10 Best Beaches In Dubai For Your Sheik-like Vacation

Dubai isn’t just about skyscrapers and shopping malls—it’s also home to some of the most impressive urban beaches in the world. Along its golden coastline, you’ll find public and private beaches that offer crystal-clear Gulf waters, year-round sun, and amenities to match its luxury image.

From kite surfers at Kite Beach to the art installations at La Mer and the exclusive lounges along JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), each beach brings something unique. Many are free to access, and most include lifeguards, changing facilities, showers, cafes, and shaded play areas for kids.

Adventure seekers can rent jet skis, go parasailing, or join paddleboard yoga classes. Prefer downtime? Several beaches offer beachfront spas, luxury loungers, and gourmet dining—with skyline views that feel like a sci-fi set.

And because Dubai keeps evolving, new beach clubs and man-made islands keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the coast. This guide breaks down the best beaches in Dubai, with practical tips on what to do, when to go, and how to make the most of every shoreline.

1. Al Burj beach

Location: Near Umm Suqeim 3, close to Burj Al Arab

Al Burj beach Dubai is located on the West Coast of Musheireb Island in Umm Suqeim Municipality and has one of the best beaches in Dubai. All year round temperatures are a balmy 29°C and the waters are clean and safe for swimming. The beach is ideal for windsurfing, kite surfing and paddleboarding with crystal clear waters that stretch as far as the eye can see.

For those of you with a more ‘laissez-faire’ approach to life, Al Burj beach is one of the few beaches in Dubai with a thriving nudist population (though clothing is optional). It may also be wise to keep in mind that, as well as being a nudist beach, it is also a hotspot for extreme water activities such as parasailing, jet skiing and water skiing with prices starting at AED 199 for a 2-hour ride... It might be wise to keep this in mind when considering whether a trip to this beach is right for you. Though judging by the locals, it certainly looks enjoyable...

There are several restaurants located at the beach including ‘Reef’ by Jimmy Buffet which offers oceanfront dining with views across Al Burj beach and its sister islands in the Persian Gulf.

There is also an amusement park nearby known as ‘Ocean World’ which includes a water park, amusement park and zoo for those days you want to escape the sun or just do something different. Further to this point, the beach is also close to the Dubai Mall (the largest shopping centre in the world), only 10 minutes away by car, making it easy to find all the necessary shopping and amenities you could ever need. It’s also close to a number of hotels and apartments such as the popular Jumeirah Beach Residence and The Palm Jumeirah Hotel, making it the obvious choice for those staying in the area.

Al Burj Beach offers free wi-fi in select areas and parking for AED 12 per hour or AED 24 for the whole day.

2. Sunset Beach

Location: Jumeirah Beach Rd, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai

The most popular surf spot in Dubai is Sunset Beach, one of the best beaches Dubai has to offer. Located just minutes away from Jumeirah Beach Residence and The Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Sunset Beach provides a wide range of activities including sunbathing, swimming, and cliff diving, with its biggest attraction being surfing. To catch the biggest swell, head down to Sunset Beach during the peak surf season, which lies between November and April.

In addition to the variety of water sports on offer, Sunset Beach also features a game zone that includes an arcade, playground, and several mini-golf courses. For those seeking even more excitement, there is a water park located next to the beach offering rides such as bumper boats and wave runners, perfect for spending some time away from the sand.

Several restaurants at Sunset Beach provide dining options both in-store and under beachside parasols that line the shore. This makes it a standout as the best beach in Dubai. Sunset Beach also offers free Wi-Fi in select areas, ensuring you stay connected while enjoying one of the best beaches Dubai has to offer. Parking is available for AED 12 per hour or AED 24 for the whole day.

3. Dubai Marina Beach

Location: Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), The Walk

Marina Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is where Dubai’s coastal glamor goes full throttle. Framed by towering glass skyscrapers and the Arabian Gulf, this wide, clean stretch of sand offers a full day of activity—sunbathing, swimming, dining, shopping, and people-watching—all in one spot.

What sets Marina Beach apart is its seamless access to urban amenities. You can rent loungers and umbrellas, shower at public facilities, then walk straight into The Beach at JBR, an open-air mall with global restaurants, ice cream stands, and boutique shops. The water is usually calm, making it great for families, and there’s always something going on—jet skis, banana boat rides, live performers, even open-air cinema nights.

It’s also one of the few spots where you can swim while skyscrapers shimmer right behind you. And come sunset? The views are unreal.

4. Jumeirah Beach

Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, multiple access points

Jumeirah Beach along 4 2C Street is the kind of beach that checks all the boxes: clean, safe, accessible, and scenic, with just enough infrastructure to make your visit comfortable but not overly commercialized.

Located between Kite Beach and the Burj Al Arab stretch, this beach is a favorite among locals, tourists, and families alike. You’ll find calm waves for swimming, lifeguards on duty, wide sandy spaces to lay out, and clear walking paths for a relaxed seaside stroll. It’s also an excellent place for casual beach photography—sunset here reflects off the city skyline for truly postcard-worthy shots.

There are public restrooms, a few refreshment kiosks, and spots to rent umbrellas and loungers. It’s not overly crowded except during peak weekend afternoons, and the atmosphere stays friendly and relaxed.

Parking is typically easy in the nearby lots, and because of its central location, it’s an ideal add-on to a larger day exploring Jumeirah.

