Best Beaches in Dubai: Free, Family, Luxury & More

Dubai has plenty of world-class attractions, but the true charm of the city lies in its beautiful coastline along the Arabian Gulf. The beaches of the city can be lively public places offering plenty of excitement, or the pristinely calm sands of five-star luxury resorts. If you are looking for a quiet spot to relax by the crystal clear water, a glamorous venue for a party in the sun, a place to do thrilling water sports, or a safe family getaway, Dubai’s best beaches have it all. This guide looks at the best beach destinations and everything that you can expect from them.

Public & Free Beaches in Dubai

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Dubai has a nice collection of immaculately maintained public beaches that are free to access, debunking the myth that it’s only about paid luxury. The sandy shores of this area are a favorite among visitors and residents, who enjoy the clean white sand and warm turquoise waters for swimming. Moreover, they have good public amenities. The beaches offer the ideal chance to soak up the sun and experience the vibe of the city without the price tag of a private club, proving some of the best things in Dubai are free.

Jumeirah Public Beach

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Also known as JBR Beach, this is arguably the most recognizable and happening free Dubai beach. Against the backdrop of Jumeirah Beach Residence's skyscrapers, it offers an unbeatable view of Ain Dubai. This place has a great atmosphere, with a huge promenade known as The Walk, featuring many cafes, boutiques, and street performers. The amenities at the beach include showers, toilets, and changing rooms. If you want to get active, you could easily find parasailing, wakeboarding, and paddle boarding vendors. To get here via public transport, you can take the metro to Sobha Realty or DMCC station and then change to the Dubai Tram, alighting at the Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 or 2 stop.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

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Al Mamzar Beach Park is a wonderful place, more like a private resort, but quite cheap and affordable. It’s not totally free, but it only costs 5 AED per person or 30 AED for a car, which ensures it is well-maintained and not as crowded as other places. The huge park has five beach areas, where you can easily find solitude. The facilities include lovely green grass for picnicking, barbecue areas, swimming pools, private chalets for rent, and children’s play areas. It is a great full day out for a family, and it's a perfect option for those interested in Ladies-only beaches and beach clubs in Dubai, since Mondays and Wednesdays are designated exclusively for women and children.

Umm Suqeim Beach

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This beach is also known as Sunset Beach and provides the best view of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. You can enjoy sunbathing and swimming at this clean, quiet, and remarkably safe beach. It's a popular place among photographers, especially during sunset by the sail-shaped hotel. It is one of the very few Dubai beaches where you can charge your devices for free at the Smart Power poles. Moreover, the beach is open 24/7 and has special lighting to allow safe swimming at night.

Sunset Beach (Burj Al Arab View)

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Sunset Beach is sometimes confused with Umm Suqeim Beach, but it specifically refers to the stretch of sand where you get the best view of the Burj Al Arab. It is less busy and crowded than Kite Beach, which makes it the perfect spot for those who seek a calmer atmosphere and a great view. This place is perfect for a quiet evening walk or just putting down a towel and watching the sky change colors.

Palm West Beach

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Palm West Beach, situated on the trunk of the famous Palm Jumeirah, has quickly turned into one of Dubai’s hottest and most vibrant lifestyle spots. The attractively designed beach walkway is pedestrian-friendly, lined with an array of chic restaurants and beach clubs offering stunning views of the Dubai Marina and JBR skyline. It's a pet-friendly location with a 1.6-km track for walks, runs, or cycling. The atmosphere is chic but comfy, making it the place for a stylish breakfast, lunch in the sun, or a glamorous night out.

Beach Clubs and Luxury Resorts

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If you want to enjoy a luxurious beach experience, Dubai’s private beaches and luxury beach clubs offer the best in comfort and service. These are lifestyle destinations adorned with thoughtful details and curated for a VIP experience. You can expect infinity pools, plush sunbeds with private cabanas and butler service, resident DJs playing chill tunes, and gourmet food delivered to your lounger. They are the perfect Instagrammable venues for a day of luxurious relaxation and lively partying.

Nikki Beach Dubai

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Nikki Beach, located on Pearl Jumeirah, is a world-famous beach club that epitomizes Dubai’s party scene. Known for its iconic all-white look, energetic vibe, and live entertainment from saxophonists and dancers, it exudes seaside luxury. Indulge in the beautiful swimming pool complete with in-water loungers, oversized private cabanas, and a globally inspired menu of delectable food and cocktails.

White Beach Atlantis

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Set along the shores of Atlantis, The Palm, White Beach is a chic beach club with a Mediterranean charm. The Dubai Marina skyline offers breathtaking views from its infinity pool. In the evening, the atmosphere transforms from a daytime chill-out mode to a party zone. With rustic-chic decor, an outdoor restaurant with delicious bites, and a roster of top international DJs, it makes for a stunning day out.

