DUBAI BEACH GUIDE

While a large percentage of Dubai's most idyllic shorelines are owned by hotels and private beach clubs, there are still plenty of public spots that don't require a minimum spend. Golden sands and aqua-blue tides run the expanse of the city, and few still remain quiet and undiscovered. So, pack your summer essentials and follow this guide to the best beaches in the emirate

For stunning Instagrams : Sunset Beach

It's from this public beach overlooking the Burj Al Arab that the majority of tourists and locals capture their best photos of Dubai’s iconic hotel. The free beach is a perpetual hive of activity and one of the emirate's most beautiful stretches of sand. As the only beach to get a decent swell during winter, it's the go-to spot for local surfers. Head to nearby Surf House Dubai to rent a board and discuss the surf conditions over a coffee.

        


 For sightseeing and sunbaking: JBR Beach

The swanky Beach development has given JBR Beach a new lease on life. As far as Dubai beaches go, it's the most convenient, with both The Walk and The Beach developments offering food, shopping and entertainment right on its doorstep. We recommend stopping byAdventure HQ to pick up a beach cricket set or inflatable pool lounge before heading to the water.

       

For aquatic thrills: Kite Beach

If the name didn't already give it away, Dubai's sportiest beach is popular with kitesurfers and it's somewhat of a scene for the city's active set. Here you'll find everything from beach volleyball and football to stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking and occasionally inflatable slides which are rigged further out to sea. Post-swim, it’s almost mandatory to make your way across the sand to Salt food truck, which enjoys a permanent, air-conditioned café space during the summer months, and serves up some of the best Waygu beef sliders in town.

      

For family time: Black Palace Beach

Popular with families and small children, this is one of the calmer swimming spots in Dubai. Also referred to as Palace Beach, this drive-up spot sits next to Dubai’s royal fortresses, has good views of the Palm Jumeirah and is also a renowned sunset fishing spot.

     

For fun with friends: Al Mamzar Beach Park

With Jumeirah Beach Park closed for the next two years due to the construction of Dubai Canal, this expansive park and beach on the edge of the Dubai-Sharjah border is the next best thing. For a small fee of AED5 per person, you can use the facilities, including a lush barbecue area, playground, lagoon and sheltered beach. For an extra AED25 you can rent a sun lounge, pay AED10 to use one of three pools, or book a private, air-conditioned beach shack for AED200.

     

For going off the beaten track: Hidden Beach

This small section of beach sits on the left-hand side of Sheraton JBR if you're looking out to the ocean, and it's perfect for docking your boat for a quick dip or for a leisurely float without the crowds. To get there, follow The Walk all the way to the south, go off the road to the right at the roundabout and continue driving or walking until you reach the beach.