Best Beaches in Dubai - Finest Beachfront Getaways

Written by Arpan Ghosh

Dubai is one of the world's most popular coastal cities. As we start to get away from the summer heat and the mercury slowly starts to drop, it is the ideal time to spend some time by the beach, working on that tan without working up too much of a sweat. And really, there is nothing quite like a sunset stroll along the best beaches in Dubai. Here are some of the finest beachfront destinations where you can enjoy a relaxed weekend.

7 Popular Beaches In Dubai

We are in the midst of prime beach weather in Dubai, just before the summer heat really kicks in. The city has its share of luxurious beachfront destinations, from the private beaches that villa owners get to enjoy on Palm Jumeirah to the city’s various upscale and dynamic beach clubs. But if you’re just looking for a pleasant day out with the family or with friends, there are several open beaches you can take advantage of. These are the most popular beaches to visit in Dubai.

1. La Mer	2. The Beach at JBR
3. Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk	4. Kite Beach
5. Al Sufouh Beach	6. Jumeirah Open Beach
7. Sunset Beach

1. La Mer

La Mer, which opened to much fanfare in late 2017, didn’t take long to become one of Dubai’s most popular attractions. Combining elements of the Jumeirah district’s classic beaches with a stylish boardwalk, unique dining outlets and a thrilling waterpark, La Mer is about much more than just sun and sand. You can watch a movie at the only cinema in Dubai with a 4K screen, or rent an air-conditioned private cabana that comes with a mini fridge, sun beds and a private terrace. It is also a place to keep in mind for future Valentine’s Days, when you will be able to walk along the marina and pier at Port de La Mer, the gorgeous upcoming community that aims to be Dubai’s answer to the French Riviera.

To call La Mer a beach wouldn’t quite be accurate - it is a leisure and entertainment destination that includes a beach as well. At La Mer you will find an expansive boardwalk with a wide selection of restaurants and cafes with al fresco dining, along with food trucks, art installations, green spaces and shopping kiosks. There is a separate pier area that juts into the sea and has its own dining promenade featuring restaurants and dessert parlors, and provides access to the Laguna Waterpark. La Mer also has a boutique cinema, a trampoline park, a wave rider machine, and will soon have a boutique hotel to add to the mix. But putting all that side, you are looking at a magnificent stretch of shoreline that is just perfect for a fun family outing.

2. The Beach at JBR

One of the most frequented beaches in Dubai, The Beach at JBR offers you a variety of leisure options. You can take to the water with parasailing, snorkeling, wakeboarding or jetskiing. Or perhaps you would prefer to take a camel ride on the sand. There are cabanas and beach beds available for rent for a more relaxed afternoon, or if you’re feeling active you can take a run along the 600 m running track or spend some time in the outdoor gym. The Beach is complemented by The Walk, an extensive boardwalk with shopping boutiques, a diverse selection of restaurants, beach hotels and resorts, and a boutique cinema.

Jumeirah Beach Residence, which extends out from the Dubai Marina district, is always a great option for both residents and visitors. The seaside area, quite simply called The Beach, takes a cue from the boardwalks of Venice Beach and Santa Cruz with its charming kiosks, gourmet eateries and of course, the most stunning views. If you plan to take a longer stroll, you can walk all the way across to the newly opened Bluewaters Island and take in a truly unique perspective of Dubai.

3. Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk

Stretching across 11 kilometres and spanning the entire Palm Crescent, the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk is ideally built for those who like a long walk. There are, of course, plentiful options for shopping, dining and seaside fun. The real draw, however, is the view. Going from end of the Palm to the other, you can take in the skyline of Dubai Marina and JBR, the open sea, and the coastline of Umm Suqeim where the iconic Burj Al Arab is located. As you walk around the Crescent, you will also have a direct view of the Atlantis resort ahead of you. There are two further piers being developed that will extend out from the Crescent, giving you a sea view you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the city.

Penthouse

Sale

AED 33,557,755

Full-Floor Penthouse at Five JBR

5 4 9,588 sqft.

Five JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence

Ref No. LP08398

Penthouse

Sale

AED 45,000,000

Duplex Penthouse Directly on the Beachfront

5 7 10,035 sqft.

1 JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence

Ref No. LP10349

4. Kite Beach

Best known for its wind sports, including - as the name suggests - kite flying, Kite Beach is located a short distance away from the famous Burj Al Arab. You will also find plenty of kitesurfers here, along with paddleboarders and kayakers (it is one of the go-to places in the city for these activities). There is also a skate park, a running track and a playground area. If all that activity makes you hungry, then you’re in for quite a treat - Kite Beach hosts several food trucks serving up unique and mouthwatering fare. You have all the ingredients for a perfect day out.

5. Al Sufouh Beach

Are you looking for a getaway that just involves sun, sea, sand and nothing else? Then you should check out the beach at Al Sufouh, more commonly referred to as Black Palace Beach because of its proximity to the private palace of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister & Vice President of the UAE. It is also known as the ‘secret beach’ as it is quite secluded and easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. There are no cabanas, food trucks, activities, or even outdoor showers here. It is a slice of pristine natural beauty, letting you bask in the outdoors without any distractions.

6. Jumeirah Open Beach

Sadly, Jumeirah Open Beach is not quite the hotspot that it used to be, in part because of projects that have popped up around it. Where once you could enjoy unbroken vistas of the sea receding into the horizon, you now have Jumeirah Bay Island rising in the distance. Still, that has not in any way diminished the relaxed ambiance of this particular beach, which also has beanbags and tables for you to lounge on. It even has a library, so you can borrow a book or two to browse as you’re catching some sun.

7. Sunset Beach

Also known as Umm Suqeim Beach, Sunset Beach enjoys a picture perfect (or indeed, Instagram perfect) location alongside the stunning Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. It is also one of the few beaches that actually gets any waves - albeit moderate-sized ones - which makes it popular amongst surfers. In terms of facilities, Sunset Beach keeps it basic: you have showers and changing rooms, plus adjoining lawn areas and some seating. The most unique feature here is the Smart Palm, a solar powered ‘palm tree’ that provides free wi-fi service, making it that much easier to open Instagram as you line up your phone for that perfect sunset selfie.

Private Beaches In Dubai

Dubai offers a beachfront lifestyle like no other, complemented by some of the very finest hotels and resorts in the world. You can always check in for a night or two at destinations such as Nikki Beach on Pearl Jumeirah, Bulgari Resort on Jumeira Bay Island and of course, the ultra-luxury Burj Al Arab to enjoy the very best in hospitality and a quiet stretch of private beachfront.

Below, you will find a wonderful selection of beachfront homes being developed in Dubai, where you will be able to take a stroll on the sand whebever you please. Click on the tiles to see the properties and contact us for further details.