There are many things that make Dubai a perfect holiday destination: record-breaking skyscrapers and a vibrant lifestyle, of course, but also tens of kilometers of white-sand beaches, overlooking the warm crystal clear water of the Arabian Gulf. But what are the best beaches in Dubai where you can go for free?
In this guide, you will find out which beaches in Dubai are really worth a visit! We will focus on public beaches, but at the end of the article we will also take a look at the most beautiful beach clubs in the city.
What you will find in this guide:
- Why Should I Visit a Dubai Public Beach?
- Best Beaches in Dubai Where You Can Go For Free (Public Beaches)
- Best Beach Clubs in Dubai
Why Should I Visit a Dubai Public Beach?
Dubai’s public beaches are one of the few amazing things you can enjoy in Dubai without going broke!
Most of these are very well maintained, clean and safe. The areas around Dubai’s public beaches are often filled with restaurants, bars and shops. There are playgrounds for children, lifeguard service, toilets. Sometimes there are even small libraries, swimming pools and picnic areas.
Some beaches, such as those in Dubai Marina, are among the liveliest and most popular places in Dubai. Don’t miss the chance to take a nice walk at sunset!
Best Beaches in Dubai Where You Can Go For Free (Public Beaches)
The Beach JBR – Dubai Marina Beach
This is a beach that you just can’t miss! It’s not fair sand and sea, but it’s one of Dubai’s liveliest and most pleasant districts, perfect for al fresco dining, long walks or shopping.
The Beach JBR boasts dozens of excellent restaurants, some of the best clubs in the city, and one of the most beautiful (and busiest) free beaches in Dubai.
There is enough space for sunbathing and swimming in complete freedom, and if you want there is also the possibility of renting sun beds or anything else you may need.
Along the Dubai Marina Beach you can find all kinds of activities (for a fee) from yoga to relaxing massages. There is a gym, a cinema, a children’s playground, a giant inflatable water park and even the chance to take a short camel ride on the beach.
Don’t miss the chance to rent a jet ski or join one of the unmissable speedboat tours that allow you to enjoy an incredible view of Dubai from the sea.
Absolutely worth the trip, even just for a stroll, take some great photos and enjoy the incredible view of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah Island and the famous 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO EAT IN DUBAI MARINA!
Kite Beach
Kite Beach owes its name to the many kitesurfers who come here to ride the waves. This beach was once a hidden gem frequented mainly by expats, who came here to relax and enjoy water sports.
Today it is one of the most popular free beaches in Dubai, but it remains a reference point for sports lovers: there is a 14 km long track for jogging or walking, beach volleyball courts, surf and kitesurf schools, an outdoor gym and many other activities you can do.
Kite Beach is kept very clean, supervised by a lifeguard service, and offers all the essential services, such as toilets and showers. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas (starting from 110 AED per day).
The seafront of Kite Beach is famous for the many stalls and for the excellent eateries that serve street foods such as sandwiches, burgers, kebabs and fish and chips: try SALT, an American foodtruck-style place that serves simple but tasty burgers and chips.
La Mer
La Mer is much more than just a beach. It is a new and trendy neighborhood located between the Jumeirah waterfront and the artificial island of Pearl Jumeirah.
La Mer boasts two beautiful public beaches, called La Mer North and La Mer South, equipped with everything you need: public toilets, showers, lifeguard service, and a good choice of bars and eateries.
If you are looking for more comfort, you can rent sunbeds, cabanas, umbrellas and bungalows from one of the Sea Breeze kiosks. Prices for a sunbed and umbrella start at AED 100 per day.
La Mer has become a reference point for young families: here you can find trendy restaurants, cinemas, shops, and even a water park (the Laguna Waterpark), as well as playgrounds for children and vast pedestrian areas where you can walk safely .
What makes La Mer really cool is its architectural style, reminiscent of an old maritime industrial district. On its streets, sidewalks and building facades you can see dozens of stunning graffiti and street art, perfect for taking some nice selfies. Often photographers come here for their fashion shoots.
Sunset Beach
Umm Suqeim Beach, better known as Sunset Beach, is one of the quietest and most scenic beaches in Dubai.
From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Burj Al Arab, take long walks by the sea or enjoy the sun and warm water of the Arabian Gulf.
This public beach is popular with expats, tourists and local families, however it is large, well maintained, and offers all the necessary facilities: toilets, showers, lifeguard service and even a small library.
Keep in mind that in high season, during the central hours of the day, this beach is often stormed by hordes of tourists (often cruise passengers) who get off buses and taxis to take some pictures of the Burj Al Arab.
At night this beach is illuminated by powerful lights, and it is the only one in Dubai where swimming is allowed (and supervised by a lifeguard service) after sunset.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach is located far north of Deira, almost on the border with Sharjah, and is a nice, quiet beach away from the tourist masses, and mostly frequented by local families.
A stone’s throw from the free beach of Al Mamzar is the Al Mamzar Beach Park, a beautiful park with green lawns, playgrounds for children, picnic areas, and miles of paths for walking or jogging.
Entrance to the park is subject to a small fee (AED 5), and allows you to take advantage of volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds, swimming pools, showers, toilets and changing rooms.
