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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicola Chilton

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.

Options range from hip beach clubs or family-friendly public stretches of sand. If you stay at any of the luxury resorts along the coast you’ll have recliners, cabanas and cocktail service to hand on a private stretch.

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.

Barasti Beach Bar

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Barasti Beach Bar

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+

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Drift Beach Club

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Drift Beach Club

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+

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Kite Beach

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Kite Beach

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+

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JBR in Dubai Marina

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai Marina JBR beach

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.

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La Mer Beach

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

La Mer or Jumeira beach is a public beach in Dubai city in 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+

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Jumeirah Beach Park

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The Ain Dubai Observation Ferris Wheel, the largest of it's kind in the world, on Bluewaters Island near Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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.

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Black Palace Beach

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Burj Al Arab, One of the most famous landmarks of United Arab Emirates seen from Black Palace public beach.

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.

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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

Dubai

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Burj Khalifa rising above Dubai downtown cityscape high angle view view at sunset. United Arab Emirates modern architecture and travel abstract

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.