beaches in dubai

Best Beaches in Dubai - Itinerary

By Dom Bewley

Dubai is known around the world for its mesmerizing modern architectural marvels, its opinion on income tax, and most importantly, its brilliant beaches. Yes, this jewel in the UAE's crown is absolutely full of them, and they're ripe for the picking. Of course, the best beaches in Dubai should absolutely be on top of your travel itinerary, thanks to the region's amazing warm weather and rain-free skies. So, which are worth a visit? Well, read on and we'll tell you! These are the best beaches in Dubai that should be top of your itinerary!

Including:

  • JBR Open Beach
  • La Mer
  • Kite Beach
  • Al Mamzar Beach Park
  • Umm Suqeim Beach
  • and more!
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JBR Open Beach

One of the biggest and arguably best beaches in Dubai, and well worth adding to your travel itinerary, is the Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it.

While much of the beach is dedicated to ocean-side hotels, there's more than enough for you and yours. And, alongside all that brilliant white sand and warm water, you'll find snack bars, toilets, lifeguards, and more.

The water itself is shallow until pretty far out, standing at 4 feet tall, so you can happily wade, float, or swim through it without worrying about being swept away. However, this does mean it's not ideal for sea-based activities like watersports.

It's also open 24 hours, though swimming is not permitted after the sun goes down due to the risks involved.

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Umm Suqeim Beach

If you want to undertake watersports like surfing, you will be better served by a trip to Umm Suqeim Beach. You'll find more than a few people riding the waves here, and while they're hardly magnificent, they're about as good as you'll get in the Persian Gulf.

Another 24-hour beach, but this time you can go for a dip when the sun sets, thanks to the Smart Power lights that stay on until midnight. You'll have to get out then, though, because swimming in the dark is a big no-no.

Alongside the sea activity, you'll find plenty of beach to call your own, a handful of facilities like lifeguards and restrooms, as well as some more unusual bonuses like a beachside library and a playground perfect for kids.

You'll also be right next to the Buraj Al Arab, a luxurious 7-star hotel, if you want to take some photos and pretend you're important enough to be staying there.

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La Mer

One of the newest beaches on this list, but more than worth adding to your itinerary, La Mer is one of the best beaches in Dubai. A jack of all beach trades, it offers stunning seaside views, watersports, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else.

Done sunning yourself on the daily-cleaned sand? Why not catch a movie at the nearby cinema? Had enough of the clear, blue water? Go for a walk along pathways lined with palm trees. And, if you've got the cash to splash, you can even rent a private beach house from the Sea Level beach club.

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Kite Beach

While not a beach in itself, Kite Beach is well worth a visit. Named after the windy conditions that make it an ample playground for kite-flyers, Kite Beach is actually a part of Umm Suqeim Beach. The wind also makes it a great place to take part in some wind and kite surfing, should that be up your alley.

If you're hungry, the large number of food trucks that are set up on the bay will be sure to tickle your fancy. Featuring cuisine from across the globe, you can pick up anything from bbq chicken to pizza. Or, if you're looking for more of a sit-down experience, you'll find proper restaurants and cafes just a stone's throw away on Jumeriah Beach Road.

Of course, all of that coexists with the usual beach affair you can expect from Dubai, with plenty of white sand, blue sea, and clear skies.

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Al Mamzar Beach Park

If you're looking for the perfect beach to take your little ones, Al Mamzar prides itself on being one of the most family-friendly beaches in the city.

Not only do you get one of the best beaches in Dubai, but you'll also find picnic areas, playgrounds, and swimming pools that are free for every visitor! If you're bringing kids, put Al Mamzar on your travel itinerary!

They even ladies-only days on Monday and Wednesday, meaning only women, girls, and boys younger than 4 can enter. Ideal if you're more comfortable with that environment!

You'll find showers, bathrooms, and changing rooms on-site, and if the sun's a bit much, you can rent a parasol and stay shaded while you lounge.

And that's our list of the best beaches in Dubai you absolutely must add to your itinerary! Looking for more fun things to do during your vacation in Dubai? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!

