The Dubai coastline is an endless white coastline which, without considering administrative confines, unites a good six of the seven Emirates of the Confederation in a single stretch of the finest white sand and thriving palm trees close to the crystalline waters of the Arabian Gulf. Apart from the hotter months (from May to September) during which the beaches are frequented mostly after dusk and during the evening, they boast a magnetic attractive capacity for the rest of the year also and above all during the day, endowed as they are, apart from their undisputed natural beauty, with numerous high quality facilities which make them even more accommodating and also guarantee a high degree of safety and security.
The stretch of coast overlooked by Dubai is not very rugged, thus offering panoramic views which are of great charm, which seem to stretch out into infinity, thanks to the deep prospective that they offer. The seabed, which is generally shallow, ensures that children can also enjoy the irresistible benefits of sea water therapy.
It is therefore natural that bathing establishments along all of the coastal stretches be equipped to suit families and children thus offering an ample range of opportunities for entertainment and amusement, alongside the most attractive opportunities to practice water sports. Surfing and windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkeling and diving as well as just swimming itself. Very much present and extremely well organized, there are also the facilities related to catering: numerous bars, restaurant and pizzerias are available along the beaches and along the roads near the seafront, with large terraces on which to enjoy all kinds of sweet and savory specialties, accompanied by non-alcoholic drinks and for owners who have appropriate licenses, also drinks which are alcoholic.
Mercato Beach
The Mercato beach takes its name from the evocative shopping mall located on Jumeirah Road, in one of the most refined districts of Dubai. Mercato is a shopping mall with a very particular architectural design devoted entirely to the streets and squares of Italy. Their features are reproduced in colours, shapes and flooring and, indoors, in their furnishings, paintings and frescoes. The beach of the same name is distinguished by its tranquility and natural beauty as it is located in an evocative bay almost reminiscent of a lake, where, in the evenings, the numerous cafes and restaurants on the waterfront enjoy a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. The magnificent views of the Burj Khalifa and all of downtown Dubai make the Mercato beach a pearl which is not to be missed.
4x4 Beach
Considered by many to be an out and out “viewpoint”, to be appreciated both in sunlight and in the warm Dubai evenings for the magical view of the beach and the priceless view of the Burj Al Arab, the 4x4 Beach is close to the Jumeirah beach which takes up the baton proceeding along the extensive Dubai coastline. It is ideal for jogging on the sand and for playing beach volleyball.
Sunset Mall Beach
Still on the endless Jumeirah coastline and the road of the same name, the Sunset Mall beach, rich also in natural scenery also hosts the shopping mall from which it takes its name. Opened recently, it boasts a located that is genuinely unique, which makes it a destination not just for purchasing, but also for pleasant moments of relaxation, entertainment and gastronomy. The famed Dubai Offshore Sailing Club adds further prestige to the panorama.
Free-fun beach – known also as the Kitesurfing Beach
Continuing in an easterly direction towards Palm Jumeirah, in the district of Umm Suqeim, there appears the most “sporting” beach in Dubai, the uncontested paradise for enthusiasts of surfing, kayaking, water skiing, snorkeling and all other sea sports. Also those who simply like to spend time lying in the sun or in the cool shade of a parasol will find an environment perfect for relaxation.
Bu Qtair Beach
A delightful peninsula, in which a small bay hosts the Bu Qtair beach which is particularly appreciated for the fascinating views it offers to photography and film enthusiasts. For the same reason, it is vivacious in the evenings, offering restaurants, cafes and chalets directly overlooking the coastline.
Umm Suqeim Park Beach
Here, the Burj Al Arab is right within reach, positioned as it is opposite the artificial island dedicated to it, linked to the beach by a reinforced concrete bridge which can be travelled across only after authorization has been granted by the security staff in service in the square in front of the entry to the bridge, beside the Umm Suqeim Beach Park and the much famed Wild Wadi Park. Known also as Sunset Beach, it isn’t hard to see why, given the spectacle offered by the environment in its entirety, dominated by the Burj Al arab and the amazing alternating coloured lights which illuminate it from dusk and onwards throughout the night, it is unforgettable, becoming one of the most indelible memories for all of those who enjoy the sight. Immortalizing this scene is a must absolutely not to be resisted!
Needless to say, we are still on the Jumeirah Road, alongside the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, which in their turn are seen as icons of Dubai throughout the world.
