Bucket list experience:
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
While it may be famous for its desert location, Dubai’s beaches are where residents head on weekends. The long coastline offers a choice of excellent public beaches, some with facilities including bathrooms, shops and food trucks, others without.
Escape the sweltering heat and spend some time at Dubai’s beautiful golden beaches. Choose from hip beach clubs or family-friendly public stretches of sand. Stay at any of the luxury resorts along the coast and you’ll have recliners, cabanas and cocktail service to hand. Head to one of the buzzy beach clubs and you can float in the warm waters or dance to the DJ. On weekends these can almost have the feel of outdoor nightclubs.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
A legend in its own right, beach bar Barasti (sometimes jokingly referred to as Bar Nasty) is a casual, fun spot where the beers flow like water. Drinking (lots of it), dancing and an eclectic crowd make this a place you either love or hate.
Best for ages 18+
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
A chic beach club at the One&Only Royal Mirage, Drift has just the right balance of elegance and fun, without turning into a full-on nightclub.
Best for ages 4+
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Located near the iconic Burj Al Arab, this long stretch of public beach is a great place for families to enjoy water sports such as kite surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There are food trucks and cafes, showers and changing facilities. There’s also a long wooden promenade for sunset strolls and a skatepark.
Best for ages 4+
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Located opposite the Jumeirah Beach Residences, this popular beach offers a wide range of family-friendly activities such as parasailing, beach volleyball, banana boat rides, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There are also several restaurants, cafes, a cinema, and a play area for kids.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Tucked between Pearl Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach, this family beach offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options including a water park. It’s backed by palm trees and an excellent selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a cinema.
Best for ages 4+
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Located in the Jumeirah district, this public beach is a popular spot for families. With a wide stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and numerous facilities like showers, changing rooms, and play areas, this beach offers a fun day out for all ages.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Located in the Jumeirah district, this hidden gem is less crowded than other beaches in Dubai. Families can enjoy a quiet day by the turquoise waters and soft sands, with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab.
Dubai is effectively one long coastline. Public beaches are most easily accessed by taxi, although some spots along the Jumeirah Beach Road can be accessed by public bus.
Most of the beach clubs are part of luxury hotels – again, a taxi will be your best bet. Many beach clubs charge for non-residents – and for the hippest beach clubs, such as Nikki Beach, it’s essential to reserve a spot in advance.
The long stretch of public beach at Jumeirah is free to access, but there is a charge for sunloungers and umbrellas.
Weekdays are the quietest times, but you can usually find a space whenever you go.
The water temperatures in summer are unbelievably hot – you won’t be having a refreshing dip in July and August. Locals rarely swim in winter – but tourists seem to get along just fine!
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Dalmatia, Croatia
Dazzling Dubrovnik offers UNESCO-listed heritage set against the pure blue backdrop of the Adriatic.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
A desert city playground with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture in a setting of year-round sun, sand and sea. Great family hotels and a ridiculous number of family attractions too.