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extreme dubai
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Extreme Sports Activities in Dubai

Thrill seekers! Are you looking for extreme fun in the sun that will get you off your bum? Rejoice, oh brave adventures. Dubai, the city in the sand, has you well and truly covered. So much so that we had to make a guide dedicated to all of the extreme opportunities on offer. So read on, be brave, and discover the best extreme sports activities in Dubai! Including: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Ski Dubai Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving E-Kart Zabeel and more! Go on an overwater adventure Want to get extreme? Why not dare to ride some of the best waterslides in the world? Dare to fulfill those dreams at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. It might be a mouthful, but you'll forget all that when you're bombing down a sweet waterslide at a million miles an hour. Well, not a million, but more than two. Test your mettle on the extreme Leap of Faith, which plummets straight through a shark-filled lagoon at a breakneck pace. Dodge the sharks (don't worry, they're safely imprisoned behind thick glass) and crash into the pool below. Gnarly. Or challenge the god of the sea himself at Poseidon's Revenge. Enter one of his devious capsules and prepare to plummet down at speeds of 60mph. There's a lot of plummeting going on, which can only mean one thing - it's one of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai! Ski for your life Dubai's opulent existence is perhaps best characterized by the biggest indoor winter sports park. Yes, even in the harsh, unforgiving desert, you'll find sweet jumps to catch and sweet hills to descend. That's all thanks to Ski Dubai, a must-visit for any of you snow heads. Is that a real word? Snow heads? Who cares - get extreme! Whether you choose to attach yourself to skis, a snowboard, or another form of snow traversal, you'll love bombing it around this weirdly cold arena. Much like other snowy locales, expect snow, courses, hills, and even a ski lift for that authentic mountaintop experience. After all, what's more extreme than braving freezing temperatures when it's hot enough to melt your skin outside? Extreme weather variance! Buggin Out Or, relive your favorite Mad Max: Fury Road scenes by hopping in a dune buggy and tearing it around Dubai's golden seas. Yes, you can do that, thanks to a Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert. You'll kick things off with a lift in a 4x4 to the dunes. After a touch of sightseeing, you'll reach base camp, and then it's buggy time, baby. Hop in your metal hog of choice, and you'll have 30 minutes to tear it across the dunes. Your buddy will be an experienced dune buggy enthusiast, so you needn't worry about going in blind. They'll teach you everything you need to know about controlling the roaring beast, so you can focus on the most important things - sweet skids, supreme jumps, and extreme buggy action. Yeah! Witness you! Just don't get too excited and spray silver paint in your mouth - there's a reason those guys were so pale. Fly away Many things can't come close to the extremeness of jumping from a plane at 30,000 feet. But for many of us, the extreme risk of not living may outweigh the desire to attempt such feats. But never fear thrill seekers because Dubai has a way for you to cheat death and still enjoy the fall. It's called iFly Indoor Skydiving, and it's totally rad, man. Enter the tube of airy death, feel the 200kph winds lift you off the ground, and then spin, twist, and shout as you mimic the life of a skydiver. Newbies are welcome, too, with instructors on hand to guide you through the process of controlling your body while falling. And experts can shut their ears and spin to their heart's content. Never felt the thrill of the wind rushing past you as you defy gravity? Then this is one of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai you cannot miss. Kart life If you're a fan of racing, or racing-adjacent media, you might wonder what it feels like to drift around corners and beat the competition to the finish line. Wonder no more, you extreme legend, and burn some rubber thanks to E-Kart Zabeel. You'll have 7 minutes to race your state-of-the-art go-kart around a specially designed track, taking corners and leaving your enemies in the dust. Got friends? Lucky. Show them off by bringing them along, and then rub their faces in it when you inevitably win. No friends? No matter - join a group of randoms and rub their faces in it. Why make friends when you can spark lifelong rivalries that no one will write about? Red go fast? You know what's extreme? Rollercoasters. Breakneck speed, gravity-defying movement, and the ejection of one's stomach contents are all hallmarks of these beloved beasts. You know what's more extreme than your average rollercoaster? The fastest rollercoaster ever created by mere mortal minds. And where do you find this insane creation? Why, at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, of course! The rollercoaster in question is called Formula Rossa, and it boasts speeds of 240kmph. If you think you can handle 4.8Gs of force squishing your body back in your seat, then you might be extreme enough to survive. Other than that terrifying trial, you can challenge your friends to a drag race at Fiorano GT Challenge, hop on a military bi-plane at Flying Aces, and test your resolve on the Turbo Track, which purports to offer a fast vertical climb followed by an epic zero-g fall. Not for us. Nope. Work your quads And finally, we end our extreme list of sports activities in Dubai on four wheels. Ever wanted to live out your wildest desert fantasies that include camels? Well, now you can, thanks to this camel, sandboarding, and quad biking adventure over Dubai's dunes. You'll be driven to the desert, ride on camels, and then ride these 4-wheeled wonders along a track designed with the extreme in mind. Picture yourself in slow motion as you dip, turn, and jump. Hear the 80s hair metal in your mind as you pull off extreme maneuvers. Embody the extreme, don't simply flirt with it. And that's our list of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai! Wondering what to do with the rest of your vacation? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley
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Things To Do In Palm Jumeirah During Your Trip to Dubai

