Find Your Perfect Beach: A Guide To The Best Free Beaches In Dubai

Did you know that there are several free beaches in Dubai for you to enjoy? Dubai is renowned for its beautiful coastline and opulent lifestyle.

These idyllic locations are great for swimming, sunbathing, and socializing since they have beautiful seas, golden beaches, and a bustling ambiance.

From popular destinations like Jumeirah Beach to hidden gems off the beaten path, there’s a beach for every preference and mood.

Whether you’re a family looking for a safe spot to play with the kids or a couple seeking a serene escape, Dubai’s free beaches have something for everyone.

Here is a list of free beaches in Dubai: Kite Beach, JBR Beach, Al Sufouh Beach (Secret Beach), Jumeirah Open Beach, La Mer, Sunset Beach, Jebel Ali Beach.

Kite Beach

If you’re looking for a friendly and lively atmosphere at a free beach in Dubai, Kite Beach is the perfect place for you. It’s favored for its azure sea, clean sand, and ideal wind conditions, making it excellent for kite surfing.

Besides, it’s known for being not too crowded, allowing you to enjoy the relaxing environment.

At Kite Beach, you’ll find a wide range of activities, from water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding to a skate park and fitness areas.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment; you can easily rent a kite and other gear at the beach. The full set (kite, board, harness, leash) will cost 250 AED per hour.

If you want to teach the basics of kite control, safety, and board skills, there are a variety of lessons available for all skill levels at KiteSurf School.

The beginner course is priced at AED 1,400 for a 3-hour lesson, while the intermediate course is priced at AED 1,700 for a 3-hour lesson. The advanced course is priced at AED 1,900 for a 3-hour lesson. A single 1-hour individual lesson costs 429 AED.

Plus, Kite Beach, as well as other beaches in Dubai, has received the prestigious blue flag recognition due to its high standards of safety, cleanliness, and access.

Opening Hours: 24 hours (but night swimming is not allowed)

Address: Kite Beach – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

How To Reach: by car, by bus: routes 8, 88, F55A, by Metro: Noor Bank metro station is the closest to Kite Beach, then you have to take a taxi or bus

Key Features:

• Toilet:  yes (free)
• Shower: yes (free)
• Changing Rooms: No, but you can use the WC area
• Lifeguards: yes
• Umbrellas: 60 AED per day
• Sun Loungers:  110 AED per day
• Free Wi-Fi: yes
• Cafes, shops, and restaurants:  lots of dining and shopping options near the Kite Beach
• Facilities: fitness areas, water sports, kids play area, Kite Surf School, beach library, bikes for rent, foot washer, volleyball courts, padel courts
• Parking: paid parking (10 AED per hour), free parking spaces near cafe ‘Salt’ and

Sights nearby: Jumeirah Beach Park, XPark Jr., Sunset Mall

JBR Beach

JBR Beach is a bustling and lively waterfront neighborhood in Dubai. This 2 km long beach offers something for everyone. With its clean sands and green lawns, you’ll feel right at home in this friendly beachside community.

The beach is mostly crowded all the time but can get extremely crowded during peak hours and weekends.

Once you’re settled on the sand, you’ll notice a wide range of cafes and restaurants lining the promenade. Here, you can indulge in anything from a simple snack to a gourmet meal while soaking in the beach views.

Shopping enthusiasts will also find a range of shops and souvenir stands where they can pick up a unique memento of their time at JBR Beach.

For those interested in water sports, there are numerous water sports equipment rental options available. You can try your hand at paddle boarding, wake- or flyboarding, jet skiing, or even rent a kayak to explore the waters of JBR Beach on your own.

Opening Hours: 24 hours (night swimming is allowed)

Address: 34JM+CHQ – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

How To Reach: by car or taxi, by bus: routes 8, 84, 55A, by Metro: Dubai Marina metro stop or Jumeirah Lake Towers + Dubai tram or a 10-minute walk

Key Features:

• Toilet:  Yes (free)
• Shower: Yes (5-30 AED)
• Changing Rooms: Yes (free)
• Lifeguards: Yes, working till sunset
• Umbrellas: Yes (paid option)
• Sun Loungers: Yes (from AED 110)
• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Cafes, shops, and restaurants:  Lots of dining and beachfront shopping options
• Facilities: Kayak rental (70-100 AED per 30 minutes), water sports equipment rental (from 20 AED), restroom facilities, kids play area, jogging tracks, fitness area, beach library, foot washers
• Parking: 3 free hours of underground parking in case you spend 100 AED at JBR or 20 AED per hour

Sights nearby: Aquafun Water Park, The Walk, The Flying Cup, Ain Dubai, Dubai Marina, Bluewater Island, Madame Tussauds Museum, Dubai Marina Mall, Xline Dubai Marina, and many others.

Al Sufouh Beach (aka Secret Beach, aka Black Palace Beach)

Looking for a hidden beach to relax and unwind during your time in Dubai? Look no further than Al Sufouh Beach – also known as the Secret Beach or Black Palace Beach.

This public beach is a local favorite, offering seclusion and a serene atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike.

Nestled between the iconic Burj Al Arab and the man-made wonder Palm Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Beach offers incredible views and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find in many of Dubai’s free beach destinations.

Once you’re there, you’ll be greeted by a peaceful atmosphere with a gradual and sloping entry into the water, perfect for the whole family or those just looking to take a leisurely swim.

For a more active experience, feel free to bring along a volleyball and take advantage of the beach’s available volleyball net.

