5 of the best beaches in Dubai

A photographer gets creative on Sunset Beach.

Dubai is renowned for its towering desert metropolis, where you’ll find extravagant hotels, Michelin-star dining, first-class shopping and world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. But, as one of the Middle East’s premier beach destinations, it is also a fantastic place for those wanting sun and sea.

Whether you’re looking for a short holiday in the sun or a beach break to remember, Dubai’s beaches have you covered. Here’s where to head if you’re looking for sun, sand and surf in the Emirate.

La Mer

Sunseekers enjoy Dubai’s La Mer beach.

Dubai’s newest beachside destination has plenty to offer, from exceptional restaurants and cafés to charming boutique stores and even a trampoline park. You’ll have the choice between North Beach and South Beach, both of which has colourful shower cabins adding to the area’s sea-fresh feel.

With wide open spaces, palm tree-lined boulevards, striking street art and a certain laidback charm, La Mer provides the perfect mix of style and substance to an already impressive line-up of coastal hotspots.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach can be seen on the far left of this photo.

Sat in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab, Sunset Beach is a popular evening spot, hence its name. One of the quieter areas of Dubai’s coast, it is great for watching the sun set over the Arabian Gulf, and its relaxing nature lures early morning joggers and book-wielding sunbathers, who are able to read in peace.

Also known as Umm Suqeim Beach, it is also known for its fantastic surfing conditions, with lessons available for beginners and equipment rental for those already experienced enough to Hang Ten.

The Beach by JBR

There’s plenty going on at The Beach by JBR.

The Beach, opposite The Walk promenade at Jumeirah Beach Residences, weaves a plethora of juice bars and burger joints with fashionable boutiques and some of the hottest cars in town. It is the perfect location for shopping and dining by the sea as well as keeping active with its outdoor gym and range of watersports including wakeboarding, kayaking and snorkelling.

If you want something a little more relaxing, then rest the day away at the Sea Breeze beach club where you can rent sunbeds, daybeds and cabanas. In addition to their year-round offerings, The Beach frequently hosts events such as carnivals, freestyle BMX competitions, fitness challenges and live music.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach can be just as exciting for spectators as kite flyers themselves.

If you’re looking for something a little different on the coast, Kite Beach should be your beach of choice. Kitesurfers regularly flock here to test their skills against the emerald waters of the Arabian Gulf, even busting out cool tricks and moves when the wind and waves pick up in the afternoon.

There’s plenty of space to spread out and soak up the sun along the lively stretch of golden sand if you want some rest and relaxation too, while Salt – a Kite Beach hotspot that has evolved from a food truck to beachside terrace – will keep you refreshed with its famous pink lemonade and lotus shakes, as well as a casual menu featuring favourites such as sliders and ice cream.

Black Palace Beach

Getting its name from its location next to one of Dubai’s royal residences, this drive-up beach may be hard to find, but it offers the calmest waters in the city which is great if you’re travelling with children. Follow the pathway to discover an untouched shoreline, featuring views of Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab in the distance. While there are few facilities at this place, it is a great place to escape the hectic pace of city life.