Imagine you want to visit a tranquil beach. Dubai has many options with a stunning backdrop and all the necessities, such as restaurants, toilets, showers, luxury spa centers, and even an infinity pool. But how to choose the right one? This article will review the premier Dubai beaches and break down each option’s main differences, advantages, and weaknesses to help you choose wisely.

Request Car Rental
Get Offer

Discover The Best Beaches in Dubai

What to Expect From a Public Dubai Beach?

Beaches across the UAE are known for their cleanliness and comfort, but Dubai is the most unique and enjoyable destination. From October to April, being here is a true celebration of life, thanks to pleasant weather (not too hot or cold). Each public beach offers everything you will need. They are clean and well-maintained, with free toilets, showers, and changing cabins.

Be it JBR, Kite Beach, or Sunset Beach, cafes and restaurants offer all kinds of cuisine, with menus curated by executive chefs. If you prefer something less fancy, food trucks are available as well. This guarantees an unforgettable dining experience that caters to all tastes. At the lounge bar, you can dine and enjoy a cocktail. In addition, there are playgrounds, volleyball nets, and sports zones, where you can have fun with your friends and family.

Public beaches have no entrance fee or dress code; however, there are some rules and regulations for each visitor:

  • No Alcohol: Drinking alcohol in Dubai is allowed only in licensed areas, such as bars and pubs. Being drunk in public may result in fines or arrest.
  • Smoking Prohibited: Don’t smoke on public beaches. Ask the staff or the Coast Guard about designated areas for smoking. 
  • Modest Swimwear: Bikinis and trunks are allowed; however, you can’t swim or be at the beach nude or topless. 
  • Loud Music: Respect other visitors and don’t play loud music. If you want to listen to music, use headphones. 
  • Inappropriate Behavior: Under UAE law, public displays of affection, offensive gestures, and the use of curse words may be punishable.

Overall, the atmosphere at Dubai’s public beaches is family-friendly and safe. On public (free) beaches, lifeguards are usually on duty during peak hours, so please stay attentive and keep an eye on your children. Mornings are peaceful, perfect for yoga classes and retreats, and sunset hours are ideal for a casual stroll and jogging.

Beachfront Activities 

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, countless exciting things await you. Check out this list and choose how you’ll spend the day:

  • Water Sports: If you love water sports, try surfing, kayaking, or wakeboarding and refresh yourself in the warm, turquoise Persian Gulf.
  • Sports and Fitness: If the weather is not too hot, you can play beach volleyball, beach football, badminton, and frisbee. You can also participate in jogging and open-air workouts.
  • Wellness: If you want to elevate your inner peace, take a yoga class, follow guided meditation, indulge in sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls, get massages or spa treatments, or attend a retreat.
  • Cultural Events: If you appreciate the high life, don’t miss outdoor movie nights, beach bonfires (in private beach zones), live DJ sets, and parties with live music concerts.
  • Activities for Kids: You and your kids can visit water parks, enjoy camel rides on the beach, explore kids’ play areas, build sandcastles, play paddle games, cycle on the boardwalk as a family, or have beachfront picnics.
  • Fishing: If you’re a fishing fan, Dubai offers multiple entertainment options, including shore fishing in designated areas, deep-sea fishing expeditions, and private fishing charters from Dubai Marina or Jumeirah. It is important to fish only in designated areas and avoid any unauthorized activities.
  • Other Activities: Rent an electric scooter or bike, jog or walk on special tracks, book a beach photoshoot with a professional photographer, or enjoy a delicious meal in cafes, restaurants, and food trucks. If you are a shopping enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to visit the beachside markets.

Discover The Best Beaches in Dubai

Resort Beaches versus Public Beaches

Deciding between a private beach resort and a public seaside depends entirely on what you’re looking for: your schedule, your needs, and your idea of the perfect day by the sea. If you want to visit the most popular places in Dubai, choosing a beach closer to your accommodation is wise. Access to resort beaches is usually available for hotel guests. Regarding resort beaches, expect private events, attentive staff, beachside dining, spa facilities, and a calm, crowd-free atmosphere. You’ll feel like a VIP from arrival, with attentive, luxury-level service, professional coast guard presence, dedicated staff, exclusive private events, and most importantly, freedom from the crowds. You’ll need to pay for entry if you’re not a hotel guest or a beach club member. Prices typically range from AED 150 to over AED 600, depending on the season, time of day, and day of the week. The fee usually includes access to sunbeds, towels, changing rooms, showers, and pools. In some cases, it even covers complimentary water and light refreshments.

