Top beaches in Dubai

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is one of Dubai’s most popular public beaches, loved for its clean white sand, clear water, and lively atmosphere. It is especially famous for kitesurfing and other water sports thanks to steady winds and a wide open shoreline.

Visitors will find running and cycling tracks, beach volleyball courts, food trucks, and good basic facilities such as showers and changing rooms. The area is family-friendly yet active, making it a top choice for groups looking to combine fitness, fun, and time by the sea.

JBR Beach (The Beach at JBR / Marina Beach)

JBR Beach, also known as The Beach at JBR or Marina Beach, sits next to Dubai Marina’s busy promenade and is one of the city’s best-known public beaches. It offers soft sand, calm swimming areas, and easy access to restaurants, cafés, and shops just steps from the water.

Families appreciate the play areas and watersports options, while couples and friends enjoy beach clubs, cinemas, and the lively evening vibe along The Walk. The backdrop of tall towers and occasional camel rides on the sand makes it one of the most photographed beaches in Dubai.

La Mer Beach

La Mer Beach combines a modern beachfront with shopping, dining, and colorful street-style décor, making it very popular with people who enjoy a social, urban atmosphere by the sea. The calm water and wide shore are ideal for sunbathing, gentle swimming, and strolling.

Beyond the water, La Mer has retail stores, cafés, and entertainment options, including photo-friendly spots that make it a favorite on social media. Visitors can easily spend a full day moving between the beach, restaurants, and the promenade without needing to drive anywhere else.

Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim Beach)

Sunset Beach, also called Umm Suqeim Beach, is famous for its views of the Burj Al Arab and is one of the best places in Dubai to watch the sun go down. The atmosphere is more relaxed than at some other central beaches, with long stretches of sand and plenty of space for evening walks.

The beach has basic facilities, and its location makes it popular for early-morning runs and nighttime photography with the lit-up Burj Al Arab in the background. Swimmers and surfers also appreciate the relatively open sea and the quieter feel compared to JBR or Kite Beach.

Jumeirah Public Beach

Jumeirah Public Beach sits along the Jumeirah district and is one of Dubai’s classic stretches of coastline. It has soft sand, free public access, and views of nearby hotels and villas, giving it a mix of local and tourist appeal.

Many visitors choose Jumeirah Public Beach for simple beach days focused on swimming, sunbathing, and picnics rather than heavy entertainment. Its long shoreline also makes it good for jogging and cycling, especially in the cooler hours of the day.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Al Mamzar Beach Park combines landscaped green areas with several separate beach coves, creating a resort-like feel with an affordable entry fee. Located near the border with Sharjah, it is popular for family gatherings, barbecues, and full-day outings.

Facilities include swimming pools, playgrounds, picnic and barbecue spots, and changing rooms, making it very convenient for larger groups. The park also has special ladies-only days on certain weekdays, adding an extra layer of privacy and comfort for women and families.

Al Sufouh Beach (Black Palace / “Secret Beach”)

Al Sufouh Beach, often called Black Palace Beach or “Secret Beach,” is a quieter, more natural stretch of sand between Palm Jumeirah and the royal palaces. It has minimal development, which gives it a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of both Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab.

Because it is less commercial, there are fewer facilities, so visitors usually bring their own towels, snacks, and umbrellas. People who prefer a calm, low-key day by the water often choose Al Sufouh over busier city beaches.

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is the stretch of sand at the edge of Dubai Marina, closely linked with JBR but often referred to separately because of its direct access from the residential towers. It offers gentle waves, sunbeds, and a wide range of activities, including parasailing and paddleboarding.

Its location makes it very convenient for residents and hotel guests in the Marina area, who can walk straight from their buildings to the shore. The combination of city skyline views and seaside relaxation makes Marina Beach a strong choice for first-time visitors.

Dubai Islands Beach

Dubai Islands Beach is a newer option on the city’s list of public beaches and is known for being relatively quiet and uncrowded compared with central spots. It offers open sea views, soft sand, and a more laid-back feel, making it appealing to people who want extra space.

While facilities are developing, it already attracts beachgoers who enjoy long walks and simple days by the water away from the busiest tourist areas. As the surrounding Dubai Islands project grows, this beach is likely to gain even more amenities and attention.

Mercato Beach

Mercato Beach is a smaller, less crowded public beach near Mercato Mall in Jumeirah. It tends to attract residents rather than big tourist groups, which helps keep the atmosphere relaxed.

Facilities are more basic than at major hotspots, but the location is convenient for combining a beach visit with shopping or a café stop at the nearby mall. People who want an easy, calm beach without too much noise or activity often pick Mercato Beach.

Quick Beach Comparison