Beaches in Dubai extend from Deira to Jebel Ali, and you will find everything for every type of visitors. Some beaches, such as Al Mamzar and Jebel Ali, are more discreet and suitable for families. Others are more vibrant, such as JBR and La Mer, which have a selection of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. This guide to Dubai beaches covers everything from quiet family options to lively beach clubs.
Some beaches in Dubai are free to enter, while others, such as Al Mamzar, require a small entrance fee (AED 5 per person and AED 30 per car). Most have showers, changing areas, lifeguards, and shaded benches. Most beaches remain open from early morning until the sun sets or after 5 PM when it is easier to handle the heat.
Read on for the full guide to Dubai beaches, covering how to reach each and what to expect.
Fun Things to Do at Dubai’s Beaches
Beaches in Dubai are more than just sand and sea. You can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, kitesurfing and jet skiing, or just a swim in the warm and serene waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Families love the beach volleyball, children’s playgrounds, and shallow paddling beaches; fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the running and cycling trails that are scattered throughout the beaches such as Mercato and Kite. For a quieter experience, there are beaches with shaded seating, beach libraries, and spots out of the way for reading or watching the sunset.
Restaurants, cafes, and shops line the beaches, like JBR and La Mer, for a more vibrant beach outing, so you can easily enjoy a whole day of dining and shopping. Then, if you’re an animal lover, you could even bring your pet along to Dubai Islands Beach.
Best Beaches in Dubai
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park is a large and well-maintained beach park in Al Mamzar consisting of five separate beaches and three swimming pools in a large green area. The beach offers shaded picnic areas, play spaces and peaceful waters. It is a gated park (not an open beach), which means it is generally cleaner and less crowded than beaches open to the public.
How to reach: If you’re driving, there’s parking available inside. You can take the Green Metro Line to Al Qiyadah station and then to the beach by taxi or bus.
Facilities:
- Chalets for private use
- Swimming pools
- Basketball court
- Bicycle rental
- Barbecue areas
- Children’s play areas
Best for: Swimming, picnics, barbecues, family outings, cycling
Open hours: Daily, 8 am–10 pm
Parking: Free parking
Food options: Almawashi restaurant and barbecue spots
Nearest public transport: Beach Park Terminus (1.3 km) and Mamzar (2.3 km)
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Dubai Islands Beach
Dubai Islands Beach is one of the best beaches in Dubai and the first fully pet-friendly beach, so you can bring along your dog for a swim or jog along the sand. It is situated off the coast near Deira, where it has calm waters and open views; it also features water sports and casual beach games.
How to reach: Take a metro to Gold Souq Metro Station, then take a taxi to the beach.
Facilities:
- Pet-friendly zones
- Kayaking and paddleboarding rentals
- Beach volleyball area
- Football space
- Nearby hotels for day access
- Walking paths along the shore
Best for: Dog walks, kayaking, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, football
Open hours: open 24 hours
Parking: completely free
Food options: on-site food and beverage outlets
Nearest public transport: Gold Souk Bus Station (7 km) & Dubai Metro (6 km)
La Mer Beach (J1 Beach)
La Mer Beach is located between Pearl Jumeira and Jumeira Bay and is known for its golden sand, soothing waters and vibrant street art. While undergoing redevelopment to become a new destination named J1 Beach, the beach itself is open to the public while additional restaurants and beach clubs are added.
How to reach: take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Business Bay then RTA Bus to the beach.
Facilities:
- Public beach access
- Shopping outlets nearby
- Beach cabanas
- Kids’ activity zones
- Fitness facility at Train Beach Club
- Photo-friendly art installations
Best for: Swimming, shopping, family outings, photography, beach lounging
Open hours: 24/7
Parking: free outdoor spaces, underground facility with 1,100 spots
Food options: Restaurants and cafes throughout the beach
Nearest public transport: Century Plaza and Beach Center bus stops (5 to 10-minute walk)
Mercato Beach (Jumeirah 1 Beach)
Mercato Beach, located across from the Mercato mall in the Jumeirah 1 area, is a free public beach with calm and shallow waters. It has facilities like running and cycling lanes, a children’s playground, a small beach library to read a book on the sand, and a small beach pool. If you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful beach day away from the crowds, this is a great choice.