Palace Beach
This is a stretch of the coastline which is rather hidden from view with regard to the main road, Al Sufouh Road, yet on account of its less prominent position, it offers particular tranquility and a breathtaking view of Palm Jumeirah. Once found, the road leads to the beach, which is also decked with lush vegetation. It is located at about half a kilometer from Media City.
Hidden Beach
Rather than an out and out beach, this is a secret “corner” of the coastline which is still not much frequented. The “Hidden Beach” is at short distance from the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Hotel and can be distinguished for its natural scenery, which is particularly suited for water sports, first among which snorkeling which allows you to admire the marine fauna of the area. Entrance is free.
Jumeirah Beach Park
Among the most popular “Beach Parks” in Dubai, there is the Jumeirah Beach Park which undoubtedly has a primary role, with its kilometer of coastline, strewn with splendid palms and equipped with refined services, including cafes, restaurants, snack bars, showers and a life guard service. Jumeriah is one of the most prestigious and fascinating areas in Dubai, in which you can find concentrated structures for accommodation, entertainment, transport and cutting edge services, as well as its giving its name to one of the three exclusive Palms. Palm Jumeirah consists of an archipelago of man-made islands (which together form a gigantic palm, to be admired as one flies over Dubai), upon which there are splendid hotels and residence centres, tourist ports, restaurants, night venues, cinemas and recreational structures of all kinds, villas and shopping malls. Another “pearl” of Jumeirah beach is the Burj Al Arab, the prestigious 7 star hotel in the shape of a sail which stands out on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beachand and is linked to land by a reinforced concrete bridge. It can be visited by non-resident members of the public, after booking and payment (there are various modalities and prices). Alongside, there is the renowned Wild Wadi, one of the Dubai entertainment water parks most famous worldwide, and, covering an immense surface area, the huge and evocative Madinat Jumeirah Hotel, five star extra luxury, which offers direct access to the beach of the same name.
JBR Beach
The Jumeirah Beach Resort Beach which slopes slightly along its entire length, extends below a “parade” of bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants, making it particularly attractive for spending the evening by the sea.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Equally renowned is the Al Mamzar Beach park, which is composed of four luxury beaches which are fully equipped and constantly frequented also by local residents. Among the many services available, perhaps the most attractive is that offering air conditioned chalets with an ample space equipped for barbecues. There are also several swimming pools with lifeguards constantly in attendance. There is also a bicycle hire service, a play area for children, sports equipment, and there is even a delightful train which can be used for crossing the park and a little amphitheatre where live music shows and theatre presentations are held. Generally, one day each week is devoted to families (Thursday or Friday: unaccompanied men are not admitted) and another (Wednesday) to women ( men are not admitted). The entrance ticket is very low priced as it costs around 0.50 Euros per person, with ample opening times which are from 08.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.
Apart from the already mentioned Palm Jumeirah, also Palm Deira and Palm Jebel Ali – the other two archipelagoes of artificial islands off the coast of Dubai – offer a multitude of beaches endowed with the most comfortable facilities.
You can reach the splendid Palms of Dubai: by land, and, exclusively for Palm Jumeirah, via the high speed Monorail, in operation since 2009, which travels along the entire trunk of the Palm, therefore also reaching the exclusive Atlantis resort; by sea, via an efficient taxi boat service (the characteristic “abras”) or with one’s own boat (given that each Palm also offers several tourist ports and related services); by air, via helicopter or hot air balloon.
Naturally, most of the hotels in Dubai (above all from 4 stars upwards) offer their guests a serviced private beach as well as a convenient shuttle bus service, which links the hotel to the beach area several times a day.
As in all public places in the Arab Emirates, it is opportune also on the beach to respect the etiquette which is foreseen in the local culture and in usage and custom, based as it is on little other than sound good sense:
- Upon arrival on the beach, refrain from settling oneself beside the only person or the small number of other people already present. Such behaviour would be interpreted as a form of obtrusiveness.
- If there are other people nearby, do not feed the seagulls or other animals. Some people do not like seeing them around or flying about near them.
- For men: boxer shorts or white slip underwear are not swimming costumes. Not only, they become almost indecent when wet after bathing.
- For women: the same obtains for white bikinis.
- Please remove your litter from the beach.
- If you wish to smoke on the beach, please bring a small container in which to collect the butts, which would otherwise end up in the sea.
- Please do not shake your beach towel in the vicinity of other people.
- Please refrain, as in all public places, from inappropriate expressions and gestures of intimacy.