Summersalt Beach Club

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Summersalt is located inside the Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel and is among the most exclusive beach clubs in Dubai. It offers direct access to the beach as well as a beautiful temperature-controlled pool overlooking the Burj Al Arab. The club is famous for its fusion fare from the spice route and a laid-back but impeccably luxurious atmosphere.

Drift Beach Club

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Drift Beach Club is an award-winning adult-only destination that focuses on understated luxury and tranquility, located at One&Only Royal Mirage. It has an infinity pool overlooking its 1 km private beach, offering idyllic views of Palm Island Bay and Dubai’s skyline. The atmosphere is chic and serene, providing an exclusive environment to unwind.

Twiggy / Aura Sky Pool

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These two offer some of Dubai’s more exotic poolside experiences. Twiggy by La Cantine at Park Hyatt Dubai features a 100-meter-long infinity lagoon pool and a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant, bringing a touch of the French Riviera to the UAE. Right next door is Aura Sky Pool, the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool. Perched on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower, it offers panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and the city skyline, though it is a pool lounge and not exactly a beach club.

Family & Kids-Friendly Beaches

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Families can enjoy an excellent time in Dubai, which is famous for its beaches. Moreover, many beaches are great in terms of safety, convenience, and fun. These places have shallow water and a strong lifeguard presence. They have kids’ play areas and are close to family-friendly cafes and clean restrooms, allowing parents and children to spend stress-free days at the beach.

Kite Beach

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Kite Beach is one of the main kitesurfing spots in the city, as its name suggests, but it has also become one of Dubai’s best family beaches. There's loads of room to play games and make sandcastles along its large, open stretch of sand. Aside from water sports, the beach is filled with facilities like a skate park, an outdoor trampoline park, and a good play area for kids. The lively and vibrant atmosphere features excellent casual food trucks and cafes you must visit.

Creek Beach Dubai

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Creek Beach is positioned in the thriving Dubai Creek Harbour development, giving visitors a true urban beach experience. The artificial beach offers an expanse of pristine white sand, an amazing infinity pool, and a dazzling view of Downtown Dubai, which also includes the Burj Khalifa. The area is crafted for families, with calm, shallow waters suitable for children and all necessary amenities within easy walking distance.

Beaches for Activities and Sports

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For visitors who prefer an active day instead of lying on the beach, some of the beaches in Dubai are fit for sports and fitness enthusiasts. You'll find running tracks, water sports equipment rental shops, and outdoor gyms at these locations with good infrastructure.

Surf Beach Dubai

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Umm Suqeim Beach is simply the best surfing spot in Dubai. Since it has clear exposure to winds, it is the best spot to catch surf during the winter. There are several rental shops and surf schools located here, such as Surf House Dubai, which offers lessons for novices and boards for other types of surfers. The laid-back, athletic feel is catchy even if you’re not surfing.

Beach Gym West Beach

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Not only is Palm West Beach a dining and relaxing destination, but it has also turned into a fitness hub. The promenade is great for running and cycling, and you will find many pop-up fitness stations on the beach. There is also a popular, well-equipped outdoor beach gym. You can enjoy an intense workout in company with views of the sea and skyline before taking a dip in the waters.

Fitness & Yoga Beach

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Many of Dubai's beaches have become de facto fitness hubs. Kite Beach offers a 14km running path and outdoor gym equipment. JBR Beach is another favorite location for morning runs and boot camps. Many of these spots have soft sand and a peaceful quiet in the morning that makes them perfect for some sunrise yoga, with several studios offering classes on the beach.

Romantic & Scenic Beaches

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The coastlines of Dubai have many photogenic spots for romantic walks, sunset pictures, and intimate moments, with smooth golden sands and dramatic skylines. These beaches are famous for their beautiful views and peaceful, less crowded atmosphere.

Love Beach Dubai

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This beautiful attraction features two man-made lakes shaped like two overlapping hearts and is located in Al Sufouh. This place is surrounded by greenery, so it has become a popular spot for couples and photographers.

Secret Beach

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Al Sufouh Beach is the official name of this beach. It has been nicknamed the "secret beach" as it was not known to many locals until recently. Hiding between the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, it is one of the city’s least crowded public beaches. Due to its raw, natural beauty and stunning views of the surrounding landmarks, it is ideal for anyone looking for privacy and a sense of remoteness.

Pink Beach

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There isn’t really a pink sand beach in Dubai; however, the term “Pink Beach” usually refers to popular, highly Instagrammable beach clubs or pop-ups that give off pastel pink vibes with their umbrellas, beach chairs, and decorations. These locations are all about taking social media pictures.

Bluewaters Island Beach

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Bluewaters Island is a modern man-made island that boasts a beach area offering excellent views of the Ain Dubai. It is a great place for an evening stroll where you can see the world’s largest observation wheel lighting up the night sky. Also, you can marvel at the lights of JBR and the Dubai Marina across the water.

