Best Beaches in Dubai - Itinerary

By Dom Bewley
beaches in dubai

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!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Dubai in June

If you're planning a vacation in Dubai, you'll need to know when to go. June might sound like the ideal month to pack your bags and jet off, but Dubai's intense summer can beat even the best of us. Check out our guide to Dubai in June below, and see if it's the perfect month for you! Including: Dubai weather in June Snowy escapes Beach beauties Shady clubs Water worlds and more! Dubai in June: What to Expect June is the beginning of summer for those of us in the northern hemisphere. But in Dubai, what you think is summer started long ago. In this desert oasis, June is the beginning of the end times. Fire, brimstone, and every other joke you want to make about really, really hot places. Because temperatures in Dubai typically hit highs of 100°F, lows of 80°F, and not a drop of rain in sight. That could be a bit much for some of you. That's understandable, given what we're used to. As such, if high temperatures and 12 hours of sun aren't your thing, consider traveling in the winter months, where temperatures are much more bearable. It goes without saying that if you do decide to travel to Dubai during the summer, leave the jumpers and jackets at home. Pack the lightest clothes you own, the largest hats in your closet, and stuff the rest of your suitcase with factor 1000 sunscreen. It's the only way. In the interest of keeping you alive, we're going to mix up our recommendations with plenty of outdoor, indoor, and nighttime experiences. After all, everyone needs a break. You are very welcome. Dubai in June: What to Do Risky Beaches Dubai's known for its beautiful beaches, and we really have to talk about them. After all, kicking back and relaxing might be the main reason you're taking your Dubai vacation in June. However, might we suggest avoiding the searing sun and instead going at night? Your skin will thank you. Thankfully, Dubai's beaches are open 24 hours. Umm Suqeim Beach may be your best bet, as you can swim there until midnight. Most beaches ban swimming after dark due to the risk to swimmers, but at Umm Suqeim Beach, Smart Lights keep the shores lit until the clock strikes 12, so you can still get your lounging and swimming done in the dark. Nice. Watery Goodness Another way to keep cool when the heat rises is by submerging yourself in H20. But why stay static in a pool when you can blitz around at a water park? Dubai's full of brilliant places to slide, glide, and dive into the refreshing goodness. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides for both kids and adults. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, they even have a kids-only area and their own beach if you need to relax. Another top water park is Yas Waterworld, but you'll need to travel to the nearby Yas Island to get there. Featuring over 40 amazing rides, including a flooded 5D Cinema experience, it's the perfect place to get your water fix. For kids, LEGOLAND® Water Park ticks all the boxes. Featuring 20 rides themed around many of their most recognizable characters, it might not be as exhilarating for adults as the other two, but there's nothing stopping you from getting on the rides and having a blast. Magical desert tour If you want to see the dunes around Dubai's outskirts but fear the mix of heat and desert could have you passing out, you're in luck. Thanks to this evening tour and BBQ experience, you can fit your experience around the weather. After an air-conditioned ride from your hotel to a camp in the dunes, you'll be treated to a fantastic BBQ meal with plenty of succulent meat and veg to fill you up. After the meal, the entertainment begins. Featuring belly dancing, shisha, camel riding, and henna tattoos, it's an evening packed with fun! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. You'll have the best sleep in months. Hideaway on the slopes When the heat wins out, it might be an extreme suggestion to up sticks and escape to a snowy paradise. But just because you take a few hours out to carve some powder doesn't mean Dubai has you beat. Far from it. Ski Dubai is what you seek - a winter wonderland right in the heart of Dubai. The biggest indoor skiing center on the planet, Ski Dubai lets you ski, board, or sled down a multitude of artificial hills. Catering to newbies and experienced sorts, you'll have the chance to take a ski lift, see penguins, and get your chill on even in the oppressive June heat. And best of all, everything is provided for when you arrive, so there's no need to lug your skis on the plane. Easily one of the best ways to beat the June heat in Dubai. Go clubbing And finally, we'll end our guide to Dubai in June with some more R&R. If you want all the relaxation of the beach with none of the direct sunlight, hit up one of Dubai's beach clubs. You'll find plenty of these relaxation stations in Dubai, but let's talk about our top picks below. Twiggy by La Cantine matches its arresting all-white facade with the biggest infinity pool of all Dubai's beach clubs, a rocking 60s aesthetic, and light Mediterranean bites that hit the spot. Nikki Beach marries live music and even a resident saxophonist with a refreshing drinks menu, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Pearl Jumeira coastline. And DRIFT Beach offers not only lounge beds, cabanas, and light bites typical of the beach club scene in Dubai, it also gives you access to their own private beach. Sometimes, the draw of the sand is just too great. And that's our guide to Dubai in June! If the above wasn't enough, do you want to know what else awaits you in Dubai? Try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
Dubai
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Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai for First Time Visitors

Dubai is the Middle East's glittering jewel, full of adventure and luxury. It's no surprise that the top attractions in the Emirates are a great place to start when planning a trip to Dubai.
Lindsay Eagan
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How to enjoy 5 days in Dubai

