The Best Beaches in Dubai
Dubai is amazing in every sense of the world. It’s home to the fanciest restaurants, contemporary architectural masterpieces, the world’s most mind-blowing museums, and iconic skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa. But it’s also the city with the best beaches you can possibly find around the globe.
In this guide, we’re going to discuss the best beaches in Dubai, entrance conditions, and top beach activities. Some of them, by the way, are perfect for a car photoshoot. So, if you’re going to rent Lamborghini or another top vehicle from the Trinity car fleet or just visit a great beach — read on. We share all the most helpful information below.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Key information about the beach:
- Cost of entrance: 5 AED per person/30 AED per vehicle
- Beach occupancy rate: Medium to high
- Dress code: No strict dress code, general beach attire norms
Al Mamzar Park isn’t exactly a private beach, but you’ll still need to pay a fee of 5 AED to enter the area. That makes it less crowded, though, and considering how beautiful and comfortable the place is, for many, it’s definitely worth the price. So, what’s special about it? Multiple things. There are showers, restrooms, changing rooms, picnic tables, barbeque facilities, WiFi, and more. Also, you can buy tickets easily via a mobile app.
Note that it’s open exclusively to women and children on some days. On all other days, everyone can enjoy its greenery, family-friendly vibe, and multiple activities. Note that you can enter the area in your car. For example, you can rent Ferrari if you go there alone or with your date, or choose a top SUV from our car fleet (get a fuel tank as a gift in any case) if you’re going with a large family. The fee will be 30 AED anyway.
Jumeirah Public Beach
Key information about the beach:
- Cost of entrance: Free
- Beach occupancy rate: Medium to high
- Dress code: No strict dress code, general beach attire norms
Jumeirah Public Beach is rightly considered to be one of the top free Dubai beaches. It’s a unique place where you can not only enjoy the warm azure waters and white sand but also the mind-blowing view of the Dubai Eye from up close. If you’re more into active rest, you’ll be able to choose among multiple activities, including parasailing, skiing, and paddleboarding. It’s perfect for family time or romantic dates.
Still, it’s not a private beach. It may be quite crowded — a lot of people come to see the Eye, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and just enjoy the entire view at large. Still, you can go there in the early morning or late afternoon, so the place will be nearly empty.
This time is also perfect for a car photoshoot, so if you are considering a luxury car rental, you can get one of the 80+ amazing vehicles, go to the beach, and take some mind-blowing photos in the natural lighting of Dubai. You’ll also get a personal manager who can give you some recommendations on how to plan everything right.
Kite Beach
Key information about the beach:
- Cost of entrance: Free
- Beach occupancy rate: Medium to high
- Dress code: No strict dress code, general beach attire norms
Located in Umm Suqeim, Kite Beach is considered one of the most amazing beaches in Dubai, and once you visit it, you immediately realize why. There are all those great things typically associated with a great beach, including soft white sand, a beautiful skyline, vibrant sounds, fitness activities, and, of course, kitesurfing. However, it’s not all it has to offer.
It’s also open 24/7, so you can have an amazing night beach experience in the city. There’s a library for those who want to relax in a nice natural setting, a lot of spots for children, and an endless choice of delicious meals and drinks. It’s a perfect place for enjoying a promenade, getting active with friends, or just sunbathing. It’s another top place for a car photo shoot, by the way. You can rent a car, and the Trinity personal manager will assist you, offer flexible payment methods, including crypto, and help you get a personal driver if necessary.
Sunset Beach
Key information about the beach:
- Cost of entrance: Free
- Beach occupancy rate: Medium to high
- Dress code: No strict dress code, general beach attire norms
Located on Jumeirah Beach Road, adjacent to Umm Suqeim Park, Sunset Beach is one of the cleanest and most vibrant Dubai beaches. It’s very cozy and safe. Basically, you can even level your stuff on the towel and go for a walk without worrying about anything. Residents and tourists can rent a lounge chair with a towel, but it makes more sense to those who are planning to spend at least a few hours in this amazing location. Of course, there are showers, toilets, and a lot of facilities where fans of active rest can enjoy parasailing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding.
Still, the amazing view of Burj Al Arab is its main advantage. You can go there at any time of the day and night using public or private transportation, so if you decide to rent a car and enjoy your time on Sunset Beach, you’ll experience no difficulty overall.
Dubai Islands Beach
Key information about the beach:
- Cost of entrance: Free
- Beach occupancy rate: Low to medium
- Dress code: No strict dress code, general beach attire norms
Dubai Islands Beach is the hidden gem of the city. It’s rightly considered one of Dubai top beaches for so many reasons, including its pet friendliness, availability of free chairs and umbrellas, and of course, the stunning views. It’s located on the Dubai Islands and is pretty close to Deira, so you can see Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab.
Both tourists and Dubai residents appreciate its quiet environment, well-maintained changing rooms and showers, and professional lifeguards. It’s close to Union metro station, but you’ll still need to order a taxi to get to it. Alternatively, you can rent Porsche or another elegant and highly stylish car that will match the atmosphere perfectly.