How to reach: Take the Dubai Metro to Financial Centre, then take a 10-minute RTA taxi to the beach.
Facilities:
- Modern toilets and showers
- Running and cycling tracks
- Children’s playground
- Lifeguard service
- Drinking fountain
- Volleyball courts
Best for: Swimming, jogging, reading, family time, sunset walks
Open hours: open 24 hours
Parking: paid RTA street parking
Food options: No beachfront dining
Nearest public transport: RTA bus network (Bus 8, 88, C10, or 9)
Kite Beach
For water sport enthusiasts, Dubai has become the best place to enjoy kitesurfing and surfing along Kite Beach, which is where the wind blows freely. It’s also a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and beach volleyball, and there are food trucks and cafes along the promenade for a quick bite after you’ve finished your swim.
How to reach: Take the Red Line Metro to InsuranceMarket Metro Station 1 and then 8-minute ride on RTA Bus 81 to reach Hassa Bint Al Murr Masjid stop then 2-minute walk to the beach.
Facilities:
- Water sports rental centres
- Running and cycling tracks
- Beach volleyball courts
- Food trucks and kiosks
- Showers and changing rooms
- Kids’ play area
Best for: Kitesurfing, surfing, beach volleyball, jogging, cycling
Open hours: 24 hours a day
Parking: 10 AED per hour
Food options: Food trucks, casual beachside cafes, kiosks
Nearest public transport: InsuranceMarket Metro Station 1 [Red Line] (Bus 81 or Bus 88 )
Umm Suqeim Beach (Sunset Beach)
Another popular beach is Umm Suqeim Beach, also known as Sunset Beach, which offers views of Burj Al Arab and some of the finest sunset views in the city. It has a running track, a small beach library, and night swimming as it offers a light installation that lights up the water until midnight.
How to reach: Take Dubai Metro (Red Line) to the Mall of the Emirates, then take Bus 81 or 88 to the beach.
Facilities:
- Running track
- Beach library station
- Lifeguard service
- Changing facilities
- Night swimming with lit water zones
- Shaded seating
Best for: Sunset photography, swimming, jogging, surfing, fishing
Open hours: 24/7
Parking: free to use
Food options: seafood truck, restaurants close by
Nearest public transport: local RTA buses no metro station available
Al Sufouh Beach (Secret Beach)
Located behind a row of palm trees between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Beach is one of the quietest and least crowded in the city, which is why it’s known as Secret Beach. As a place to relax, enjoy space, and have a view of the skyline of Palm Jumeirah without any disturbances or noise, it is a great option.
How to reach: Take a taxi to Al Sufouh Road (D94) and then to the beach
Facilities:
- Open sandy shoreline
- Shell-covered sand areas
- Shaded natural spots
- Skyline photo points
- Shallow water zones for kids
- Open parking area
Best for: Quiet relaxation, photography, shallow water play, peaceful walks
Open hours: open 24 hours a day
Parking: free of charge
Food options: None on-site
Nearest public transport: Dubai College 1 & 2 bus stops
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JBR Beach (The Beach, JBR)
One of Dubai’s most vibrant beaches, JBR Beach is backed by the Beach JBR retail and dining strip. It would be perfect for those who want an all-day event filled with swimming, shopping, dining, and entertainment such as a cinema and watersports hire right by the sea.
How to reach: Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to DMCC transfer to Dubai Tram and then 5 to 10-minute walk to the beach.
Facilities:
- Watersports rentals
- Shopping outlets
- Cinema (Roxy Cinemas)
- Beach clubs and bars
- Kids’ entertainment zones
- Public restrooms and showers
Best for: Swimming, shopping, dining, nightlife, watersports
Open hours: Open 24 hours
Parking: Self-parking costs AED 20 per hour
Food options: Wide range of beachfront restaurants, cafes, and bars
Nearest public transport: Dubai tram stations
Jebel Ali Beach
Jebel Ali Beach is a secluded, less crowded beach located at the base of Palm Jebel Ali, favored among campers, kitesurfers, and those seeking to stay away from the crowds on the city beaches. It is not equipped with showers or toilets, and is ideal for those who prefer a more primitive and natural beach day.
