Best Beaches in Dubai – Your Guide to the Best Outdoor Beach Activities In Dubai

Jumeirah Beach is perhaps the most popular slice of Dubai's coast. From water skiing and paragliding to tubing and swimming, the beach offers a plethora of activities, as well as one of the city's most attractive promenades. With incredible views of the Burj Al Arab Hotel, it's the perfect place to take in the stunning sunset.

Palm Jumeirah is more like a cluster of beaches, rather than a single spot. One of three artificial isles, along with Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira, Palm Jumeirah is part of Dubai’s prestigious man-made archipelago, the Palm Islands. The island is five kilometers by five kilometers and adds 78 kilometers to the Dubai coastline. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend or fun with the family, Palm Jumeirah's beaches are filled with endless activities and eateries. Atlantis The Palm is one of the island's highlights. The resort has a wonderful private beach and is also home to Aquaventure Water Park and The Lost Chambers Aquarium - two of Dubai’s most popular attraction parks.

Situated in the Dubai Marina, JBR is a prime waterfront establishment. It’s a great place to indulge in some pleasure and unwind after a busy week. From world class boutiques to extravagant skyscraping properties, the beach environment blends enticingly well with the stylish city vibes. There’s a beautiful open beach with plenty to do, whether that be sunbathing on the sand, relaxing on a dhow cruise or partaking in an adrenaline pumping water sport.

Famous for kite surfing, this 2 kilometer stretch of coast is great for those looking to add a little adrenaline to their beach excursion. Paddle boarding, swimming, beach volleyball and more, Kite Beach is a water lover's haven. There's even a great 2-day diving course available, perfect for short term visitors looking to explore Dubai’s underwater sights. Once you've worked up an appetite, head to the side walk and grab lunch from one of the delicious food trucks.

Located behind Sunset Mall, the Sunset Beach also known as Umm Suqeim Beach is almost always bustling with sunbathers, families and picnickers. With gorgeous views of Burj Al Arab and a colourful sky of kites from the neighbouring Kite Beach, it is a tranquil escape from the busy city and a photographer’s dream beach. One of the calmer spots along the coast, it's also a favorite beach for lovely morning runs and romantic evening strolls.

The latest addition to Dubai’s beach cred, La Mer is where you should head to grub by the beach, indulge in some top-notch shopping, catch a classy movie or try your hands at some experimental surfing. La Mer, translating to the sea, is a sprawling 13.4 million sq ft development on reclaimed and existing land between Pearl Jumeria and Jumeria Bay. Featuring wide open walkways lined with palm tree boulevards, graffiti art and cabanas this new neighborhood is a seamless blend of minimalist and contemporary design.

With acres of lush grass, over 1,600 palm trees, 300 coconut trees and 6,000 various kinds of cultivated green life, Al Mamzar Beach offers a unique beach experience in Dubai. A gorgeous park by the sea, visitors can stroll along the beach, enjoy an array of water sports, picnic, bike and much more. Mamzar Beach Park is equipped with a skate park, field sport facilities, and a children’s play area. There are also swimming pool services with sunbeds available.

The Black Palace beach is a well kept secret, flanked by the royal fortresses of Al Sufouh. Also known as the Al Soufouh Beach, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah from here while you indulge in some carefree quiet beach time. Playing beach volleyball here is quite the ritual amongst locals, so join them if you're an enthusiast. Facilities here are scarce, with no changing rooms, sunbeds or kiosks to speak of—but that’s part of its charm and the reason it goes by the name - “Secret Beach.”

Though it not the most scenic of beaches, the Mercato Beach opposite the Mercato mall is a quaint getaway from Dubai's bustle. It's the ideal place to indulge in some sand sports by the beach or wind down with a book in your hand ( yes, there is a beach library here!) The promenade and cycling track is very appreciated by families and one can walk until the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour if you want to binge on snacks and the like.

The Royal Beach is one of two private beaches located in The Island, one of Dubai’s World Island developments. The Royal Island Beach Club here hosts an array of beach and water activities. Spread across almost 40,000 sq/m, the resort is full of 5-star international restaurants, posh bars, luxurious swimming pools and unparalleled views of the Dubai skyline. There is an admission fee of AED 250 to enter this beach, but the environment is well worth the cost for those who enjoy a more exclusive atmosphere.