Jumeirah

Visit Jumeirah and you'll find yourself surrounded by bougainvillea-laden villas, a thriving cafe scene and chic malls by the sea – it's easy to see why this affluent coastal district is one of Dubai's most prestigious locales.

Spread out along the coast of Dubai there’s plenty to explore in Jumeirah, from beaches and opulent resorts to cafes and boutiques tucked inside luxurious villas. Scroll down for our guide on where to eat, stay, shop and more.

Jumeirah has undergone quite an evolution in the past few years, with several projects opening up new ways to enjoy the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Dubai's coastline has been extended to include Pearl Jumeira, home to Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, and Jumeirah Bay Island, a prestigious residential island with the Bvlgari hotel and beach club.

Don't miss Jumeirah's famous public beaches, including Kite Beach, Sunset Beach and Nessnass Beach (also known as Jumeirah Open Beach), both of which are free and open to the public. Here you'll find all sorts of activities, from watersports, beach football, parasailing and more – making them great places to get active, or just to enjoy Jumeirah's atmosphere from the sand.

Another great spot is J1 Beach, a high-end coastal strip featuring premium beach clubs and restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines and experiences.

Jumeirah is famous for out-of-the-box coffee shops like Comptoir 102 that combines caffeinated blends with hand-picked buys, or SEVA, which is focused on health, and offers a completely plant-based menu.

There are dozens of other great Jumeirah cafes throughout the neighbourhood, including the quirky Bikers Cafe (not just for bikers), Instagram-favourite Saya Brasserie at Wasl 51, and the Emirati-owned Kulture House, which also offers an art gallery and store.

You can find many more intriguing and exclusive shops along Jumeirah Beach Road. And nearby shopping centres such as Mercato Mall, Town Centre Jumeirah and Sunset Mall see the best luxury boutiques and homegrown concepts mingle.

The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is a popular foodie choice – aside from its luxury suites and golden sand beach, it has a dedicated Restaurant Village that boasts exceptional eateries including Peruvian favourite Coya, a Michelin-selected restaurant, and Nusr-Et (made famous by ‘Salt Bae’). 

For more Michelin-recognised cuisine in the neighbourhood, head to Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, where 3fils sits overlooking the water, and serves Michelin-selected Asian food. And at Dar Wasl Mall, Bib Gourmand winner Reif Japanese Kushiyaki offers Japanese and Singaporean street food in a relaxed setting.

More dining options include Yaba by Chef Shaheen – the innovative Iraqi restaurant run by MasterChef star Shaheen at Wasl Vita Mall. Or try Orfali Bros in Wasl 51, which is loved for its innovative twist on Middle Eastern cuisine. And Tent Jumeirah Restaurant, designed in the traditional Old Dubai style and offering delicious fresh seafood to go with its stunning sea views.

At J1 Beach, discover chic St. Tropez export Gigi Rigolatto, the vibrant Tulum-born concept Gitano and Sirene by Gaia – the brainchild of popular Dubai chef Izu Ani as well as several other high-end hotspots.

For the ultimate in luxury, Jumeirah has a number of beachside resorts which rank among the best in the world, including the Four Seasons Dubai, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira and Bulgari Resort. These stunning properties offer private beaches, the highest level of amenities, and some of the best restaurants in the city.

If your budget doesn't quite stretch that far, have a look at some of Jumeirah's other five-star hotels. Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa and Hyatt Centric Jumeirah are both by the sea making them perfect for a beach holiday. For a more urban stay, La Ville Hotel & Suites at City Walk puts you right in the heart of a bustling commercial centre, with great dining and shopping right on your doorstep.

Jumeirah also offers great four-star hotels, including Roda Beach Resort and Beach Walk Hotel - as their names suggest, both properties are great for the beach, and are perfect for exploring Jumeirah's leafy streets. Or for a Jumeirah hotel with views of the Burj Khalifa, try Leva Hotel Mazaya Centre, conveniently located by Sheikh Zayed Road.

There are also plenty of budget options for Jumeirah hotels - ideal for when you're planning to spend most of your time exploring the city. Home-grown Dubai hotel chain Rove has two properties in the neighbourhood, one near J1 Beach and the other close to City Walk. And Holiday Inn Express also offers hotels in the area, close to Jumeirah Beach, and next to Safa Park.

By public transport: While there are no nearby metro stations, several public buses cover the Jumeirah area – ask your hotel concierge for the best route. Also consider taking a ferry to the Dubai Canal Marine Transport Station.

By car: The two main roads running through Jumeirah are Jumeirah Beach Road, which is closest to the coast, and Al Wasl Road, which is further inland. You'll find most of Jumeirah's sights either on these roads, or just a short distance away. Be aware that at peak times, these roads can be very busy.

By taxi: Taxis are a great way to get to and around Jumeirah, and can generally drop you right at your destination.