Dubai’s scenic beaches offer unique sunny getaways
- Last updated: February 16, 2022 | 12:28
Dubai’s extensive coastline is packed with picturesque beaches that have been developed over the last few decades into some of the emirate’s most compelling outdoor attractions.
The emirate’s wide diversity of beaches, each with its own unique scenic charm, provides people the opportunity to soak up the sun, enjoy breathtaking views and discover their adventurous side with water sports activities.
With clear blue water, golden sands, year-round sunshine, a vibrant seaside dining scene and diverse beach activities, the emirate’s beaches are key attractions highlighted by the #DubaiDestinations initiative launched by the Dubai Media Council to showcase the exceptional activities and experiences offered by the emirate.
Sun, sea, sand and more
One of the most popular beaches in Dubai is the Jumeirah Public Beach. Apart from being a spot for sun, sand and sea lovers, the beach has a range of family-friendly attractions and sporting facilities, including volleyball courts and a jogging track for those who like to keep up their fitness routine.
Runners, rollerbladers, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts will find the beach an exciting option to engage in physical activities. The beach has a lot of benches to enjoy the view and a big, modern playground for kids. There’s also a library on the beach with beanie bags and tables for people to read in comfort.
For a beach spot that features outdoor activities and retail and dining attractions, The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence, offers the ideal place. Located right at the heart of Dubai’s biggest lifestyle destination, with a promenade featuring a wide range of restaurants and retail outlets, The Beach is a great place to enjoy a bite to eat and go shopping.
Further shopping, entertainment and adventure opportunities are offered by retail outlets at The Beach Mall, an outdoor cinema, water sports, banana boating, camel rides, and an enormous inflatable water park named Dubai Aqua Park, anchored just offshore, featuring trampolines, slides, climbing frames, swings and various obstacles. The Beach is also a great location for seeing the biggest observation wheel in the world, Ain Dubai.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Burj Al Arab is another beach that has been a favourite among both residents and visitors for decades – The Sunset Beach in Umm Suqeim. Offering breathtaking views of the world’s most luxurious hotel, which provides a perfect backdrop for selfies, the beach is one of the most picturesque stretches of sand in the emirate.
Beachgoers can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking around the landmark hotel’s island and even surf in the waters. Known as one of Dubai’s best surfing beaches, the beach offers a vantage point to view beautiful sunsets.
Family-friendly fun
Another beach that is popular among both the general public and adventure lovers is the Kite Beach. Named after the many kite surfers and kite flyers that have made this stretch of sand their own, you can play beach volleyball or test your skills in stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking.
You can rent sun beds, umbrellas, and towels and spend the day on the white sand with a view of the Burj Al Arab. The beach hosts plenty of non-aqua activities too, including a skatepark, an outdoor trampoline and a toddler-friendly area. Kite Beach is a popular haunt for foodies with many food trucks that assemble here both during the day and the evening.
Among public beaches in the city, the Black Palace Beach is a truly hidden gem. Running from the Dubai Marine Beach Resort to the Four Seasons, the pristine stretch of golden beach is a brilliant spot for sun seekers and attracts runners, rollerbladers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts and more.
The beach gets its name from its location next to a string of royal palaces located alongside an untouched shoreline, with views of Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab in the distance.
Another beach destination that offers countless fun activities, especially for families, is the Al Mamzar Park. Home to five separate beaches set amidst lush barbecue areas, landscaped playgrounds, lagoons, swimming pools, manicured lawns and bicycle paths, the area provides many great picnic spots for families.
This public beach even has its own amphitheatre. Uniquely, only women and children are allowed here on Mondays and Wednesdays. For an extra cost, you can rent a sun lounger, or even book a private, air-conditioned beach bungalow for a more exclusive experience. It’s also a great spot for jet skiing.
Redefining the urban beach Dubai has also redefined the urban beach with chic precincts such as La Mer, the city's must visit beachfront destination. Made up of distinct zones, including the beach and a leisure and entertainment hub, it is home to countless restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours, unique boutique and luxury retail shops, and the Laguna Waterpark.
With twinkling lights and some of the city’s best street art along the beachfront promenade, La Mer is teeming with unique, Instagrammable backdrops. You can also check out a number of visiting exhibitions and an outdoor trampoline park for little ones, or try your hand at an array of water sports, including wakeboarding, flyboarding and kayaking.
For sea-lovers who want to go on an expedition in the water, chartering a yacht is an easy option. You can also take a catamaran cruise around the islands of The World or try your hand at some deep-sea fishing.
The warm and shallow waters off Dubai are teeming with fish including barracuda, snapper, kingfish, grouper, long tail tuna, giant mackerel, trevally and so much more.
When it comes to fun in the water, Dubai truly knows how to make a splash.
WAM