The Best Dubai Beaches—From Iconic Views to Hidden Gems

In the beginning, there was only the desert and the blue sea. All the glitzy, ultra-high skyscrapers and exclusive beach bars came much later. While the new development rapidly transformed Dubai’s coastline, you can still find some of the most striking beaches in the Middle East here. The wide, windy expanse of Kite Beach, the unfiltered beauty of Jumeira 3, vibrant Marina JBR and many luxurious waterside hangouts — you’re in for a treat in “The City of Gold.” 

Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a holiday with kids, a solo escape or an adventure-seeking trip, Dubai has something for everyone. Local beaches bewitched me when I saw them on my first visit, and I’ve been a big fan ever since. So, I thought I’d share a guide to the top beaches in Dubai!

Best for an urban beach experience

Tall buildings of JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) rise behind you, the gigantic Ain Dubai Ferris wheel (the world’s largest) looms ahead and the calm Gulf waters stretch out before you—welcome to Marina Beach. It’s the most photographed and popular of all Dubai’s beaches and easily ranks among the world’s coolest urban stretches. An open-air shopping area called The Beach flanks the shoreline, offering restaurants, cafés, luxury boutiques and even pop-up real-estate kiosks (property is hot in this city) just steps from the water. The free public section next to the promenade fills up quickly, but you can also head to one of the beach bars or to the more private stretches owned by five-star hotels.

With its milky-white sand and shallow waters, Marina Beach is perfect for families. Top activities include kayaking, paddleboarding and jet skiing, always with the iconic Dubai skyline as a stunning backdrop. For a different kind of fun, check out the inflatable AquaFun water park. And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot two hump-carrying cuties—camels offering short rides and photo ops during the day.

Best for water activities

Kite Beach is where it gets magical in Dubai. Contrary to the buzzy Marina, this stretch is just sand, wind and the sea. No mega construction, no shopping malls, no cars—it’s for getting up close with the gorgeous Arabian Gulf. While kitesurfing is definitely an activity to try here (rentals are available right at the spot), it’s also just a perfect beach to hang out, swim and sunbathe. Just follow the official safety instructions, as sometimes it gets too windy.

What I love about Dubai’s “wilder” beaches is the aesthetic of it all. A palm tree-lined walking promenade with a cycling track flanks the Kite Beach. There’s also a food court area comprised of beach kiosk-style versions of well-known brands such as TGI Fridays and Krispy Kreme. Oh, and the beach is completely free. 

Best for spending a whole day at the seaside

There’s a bit of confusion when it comes to Jumeirah Beach. Technically, Jumeirah encompasses most of Dubai’s coast from the Marina to Jumeirah Mosque. Then, it’s divided into sub-sections. That’s why when someone suggests you visit “Jumeirah Beach,” ask which section. Jumeirah 3 (starting from Dubai Canal) is my personal favorite. It’s made of several bays with wide golden sands, magnificent sea views and great facilities. Never too crowded and backed by the quiet residential neighborhood (mostly villas), it gives you a glimpse of the Dubai coast as it once was.

The area is perfect for running, strolling and cycling (preferably during sunrises and sunsets). What’s especially magical is the dreamlike sight of the shimmering Burj Khalifa and Downtown skyscrapers in the distance. 

Best for 24/7 beach enjoyment and late-night dips

During summer, the city is often too unbearably hot to spend your day whole day at the beach. That’s why night swimming is a thing here, and it’s done with the UAE’s trademark precision. You’ve got futuristic light stands to provide full visibility and lifeguards on a 24/7 shift. There are free toilets and showers. And you won’t have to travel far for food and drinks—Umm Suqeim has an all-day beach café and a restaurant to keep everyone happy and fed. In other words, it’s a superb beach for a vibrant, global city like Dubai.

Best for relaxed sunbathing 

Dubai is expanding at an unstoppable pace. Artificial islands rise from the water, real-estate developers compete to break height records and once-public beaches are turning into private luxury oases. La Mer beach embodies this transformation. Originally, the stretch comprised two sections flanking a low-rise shopping area with Laguna Waterpark at its center. In 2022, the waterpark was demolished and redevelopment closed the northern section of the beach.

Fortunately, the southern part remains open as a laid-back sandy bay with tranquil waters and free facilities. A ghost town of a former shopping area lends extra charm and a dash of intrigue to Dubai’s usually polished beach scene. But keep an eye on La Mer—this area is sure to be reshaped again soon.

Best for a glamorous beachside escape with a view

The Palm Jumeirah is among the most sought-after areas in Dubai. Home to the Aquaventure World (the planet’s biggest water park), Atlantis The Royal (one of the world’s most exclusive hotels) and Aura Skypool (the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool), it’s where the city confirms its luxurious status. Palm West Beach is the neighborhood’s main stretch—a collection of upscale bars, coffee shops and restaurants with access to golden sands (human-made). While you can enter the beach for free to look around, expect to pay for using the facilities. 

When it comes to enjoying the Palm West coastline in style, the sky is the limit. From the private cabanas at the high-end Surf Club to the Ibiza-like bohemian hangouts at Beach by FIVE and the relaxing loungers of Orange Chameleon, there are so many ways to spend your money on pleasure here. Stay for the sunsets with the Marina Dubai vista—the scenery is breathtaking. 

Best for a tranquil retreat and camping

Located at the edge of Dubai’s city limits, Jebel Ali is one of the few remaining completely free public beaches in the metropolis. It offers minimal facilities and no dining options—but maybe that’s your vibe. Here, you’ll find calm seas, soft sand and ideal kite-surfing conditions. It’s also Dubai’s go-to spot for beachside RV camping, with a designated area just off the shore.

Jebel Ali is perfect for escaping the crowds at more popular public stretches like Marina and Jumeirah. The current view feels a bit dystopian—a turquoise sea backing onto an artificial archipelago under a skeletal future roadway—but change is coming. The long-awaited Palm Jebel Ali project, a larger counterpart to Palm Jumeirah, is slated for completion in 2028.

For now, though, you can still enjoy the tranquil Arabian Gulf all to yourself and camp under the stars with virtually no one else around.

Best for families

One of the most iconic Dubai Instagram moments is taking a picture with the Burj Al Arab. Sadly, getting close to the landmark resembling the sail of a traditional boat (called a dhow) is off-limits to non-guests of the deluxe hotel. Sunset Beach is a convenient compromise. Located next to Umm Suqeim Park, it’s a top-notch public beach with a bonus of proximity to the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab (similarly lavish yet less photogenic neighbor of the latter) hotels.

The beach has free toilets and showers. The Umm Suqeim Park next door makes it the best choice for families, equipped with children’s playgrounds and shade trees (shade is a precious commodity in the golden city in the desert). Sunset is in the name for a reason—don’t leave without witnessing the gorgeous show over the Arabian Gulf. 

Best beach for pets

Most dog owners will tell you this is their favorite beach in Dubai and it’s easy to see why. Dubai Islands Beach is the only one where pups are welcome both on the sand and in the water. But it’s not just about the pets: this stretch on one of the artificial Deira islands is well-organized and a pleasure to visit. Not all of the beach is dog-friendly, so keep an eye on the signs. If you don’t mind sharing the sand with canines, you’ll find clean facilities and even a Starbucks. The Dubai Islands project is still underway, so this beach could change—or disappear—one day. Before that happens, bring your furry friend (or come solo) and enjoy it while you can.