Experience the Best of Dubai's Beaches

Alongside fabulous weather and exceptional luxury, its spectacular beaches are one of Dubai’s best-loved features. Its pristine coastline boasts the crystal clear, balmy waters of the Arabian Gulf, gently lapping onto soft white sands. Depending on where you go, you can find every amenity your heart desires, right on the beachfront. Watersports facilities, fairground rides, shops, cafes and restaurants, or sun loungers quietly nestled in the shade of palm trees- whatever it is you are looking for, you’ll find it here, nestled against the shimmering backdrop of Dubai’s breathtaking skyline.

Dubai’s beaches are world-class and have been integral in the Middle East becoming a global tourism hotspot. While many visitors flock to enjoy Dubai’s luxurious shopping outlets, fine dining venues, and entertainment opportunities, no trip to Dubai would be complete without a visit to its exquisite coastline. The natural beauty of these shores has been refined with cutting-edge landscaping and land reclamation technologies to create iconic beaches that need to be seen to be believed. No matter what your ideal seaside experience is, one of Dubai’s best beaches will certainly be able to deliver it.

Situated in the centre of the modern, bustling Jumeirah Beach Residence area of Dubai, JBR Beach is just a few minutes walk away from DMCC Metro Station and chic waterfront hotels like the 5* Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach. It boasts a long sandy shore and lively boardwalk, where there’s always plenty to capture your attention.

The central location of this beach means it has an exceptional selection of cafes and restaurants to visit, and there is always lots going on. Visitors to this beach can make use of an array of watersports facilities including paddleboarding and jet-skiing, or take a camel ride along the shore. If you are wanting to keep active, there’s an outdoor gym and volleyball courts to help work up a sweat. Big kids and small alike can have great fun on banana boat rides and pay a visit to the AquaFun inflatable waterpark nearby.

JBR Beach is well-loved by tourists and locals alike, so offers excellent facilities, including cleanly-maintained changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms. Sunbeds and cabanas are available, and lifeguards are posted to ensure everyone remains safe, making it a perfect spot for all the family.

Located just up the coast along The Walk in the vibrant JBR district, Marina Beach is similarly well-served by public transport links as JBR Beach, and a few minutes walk from the luxurious Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach 5* hotel. This urban beach has spectacular views of the Dubai skyline and the Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel, and is particularly well-served by fine dining establishments, trendy cafes, and shopping outlets along the boardwalk.

As well as the opportunity to relax in the sun and enjoy a swim in the balmy, azure waters, visitors can get active on the beachfront cycling and jogging tracks. The watersports facilities here are also excellent and include parasailing, jet-skiing, and paddle boarding. Its marina location means that you can also book on board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the picturesque Dubai coastline should you wish.

There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent when you visit, and Marina Beach is well-equipped with clean bathrooms, showers, and changing facilities. Lifeguards man the beach, so everyone’s safety as well as their comfort is assured. 

A short drive or bus ride from downtown Dubai lies Kite Beach, a dream destination for any watersports lover. Its wide open waters and brisk winds make it the ideal place to have a go at kite surfing, kayaking, or windsurfing, and high-quality equipment is available to rent up and down its white sandy shore. It boasts powerful floodlights and round-the-clock lifeguards, so you can go for a night-time swim, and marvel at the breathtaking view of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on the horizon.

A great destination for street food and light bites, food trucks and casual diners are easily accessible from the shore. Volleyball games and a jogging track cater to those looking for some activity, or for even more action there’s a skatepark to enjoy. Shaded picnic areas offer an oasis of calm, and there are sunbeds available to rent should you wish to kick back and relax, as well as clean showers and bathrooms for public use. 

This quiet beach is one of Dubai’s lesser-known shoreline destinations, frequented mostly by locals. It is situated behind a residential area in the exclusive Jumeirah neighbourhood, and has minimal parking or other facilities. It is precisely because of this that it is an ideal place to come for a bit of tranquility and quiet, in a laid-back atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle and crowds. Easily accessible by public transport or taxi, it is a 10 minute walk from Mercato Mall where food and refreshments can be easily procured.

There are no sun beds available, but there are a few bathrooms and showers there for public use. A jogging track provides a scenic setting for fitness enthusiasts, and the absence of commercial development nearby allows the full natural beauty of the location to take centre stage. Mercato Beach is a serene oasis perfect for those wishing to swim in crystal clear seas, sunbathe on soft white sands, relax with a good book, and take in the spectacular views across the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf in peace.

Situated on the north-east coast of Dubai, and easily accessible by car or bus, this impressive complex boasts five beaches spread over 106 hectares, as well as three beautiful swimming pools perfect for a dip away from the sands. For a small entrance fee of AED5 per person, visitors can stroll or cycle through manicured lawns, stop for picnics beneath the swaying palm and coconut trees, sunbathe on the white sands, and enjoy a barbecue in the dedicated barbecue pits.