In a city full of world record breaking wonders and awe-inspiring architecture, the man-made Palm Jumeirah stands out as one of Dubai's most intriguing and enticing areas for visitors and locals alike. Palm Jumeirah is an engineering and design feat, an oasis of luxury and entertainment on the Persian Gulf, situated on an island that resembles a palm tree. From shops, to hotels, to restaurants, and beach clubs the Palm offers something for everyone and is one of the best places in Dubai to relax and soak up the sun. We've drawn up a list of some of the most essential attractions and things to do in Palm Jumeirah on your visit to the Emirate, including: Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Standup Paddleboard Lesson Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah Windsurf Lesson Save on Palm Jumeirah Area Attraction Admission Admission to a number of these top Dubai attractions and activities are included on the Go Dubai Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Enjoy the scenic route to Palm Jumeirah via Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road to the island aboard the comfort and climate controlled environment of the Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour. This tour from Big Bus is among my favorite Dubai sightseeing tours and is hands-down one of the best ways to explore Dubai, especially for first timers. Your seat on the bus will give you a great view of the city as you make your way up the Palm trunk into the lush, beachy borders of Palm Jumeirah. The glass top of the bus allows you the perfect chance to snap photos while you avoid the sweltering heat. A particular benefit of this tour is the luxury of hopping on and off whenever you'd like so you can more fully take in the environment. Each tour includes commentary, background, and tourist narration in 12 different languages. You'll disembark from this tour feeling much more informed about the Emirate and its top landmarks. Getting In: Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Standup Paddleboard Lesson by SeaYou Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah by SeaYou Windsurf Lesson by SeaYou Remember to Save on Palm Jumeirah Attraction Admission There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do in Palm Jumeirah Dubai during your trip. Remember, many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Dubai Card, where you can save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Dubai vacation itinerary.
Lindsay Eagan
boat dubai
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Best Boat Tours in Dubai