Local families love to come here for a picnic and a nice BBQ with the family, especially as there is a convenient car park directly in the park, just off the beach.
The beach is clean, there is an efficient lifeguard service, you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds and it is even possible to rent small chalets (prices starting from 150 AED per day). There are also several cafes that serve quick snacks at affordable prices.
Keep in mind that Mondays and Wednesdays access is for women only.
Al Sufouh Beach (Black Palace Beach)
Al Sufouh Beach was once one of Dubai’s best kept secrets, known only to locals and some expats, hence nicknamed “Secret Beach“. It was also my favorite beach for a long time.
Today the rumor about the existence of this beautiful public beach has spread quite a lot, but it still remains a pleasant place to go sunbathing and splash in the sea for free.
The beach is quite quiet, clean, offers a nice view of Palm Jumeirah, and is close to one of the Royal Palaces (hence the name Black Palace Beach).
You can play beach volleyball and you can swim safely in the shallow waters, as there is a lifeguard service, but there are no other services: no bathrooms, no showers, no changing rooms. And no cafes or restaurants, of course.
The entrance is a bit hidden, you can get there by car with the D94 road, the location is well marked on Google Maps. There is a large free car park, where many campers often stop too.
Jumeirah Public Beach
Arguably the most famous beach in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach consists of a long promenade of almost 15km, which runs approximately from the Burj Al Arab to La Mer.
Here you can find a long series of excellent public beaches, of which we have just talked about (Kite Beach, La Mer, Sunset Beach), which are all quite similar and offer more or less the same services: bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, children’s playgrounds, and a good choice of cafes and eateries.
The beaches are supervised by a lifeguard service, are kept clean and safe, there are kiosks to rent umbrellas and sunbeds (for a fee). All the beaches of Jumeirah Beach are connected by a long pedestrian path where you can jog or take long walks.
Best Beach Clubs in Dubai
Dubai’s public beaches are a simple and free solution for those who just want to relax, sunbathe and splash in the warm water of the Arabian Gulf. They are clean, safe, relatively quiet.
But if you want something more exclusive, if you are looking for fun, parties, music, and you want to enjoy a day of total relaxation, then you should check out the best beach clubs in Dubai.
Atlantis The Palm / Palm Jumeirah Beach
Undoubtedly one of the most exclusive beaches in Dubai is that of Palm Jumeirah, the incredible palm-shaped island. There are several beach clubs here, but surely the main attraction is the famous 5-star Atlantis The Palm hotel.
Atlantis has its own beach club, called White Beach Club, with a nice infinity pool, lounge bar and good restaurants.
But actually I have a tip for you, which will be useful especially if you are traveling with your family: by booking the ticket for the Atlantis Aquaventure, the amazing water park of the Atlantis The Palm, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy its beautiful beach, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Dubai.
NIKKI Beach / Pearl Jumeirah
NIKKI Beach Club is one of the most exclusive and trendy beach clubs in Dubai. Located on the artificial island of Pearl Jumeirah, not far from La Mer, it boasts beautiful views of the Dubai skyline.
Many choose to stay at the NIKKI Beach Resort, which offers great and comfortable accommodations, an excellent spa, swimming pools and private beach. Guests can also access the beach club at a reduced rate.
Otherwise consider spending AED 200 (weekdays) to AED 300 (weekends) per person for entry. Also to get the best loungers (for example near the pool) a minimum of spending on drinks is required (consider something like at least AED 1500, rising to AED 4000 on weekends).
The NIKKI Beach Club boasts beautiful pools, with semi-submerged loungers, cabanas, relaxation areas and a spectacular white sand beach. It is mainly frequented by wealthy tourists, the atmosphere is rather exclusive and refined. There are good restaurants, good music, good bars serving great cocktails.
Definitely not the place for budget travelers, but it’s still a great beach club.
DRIFT Beach Dubai / Near Palm Jumeirah
DRIFT Beach Dubai is located in close proximity to Dubai Marina, Dubai Internet City (where the best tech companies like Google or Microsoft are located) and Palm Jumeirah.
It is a more informal beach club, but still exclusive and refined. The view of the Dubai Marina skyline and the blue ocean is truly impressive.
The DRIFT Beach Club boasts beautiful pools, loungers and luxurious cabanas. An excellent restaurant with a refined menu, inspired by French and Italian cuisine.
You can also try wines, champagnes and great cocktails prepared by award-winning mixologists, while enjoying good music played by some of the best DJs in the city.
Prices start at AED 150 on weekdays and AED 200 on weekends for a lounger, to go up to over AED 1000 for cabanas and more luxurious accommodations.
Useful Tips You Should Read Before Going to the Beach in Dubai
When you go to the beach in Dubai you should try to respect local customs and rules, so as to avoid finding yourself in unpleasant situations.
You can read the guide on how to dress in Dubai so you can be sure you are dressed appropriately.
Before you go, remember that in Dubai it’s very important to have good travel health insurance, here you will find all the info about it.
It might be useful to know some info about the weather in Dubai: here you will find a guide month by month, with useful tips and information about air and sea water temperatures.
You can discover all the best things to do and see in Dubai by checking out this guide with all the best tips from the locals.