Dubai Municipality unveils the Dh500 million Khor Al Mamzar Beach upgrade on May 5, 2026, delivering the region’s first floating walkway, 24-hour night swimming, a women-only beach zone, and more than 5.5 km of waterfront tracks.
Dubai’s beloved Khor Al Mamzar Beach has officially reopened to the public following one of the most ambitious coastal regeneration projects the emirate has ever undertaken. Dubai Municipality inaugurated the first phase of the Dh500 million Al Mamzar Beaches initiative on May 5, 2026, transforming a well-used but aging public beach into a world-class waterfront destination that rivals JBR and Kite Beach in facilities, amenities, and ambition. Positioned near the Sharjah border in the historic Al Mamzar area of Deira, the revamped beach now spans 182,000 square metres and introduces a suite of features that set a new benchmark for public beach infrastructure across the Gulf region.
The reopening is a landmark moment not just for residents of Deira and Sharjah who have long relied on Al Mamzar as their coastal retreat, but for Dubai’s broader tourism strategy as it pushes toward ambitious 2026 visitor goals.
What Is the Khor Al Mamzar Beach Project?
The Khor Al Mamzar Beach redevelopment is the first completed phase of the broader Al Mamzar Beaches masterplan, which sits within Dubai’s overarching Dh3 billion beach development programme directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The project involved large-scale land reclamation using 350,000 cubic metres of sand to boost coastal resilience and expand the swimming shoreline from approximately 1.5 km to 3.6 kilometres.
When the second phase, which covers the Al Mamzar Corniche, is complete, the combined destination is projected to accommodate up to seven million visitors annually. Total area upon full completion will reach four million square feet.
New Facilities at Khor Al Mamzar Beach
The Region’s First Floating Walkway
Perhaps the most iconic addition is a floating walkway linking the two sides of the beach across the water. It is the first of its kind in the Gulf region and doubles as a waterfront dining venue, housing a restaurant that gives visitors panoramic views of the Dubai coastline.
24-Hour Night Beach
Al Mamzar has joined Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim as one of Dubai’s select public beaches to offer night swimming. A 300-metre illuminated stretch operates around the clock, supported by lifeguards throughout the night. The feature directly addresses the challenge of summer heat, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the water safely after dark.
Women-Only Beach Zone
A dedicated women-only beach with night swimming access has been introduced, offering full privacy and safety through a secure, enclosed design. This facility is the first of its kind at a Dubai public beach and reflects the municipality’s commitment to inclusive coastal access.
Sports and Active Recreation
The leisure offering has expanded considerably. Visitors will find:
- Padel courts, volleyball and football pitches
- An outdoor gym with modern equipment
- More than 5.5 km of running, walking, and cycling tracks, with free self-repair stations for cyclists
- Kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boating, and flyboarding on the water
- Designated BBQ zones for family gatherings
Food, Beverage, and Family Amenities
Food and beverage outlets have increased by 950%, with 19 dining and cafe spots now operating across the beachfront, up from just a handful before renovation. Public service facilities have grown by 400%, with 20 modern service blocks including prayer rooms, changing rooms, showers, and clean restroom facilities. Children’s playgrounds have been added throughout the beach area, making it a strong option for family outings.
Accessibility
The development fully accommodates People of Determination, with wheelchair-accessible pathways, dedicated facilities, and smart gates throughout the site. Ample free parking is available, with electric vehicle charging points near the parking area.
Beach Safety Measures
Dubai Municipality has placed a clear emphasis on safety at the revamped beach. Infrastructure capacity has increased by 340% to manage peak-period crowd volumes. Key safety features include:
- 12 modern lifeguard towers positioned across the beachfront
- 12 emergency call points distributed throughout the site
- Lifeguard coverage on the 300-metre night beach, operating 24 hours
- Protective nets in swimming areas to create safer swimming zones
- Smart monitoring systems integrated into beach operations
Industry Context: Dubai Beach Tourism by the Numbers
Dubai’s Tourism Growth Trajectory
The timing of this reopening aligns with strong and sustained growth in Dubai’s visitor numbers. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) recorded 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024, up from 17.15 million in 2023. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, the city welcomed 13.95 million visitors, a 5% increase year-on-year. Beach and marine attractions were visited by an estimated 72% of all Dubai tourists in 2024, underlining how central coastal infrastructure is to the city’s appeal.
Economic Impact of Upgraded Public Beaches
Upgraded public beach destinations in Dubai have historically generated measurable local economic gains. Footfall at surrounding food, beverage, and retail businesses along renovated beachfronts has increased by an estimated 23% following major infrastructure upgrades, according to industry analysis of comparable Dubai coastal developments. The 950% increase in F&B outlets at Khor Al Mamzar alone is projected to create significant new investment and employment opportunities for local and international hospitality operators.
Smart Water Quality Monitoring
Dubai Municipality has integrated smart sensor technology into beach water quality management. AI-assisted monitoring systems, deployed as part of the municipality’s broader digital infrastructure programme, continuously track water quality, tidal patterns, and environmental conditions across Dubai’s managed beach zones. These sensors provide real-time data to control rooms, allowing faster response to environmental changes and reinforcing the municipality’s sustainability commitments under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Mamzar Now Aligns with JBR and Kite Beach Standards
Prior to renovation, Khor Al Mamzar was a functional but under-equipped community beach that lacked the premium facilities found at Dubai’s more prominent beachfronts. The post-renovation facility has closed that gap. With a floating walkway, night swimming, a diverse F&B scene, sports courts, and round-the-clock lifeguard coverage, Khor Al Mamzar now sits alongside Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Kite Beach as a destination-grade coastal venue rather than a neighbourhood amenity.