Best Beach Restaurants & Bars

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Dining by the sea is a quintessential Dubai experience. The beach restaurants of the city serve everything from casual, toes-in-the-sand meals to gourmet fine dining, accompanied by spectacular ocean views and the sound of the sea.

Fish Beach Taverna

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Le Meridien Mina Seyahi has a lovely eatery offering a taste of the Aegean while you are seated on the sand. The blue-and-white decor with a gravel floor and fairy lights is so romantic that it almost transports you to a Greek island.

Shimmers on the Beach

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Jumeirah Mina A’Salam’s private beach is home to Shimmers, which serves award-winning Greek food and has arguably the best and most direct views of the Burj Al Arab. This is a stylish, chic place with a seating deck and an area right on the sand, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a chic sunset meal.

Nobu by the Beach

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Nobu is the new beach club and restaurant at the ultra-luxurious Atlantis The Royal. The famous brand is sure to bring sophistication to the poolside. In a chic minimalist setting, the restaurant presents signature Japanese-Peruvian cuisine by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, enhanced with high fashion and barefoot luxury.

Ria Beach Bar

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Ria, found at Club Vista Mare on the Palm Jumeirah, is a relaxed yet stylish beachfront setting ideal for lunch or cocktails at sunset. The menu is full of Mediterranean-inspired fare, served fresh daily, while the open-air terrace offers scenic sea and Dubai views.

Nightlife & Party Beaches

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Many of Dubai’s beaches become party venues at night as the sun sets. These internationally acclaimed spaces are a haven for big-time DJs, lively crowds, and glamorous pool parties.

Zero Gravity

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Zero Gravity is a famous day-to-night spot located next to Skydive Dubai. It has a huge glass-fronted pool, a private beach, and a stage that has seen performances by some of the biggest DJs in the world. The spot is known for its weekend brunch parties that start early and run well into the night.

Bla Bla Beach

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Located in JBR, this incredible beach club comprises white sands and azure waters. The place has 20 bars and 3 different restaurants, plus a huge beach club with a large pool and direct beach access. There are many things to do, like enjoying a sundowner at a rooftop bar or partying on the pool deck.

O Beach Dubai

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O Beach brings Ibiza’s iconic party vibe to Dubai. It’s known for its stylish, over-the-top pool parties and theatrical experiences. Expect lavish decor, live performers, acrobats, and a glamorous, cosmopolitan crowd, all with uplifting house music curated by top international DJs.

Beach Hotels and Resorts

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If you want the perfect beach holiday, you couldn’t do better than stay at one of Dubai's beach hotels. After all, they offer easy access to luxurious private beaches and all the amenities you could possibly want.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

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This massive resort complex has a beautiful long strip of private beach with a variety of water sports facilities, several stunning pools, and vast, gorgeous gardens, making it a perennial favorite with families and active travelers.

Jumeirah Al Naseem

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The latest addition to the Madinat Jumeirah complex, Jumeirah Al Naseem, boasts a chic private beach with stunning direct views of the Burj Al Arab, making for a truly luxurious setting. Guests have access to the myriad of high-end restaurants and facilities of the whole resort.

Address Beach Resort

Famous for the Guinness World Record for the highest outdoor infinity pool, this hotel in JBR is recognizable by its two-tower structure connected by a sky bridge. Along with the attraction that goes up to the sky, you get direct access to a gorgeous private beach.

Hidden & Natural Beaches Near Dubai

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If you’re prepared to head out of town, the coastal areas beyond the city are more secluded and natural. A rental car is essential for these trips. With a fleet of more than 80 modern automobiles, Trinity Rental provides its customers with a rent without deposit policy and vehicle delivery anywhere.

Hatta Beach

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While Hatta is a mountain enclave, people often refer to “Hatta Beach” because of the special water activities available at Hatta Dam. In the turquoise waters surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, you can kayak, paddleboard, and swim, offering a freshwater alternative to the coast.

Mangrove Beach

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Mangrove Beach – a charming natural landmark in Umm Al Quwain, around an hour from Dubai. A great place for kayaking and paddle boarding is through the calm, winding mangroves, which are home to a large variety of wildlife.

Qurum Beach (Oman Road Trips)

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If you are looking for an ambitious road trip, you can try the beautiful, long natural coastline of Qurum Beach in Muscat, Oman. Driving a rental car to other countries is restricted, but you can drive through the diverse terrain of the UAE. Our rental price includes an increased daily 300 km mileage, full insurance, toll roads, and VAT, as well as a full tank of fuel as a gift to every client.

Useful Information for Visitors

When visiting any of Dubai's stunning sandy destinations, it's best to dress modestly in public areas off the sand. Topless sunbathing is strictly prohibited. Most public beaches are highly equipped, but it’s a good idea to take sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. For a relaxing day, consider bringing your own food and enjoying one of the many wonderful Places to Have a Picnic in Dubai, as many beaches have designated green areas perfect for it.