Al Sufouh Beach
Key information about the beach:
- Cost of entrance: Free
- Beach occupancy rate: Low to medium
- Dress code: No strict dress code, general beach attire norms
Al Sufouh Beach, also known as Secret Beach, is one of the least crowded beaches in the entire city. A few locals, and especially tourists, know about it. Though there are not so many restaurants and various facilities, it’s absolutely perfect for those who put privacy and relaxation vibes first.
It’s close to the Marina, the parking is easy and very close to the sea, which makes it perfect for car photography, too. So, if you have a car, you can just take your supplies and have a great time with the amazing views as the place is between Burj Al Arab and the Palm. The only disadvantage is that there are no showers right on the beach, but that’s one of the reasons why the place is less frequently visited.
White Beach Club
Key information about the beach:
- Cost of entrance: 150-200 AED on weekdays, 300-500 AED on weekends
- Beach occupancy rate: Low to medium
- Dress code: No strict dress code, general beach attire norms
As you can see, it’s quite easy to find a good public beach in Dubai. But what if you are looking for something more exclusive this time? It’s not a problem, especially if you choose a location like White Beach — one of the top beach clubs in the city.
What makes it one of the hottest private beachfront destinations? Well, first, it’s two great swimming pools designed as the perfect spot for the most mind-blowing Instagram pictures ever. Second, it’s a top-notch restaurant with delicious food. Third, it’s an amazing cocktail card. Finally, it’s an unforgettable sea view with great music. If that’s what you were looking for, it’s an ideal spot!
La Mer Beach
Key information about the beach:
- Cost of entrance: Free
- Beach occupancy rate: Medium to high
- Dress code: No strict dress code, general beach attire norms
Of course, we couldn’t fail to include La Mer on our list of the best beaches Dubai. It’s a truly must-see place with a vibrant atmosphere, breathtaking views, and an overall relaxing vibe. Here, you get it all — restaurants, an amazing beach, Dubai’s legendary skyline with the Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Mosque, and the iconic Burj Khalifa.
The entire setting is very diverse. On the one hand, it may be quite relaxing or, in contrast, quite futuristic. There are a lot of murals and art installations, a fancy lounge by a beach club, a wave simulator, infinity pools, and lots of water sports activities for every taste.
Resort Beaches versus Public Beaches
There are hundreds of amazing beaches in the city, but all can be divided into two main categories: resort beaches and public beaches. So, should you choose a private place or go to a public beach in Dubai? Take a look at the table, and you’ll make the right informed choice.
Aspect | Public Beaches | Resort Beaches | |
---|---|---|---|
Access | Free/minimal fees | Private access — high fees or hotel access only | |
Facilities | Basic amenities like showers and restrooms | Top amenities like pools, sunbeds, cabanas, etc. | |
Crowd Level | Medium to high | Low to medium | |
Cleanliness & Maintenance Level | Quite high | The highest level | |
Safety | Lifeguards typically presented | More professional lifeguards | |
Activities | Available but from external providers | Wide range of sports & beach activities | |
Food & Drinks | Typically trucks, cafes, and kiosks | Fancier places & beach service | |
Minibus | 16 | 16 | |
Privacy | Very limited | High due to restricted access |
Many resort beaches also have additional benefits like spa services, parties, and club events, but the entrance fees are usually quite high.
Beach Activities
If sunbathing and swimming aren’t something you want to do for a really long time, there are quite a few other activities you can enjoy on the beaches of Dubai. Here are the most popular options widely available in most of the above-mentioned spots:
- jet skiing;
- flyboarding;
- parasailing and paragliding;
- beach volleyball;
- kayaking;
- paddleboarding;
- scuba diving;
- surfing.
Also, remember that some beaches on the list are available 24/7, so night swimming can be called a separate type of beach activity in Dubai. Note that if want to rent a car for a photoshoot or just for the experience, you can do it at any time, and it can be delivered to any location, including beaches.
FAQ
Are there any free beaches in Dubai?
Yes, there are multiple free beaches and public beaches with low entrance fees of 5 around AED. For instance, you can visit Jumeirah Beach Residence, Kite Beach, La Mer Beach, or Al Mamzar Beach Park.
What are the common rules for beaches in Dubai?
No nudity, public displays of affection, alcohol, smoking (unless it’s a private, properly licensed area), and littering are allowed. Other rules depend on the particular beach. For example, some allow pets, and some don’t. Some let you swim at night, and some don’t, etc.
Can you swim on beaches in Dubai at night?
It depends on the beach. You can access some beaches, for example, Kite Beach, at night, but it’s always better to check the current restrictions and make sure there’s proper lighting on the beach.
Are beaches in Dubai safe to swim?
Yes, there are lifeguards even on the free public beaches, and the level of safety is high overall.
Do you have to cover up on the beach in Dubai?
Regular swimwear is allowed. There’s no ban on bikinis or anything like that, but you need to cover up when leaving the beach. Also, no nudity is allowed, so there’s no opportunity to sunbathe topless for women, for example.
What can you wear on beaches in Dubai?
It’s casual swimwear and casual clothes overall. There’s no strict dress code, but it’s better to choose more moderate options.