The Persian Gulf is one of the best places in the world to swim, and the United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular choices to enjoy this amazing sea. Today, we will discuss the best public beaches available in Dubai as well as the activities you can enjoy there.
What to Expect From a Public Beach in Dubai?
Of course, every public beach in Dubai is unique and has its own distinct features. Nevertheless, much like in any other region, there are many similarities among these public beaches. As a tourist, you may expect clean sandy beaches with all the amenities and infrastructure you might need.
Beach Activities
Sunbathing and swimming is expectedly available on virtually any public beach in the United Arab Emirates, but there are tons of other activities you can indulge in as a tourist. First things first, there are cafes, restaurants, and food trucks around, so grabbing a bite won’t be an issue.
As for other additional activities, they might vary depending on the exact beach you select, as some of them are perfect for an active day outdoors, while others are tailored for a more relaxing and quiet experience by the shore. There are numerous watersports you can enjoy in Dubai, ranging from beach volleyball and soccer to diving and kite surfing.
Fishing is also extremely popular among guests of the emirates, as you can both try your luck on a designated fishing spot or take a boat trip to the open waters for some larger catch. The activity is available all year round, although if you’re looking for a specific type of fish, you should do the research in advance, as the catch varies between different seasons.
Anyone who has been to Dubai knows it’s a perfect place to take pictures, so if you’re into photography, you can definitely stop by one of the public beaches to capture its hustle and bustle.
Resort Beaches versus Public Beaches
Many hotels in the United Arab Emirates have their own private beaches, so it is reasonable to compare them to public ones. Depending on the aim of your trip, it might even play a role in selecting the location of your stay in Dubai.
There are two main advantages resorts have over public areas. First of all, it is obviously more secluded and private. There are less people, less noise, enough space to relax properly, and the hotel staff is always there to keep things in order.
Secondly, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your time in Dubai on a beach, it is logistically better to have it right next to your living space rather than having to drive to a public location regularly.
However, the main disadvantage of resorts comes from the same reason, as they are located farther away from all the main attractions. Thus, if you’re planning an active tour around the most popular places in Dubai and only consider attending beaches a couple of times, it might be more reasonable for you to stay closer to the city center.
Another benefit of public beaches compared to private resorts relates to the variety of activities available there. Of course, there are still things to do at a hotel beach, the difference is massive. The demand for such activities is limited by the number of people staying at the specific resort, shrinking the assortment a lot. At the same time, numerous visitors come to public beaches every day, correspondingly increasing the supply for all sorts of extra activities.
Top Five Public Beaches in Dubai
Public beaches can be found all around the coastline of Dubai, but some of them have become much more popular than others. We have picked five best options and tried to make the list as diverse as possible, so that no matter what your preferences are, you will find a perfect match.
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is easily one of the most scenic locations on our list. It is situated right next to the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, allowing you to enjoy the water and take in the stunning views of this major attraction.
This place is universally appealing for most tourists, as it is possible to both have a quiet time by the water here and enjoy some outdoor activities and sports. Needless to say, the beach is equipped with all the infrastructure you might need, ranging from changing rooms to equipment rentals.
As always, there are dozens of cafes, restaurants, and food trucks available around the Jumeirah Beach. All in all, it is a perfect public area, although before venturing out, it is important to consider its location. The best option to visit the Jumeirah Beach is to stop by in between exploring nearby attractions, while getting here regularly might not be as convenient.
Jumeirah Bay Beach
Speaking of convenience, the Jumeirah Bay Beach has a much more strategic location. It is situated in one of the busiest parts of the city and is actually the closest beach to Burj Khalifa. If you were to drive from the iconic skyscraper to this public area, the ride would only take you around ten minutes.
This makes the Jumeirah Bay Beach a common choice among residents of Al Satwa, Al Bada’a, and other neighborhoods located around the city center. As the name suggests, the beach is located in this small bay, which makes it a perfect option for a calm and relaxing day by the water.
Considering it is a much more secluded area than some other destinations on our list, you should expect a very limited assortment of additional activities such as water sports. Instead, the bay offers a rich selection of exquisite restaurants and shopping venues located right next to it.
La Mer
La Mer is one of the most popular beaches in Dubai, located in the northern part of the city, fairly close to the Jumeirah Mosque. Compared to the previous destination, it has a much larger area and offers a huge selection of water and beach sports to its attendants.
La Mer is a fairly busy beach with lots of visitors coming here every day, but it is definitely the best option for active tourists who happen to reside nearby. For those who have their hotels farther away, it might also be worth visiting the beach for a day to take part in all the activities it offers.
Marina Beach
Next on the list we have the Marina Beach. As the name suggests, it is located in the Dubai Marina neighborhood, right across the iconic Palm Island. It is a more or less universally appealing beach that suits both for relaxed sunbathing and for active days outdoors.
The small bay around it makes it secluded enough, but the bustling neighborhood with all the amenities and venues is located right behind the beach. Even though it might not be the best daily beach, it is definitely a good idea to stop by it after attending the Palm Jumeirah or exploring the Dubai Marina neighborhood itself.
Right next to the beach, you will also find a number of boats willing to take you on a small tour around the bay to admire the views of Dubai Marina from the water or even on a fishing trip further away from the land.
Kite Beach
In contrast to all the previous locations on the list, Kite Beach is specifically tailored for water sports enthusiasts. It has become a gathering spot for all the professional and amateur athletes in the city. The sports you can do here range from kite surfing or kayaking to beach volleyball or parasailing.
Expectedly, the area is scattered with equipment rental houses and offices of water sports companies, but you will also find a variety of food venues here. In addition to that, there is also a hub for boats, where you can book a ride around the shore, get a tour to the Dubai World Islands, or even go on a fishing trip.