Find your perfect beach escape in Dubai

Head to the buzzing Kite Beach in Jumeirah, where activity-loving families and Dubai's hippest crowds go to cool off. A well-kept strip with plenty of space, there are a host of sports on offer including kitesurfing, beach football, beach tennis and volleyball, plus a skatepark and kids' play facilities. To refuel, the food truck-turned-beach-shack Salt serves up shakes and sliders so good, it attracts citywide food lovers. 

Go to Sunset Beach and rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from the nearby Surf House Dubai to hang ten with top wave riders. Home to Dubai's biggest swells in winter, this surfing beach has one of the city's most spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab. With a relaxed set-up offering organic RAW coffee, yoga, workshops, rental boards and even SUP meditation classes, a thriving community of surfers has succeeded in creating a vibe similar to the world's most famous beach towns.

Black Palace Beach is a stretch of public beach on Al Sufouh Street that is still relatively unknown, hence its nickname, Secret Beach. This pristine stretch of sand is popular with young families, with kids making the most of the soft golden sands. Nestled between Dubai Media City and the royal summer palaces, the beach faces Palm Jumeirah with gentle shores, perfect for splashing and paddling in the winter sunshine. Grab a seat on the rocks and revel in a beautiful sunset.

Pristine shores meet world-class shopping at The Beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). A one-stop-shop for sea, sand, shopping and snacks, it has premium facilities, cafes and play areas for children. Those who don't like getting sandy can rest on the beach cabanas or be entertained by traditional camel rides and an offshore waterpark shaped to spell ‘Dubai’. Meanwhile, the unmissable Ain Dubai, the largest observation wheel in the world, is perched on Bluewaters Island – a short walk away from JBR.

Named after its up-and-coming neighbourhood on the water, Dubai Islands Beach is emerging as the latest spot in the city for a refreshing dip and shoreside entertainment. Located off the coast of Dubai’s older hub – Deira – it is the city’s first fully pet-friendly beach, allowing owners to bring their dogs along for a scenic jog or swim. To take in new perspectives of the city skyline while getting your fill of thrills on the waves, you can try the non-motorised watersports on offer – like the kayaking and paddleboarding sessions operated by Blue Safari. If you prefer to sweat it out on the sand, simply rally your crew for a friendly game of football or beach volleyball.