Beaches For Swimming, Surfing, Or Relaxing in Dubai

Dubai is a tourist paradise, with miles of beautiful beaches stretching along the Arabian Gulf coastline. But which are the best ones you shouldn't miss during your visit? Here we present you with Dubai's best beaches, both free and paid, that you can visit for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing.

We've segregated the beaches into two categories: free beaches and beaches with an entrance fee. Let's take a look at what they have to offer and how you can enjoy your day at those beaches.

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Top free beaches in Dubai

The list of free beaches includes the ones that don't cost you money to go and enjoy. Swimming and relaxing on these beaches are free. However, other amenities and activities are subject to charges. Nearby eateries, restaurants, water sports, and activities aren't free. Free beaches strictly mean no entrance fee. Let's see which free beaches made the cut to our list of the top free beaches.

1. Jumeirah Public Beach (Nessnass Beach)

Jumeirah Public Beach, also known as Nessnass Beach, is a must-visit in Dubai. It is one of Dubai's most prominent beaches. It's a secure, family-friendly beach that integrates several eateries, restaurants, and drink stalls. It facilitates good changing areas, showers, and lifeguards. This beach's serenity with crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming, cycling, jogging, and relaxing on the beach. Early visits will guarantee you good spots.

• Location: Jumeirah - Jumeirah 1 - Dubai
• Timing: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
• Activities: swimming, beach cycling, jogging, basking on the beach
• Amenities & facilities: showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, restaurants, and cafes
• Nearby landmarks: Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Mosque, and Wild Wadi Water Park
• Transportation: Buses, taxis, personal or rental cars
• Nearest bus station: Maharba Masjid 1 (Bus no. 8, 9, C10, and X28)
• Top hotels nearby: Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, and Rove La Mer Beach, Jumeirah

2. Kite Beach

As the name suggests, Kite Beach is the hub for watersports. It's reputed for kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding, and so on. You can go to this beach for adrenaline-rushing sports or to relish the beautiful sunset with several adventure seekers hovering over the Arabian Gulf.

• Location: Kite Beach - Dubai
• Timing: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 and 01:00 a.m.
• Activities: Kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball, swimming
• Amenities & facilities: showers, toilets, charging spots, gyms, libraries, restaurants, cafes, food trucks,
• Nearby landmarks: Jumeirah Madinat, Burj Al Arab, X Park by Etisalat
• Transportation: Bus, taxi, private or rental car
• Nearest bus station: Umm Suqeim 1-1 (Bus no. 8, 9, C10, and N55)
• Top nearby hotels: Beach Walk Hotel - Jumeriah and Beach Walk Boutique Hotel – Jumeriah

3. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is yet another popular beach in Dubai. It is known for its calm atmosphere and mesmerizing sunset views over Dubai's skyline. Relish this amazing beach south of the Dubai Water Canal. It's perfect for cycling, leisurely strolls, swimming, and surfing. It truly lives up to your expectations. Early birds get better spots.

• Location: 56MF+VQ2 - Jumeirah - Jumeirah 3 - Dubai
• Timing: 24/7
• Activities: swimming, surfing, jogging/strolling, picnic
• Amenities & facilities: Showers, changing rooms, library, lifeguards, paid parking, hotels, restaurants, malls
• Nearby landmarks: Umm Suqeim Park, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall
• Transportation: Bus, taxi, private or rental car
• Nearest bus station: Saeed Majid Bil Yoha Masjid 2 (Bus No. 8, 81, 88, and N55)
• Top nearby hotels: Beach Walk Hotel - Jumeriah and Roda Beach Resort

4. JBR Beach

This beach at the heart of Dubai Marina is one of a kind. Dubai's top attractions, such as Marina Walk, Dubai Marina Mall, and sky-piercing towers, surround it. It's definitely one of the most abundant beaches, filled with cafes, restaurants, and stalls. Because of its easy accessibility, it can be very crowded. If you are into lively crowds, this is definitely the beach for you.

• Location: Dubai Marina - Dubai
• Timing: 24 hours every day
• Activities: Beach yoga, tennis, volleyball, frees bee, kayaking, aqua slide, fly board, jet ski, shopping, dining, swimming, and more
• Amenities & facilities: paid parking, showers and changing facilities, rental umbrellas and beach lounge chairs, free Wi-Fi, lifeguards, restaurants, cafes, and juice bars
• Nearby landmarks: Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Walk, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Harbor, and Ain Dubai
• Transportation: bus, taxi, private and rental cars
• Nearest bus station: Jumeirah Beach Residence 1, Seaside (8, 84, N55)
• Top nearby hotels: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, and Mövenpick Jumeirah Beach

5. Al Mamzer Beach

This beach is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful. It's not too crowded, making it a perfect place for cycling and strolling along the Al Mamzer Lake coastline. Good changing areas, showers, and ample eateries are nearby, making it an excellent choice. It's one of Dubai's most beloved beaches.

