Park
Half beach and half parkland, Jumeirah Beach Park is an ideal pick for a day with the family. Picnic benches in the shade of palm trees overlook bone-white sands and blue waters. Love to read? Borrow a book to read from their free library, or cook up a barbeque, or simply indulge in a game of beach volleyball.
Timings: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Umm Suqeim Beach
Head to Umm Suqeim Beach, for the iconic view of the sail-like Burj Al-Arab hotel. Locally known as Sunset Beach, this is a great place to watch the sun dip beyond the horizon. You can play beach tennis, learn to surf or relax on a rented beach lounger. The beach also has a great track for runners.
3. Kite Beach
If you are in the mood for some water sports, then Kite Beach is your place to be. Pick from stand-up paddle-boarding to skating, or beach volleyball. Or simply enjoy the milieu of turquoise waters and the sky that comes alive as it gets dotted with numerous rainbow sails from kite surfers and paragliders. Don’t forget to indulge in some ice cream and delicious eats from food trucks that line the beach.
4. Black Palace Beach (Al Sufouh)
A secret between Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al-Arab, the pristine sands of Al Sufouh Beach makes for one of Dubai’s best-hidden bays. Cloaked by a line of palm trees, it’s easy to miss the narrow path that leads you to the beachfront. A big reason for the beach staying undiscovered by many and sparsely populated. The waters here are perfect for swimming, paddling, and exploring the underwater world by snorkelling.
5. Al Ghantoot Beach
Sitting just 20 minutes from Dubai, on the road towards Abu Dhabi, lies the Al Ghantoot beach. Head to this beach if you are keen on lounging around during the day or for parties during the evening. You can indulge in some water sports here (water skiing or banana boat ride) or grab a quick bite at the Golden Tulip hotel’s cafe and pool bar. If you want beautiful views of the sea, uninterrupted by any huge building, Al Ghantoot is the place to be!.
6. Mamzar Beach Park
Home to a sprawling sweep of four beaches that meet verdant lawns, Mamzar Beach Park is another great place for families and large groups. Offering a plethora of entertainment options, you could spend all day by this coast, without getting bored. The best way to explore the park is on a rented bicycle or by hopping on to the park train with kids.
Alternatively, you could simply choose to swim all you want, enjoy watersports or watch a band jam in the amphitheatre. There are plenty of secluded barbeque spots too, to ensure you keep yourself refuelled, as and when needed. If you’re in the mood to revel in ultra-luxury, rent your own air-conditioned cabana with wifi access and get set to unwind for the day!
Timings: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7. Marina Beach
With camel rides on the sand, water sports, and the centre of Dubai just steps away – Marina Beach is a lively activity hub in the heart of the city. One of the busiest public beaches, there is lots to do here! You’ll find a huge variety of shops and cafés smudging the edge of the sand. Grab a drink and stare at the sea, or shop up a storm with an exceptional beach-view.
8. Jebel Ali Open Beach
A quiet, public beach among a sea of luxury hotels, Jebel Ali Open Beach is a free boon in this luxurious area of Dubai. The lack of loungers and cabanas is refreshing in this stretch of sand and the beach is often free from too many visitors. Families and tourists alike drive up here to camp or conjure up a sizzling barbeque picnic!
9. La Mer Beach
La Mer has a beautiful mix of urban and green feel to it. Colorful huts, palm trees, and graffiti murals are all scattered around the beach. Painted wooden boats and surfboards give this place a hippy vibe. Interesting cafes, restaurants, and bars stand on this beach-side complex and make it a haven for foodies! You can also enjoy a variety of watersports here.
10. JBR Open Beach
Stretching out in front of the Jumeirah Beach Residence apartments, the JBR Open beach is the place to be in Dubai. The walk in front is a stretch of shopping and dining extravaganza. It also has the widest selection of water sports and activities in Dubai, where you can try anything from banana boating, surfing to wakeboarding. Sand sculptures and street art fill the area, so there’s always something to look at.
