The first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Dubai is the amazing skyscrapers and structures that fill its incredible skyline. However, being a coastal city, Dubai is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches as well. Some of the beaches in Dubai are privately owned by hotels and can be accessed only by the hotel guests. On the other hand, numerous public beaches not only offer free access to visitors but also a variety of facilities and activities. In short, exploring beaches in Dubai is a whole lot of fun. Here are some of the Dubai beaches that should be a part of your itinerary.
Jumeirah Public Beach
The Jumeirah Public Beach is probably the oldest public beaches in Dubai. A favourite among locals and residents, the reasons that people love this beach are because it is clean and is also easily accessible. The beach is perfect for swimming, relaxing and also indulging in water sports. Stretching 3 km long, the Jumeirah Public Beach is a must-visit, especially if you have time only to visit one beach in Dubai. Mondays at the beach are only for women and children.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Located near the Dubai-Sharjah border, Al Mamzar Beach Park is home to five sandy beaches and a lot of other facilities. You would have to pay an entry fee to access this beach park, but the place is worth every penny. Lined with more than 1000 palm trees, this beach park is perfect for picnics and barbecues with family and friends. There are playgrounds, a swimming pool, picnic areas with barbecues, etc. at the beach. The place also has a jogging track and a bike path for those who enjoy physical activities. If you want to get some relief from the harsh sun of Dubai, you can also rent an air-conditioned chalet for a few hours.
Kite Beach
Kite Beach is a favourite among water sports and adventure lovers. The beach is named so because it is a popular location for kite surfing. Apart from this, it also offer other interesting water sports including jet skiing, wakeboarding, Paddleboarding, etc. Kite Beach also has a fun beach vibe, as you would see people jogging, walking and playing volleyball here. It also has an interesting range of cafes and food trucks where you would get to enjoy finger-licking foods. Still, the best thing about this beach is that it gives you an incredible view of the Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped, seven star hotel.
The Beach Dubai (JBR)
Located right on JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) Walk, the Beach is probably one of the most happening ones in Dubai. The beach with its soft white sand and turquoise waters is home to an outdoor gym, jogging track and water sports activities. If you visit during spring, winter and autumn seasons, you would also get to be a part of free yoga sessions and open-air markets that happen every week here. Another highlight of JBR Beach is that it offers the opportunity to ride camels on the beach. Aside all this, the beach gives you uninterrupted view of the upcoming attraction of Dubai, the Ain Dubai (observation wheel).
Mercato Beach
If adventure and water sports are not your thing, and all you want to do is relax and enjoy a beach holiday, the Mercato Beach is where you should head. One of the hidden gems of Dubai, the Mercato Beach does not offer any water activities but lot of peace and quietude. It is the ideal place to enjoy solitude or the company of your partner. Apart from jogging or swimming, the Mercato Beach is also great for just lounging and reading. And if you do not have a great book with you, you can borrow one from the library on the beach.
Ghantoot Beach
While the public beaches of Dubai are great, sometimes they can get really crowded, especially during the weekends and public holidays. Hence, visiting a private beach would be a better idea if you want to enjoy the beach in peace. And when it comes to the best private beaches in Dubai, the Ghantoot Beach surely deserves first place. Owned by Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel, the Ghantoot Beach offers 7 km of white sand beach area along with an array of water sports. Moreover, although the place offers all kinds of water sports, you can easily find a place on the beach where you can relax and enjoy the weather and the beauty of nature peacefully.
La Mer Beach
If you are looking for the perfect location for a beach holiday with your friends and family, you cannot go wrong with La Mer Beach. The latest beachfront area in Dubai, La Mer is home to not just a beach but a host of other attractions, including restaurants, shopping areas, a trampoline playground for children and even a waterpark (Laguna Waterpark). Some other things that make this beach really different are the in-water hammocks where you can relax, the air-conditioned cabanas where you can take a break from the beach activities and the art installations and graffiti that make for perfect Instagram photos.
Sunset Beach
As the name suggests, Sunset Beach is the best place to witness the most magical sunset in Dubai. Also known as Umm Suqeim Beach, this white-sand beach gives you picturesque views of the sunset: ones that would make great posts on your Instagram. However, this is not the only great thing about the Sunset Beach. In fact, it is the only beach in Dubai where you can go surfing. The small and medium size waves of this beach are perfect for beginners. Moreover, it is also the only beach where you can enjoy nighttime swimming. Apart from this, the Sunset Beach offers changing cubicles, washrooms, showers and even free Wi-Fi to visitors.
This is just a gist of the beaches in Dubai. You can explore these and many more by applying for a Dubai visa online. Although you can wear any kind of swimwear at the Dubai beaches, ensure to cover yourself properly while travelling to and from the beach area.