• Location: Al Mamzer Beach
• Timing: 24/7
• Activities: watersports, jogging, cycling, BBQ, picnic, swimming, and dining
• Amenities & facilities: changing rooms, toilets, cycling and jogging tracks, restaurants, tea club
• Nearby landmarks: Al Mamzer Beach Park, Mamzer Corniche, Expo Center Sharjah, Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, and Target Sport (American football field)
• Transportation: Bus, taxi, private or rental car
• Nearest bus station: Mamzar, Beach 3-1 (Bus No. C28 and W20)
• Top nearby hotels: Movenpick Al Mamzar and Lavender Hotel Al Nahda

6. J1 Beach (formerly La Mer Beach)

J1 Beach, widely known as La Mer Beach, can be your pick if you love a good beach day filled with nice food and exploration. It's a solid destination for individuals who want a complete day out on the beach. It boasts good facilities, clean water, and a peaceful beach.

• Location: Jumeirah 1 - Dubai
• Timing: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
• Activities: swimming, skateboarding, gymnasium, beach sports, walking, shopping
• Amenities & facilities: paid parking, showers, changing areas, water park, lifeguards, umbrellas, juice bars, gelato counters, burger joints
• Nearby landmarks: AlWasl Park 1, Khadri Mosque, Jumeirah Mosque, and Dubai International Art Center
• Transportation: bus, taxi, private and rental car
• Nearest bus station: Beach Center 1 (Bus No. 8, 9, 88, C10)
• Top nearby hotels: Rove La Mer Beach, Jumeirah and Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

7. Mercato Beach

Mercato is arguably the most serene beach in Dubai. Few people frequent this beach, which contributes to its tranquility. It might feel like a private beach at certain times. It's the beach for peace lovers who want to enjoy jaw-dropping sunsets over the western horizon.

• Location: 152 4b St - Jumeirah 1 - Dubai
• Timing: 24/7
• Activities: cycling, jogging, swimming, dining, basking on the beach
• Amenities & facilities: free beach library, changing stations, showers, paid parking, public toilets, restaurants, malls, and eateries
• Nearby landmarks: Mercato Shopping Mall, Galleria Mall Al Wasl, Sky Views Observatory, City Walk, and Coca-Cola Arena
• Transportation: bus, taxi, private and rental car
• Nearest bus station: Hassa Bint Al Murr Masjid 1 (Bus No. 8, 9, 88, C10)
• Top nearby hotels: Bulgari Resort Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, and Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

8. Sufouh Beach

Sufouh Beach is another less-crowded beach. It has a tranquil atmosphere, and not many visitors flock to this beach. It's perfect for volleyball, relaxing, and swimming. Some basic requirements might be missing, but regardless, it is a recommended beach you should try out once and find out if you vibe with it or not.

• Location: Al Sufouh - Al Sufouh 1 - Dubai
• Timing: 24 hours every day
• Activities: swimming, picnicking, and fishing
• Amenities & facilities: swimming, picnicking, fishing, free parking, lifeguards, beach volleyball, no eateries (carry food and drinks)
• Nearby landmarks: Palm Jumeirah, Madinat Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab
• Transportation: bus, taxi, private or rental car
• Nearest bus station: Dubai College 1 (Bus No. 8, 88, N55)
• Top nearby hotels: La Suite Dubai Hotel & Apartments and Holiday Inn Express | Dubai Internet City, an IHG Hotel

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9. Dubai Island Beach

Dubai Island Beach will undoubtedly grow among visitors with time. Given its location on the Dubai Islands, Dubai Island Beach stands apart from typical tourist attractions. It has a clean and soothing atmosphere. This beach boasts a peaceful environment and fewer crowds. It has good amenities and plenty of activities to enjoy during the visit.

• Location: Dubai Islands – Dubai
• Timing: 24 hours every day
• Activities: swimming, surfing, jogging, dog walking, picnic
• Amenities & facilities: showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, hotels, restaurants, local eateries
• Nearby landmarks: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Museum, and Al Waheeda Mosque
• Transportation: bus, taxi, private or rental car
• Nearest bus station: Souk Al Marfa Deira (Bus No. SM1)
• Top nearby hotels: Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai and Hotel Riu Dubai

Top beaches in Dubai with entrance fee

This list of Dubai's top beaches with entrance fees includes private beaches, beach clubs, and hotel and resort beaches. These beaches typically charge an entrance fee and are exclusively accessible to their patrons. Some of them allow external beachgoers for a fee.

1. Palm West Beach

It's a shared beach among several restaurants and hotels. Anyone can visit this beach, but they must be customers of any service provider to use its facilities. This beach boasts an abundance of eateries, bars, and lounges, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful and picturesque evening.

• Location: 444V+J99 West Beach - The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai
• Timing: 08:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• Entrance fee: free for the customer to any service provider.
• Activities: jogging, swimming, dining, drinking, pool parties, paddle boarding
• Amenities & facilities: restaurants, clubs, private beach
• Nearby landmarks: The Pointe - Palm Jumeirah Fountain Walk, Atlantis–The Palm, Dubai Marina Walk, and The Palace of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
• Transportation: tram, taxi, private or rental car
• Nearest tram station: Al Ittihad Park

2. Fairmont The Palm

This is a private beach at Fairmont The Palm, a luxurious hotel on the southern side of the Palm Jumeirah trunk. It also opens its doors to outsiders with a pool and beach pass for a fee. It's filled with amazing beaches and amenities—just a 5-star hotel beach.