Lifeguards are on duty throughout the day, and there are a range of watersports facilities available for those seeking a bit of action. During the summer months there is night swimming available, too, so you can enjoy the waters away from the scorching rays of the sun. Perfect for the whole family, there are numerous well-appointed children’s play areas and an open air amphitheatre which hosts frequent organised events.

Kiosks are situated throughout the park offering a variety of food and refreshments, and luxury air-conditioned chalets are available to rent, making it an ideal place to spend the whole day enjoying the beautiful surroundings. There are also plenty of immaculate showers and changing areas throughout the park, meaning your every need is catered for during Al Mamzar’s 8am-10pm opening hours.

As well as its impressive public beaches, many of Dubai’s top hotels boast their own private beaches. Here guests can luxuriate in exclusive access to the pristine white sands, enjoying high-end facilities in perfect peace and seclusion.  Many of the most breathtaking of these are situated on the calm waters of the Palm Jumeirah development; here are some of the very best:

Bedecked in palatial style, Raffles The Palm boasts a timeless elegance for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and refinement. As well as its serene private beach with calm, sparkling waters lapping soft, clean sands and its breathtaking views across The Palm, this hotel is equipped with a world-class spa and some of the finest dining opportunities available anywhere in Dubai. Verdant gardens and an enormous outdoor pool make this a tranquil oasis in the desert heat of the region.

Tranquil views of Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf make the private beach at Fairmont The Palm an ideal spot to relax and unwind while still feeling connected to the vibrant heart of Dubai. Guests can recline under shade on comfortable sun loungers, swim in one of its four outdoor pools, or take part in a range of water sports including sailing and speedboat rides. Inside, the hotel is sumptuously adorned with Arabic Mashrabiya decor, and boasts six bars and fine-dining restaurants, as well as a kids’ club, fitness centre, and spa, ensuring the whole family’s every need is met.

Luxury meets family-friendly at Sofitel The Palm, which offers numerous watersports options like flyboarding and boat cruises, as well as beach clubs, kids’ clubs, soft play areas, and six different pools. Eleven different eateries mean every palate is catered for, and parents can unwind in the French-Polynesian style spa or take some time out on the tennis courts or golf course.

Perfect for those after a bit of action without compromising on luxury, Rixos The Palm’s private beach offers an array of activities and watersports from its powdery, white sands. Priding itself on being one of Dubai’s most family-friendly hotels, children are well-catered to by the kids’ club and there are a variety of beachside and poolside restaurants and bars for all to enjoy. Rixos The Palm is renowned for its all-inclusive packages, so the whole family can make the most of the luxurious surroundings and impressive views across the waters to the spectacular Dubai skyline.

• Best time to visit: The Dubai summers can get very hot, and being outside in the sun can be overwhelming; as a result the best time to visit its beaches is in the cooler months from October to April.
  
  
• Swimwear is only for the beach, and make sure to dress appropriately: while on the beach women may wear bikinis, swimsuits, or burkinis, and men swimming shorts or pants, but when going to the promenade or eateries off the beach it is appreciated if you put your clothes on. Sunbathing or walking on the beach topless or naked is expressly forbidden. When not in swimwear, dress modestly.
  
  
• After sunset it is forbidden to swim in the sea: except on specific beaches and during certain times of the year, when night swimming is explicitly authorised and lifeguards will be on duty.
  
  
• Bring the essentials: make sure to pack sun screen, a sun hat, and water, as well as your beach wear. 
  
  
• Follow good beach etiquette: adhere to safety regulations, show courtesy to other beachgoers, and respect local customs. 
   

Whether you’re seeking an all-action watersports adventure, family fun in a leafy green beach park, or an indulgent retreat on a serene, private shore, Dubai has a beach destination for you. And with plenty of locations across the region to suit all tastes and budgets, there’s an ACCOR hotel with easy access to your perfect piece of the Dubai coastline. Book your next adventure now at ALL.com.

Dubai offers an array of family-friendly beaches that cater to all ages. JBR Beach, with its clean facilities, lifeguards, and fun activities like camel rides and banana boat rides, is a top choice. Kite Beach is another excellent option, offering watersports and a skatepark for active kids, plus shaded picnic areas for relaxation. Al Mamzar Beach Park stands out with its five beaches, three pools, and numerous play areas, ensuring a full day of family fun. Each beach provides safe, enjoyable environments for families to create unforgettable memories.

For adrenaline-seekers, Dubai's beaches are a paradise of thrilling water sports activities. Kite Beach stands out with its kite surfing and windsurfing opportunities, capitalizing on the brisk winds and offering high-quality rental equipment. JBR Beach, centrally located in the bustling Jumeirah Beach Residence area, provides exciting options like jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and even camel rides along the shore. Marina Beach, with its spectacular skyline views, offers parasailing and boat cruises for those looking to mix adventure with scenic beauty. Each beach ensures a heart-pounding experience against the stunning backdrop of Dubai’s shimmering coastline.