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Dubai Travel Guide
Beaches in Dubai
Dubai's beaches have something for everyone, whether you're into watersports, chilling out or discovering hidden spots. Known for their beautiful white sands, clear waters, and all the amenities you could need—like bathrooms, showers, beach chairs, food stalls and gear for watersports—Dubai's beaches are ideal for a day of fun, chilling and adventure!
Beaches in Dubai
JBR Beach
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.
Kite Beach
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
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.
Dubai geography
Dubai history
Wildlife in Dubai
Activities in Dubai
Watersports
Diving in Dubai
Dubai offers incredible diving experiences, with a diverse array of marine life waiting to be explored. The waters around Jumeirah are rich with Arabian mackerel, snappers, turtles, and rays, while Secret Island beckons with encounters with rockfish, barracudas, and hammour. Dive centres throughout Dubai organize trips to these sites, including overnight beach stays for extended exploration. For wreck diving enthusiasts, the Zainab shipwreck near Palm Jumeirah is a popular destination, while more experienced divers can explore the remains of the MV Dara passenger ship and Victoria Star cargo ship. For a truly unique experience, divers can explore an actual aquarium at the Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis, where they can swim among over 65,000 marine animals and even hand-feed sharks.
Surfing in Dubai
Surfing has emerged as a popular activity in Dubai, particularly during the cooler months from October to April. Among these, December, January, and February are considered the prime surfing season. While Dubai's coastline once offered surfing opportunities along its entirety, the construction of the World Islands and Palm Islands has limited these spots by acting as breakwaters. Nonetheless, there are still some noteworthy surfing locations available. Sunset Beach, located in the heart of Jumeirah near the iconic Burj Al Arab, is renowned for its consistent swells and vibrant atmosphere. For a quieter experience, Sharjah Beach and Ajman Beach also offer excellent surfing conditions, making for a memorable afternoon on the waves.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Dubai
Regardless of whether you’re a novice or professional, Dubai is a great location for windsurfing and kitesurfing and is home to an abundance of kitesurfing schools. During the official kitesurfing season from October to March, with the prime conditions from November to February, riders can enjoy average winds of around 15 knots, making it ideal for surfing with larger kites. It's important to note that kite rental typically requires a licence. With its abundance of kitesurfing schools and ample space along the beach, Kite Beach provides the perfect setting for riders to hone their skills or enjoy a thrilling day on the water, regardless of their experience level.
Sailing in Dubai
Dubai's calm waters, glorious climate and breathtaking skyline make it a fantastic place to explore the sea. The Arabian coast offers constant winds and flat waters, with average temperatures of 25°C, creating idyllic conditions for all levels of experience. Sailing enthusiasts can embark on luxury boats, from elegant yachts to traditional dhows. Visit Yacht Cruising in Dubai and Private Yacht Trip Dubai Marina for an unforgettable cruise on the sea with a captivating blend of modern luxury and natural beauty. As the sun sets over the horizon, the city's waterfront is transformed into a spectacle of lights, creating a magical atmosphere for those cruising the waters.
Fishing in Dubai
Dubai is situated on the Arabian Gulf which means it has ideal conditions for both recreational and commercial fishing. Dubai has an array of fishing tours that cater to different skill sets and preferences and offer the chance to catch an array of fish and crabs. Deep sea fishing trips are aplenty in Dubai. Jump on board a boat and sail offshore to popular deep sea fishing spots such as Jebel Ali and Fujairah where you’ll have the opportunity to catch big game fish such barracuda, kingfish and even tuna. Shore fishing is also a popular pastime in Dubai. Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Creek and Al Mamzar are some of the best spots in Dubai.
Canoeing & kayaking in Dubai
There are plenty of opportunities for canoeing and kayaking in Dubai. Whether you choose to float along the shoreline, cruise serenely down a creek or get your adrenaline pumping by mastering fast-flowing rivers, you'll never be far from a great place to satisfy your paddling cravings. Head to Kite Beach where you can hire kayaking equipment and paddle the calm, tranquil waters while exploring Dubai's beautiful coastline. This beach is ideal for both experienced and inexperienced kayakers.
Land activities
Golf in Dubai
Dubai is home to three of the world's top 100 courses, along with numerous others, making it a vibrant and diverse golfing destination. The city's golfing scene is further enriched by its almost perfect playing climate, especially during the winter months. The courses in Dubai are renowned for their exceptional quality, featuring pristine greens that are constantly irrigated and surrounded by palm trees and meticulously sculpted desert landscapes. These courses are complemented by impressive clubhouse facilities and upscale dining options.
With a diverse range of venues offering desert, parkland and beachfront settings, golfers have plenty of options to choose from. Among our top recommended courses are the Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, the Dubai Creek Club, and the iconic Majlis, which hosts the annual Race to Dubai classic event.
Cycling in Dubai
With converted camel trails, desert tracks and city rides, Dubai has a strong cycling pedigree and there are many dedicated clubs throughout the city. Some of our favourite routes include the old camel track at Nad Al Sheba with spectacular views of downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. Some routes are illuminated at night, and there are designated children's areas with street signs and roundabouts to promote road safety.
For a longer ride, consider the 50 km desert loop at Al Qudra, which winds through breathtaking sand dunes and past the luxurious Bab Al Shams resort, where you can take a break and enjoy refreshments. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find rugged terrain to explore in Hatta, where a 52 km mountain trail offers an exhilarating ride amidst scenic landscapes. Families can enjoy leisurely rides in the lush forest settings of Al Barsha and Mushrif Park, both of which feature dedicated cycle tracks for a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Walking & hiking in Dubai
Walking may not be the first activity that comes to mind when planning a visit to Dubai, but there are intriguing options to explore if you delve deeper. The climate plays a significant role in deciding whether to embark on a walking adventure. The hot and humid summer months may not be ideal for walking unless you opt for the air-conditioned comfort of the city's sprawling malls or prefer to stroll during the cooler evenings.
During the more pleasant winter months, consider embarking on a historic walk through Old Dubai, encompassing areas like Bur Dubai, Satwa, or Deira. Here, you'll immerse yourself in traditional Emirati life and encounter glimpses of the city's heritage. Alternatively, explore modern districts with leisurely walks along the Palm Jumeirah crescent, offering panoramic views of the Dubai Marina, or along the captivating Dubai Water Canal.