• Location: Palm Jumeirah - The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai
• Timing: 6:30 a.m. to sunset
• Entrance fee: starting from AED 150 (for children) and AED 250 (for adults) for 1-day pool and beach access
• Activities: Wakeboarding, kayaking, catamaran, paddle boarding, waterskiing, banana boating, etc.
• Amenities & facilities: changing areas, showers, lifeguards, restaurants, cafes, night pool parties, complimentary valet parking, and more.
• Nearby landmarks: Skydive Dubai, The Pointe–Palm Jumeirah Fountain, Aquaventure Waterpark, and Dubai Marina Walk
• Transportation: tram, private, and rental car
• Nearest tram station: Al Ittihad Park

3. Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach Dubai

This 5-star hotel's private beach is filled with everything you need for a luxurious beach day. Top-tier amenities and excellent services. However, only beach club members can access the beach. The beach membership is extremely expensive, starting at AED 45,000 for six months.

• Location: Jumeirah Beach Rd - Jumeirah - Jumeirah 2 - Dubai
• Timing: open 24/7 for resort customers
• Entrance fee: beach club membership starts at AED 45,000/6 months. 9 months and yearly subscriptions are available for single and couples
• Activities: swimming, wake skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, fly board, banana boat, and more
• Amenities & facilities: restaurants, bars, lounges, night club, fitness center, complimentary valet parking, and so on
• Nearby landmarks: Dubai Water Canal, Safa Park, City Walk, and Galleria Mall Al Wasl
• Transportation: Bus, taxi, private or rental car
• Nearest tram station: Hilton Beach Club (Bus No. 8, 88, and N55)

4. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa

This beach is located at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa, a 5-star hotel in Dubai Marina. Even the public beaches in this area are opulent. Imagine how lavish this beach is. It costs at least AED 100 for children and AED 200 for adults. If you stay at this resort, you can have an amazing beach day.

• Location: Dubai Marina - Dubai
• Timing: around the clock for Le Royal Méridien customers
• Entrance fee: AED 200 (for adults) and AED 100 (for children 4–12 years) for day pass
• Activities: swimming, wind surfing, kayaking, sailing, waterski, banana boat rides, etc.
• Amenities & facilities: steakhouses, bars, lounges, restaurants, cafes, changing rooms, showers, and more
• Nearby landmarks: Dubai Harbor, Ain Dubai, Dubai Marina Mall, and Palm Jumeirah
• Transportation: Bus, taxi, private and rental car
• Nearest tram station: Jumeirah, Royal Meridian 1 (Bus No. 8, 88, and N55)

5. Madinat Jumeirah Resort

This beach is located in one of Dubai's finest areas. It features several water sports, lavish sunbeds, umbrellas, eateries, and beverage stalls. Even external visitors can enjoy its amenities with a beach day pass for adults and children for a fee starting at AED 295.

• Location: Al Sufouh 1 - Dubai
• Timing: 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• External guest entrance fee: Beach day pass: AED 450 (on weekdays) and AED 595 (on weekends) for adults and AED 295 (on weekdays) and AED 395 (on weekends) for children (1–15 years old)
• Activities: sailing, water surfing, skiing, kayaking, banana rides, and wakeboarding
• Amenities & facilities: sunbeds, umbrellas, food and beverages (for external guests). Resort customers can enjoy all other resort amenities (paid and unpaid).
• Nearby landmarks: Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Mall of the Emirates
• Transportation: Buses, taxis, private and rental cars
• Nearest tram station: Madinat Jumeirah 1 (Bus No. 8, 88, and N55)

6. The Westin Mina Seyahi

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina boasts a beautiful private beach filled with every amenity for a perfect beach day. It also allows external visitors to purchase beach passes for a fee of AED 125 and up. It offers a variety of water sports, exceptional amenities, and upscale dining and drink options.

• Location: Dubai Marina - Dubai
• Timing: 24/7 open for Westin customers
• Entrance fees: start from AED 225 (for adults) and AED 125 (children: 4–12) for pool and private beach passes
• Activities: paddle boarding, kayaking, water skiing, fun tube ride, knee boarding, boat cruise, and more
• Amenities & facilities: restaurants, bars, bakeries, night pool party, complimentary valet parking, kids club, tennis court, etc.
• Nearby landmarks: Dubai Marina, Dubai Mall, Dubai Media City Park, Dubai Marina Walk, etc.
• Transportation: bus, tram, taxi, private or rental car
• Nearest tram station: Media City Tram Bus Station 1 (Bus No. 8)

Note: This information was correct at the time of creation. Certain elements like prices, services, and amenities, can change with time. For cross-checking accurate information, we recommend visiting their official sites.

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Bottomline

Every beach in Dubai has its own characteristics, whether private or public. You will have an amazing experience. You should definitely check out the above-mentioned free and private beaches while you are in Dubai. Choosing one of the hotels and resorts can also be a good idea to enjoy their top-tier private beaches. Contact us for amazing vacation rentals that will allow you to visit these beaches with ease and convenience.