How to reach: It is a 30-minute drive from Dubai Marina
Facilities:
- Barbecue-friendly zones
- Caravan camping (permit required)
- Watersports centres nearby
- Scuba diving centre
- Horse riding stables close by
- Open, uncrowded shoreline
Best for: Kitesurfing, camping, scuba diving, barbecues, horse riding
Open hours: Open 24 hours
Parking: Free open parking
Food options: Very limited nearby
Nearest public transport: bus stations like Jafza One 1 and Jebel Ali
Palm West Beach
Palm West Beach is a chic row of beach clubs, restaurants, and lounges along the beach in the heart of Palm Jumeirah and is an ideal choice for a day that combines relaxation with fine dining and fine drinking. It’s popular for its vibrant ambiance, particularly at sunset.
How to reach: You can take Dubai Metro (Red Line) to Al Khail then Dubai Tram to the Palm Gateway Station, exit at the Al Ittihad Park and then 3 to 5-minute walk to the beach.
Facilities:
- Beach clubs
- Multiple restaurants and lounges
- Sunbed and umbrella rentals
- Walking promenade
- Event spaces
- Waterfront views of the Dubai skyline
Best for: Beach club days, dining, sunset drinks, people-watching, events
Open hours: 8 am–12 am
Parking: free for the first 3 hours
Food options: Koko Bay, Jones the Grocer, Surf Club, Lucky Fish, Orange Chameleon, February 30, and Kyma
Nearest public transport: Palm Gateway Station and Al Ittihad Park Monorail Station
This guide to Dubai beaches shows there’s something for every kind of traveller, from the lively and vibrant JBR to the quiet and serene Al Sufouh. Here, there is a beach for every kind of person, from the one seeking water sports to the one looking for family fun to the one who is seeking a peaceful sunset. Carry an extra light jacket, come early or late to avoid the heat, and savor the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which are the best beaches in Dubai??
Kite Beach, JBR Beach, Palm West Beach, La Mer, Mercato Beach, Al Mamzar are among the best beaches in Dubai.
Q2. What are some of the free beaches in Dubai?
The public beaches in Dubai are free of entry, such as Kite Beach, JBR Beach, Al Sufouh Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach and Jebel Ali Beach.
Q3. Which are family-friendly beaches in Dubai?
Mercato Beach and Al Mamzar Beach Park are ideal for families. They are very quiet and safe, as compared to the more crowded beaches in the area.
Q4. Are there beaches with parking and showers?
There are showers and changing rooms available at Mercato Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park and JBR Beach.
Q5. What are some beaches with restaurants and cafés?
Yes, many beaches such as JBR, La Mer and Palm West Beach have restaurants and cafes that line up right along the beach.
Q6. What is Dubai beach timings?
Most beaches are open in Dubai and are open all day. Beach parks, such as Al Mamzar, and retail areas, such as JBR, do not operate on a fixed schedule.
Q7. What are some of the public transport to Dubai beaches?
Many beaches are accessible from metro and a short taxi ride. JBR Beach is the most easily accessible option as tram stops line the beach.
Q8. What are some of the water sports in Dubai beaches?
Kite Beach is the best kitesurfing location due to its strong winds and availability of kite hire and surf schools. Jebel Ali Beach and Dubai Islands Beach also have kayaking, paddle boarding and diving opportunities
Q9. What are the best beaches for sunset in Dubai?
Beaches in Dubai such as Sunset Beach, Umm Suqeim beach are unmatched for golden views of Burj Al Arab during the sunset. Other beaches that offer stunning sunsets over the Gulf include La Mer and Palm West Beach.
Q10. What are some of the things to do at Dubai beaches?
You can swim, enjoy water sports, run on beach tracks and lie on the beach and enjoy. Some beaches bring shopping, eating and beach clubs, while calmer beaches are ideal for reading, taking photos and for relaxed strolls.
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