It’s time to gather up the kids, apply the SPF, and grab your buckets and spades as you head out the door, mamas, as we’ve rounded up the 10 best beaches in and around Dubai…
What’s better than a sprawling park, mamas? A sprawling park with four pristine beaches, of course! Located near Al Hamriya Port on the outskirts of Dubai, you can expect plenty of space, calm waters, manicured lawns, palm trees offering shade, barbecue facilities, and a choice of play areas for kids. It’s the ideal beach if you want to make a whole day of it, so why not pack a blanket and picnic to move between sand and lawn whenever little tummies are rumbling?
AED 5 per person, AED 30 per car. Near to Al Hamriya Port. (+971) (04) 2966201
You’ll find the entrance to Black Palace Beach between the large palaces on King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (formally Al Sufouh Street, running between Dubai Marina and Beach Road). This is as basic as it gets in terms of facilities, with a sand car park and no refreshment outlets, showers, or toilets – but what it lacks in luxuries is more than made up for by the amazing views down to Burj al Arab, the long stretch of sand (which is pretty quiet if you get there early enough in the morning), and the still, gentle waters. For good old fashioned fun on the beach that doesn’t cost you single dirham (not even for parking), it’s a fantastic choice.
Free. King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, Dubai.
You don’t have to be a member to enjoy the beautiful ladies-only beach at Dubai Ladies Club, mamas; you can pay to visit for the day, with prices starting at 175 AED per adult on week days. And if Mondays work well for you, a current promotion offers 50% off entrance all day, making it even more affordable. You can expect comfortable sun beds, umbrellas, al fresco dining, and a peaceful ambience that you just won’t find on public beaches across town. Kids are welcome too, along with their nannies at a reduced rate, so you can lie back, relax, and enjoy the sunshine.
Daily entrance from 175 AED per adult and 65 AED per child (50% off on Mondays). Membership rates on request. Dubai Ladies Club, Beach Road, Jumeirah.
As views from a sun lounger go, it doesn’t get much better than the beach at Fairmont The Palm. The vista of Dubai Marina in the distance is certainly impressive, not to mention the stretch of perfect white sand and bright blue water beyond your bed. In fact, this beach should be on every Dubai resident’s bucket list (if only for the photos to take back home). And why not bring the kids along too and check them into the award-winning kid’s club while you lie back and relax? With a splash pad outdoors and plenty to entertain them inside, they’ll enjoy the day out as much as you do…
Daily entrance from 250 AED per adult and 150 AED per child.. Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah.
There’s always been a stretch of public beach in front of Jumeirah Beach Residence – but the recent development of The Beach has seriously upped its game. You now have ample parking on site, shower and toilet facilities, umbrella and bed hire, a plethora of restaurants and cafes within a few strides of the sand, kid’s play areas and splash zones, and a running track adjacent to the beach. There’s a pop-up market every weekend during the cooler months too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try a spot of camel riding. Just bear in mind that roads in the area get busy at the weekend, so head down as early as possible to avoid the traffic. Or why not leave the car at home and treat the kids to a ride on the Dubai Tram, which stops within easy walking distance of the beach?
Free (with paid parking in car park). JBR The Beach, Dubai Marina.
It may be one of Dubai’s original public beaches, but its popularity hasn’t waned, with people from all walks of life coming together and enjoying time on the sand. There are toilet and shower facilities on site, refreshment stands, kid’s play areas, picnic tables, and a running track alongside the beach. Head down there late afternoon and enjoy the views, mamas. Look one way and you’ll see the sun dipping below the sea against an orange sky, and then then look the other for a spectacular cityscape of Dubai that will have you pulling out your camera.
Free (with paid parking on street or in car park). Jumeirah 1, Dubai.
Seasoned Dubai Mamas know that Kite Beach is about more than just stretches of white sand. You do have that, of course, along with turquoise waters, shower and toilet facilities, and cafés and restaurants on tap. You also have a running track adjacent to the beach, making it ideal for taking along scooters or bikes, a large trampoline park, several kid’s play areas, amazing views, and easy parking (on the street or in the paid car park). It has a relaxed holiday vibe, which makes it one of Dubai’s most popular beaches. Get there early at the weekend to park, dine, play, and relax.
Free (paid parking in street or car park). Kite Beach, Beach Road, Jumeirah 3.
Whether you head over after school drop off to enjoy some peace and quiet or you to take the kids to splash in the shore, Riva Beach Club is a great way to enjoy the comforts of a private beach club without having to pay hotel prices. Located in front of Shoreline Buildings on Palm Jumeirah, the club offers 300 meters of pristine white sand, plenty of beds and umbrellas, a choice of water sports, toilet and shower facilities, and a waiter service for food and drink. And if you like a soundtrack to your days on the beach mama, you can lie back and listen to tunes from the club’s resident DJs.
From 115 AED per adult and 60 AED per child. Riva Beach Club, Palm Jumeirah.
Want something really special? Look no further than Royal Island Beach Club, which is located out at sea on The Island (within The World Islands, no less). You need to jump on a speed boat to reach it, with departures every hour from Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. When you reach the island, you have two beaches to choose from, but we recommend settling down at South side beach, which has 360 degree panoramic views of the Dubai skyline (just wait until you see it, mamas!). You’d think something as luxurious as this would have the price tag to match, but daily beach access is surprisingly affordable, and there are restaurants to dine in, water sports to enjoy, and plenty of beds and umbrellas to make your visit as relaxing and memorable as you’d expect in such a unique location.
From 200 AED per adult and 100 AED per child. The Island, The World Islands.
Located just beyond Burj al Arab, Umm Suqeim Beach is a stretch of public beach just across the road for the small, but very charming Umm Suqeim Park. Don’t forget your cameras mamas, as the views back to Burj al Arab are fantastic (there’s a reason why this is a popular spot for professional photo shoots, after all!) You’ll find several pop-up refreshment stalls, but few other facilities, so make sure you pack exactly what you need for the kiddos. Parking can be hard at busy times, so get there early at the weekend or be prepared to drive around a few times to find your spot.
Free (with paid street parking). Beach Road (adjacent to the turning for Al Thanya Street).
