There’s no better way to spend your summer holiday than on the beaches of Dubai.

Sun-drenched blonde sands, glistening Arabian Gulf waters, fabulous aquatic activities, energetic entertainment and an array of enticing dining venues await. You can stretch out in a shady spot shoreside, keep cool splashing about in the surf or join the fun at one of the city’s beach clubs. Whatever your plans, there’s a space on the immaculate sands of Dubai for every visitor, whether that’s in a hotel’s private waterfront sanctuary, or on a public stretch of shoreline. Slap on plenty of sun cream, put your shades on and step out into the sun for blissful relaxation or fun and excitement. If you’re planning to hit the beaches of Dubai this summer, take a look at our fabulous guide and discover the top spots for families, water sports, culinary delights and indulgence.

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Free Beaches in Dubai

A great way to enjoy Dubai beach life is at one of the city’s free public beaches. The Beach, at Jumeirah Beach Residence, is a fabulous family-friendly spot, where you’ll find entertainment, shops, restaurants and the incredible AquaFun, the world’s largest inflatable aqua park. Kite Beach, in the Umm Suqeim district, is a popular spot for water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and kitesurfing. You’ll also find a skatepark, trampolines, volleyball and an assortment of shoreside eateries. Palm West Beach, on the Palm Jumeirah, offers more water sports options, as well as a running trail and a sublime setting to watch the sun go down. Sunset Beach is an idyllic spot for relaxation, while Jumeirah Public Beach and Dubai Islands Beach are other excellent options, where you can swim in the sea and unwind on the sand.

Beach Activities

There’s no such thing as a boring beach day in Dubai. With a multitude of activities to discover, you’ll always find something to do, no matter your age or energy levels. A leisurely swim in the refreshing Arabian Gulf is a perfect way to stay cool, while water sports aplenty can also be enjoyed. Jet-skiing, parasailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling are all on offer, or you can take to the water for a relaxing boat cruise or fishing trip. Activities such as beach football, volleyball, jogging and workouts at outdoor gyms are other options. An early morning yoga session may be more to your liking, while children will enjoy flying kites, building sandcastles or tackling the AquaFun inflatable aqua park, featuring more than 110 obstacles.

Family-Friendly Beach Clubs

Treat your family during your summer holiday in Dubai with a day at a private beach club. Stretch out on a shaded daybed, swim in glistening temperature-controlled pools and take advantage of waiter service with refreshing drinks and delicious treats brought right to your sun lounger. A host of top spots offer family day passes that provide access to an array of impressive amenities. The beach club at Waldorf Astoria, Dubai Palm Jumeirah features pools, a Jacuzzi and kids club, while at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai you’ll discover a waterfall, lazy river, children’s pool, and playground. Enjoy an Australian flavour at The Byron Bathers Club, watch the kids have fun on the waterslide at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, or keep cool in an air-conditioned chalet at Al Mamzar Beach.

Beach Fun

Friends and couples seeking a livelier Dubai beach holiday experience will find a choice of spots where they can show up and show off. For laid-back days by the sand, irresistible Japanese, Italian and smokehouse flavours and vibrant nightlife, head to Bla Bla, at Jumeirah Beach Residence. Playa Beach Club, on Palm Beach West, is a venue where you can relax by an infinity pool, enjoy brunches, lunches, live music and ladies’ nights. Embrace colourful food, entertainment and art at BCH:CLB, at W Dubai - The Palm, where a DJ booth and cool tunes are at the heart of proceedings. Be Beach, at Dubai Harbour, offers sun-kissed bliss by day and world-class DJs in the evening, while a taste of the French Riviera and chilled-out tunes awaits at Verde Beach Dubai, at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Beach Dining

Flavoursome food to suit all tastes and cravings can be found within easy reach of Dubai’s sun-kissed sands. Everything from fast food favourites to gourmet delights is on the menu. Kite Beach is the place to discover mouthwatering burgers and sliders at Salt Food truck or shawarmas, sandwiches and wraps at Al Ijaza. Find wood-fired pizzas at Jones the Grocer, fresh seafood at The Byron Bathers Club, Mediterranean dishes at The Strand, or elevated Levantine cuisine at Ria Restaurant & Beach Bar, all on Palm Jumeirah. The Beach at JBR also has its share of enticing eateries, with Eggspectation and Catch22 among the options, serving cracking egg dishes and Asian-Fusion and international cuisine, respectively. An assortment of food kiosks and cafes can be found at other stretches of sand, while Mamzar Beach Park is a superb venue to host your own barbeque, offering 30 grilling spots.

“If you’re heading to Dubai this summer, you’re definitely going to want to pay a visit to one of the city’s fabulous beaches.

“Whether you’re holidaying with family, friends, as a couple or solo, you’ll find a stretch of sand perfect for you, with plenty of shady spots to relax in.

“You’ll also have your pick of beach clubs, with features including temperature-controlled pools, play areas and charming oceanfront restaurants.

“If you’re feeling active, you’ll have a myriad of water sports to choose from, allowing you to keep cool while still enjoying yourself.

“Don’t forget to pack plenty of high factor suncream, sunglasses and a hat to enjoy the beaches of Dubai safely.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Prepare to be seduced by Dubai’s beachfront beauty with a stay at this divine 5-star resort. Offering a splendid setting in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence, you’ll enjoy laid-back hours beside pristine sands, while being just steps away from the vibrant Walk at JBR. Luxurious living spaces ensure you feel right at room, while flavours from around the globe await in the superb restaurants. Other features include a spa, kids club, pools and a health club.

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Grand Hyatt Dubai

Overlooking Dubai’s historic creek, this award-winning 5-star hotel is supremely located for exploring the wondrous attractions in this dazzling city. You’ll enjoy VIP treatment right throughout your stay, with sophisticated accommodation, gourmet dining and impeccable service among the delights on offer. The sublime Ahasees Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness centre add to the appeal, while other leisure features include indoor and outdoor pools, a children’s club and shopping gallery.

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Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Embrace luxury beachfront living at this majestic 5-star haven on the blonde shores of the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Here you’ll enjoy indulgent treatment sessions and soothing massages in the spa, workout in the 24-hour gym and swim in the refreshing waters of the glistening pool. Lively evening entertainment and a fabulous kids club also await, as well as a host of inspiring dining destinations and exquisitely-appointed rooms or suites.

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Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel

Take flight to live the high life at this opulent 5-star oasis, where British charm combines perfectly with cosmopolitan luxury to provide a haven of pure comfort and relaxation. Days here can be spent on the sands of the pristine private beach, cooling off in the impressive infinity pool or enjoying energetic exercise sessions in the fitness studio. You’ll stay in ultra-plush living spaces and dine on tantalising creations in innovative restaurants.

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Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Heavenly moments of bliss await at this 5-star sanctum of tranquillity nestled beside a 200-metre stretch of soft white sand. An abundance of world-class facilities provide options for relaxation, recreation and rejuvenation, with a temperature-controlled swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, water sports and a kids club among the amenities available. You’ll enjoy restful nights in your luxurious room or suite, and discover exquisite restaurants offering the finest cuisine and exceptional service.

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Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf - Madinat Jumeirah

Live out your dreams at this indulgent 5-star haven, set amidst glistening waterways and beautiful gardens in Madinat Jumeirah, an authentic recreation of an ancient Arabian city. You’ll stay in sophisticated accommodation and be able to choose from a multitude of dining experiences. Exceptional leisure facilities include the Talise Spa, Sinbad Kids Club, a theatre, climbing wall and shops, while guests also enjoy complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark.

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