5. The Beach at Palm Jumeirah

Location: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah

While similarly named to the previous beach mentioned on this list, The Beach at Palm Jumeirah is actually a separate beach, located a kilometre or so down from the first of the man-made palm-shaped islands known as Palm Jebel Ali. The beach has a wide expanse of powder white sand that stretches for more than two kilometres, making it the perfect place to enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing or windsurfing.

There are several restaurants located at the beach including Bob’s Burgers which offers fresh and delicious food that can be enjoyed while taking in the ocean views. There is also a children’s area with more than 20 play areas and an outdoor pool for adults that overlooks palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. And if you want to stay a little longer, there is also parking available for, you guessed right, AED 12 per hour or AED 24 for the whole day.

6. Umm Suqeim Beach

Location: Adjacent to Sunset Beach, near Jumeirah St

Umm Suqeim Beach is another perfect spot for a lazy day with its crystal clear waters and beautiful white-sand beaches. As one of the public beaches in Dubai, it is conveniently located close to the city centre, making it easy to get to no matter where you are in Dubai.

This Dubai public beach offers plenty of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby. Families will appreciate the children's play area with swings and a sandpit. Umm Suqeim Beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. There is even a beach bar where you can order drinks and snacks while you relax on the beach.

If you need some refreshments or want to take a break from the sun, several restaurants and cafes are nearby. As one of the beaches in Dubai free to access, Umm Suqeim Beach is great for all ages, with plenty of activities and places to relax close by. Whether you're looking for a lazy day at the beach or want to explore Dubai’s city centre, Umm Suqeim Beach is the perfect spot.

7. Kite Beach

If you like your beach time with a side of energy, Kite Beach is your scene. This popular public beach along Jumeirah Road is a magnet for kite surfers, volleyball players, joggers, and food truck lovers. It's one of the most dynamic entries on any list of the best beaches in Dubai.

The vibe is local and athletic. There’s a dedicated jogging track, outdoor gym stations, a skate park, and even a bungee trampoline. You’ll find surfers riding waves, kids chasing kites, and groups playing volleyball across shaded courts. The sand is soft, the water is swimmable, and the amenities are reliable—showers, lifeguards, and plenty of seating.

Food is a major draw here too. Grab a burger at Salt, try acai bowls at Häagen-Dazs Beach Kiosk, or pick up cold coffee from a cart on the promenade.

Weekends get busy, but that’s part of its charm. The crowd is diverse and the atmosphere never feels forced.

8. Sufouh Beach – A Quiet Stretch With Skyline Views

Sufouh Beach, sometimes called “Secret Beach” by locals, sits between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, offering one of the most peaceful and scenic beachfronts in Dubai. It’s not hidden—but it does feel worlds away from the busier resort beaches.

There are no shops, cafes, or changing rooms here, and that’s what makes it special. The sand is soft, the water is shallow and clear, and the views of Dubai Marina and Burj Al Arab across the Gulf make it feel cinematic. It’s one of the best beaches in Dubai for travelers who want a laid-back, crowd-free experience.

There’s no formal parking lot or signage, but locals know the route off Al Sufouh Road. You’ll often find early risers doing yoga, photographers catching the golden hour, or families setting up beach mats for a quiet afternoon.

Because there are no facilities, bring your own water, snacks, and shade. It’s also best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

9. Al Ghubaiba Beach

Location: Near Al Ghubaiba Metro, Bur Dubai

At Al Ghubaiba Beach Dubai, there is a secluded spot for sunbathing and swimming with crystal clear waters. The white sands provide an idyllic backdrop to the turquoise Arabian Gulf.

The water temperature at Al Ghubaiba Beach Dubai remains a balmy 27°C all year round making it a great option for swimming, sunbathing and taking in the views.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby if you need to refuel after a busy day sunbathing as well as an outdoor shopping centre where you can purchase all the best souvenirs. You can also find several spas close by if you want to get pampered before returning home.

If you're looking for more than just relaxation, Al Ghubaiba Beach also has plenty of activities on offer. You can rent a pedal boat, go parasailing, or take a ride on the camel train. There's even an amusement park if you want to explore all the family-friendly fun Dubai has to offer.

Al Ghubaiba Beach Dubai is perfect for all ages - children will love swimming and playing while parents can take advantage of the many different amenities on offer, including beach umbrellas, showers and restrooms.

Overall, Al Ghubaiba Beach Dubai is one of the most picturesque beaches in Dubai with crystal-clear azure-waters and pure white sands. It's a perfect day out with friends or family, providing an idyllic environment to relax in whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery of Dubai.

Conclusion

Each of the best beaches in Dubai brings a different part of the city to life. JBR Beach adds style and people-watching. Kite Beach delivers sports and energy. Al Sufouh offers a quiet break with skyscraper views. These aren’t just places to swim—they’re destinations built for experience.

Dubai’s coast is designed for all travelers. You can spend next to nothing and still enjoy a five-star view, or you can book a private cabana with full service at one of the city’s luxury beach clubs. There’s beachside dining, water sports, sunrise yoga, open-air cinemas, and some of the most photogenic shorelines in the Gulf.

The best time to visit Dubai’s beaches is November through March, when the weather averages between 24°C and 28°C and humidity stays low. Early morning and golden hour are ideal for photos, quiet swims, or just soaking in the horizon without the midday crowd.

Whether you're staying in the Marina, Downtown, or near Palm Jumeirah, the coast is always within reach. Dubai’s beaches prove that urban living and beach life don’t just coexist—they thrive together.

Planning to visit it? Karta has some amazing deals on Dubai vacation rentals for you.

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