Mammals ventured out of the big drink many millions of years ago, and eventually, some of them became us. But our fascination with the oceans never really disappeared. Since early humans were able to use tools, we've been keen to throw ourselves back onto the waves and sail away. But what are we sailing away from? Our problems? Our past? Anyway, what about boats? Pretty cool, right? Let's talk about boats and why you should ride them. Firstly, fun. Boats are fun. Facts. Secondly, they let you see another side of a city - the waterside. So, if you're vacationing in Dubai, we hope you're pumped to read about the best boat tours available, because we're pumped to tell you about them! Including: Ain Dubai boat tour Black Pearl Sightseeing Cruise Sunset Dinner Cruise Dubai Marina Speed Boat Sightseeing Dubai Tour Yas Island Sightseeing Cruise and more! Ain Dubai boat tour Let's kick off our list with a delightful sunset tour of Dubai's opulent marina. After boarding a luxury yacht, you'll pass by the multi-million dollar high-rise flats at Bluewaters Island and the skyscrapers of Jumeirah Beach Residence, as well as the typically stunning views of the city's skyline. Then, get your cameras ready for the tour's crown jewel - Ain Dubai. The largest observation wheel on the planet dwarfs the London Eye at nearly twice its size. And, at 250m tall, you can imagine how great the views are from up there! With tours leaving at 6:30PM or 9PM, you can have your tour bathed in twilight, or immerse yourself in the midnight glow of Dubai's neon magnificence. The choice is yours. Image courtesy of Mana Photo/Shutterstock Black Pearl Sightseeing Cruise If you're bringing the little one along with you, then why not sail away with their favorite drunk pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow? Yes, now, all their pirating dreams - and maybe yours - can come true on this sightseeing cruise atop Sparrow's famous Black Pearl galleon. With the Captain as your guide, you'll travel through the stunning Ras al Khor (Dubai Creek Harbour) and on to Mohamed Bin Rashid where you'll pause to marvel at the views of the Burj Khalifa. Make sure to have your camera ready, because you'll want to take photos of the magnificent scenery you pass on your voyage. Oh, and maybe a few pics with the Captain himself, should he be able to stay on his two feet! Sunset Dinner Cruise of Dubai Marina How does a seaside dinner cruise at sunset sound? Good, yeah? If so, this will be one of your best boat tours in Dubai! Enjoy a mouth-watering dinner, live music and entertainment, and stunning views on this tour of Dubai Marina. Hop aboard, grab a drink, and sit down for a cruise like no other. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the bottom deck, or the open-air of the top deck, you'll see the Marina, the tallest block of towers in the world, and the Cayan Tower with its impressive architectural twist. As well as skyscraping sights, you'll also take in views of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and its waterfront. And the dinner itself? Sublime, thanks to the generous buffet on board. Sample pasta dishes, fill your bowl with noodles, and top it all off with a decadent dessert of crumble or brownies. Delish. Speed Boat Sightseeing Dubai Tour If the thought of cruising across the waves fills your lungs with yawn matter, you'll want something a little faster. Well hold onto your hats, then, because you can also see Dubai's shoreline at a breakneck pace thanks to this speed boat sightseeing tour of the city! For 90 minutes, you'll be flung around the open ocean as you set your sights on the beautiful Dubai skyline. Speed past the Marina as your guide fills you in on the city's history and lines your brain with sweet, sweet knowledge. You'll even see luxury hotels, the royal sheik's palaces, and high-profile villas. Lovely. But don't worry, it's not all speed. You'll have the chance to slow down on occasion and put your photo clicking finger to work. Creek Sightseeing Cruise by Tour Dubai Or, if you really want to relax and see some parts of the city you'd otherwise miss, check out this architectural boat tour of Dubai Creek, Deira, and Bur Dubai. Boarding a traditional, handcrafted dhow boat, the slower pace gives you the chance to soak up Dubai's rich culture, while your commentary track fills you in on the ins and outs of each location. And, if you're a little parched from the warm weather, do not fear - you'll get a complimentary soft drink or water bottle when you board. They really thought of everything, didn't they? Marina Sightseeing Cruise Explore Dubai's Canal City and Marina with this picturesque hour-long cruise of the harbor! See the architectural marvel of Dubai up close on this fascinating boat tour of the shore. Take as many pics for your socials as possible, making your followers envious beyond your wildest dreams. And, sip on a refreshing complimentary drink as you sail. Not bad at all. Yas Island Sightseeing Cruise Venture beyond Dubai on a handcrafted boat as you explore the shores of Yas Island. You'll pass by recognizable landmarks from the United Arab Emirates, such as Al Zaina, Al Bandar, and Al Seef. You'll even get a closer look at the famous Yas Marina F1 Race Circuit. You might not be in a car, but you can pretend you're racing on the circuit yourself, if that floats your boat. Floats your boat? An unintentional pun, we assure you. Those are our picks for the best boat tours in Dubai! Looking for other memorable adventures to experience while in Dubai? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley

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