Below is a list of a couple of Dubai’s iconic private beaches.

Nikki Beach Dubai: Luxury Beach Club with Spa and Pool Experience

Set on Pearl Jumeirah, Nikki is a high-end beach club famous for its stylish parties, live DJs, and pleasant atmosphere. At Nikki Spa, you can enjoy indulgence and connection with your inner self. Entry fees start around AED 150, with daybeds and spa treatments available.

Luxurious WHITE Beach Resort

Located at Atlantis The Palm, WHITE Beach features breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and a stylish poolside atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your time. Try exquisite cuisine in beach restaurants like The Edge or Ossiano. Entry typically costs AED 150-200, with exclusive dining options and amenities like umbrellas and sunbeds available for rent.

Zero Gravity: Private Events and Poolside 

Located near Dubai Marina, Zero Gravity is a popular beach club and restaurant with lively parties, a concert venue, a spa center for relaxation and wellness, where you can unwind in the serene atmosphere, and direct access to the coastline. Daytime entry is typically free, but VIP cabanas and nighttime events come with fees starting at AED 100.

In conclusion, both options offer safety and a clean environment. However, private beaches are more expensive and not accessible to everyone. Public beaches are free. They are lively and social, with various activities, but they can be crowded and less well-maintained. You can rent any amenity, like an umbrella or a daybed on the public beach. Still, at private beach clubs, most amenities (even towels, complimentary water, and treats) are included in the price.

See Cars

Top Five Public Beaches in Dubai

Dubai’s beaches along the Arabian Gulf combine urban energy with stunning sea views. If you’re considering a public beach option, continue reading this article to find the one that suits you best.

Discover The Best Beaches in Dubai

Jumeirah Beach: Stunning Skyline Views and Breathtaking Sunsets

You can enjoy stunning views of Dubai’s skyline at Jumeirah Beach, including the iconic Burj Khalifa in the distance. The beach is relaxed and vibrant, with a friendly vibe, perfect for families and social gatherings. Visitors can rent comfortable daybeds and private cabanas (small, shaded lounges) to chill with elegance while enjoying the sun and sea. Jumeirah Beach stretches over 13 kilometers of soft white sand along the Arabian Gulf. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit, as the temperatures are cooler and the atmosphere is peaceful, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

Jumeirah Bay Beach: The Perfect Instagram Spot

Located near the iconic Jumeirah Bay Towers, Jumeirah Bay Beach is a popular and picturesque spot. The soft sand and calm waters make it great for swimming and enjoying water sports like surfing. Since it’s on a more peaceful stretch of coastline, it’s a quieter alternative to some of Dubai’s more dynamic beaches.

Visitors can enjoy amenities like shaded seating areas and nearby cafes, which are perfect for spending a relaxing day by the sea. Lifeguards are on duty during peak hours to provide safety, but swimmers should always be cautious of occasional strong winds and shifting waves. Its stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline and the Arabian Gulf make it the perfect place to relax.

Head to Jumeirah Bay Beach for occasional events like yoga on the pristine beach and family-friendly get-togethers. These events give the place a fun, peaceful vibe. For the best experience, visit early or late afternoon to beat the midday heat and crowds.

Discover The Best Beaches in Dubai

La Mer at Pearl Jumeira: Celebration of Life

La Mer is known for clean water, safe swimming spaces, and an overall family-friendly atmosphere. You can find colorful art spaces and vibrant graffiti, ideal for a fun family photo shoot. La Mer at Pearl Jumeira offers both a kid-friendly experience and a luxurious and chic coastal experience with breathtaking views, elegant vibes, and all-day entertainment for visitors seeking relaxation.

Discover The Best Beaches in Dubai

Marina Beach: Energy, Vibe, and Water Activities

Marina Beach can be described as a dynamic beach. It is located in the heart of Dubai Marina and offers soft sands and clear waters. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding. The nearby Marina Walk has trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops, while Dubai Marina Mall and Pier 7 beachfront provide even more dining options. Marina Beach is conveniently located and easily reachable by metro, tram, or taxi.

Discover The Best Beaches in Dubai

Kite Beach: Splash of fun

Kite Beach offers panoramic views of Dubai’s most famous landmarks. It’s a top Instagram spot due to its vibrant atmosphere, energetic vibe, and serenity with a splash of fun. At Kite Beach, visitors can experience an adrenaline rush with various water sports, including kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. For an even bigger thrill, try flyboarding or parasailing. On the land, play beach volleyball, visit a skatepark, and use outdoor fitness areas for the active set.