One of the world’s top stopover destinations, it’s easy to add a sojourn in Dubai to a long haul trip. Breaking your journey for a few days rarely adds much to the overall price of your flight, and many nationalities are able to visit as tourists without having to worry about visas. What’s more, Dubai has attractions other destinations would cry out for. Not only does it feature the world’s tallest building, but top museums, prestigious beaches and one of the world’s largest gatherings of amusement parks. There’s easily enough to fill 5 days in Dubai to brimming. Not convinced? Take a look at the following 5 day Dubai itinerary and we think it will change your mind completely. Day 1 Start your exploration of all that glitters at Dubai Marina. Grab some brunch – an especially popular pastime with expat workers on the weekend but possible any day of the week – at one of the café-bars which line this man made harbor filled with yachts from around the world. Having absorbed some of the genteel ambience of this part of town, follow the marina promenade towards Ain Dubai, the city’s giant coastal observation wheel. Reaching a height of 250 meters above the Persian Gulf, or twice the reach of the London Eye, rides take around 40 minutes and provide a constantly changing view of many of Dubai’s top sights, including the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel and the fronds of the Palm. Time it right and you can then take advantage of the passenger craft that connect Dubai Marina with Dubai Creek further north several times a day. Skirting the Palm and sailing along Dubai’s long waterfront, it’s just one way to take in your first glimpses of the emirate as a whole and much more fun than the metro system too. If the metro has a benefit – beyond cleanliness, air conditioning and excellent service – it’s that it has its own stop at the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The mall contains around 1200 stores and 200 places to eat and drink, as well as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Views from its western exits take in Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, with sunset the perfect time to visit At The Top – the name given to its observation decks. Day 2 If the Burj Khalifa represents the future of the region, Old Dubai remains its gateway into the past. Roughly delineated as the area at the northern entrance of Dubai Creek, it’s here you’ll find the oldest parts of the city. Dubai Museum occupies the oldest structure in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort. Constructed in 1787, and used for everything from a defensive post to a prison, it became a museum in 1971. Its open courtyard and mix of old and new architecture display a collection detailing the culture and traditions of its people. Then cross the creek on an abra, a vessel that has been making the same journey since the Bur Dubai neighborhood was first settled. It will see you arrive at Deira, a district known for souks sweeping inland from wharfs where dhow trading boats continue to be unloaded with all a city could need: spices, fridges and huge sacks of rice amongst them. Despite their maze-like reputation the souks – marketplaces for gold, spices and fabrics – are relatively easy to navigate. A stop at a tea or coffee house makes people watching a cinch before ending the day amid the quiet streets and historic homes of Al Shindagha back across the creek. Day 3 If – somehow – you’re still wondering what to do in Dubai for 5 days we’d recommend adding one or two of its theme parks to your bucket list. Families with younger kids can do much worse than LEGOLAND Dubai. With more than 60 million individual bricks used in its creation, it is made up of six different lands or zones, with attractions both indoors and outdoors. You won’t want to miss the miniland of Middle Eastern landmarks, nor the 40-plus rides suitable for those aged two to 12. Recreating the razzamatazz of Indian cinema, BOLLYWOOD PARKS is the first theme park of its kind in the region. Visitors are able to go behind the scenes of the movie making process in between taking a seat on rides including the world’s tallest swing ride. But for a full-on adrenaline rush, save your afternoon for IMG Worlds of Adventure. The five worlds in question include the Jurassic setting of Lost Valley, with one of Dubai’s fastest and tallest roller coasters, The Velociraptor. Another zone is based around some of Marvel’s best loved comic book superheroes, including Thor Thunder Spin and Spider-man Doc Ock’s Revenge. Day 4 The adventures can continue on day 4 in Dubai’s desert regions. Just a short drive from downtown and Old Dubai, the desert inland is far from being the barren landscape of our imaginations. Begin the day with a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon to take in the majesty of the area. You might even witness the solitary figures of rare Arabian oryx in the dunes. For the chance of a close up encounter with these animals, join one of the handful of operators permitted to run safaris to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. It’s an area which has helped bring the species back from the brink of extinction, with no animals remaining in the wild at the creation of the United Arab Emirates in 1972. Additional ways to discover the desert aren’t hard to find. The ultimate in desert adventures is perhaps the opportunity to roar over the dunes on top of a 4x4 quad bike. Including hotel pickup, you’ll be taken to a part of the desert reserved for quad bike rides and will also have the chance to jump on the back of a camel and sandboard! Day 5 After a hectic 96 hours, use the last of your 5 days in Dubai to take things easy. Dubai’s climate means that even in the winter months when Emirati’s are wrapped up in thicker fabrics most visitors won’t need much more than a T-shirt. Opt for a few hours on one of the beaches and you won’t even need that. The closest to most accommodation is Jumeirah Public Beach. Sometimes known as Sunset Beach – for obvious westward facing reasons – it’s a broad expanse of clean sand with a full range of facilities, from showers to WiFi. The waves are gentle enough for swimmers, with floodlights allowing nighttime dips, but also suitable for those looking to get onto a surfboard for the first time. Whilst a day by the beach is relaxing enough, a treatment or two at one of Dubai’s spas is sure to bring your heart rate down even further. All the top hotels have their own inhouse spas and treatment rooms, with plenty of traditional style hammams brought to new audiences too. Making the most of 5 days in Dubai Few other destinations can offer the range of attractions as 5 days in Dubai. Make your trip with Go City and you can experience many of them whilst making significant savings on advertised admission costs. For the very latest, check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook!
Ian Packham

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