In Their Own Words
“Khor Al Mamzar Beach reflects our vision to transform Dubai’s beaches into globally iconic urban and tourism destinations, delivering premium experiences centred on comfort and well-being. Our objective is to create some of the world’s most advanced and attractive beachfront destinations, reinforcing Dubai’s appeal, sustainability, and quality of life while offering exceptional experiences for residents and visitors.”
Amal Alshehhi, Head of Beaches and Waterways Development, Dubai Municipality
“I used to come to the beach every week before the renovation. It’s beyond expectation. It is my new favourite destination in Dubai, with the floating walkway and modern amenities.”
Deepak Budathoki, Dubai resident
“I’m thrilled to see the transformation of the area now. As a person who was born and still living in the area, I can tell what I see is an outstanding transformation. It has become a great facility in all of Dubai, not only in Al Mamzar, as people will come from around the country to enjoy the new beach.”
Omar Al Gaz, Emirati resident, Al Mamzar
Practical Visitor Information
Location
Khor Al Mamzar Beach is located on Al Khaleej Street in the Al Mamzar area of Deira, near the Dubai-Sharjah border. It sits approximately 20 minutes by car from Downtown Dubai and is strategically close to Dubai International Airport, making it accessible for short-stay international visitors.
Entry Fee
Entry to Khor Al Mamzar Beach is free of charge. The adjoining Al Mamzar Beach Park (the established park with five named beaches) retains a nominal entry fee of AED 5 per person. Parking is free at the new Khor Al Mamzar Beach area.
Operating Hours
The main beach area operates daily. The dedicated 300-metre night beach is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lifeguard coverage is maintained on the night beach throughout its operating hours. The Al Mamzar Beach Park operates from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends and public holidays.
Women-Only Access
The new women-only beach zone offers private, secure access at designated hours. Mondays and Wednesdays at the adjacent Al Mamzar Beach Park remain Ladies’ Days, during which only women and children under six years are admitted.
Getting There
- By Metro and Bus: Take the metro to Salah Al Din station, then board the C28, C12, or C10 bus to the Al Mamzar Beach Park bus stop
- By Car: Follow Al Khaleej Street toward the Al Mamzar area; ample free parking is available onsite with EV charging stations
- By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Taxis and Careem/Uber are readily available from across Dubai and Sharjah
Family-Friendly Zones
Designated children’s playgrounds, BBQ zones, and shallow family swimming areas are spread throughout the beach. Smart gates, clean facilities, and accessible pathways make the space welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Before vs After Renovation: A Comparison
| Feature | Before Renovation | After Renovation (May 2026) |
| Total Area | Approx. 86,000 sq metres | 182,000 sq metres (+110%) |
| Swimming Shoreline | Approx. 1.5 km | 3.6 km |
| Public Facilities | 5 service blocks | 20 modern service blocks (+400%) |
| F&B Outlets | 2 food kiosks | 19 food and beverage outlets |
| Night Access | Not available | 300-metre illuminated night beach (24/7) |
| Sports Facilities | Basic volleyball area | Padel courts, volleyball, football, outdoor gym |
| Water Activities | Limited | Jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boating, flyboarding |
| Walking/Cycling Tracks | Minimal pathways | 5.5 km running, walking, and cycling tracks |
| Special Zones | None | Women-only beach with night swimming |
| Safety Infrastructure | Basic lifeguard posts | 12 lifeguard towers, 12 emergency call points |
| Floating Walkway | None | Region’s first floating walkway (with waterfront restaurant) |
| BBQ Zones | Limited | Designated BBQ zones across the beach area |
| Accessibility | Basic | Full People of Determination access + cycling repair stations |
| Entry Fee | 5 AED per person (park area) | Free entry (Khor Al Mamzar Beach) |
Why This Matters for Dubai’s 2026 Tourism Goals
The reopening of Khor Al Mamzar Beach arrives at a defining moment for Dubai’s tourism narrative. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is actively executing a strategy built around quality of place, accessible public infrastructure, and year-round outdoor experiences. As the emirate targets continued visitor growth beyond the 18.72 million recorded in 2024, investments in free, world-class public destinations like Khor Al Mamzar carry significant strategic weight.
The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan explicitly calls for expanding the emirate’s public beach infrastructure and increasing beach capacity by up to 170%. The Dh3 billion beach development programme, of which Khor Al Mamzar is the first completed phase, directly delivers on that commitment. Subsequent upgrades at Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2, Umm Suqeim 1 and 2, and Jebel Ali Beach will further transform Dubai’s coastline into one of the world’s most accessible and diverse urban beach networks.
For the Al Mamzar area specifically, the project decentralises leisure tourism away from traditionally congested spots like JBR and Kite Beach, distributing economic benefit more evenly across Dubai’s residential zones. The proximity to Deira, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah makes the new beach an ideal first stop for international arrivals and a routine destination for the millions of UAE residents who live in the northern corridor.
With the Al Mamzar Corniche phase still to be completed and further beach upgrades underway citywide, the full vision for Dubai’s coastline is still taking shape. But with Khor Al Mamzar now open and delivering an experience comparable to any premium public beach in the world, the foundation is firmly in place.
