by With miles of sandy shores, Dubai’s beaches come in many shapes and styles. There are great public beaches with free facilities and sunbeds for rent. Water sports venues and family-friendly food trucks and restaurants serve the busiest stretches, while more exclusive luxury can be found at one of Dubai’s ever-growing designer beach clubs, where the entertainment is led by costumed DJs and dancers. As an added bonus, Dubai’s beaches are not just playgrounds during the day; some are also open at night.
The Beach, JBR
Famous for the vibrant tourist and residential neighborhood of Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), the Beach, JBR is bustling with activity. This stretch of the Arabian Sea is a playground for windsurfers and jet skiers, with an inflatable water park. Try to navigate its slippery obstacles without falling into the sea.
Insider tip: Facilities include cabanas, sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, as well as toilets, showers and free changing rooms. Backed by a running track full of al fresco exercise machines, workouts are also free.
How to get here: Operating within Dubai Marina, Dubai Tram stations JBR 1 and JBR 2 are nearby; but most walk or take a cab.
West Palm Beach
Work on your swagger before strolling the length of Palm West Beach. The main pastime on this trendy waterfront is peacocking along its promenade – or people-watching those who do. Backed by five-star hotels, the sand is divided into plots occupied by beach clubs, bars and restaurants, each pumping out competitive bottom lines.
Insider tip: Tune in to your favorite tunes and rent a day from one of the hotels or clubs and spend a day taking in the sights, including the Dubai Marina skyline and the Bluewaters Island Ferris Wheel. Wait until after sunset to see the promenade lit up at night.
How to get here: Take a cab.
White Beach
Dubai is full of beach clubs and White Dubai is one of the best. Located at Atlantis mega-resort, The Palm, it’s a boho retreat with crochet parasols, natural wood cabanas, two Instagram-worthy pools and an al fresco restaurant.
Insider tip: Spoil yourself by booking a private pool cabana. The water is amazing and the service is attentive. Entry costs AED200 ($43) Monday to Thursday, and AED250 (£54) Friday to Sunday and public holidays; ladies may prefer to visit on a Tuesday (Ladies’ Day), when the entry fee includes unlimited selected drinks and discounts on food.
How to get here: Operating along Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Monorail stops at Atlantis, The Palm; otherwise take a cab.
Umm Suqeim Beach “Sunset”.
Known as Sunset Beach, this shoreline sweep is at its best in the late afternoon, and not just for its dusk-laden views. It’s one of the few designated night swimming spots in Dubai, so stick around after sunset to see floodlights hitting the sand and swimming in dark waters.
Insider tip: Dine at Bu Qtair, originally a simple beach hut serving the catch of the day since the eighties. Today, it is one of the most famous heritage restaurants in Dubai that still specializes in local spicy fish dishes.
How to get here: The nearest Metro Emirates station is Mall of the Emirates, about a 10-minute cab ride away.
Kite Beach
One of a long line of beautiful beaches facing the neighborhoods of Jumeirah 1, 2 and 3, Kite Beach is a community gathering place. Deep and wide with such a generous boardwalk and skies full of kitesurfers, it’s a popular place to fly handheld kites.
Insider tip: Join the families enjoying early morning walks with stops at the playgrounds along the way, or, as the sun rises, gather at the funky food trucks to eat stacked burgers.
How to get here: Take a cab.
Jumeirah Beach (Nessnass Beach)
I find it confusing, Google Maps flags the different beaches of Jumeirah. The two main stretches of sunshine are just north of Kite Beach, on either side of the Dubai Canal. This one, on the south side, is also known locally as Nessnass Beach after the nearby Nessnass Street – and is another of Dubai’s night swimming spots.
Insider tip: At the end of the beach, the Dubai Canal is ripe for strolling with its collection of interesting bridges. Just behind this part of the coast is the air-conditioned Sunset Mall, a great escape when the mercury rises.
How to get here: Take a cab.
Jumeirah Public Beach
Continuing north, past the Dubai Canal, you will reach what Google labels as Jumeirah Public Beach, which overlooks Jumeirah Bay Island, home to one of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts, Bulgari Dubai and its Yacht Club , a millionaire’s lunch spot.
Insider tip: On the north side of the beach is the quaint Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, home to the authentic Asian restaurant 3Fils and its sister restaurant BRIX Desserts. For a delicious lunch, order a Wagyu sando in the former and finish with a fancy cake in the latter.
How to get here: Take a cab.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
The family-friendly Al Mamzar Beach Park in Deira hugs the borders of the emirate of Sharjah near Dubai. Not many tourists make it this far north, but those located nearby should explore the coastal park’s sandy beaches, cool pools, landscaped gardens and playgrounds. Entry costs just AED5 (£1) per person.
Insider tip: With designated barbecue and picnic areas, you can pack your own feast to enjoy within the grounds.
How to get here: Take a cab.
