Best Beaches in Dubai

Set in the luxurious Dubai Marina residential area, Marina Beach is a stretch of fine white sand and warm green-blue waters nestling in the heart of the city. The beach is a great place to relax for the day and is safe, with shallow calm water and plenty of lifeguards around in the unlikely event that you get into any trouble. The beach has palm trees providing natural shade and water sports. The beach also has splendid views over to Dubai’s newest artificially created island, Bluewater, home to an impressively large observation wheel.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is more than just a beach - it's a complete destination. Beyond its idyllic beach, JBR offers a diverse array of entertainment and amenities, making it a well-rounded and convenient destination for visitors to Dubai. This stretch of fine, powdery white sand is within walking distance of top attractions like Dubai Marina and Mall, and is lined with restaurants, shops, play areas, and even fairground rides, catering to the whole family. Due to JBR's popularity, it's best to arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy the warm waters. It's also worth noting that on Mondays, the beach is only open to women and children. 

La Mer beach is one of Dubai's finest, with attractions specially designed to enhance the beach experience. With powder white sand and lifeguards, the beach and surrounding area is impeccably maintained by a team of dedicated workers who ensure cleanliness at all times. La Mer has a playground and water park for children, as well as a separate water park for adults. Visitors can also enjoy the open-air shopping centre and a cinema for a refreshing, air-conditioned break after the beach. For adventure seekers, boat trips leave from the beach and stand-up paddle boards are available to hire, offering an exciting way to test your balance and have fun on the water.

Kite Beach, located in the Jumeirah area, is a must-visit destination for wind and kite surfing enthusiasts. The beach is exposed and windy, providing ideal conditions for the exhilarating experience of speeding across the Arabian Sea. Equipment rentals and lessons for beginners are readily available from the various schools on site. But you don't have to venture out onto the water to have fun: volleyball is popular and yoga classes are also held on the beach. Sun loungers and parasols are available for hire and there are plenty of restaurants and food trucks close to the beach, including popular fast food chains that will even deliver right to your spot on the beach.

Sunset Beach is the go-to destination for those seeking adventure and activity along Dubai's coastline. Renowned for its water-based activities, it's a hotspot for surfing enthusiasts, especially beginners, thanks to its small to medium waves. The beach boasts excellent facilities including showers, toilets, and changing areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors. Additionally, a portion of the beach is floodlit, allowing for extended swimming and surfing sessions well into the evening.

However, the true highlight of Sunset Beach lies in its name. As the sun descends into the Arabian Sea, the sky transforms into a mesmerising array of colours, creating a breathtaking spectacle. With the iconic Burj Al Arab in the distance, the scene becomes even more captivating, offering ample opportunities for stunning photographs.

If you're seeking a break from the bustling city life and prefer natural, undeveloped beaches, Al Sufouh Beach, also known as Black Palace or Secret Beach is the place for you. Accessible by car, this secluded gem may require some research to locate, but the effort is rewarded with serene beauty. This sheltered stretch of golden sand has calm, warm waters and amazing views over to the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Palm, both making a spectacular backdrop for the amazing sunsets that can be seen from the beach. As the area remains relatively undeveloped, visitors should be self-sufficient for the day, as amenities such as bathrooms, changing facilities and lifeguards are not available.

Al Mamzar Beach Park is a fantastic destination for families seeking a fun-filled day out. With a small entry fee, visitors gain access to a range of facilities, including four beach areas ideal for volleyball, water sports, or a BBQ picnic. The park also features two swimming pools, picnic spots, and a children's playground, complete with showers and changing rooms for convenience. For those seeking extra comfort, umbrellas, sunbeds, beach cabins, and air-conditioned beach tents are available for hire. With extended hours during the summer, guests can enjoy nighttime swimming under the stars. It's important to note that Al Mamzar can be bustling on weekends (Friday and Saturday), and on Mondays and Wednesdays, it's exclusively open to women and young children.

If you're craving a getaway from the bustling city, head about forty minutes out of Dubai to the Amjan Beach area. Here, you can leave the crowds behind and unwind on a simply gorgeous stretch of pristine sand, kissed by warm, tranquil seas. The location is relatively exposed, which means you'll typically enjoy a pleasant, cooling breeze - perfect for easy lounging. Several hotels near the beach open up their restaurants and facilities to visitors, so you can take advantage of amenities like sun loungers and umbrellas for hire. And for a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Amjan Museum, housed in an 18th-century fortress. It's a fascinating place that focuses on showcasing the region's rich local traditions and important archaeological finds, offering wonderful insight into the heritage of this special area.

Escape the hustle and bustle at Al Khan Beach, a serene haven with 600 meters of golden sand. This beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility and a refreshing dip in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. You'll find all the amenities you need here, from changing rooms and bathrooms to showers, sun beds, and umbrellas available for hire. Al Khan has a laid-back vibe, making it ideal for unwinding, enjoying a picnic, or even catching a surf lesson from one of the nearby schools. And if you're up for something different, take a stroll to the Sharjah Aquarium or Maritime Museum, just a short walk away.

If relaxation means being active, Banan Beach is your answer in Dubai. This beach is a watersports enthusiast's paradise, offering more than a dozen options such as canoeing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, water-skiing and surfing. You can also take part in yoga and exercise classes or enjoy picnic and barbecue areas. For those looking for an overnight adventure, there's a campsite on the beach where you can rent tents for two people. It's a great way to enjoy the facilities in the cool of the evening and make new friends, especially around the communal campfire lit every evening.