Opening Hours: 24 hours (night swimming is not allowed)

Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Al Sufouh – Al Sufouh 1 – Dubai

How To Reach: by car or taxi, by bus: routes 8, F55A to Sufouh Road or Dubai College stops

Key Features:

• Toilet:  no
• Shower: no
• Changing Rooms:  no
• Lifeguards: yes
• Umbrellas: no
• Sun Loungers:  no
• Free Wi-Fi: no
• Cafes, shops, and restaurants:  no
• Facilities: only volleyball net
• Parking: free

Sights nearby: Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah, Mall of the Emirates

Jumeirah Open Beach

At Jumeirah Open Beach, you can enjoy a spacious and clean stretch of sand, perfect for a relaxing day under the sun. Located between Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Four Seasons Resort Dubai, this public beach is known for offering a wide range of activities and amenities for you to enjoy.

The clear waters make it an inviting place for a swim or to participate in some water sports.

The long entry into the water is ideal for swimmers of all experience levels. With lifeguards on duty, you can feel safe while taking a dip in the ocean. For the more adventurous, there are options to rent surfboards, catamarans, and jet skis to explore the waters further.

There are several food and retail options close to Jumeirah Open Beach. Treat yourself to a delicious supper after a day at the beach, or look around the neighborhood stores for trinkets. Everything you want for the ideal beach day is nearby and convenient.

Opening Hours: 24 hours (night swimming is allowed)

Address: 664R+QH3 – Jumeirah St – Jumeirah – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai

How To Reach: by car or taxi, by bus: routes 8 (Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Stop), F55A (Saeed Majid Bil Yoha Masjid), 81 (Mall Of Emirates Metro Bus Stop)

Key Features:

• Toilet:  yes (free)
• Shower: yes (free)
• Changing Rooms:  yes (free)
• Lifeguards: yes
• Umbrellas: Yes (60 AED + sun loungers)
• Sun Loungers:  yes
• Free Wi-Fi: yes
• Cafes, shops, and restaurants: close to the beachfront
• Facilities: kids play area, water filling and charging stations, beach library, jogging tracks, bike paths, scooter/electric cycle/ bike rent, surf/catamarans/jet skis rental
• Parking: 4 AED per hour

Sights nearby: Umm Suqeim Park, Mercato Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Mosque, Wild Wadi Water Park

Check out our blog post about the best water parks in Dubai!

La Mer

La Mer is a fantastic beach destination in the heart of Dubai. You’ll find clean blue water with a gradual and smooth entry to the water, making it perfect for a free and enjoyable beach experience.

One of the great advantages of visiting La Mer is the availability of ample parking spaces and water sports opportunities like stand-up paddle and kayak (65 AED/30 min), jet-skiing (195 AED/15 min), wakeboard or surf (400 AED/30 min), and so on.

Another notable feature of this beach is that it’s not too crowded, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

This beachfront area has an abundance of shops and dining options for every budget.

Opening Hours: 24 hours (night swimming is not allowed)

Address: Jumeirah 1, between Jumeirah Bay and Pearl Jumeirah

How To Reach: by car or taxi, by bus: routes 12, 8, C10, X28, by Metro: M1 (Financial Centre Metro Station)

Key Features:

• Toilet: yes (free)
• Shower: yes (free)
• Changing Rooms:  yes (free)
• Lifeguards: yes
• Umbrellas: Yes (100 AED – 1 sunbed, 1 umbrella, 1 towel)
• Sun Loungers: Yes (60 AED)
• Free Wi-Fi: yes, but bad connection
• Cafes, shops, and restaurants: yes
• Facilities: charging stations, prayer rooms, lots of water activities, baby changing facilities, walking paths
• Parking: 3 hours free if you spend 100 AED at La Mer beach outlets, basement parking – 20 AED per hour

Sights nearby: Jumeirah Mosque, Etihad Museum, City Walk, Al Satwa, The Green Planet

Sunset Beach

A great place to relax and enjoy the picture-perfect vistas of the sea, sand, and sun is Sunset Beach or Umm Suqeim Beach. It’s an ideal place for a day out or even a photoshoot because Sunset Beach has stunning sunset vistas and views of the Burj Al Arab.

As you enter the water, you’ll notice that it’s relatively calm, making it accessible for people of all ages. Sunset Beach is also famous for being one of Dubai’s best surfing spots, so don’t hesitate to bring your board and ride the waves.

Along the shore, you’ll find a well-maintained promenade, perfect for a stroll, jog, or bike ride. Bask in the sun or engage in beach games, all while enjoying the pleasant atmosphere. Although there might be some underdeveloped infrastructure, your experience at Sunset Beach is not likely to be affected by it.

Opening Hours: 24 hours (night swimming is allowed)

Address: Public Beach – Umm Suqeim – Jumeirah 3 – Dubai, opposite Sunset Mall on Jumeirah Beach Road

How To Reach: by car or taxi, by bus: routes 8, 83, 84, 88, F55A, X28, the closest bus stops are Dubai Knowledge Village Conference Centre, University Of Wollongong, Knowledge Village

Key Features:

• Toilet:  yes (free)
• Shower: yes (free)
• Changing Rooms:  yes (free)
• Lifeguards: yes
• Umbrellas: no
• Sun Loungers:  no
• Free Wi-Fi: yes
• Cafes, shops, and restaurants: Food stalls are close to the beachfront, and restaurants and shops are within walking distance
• Facilities: Kids play area, jogging tracks, bike paths, Surf schools (Surf Dubai, Surf House Dubai, lessons’ costs start from 225 AED in a group), locker rooms, light facilities for night swimming, beach library
• Parking: paid parking

Sights nearby: Umm Suqeim Park, Mall of the Emirates, Wild Wadi Water Park

Jebel Ali Beach

Jebel Ali Beach is a picturesque and serene destination located in the south of Dubai, near the border with Abu Dhabi. Serving as a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a leisurely evening, this clean and public beach offers you an opportunity to truly unwind.

While Jebel Ali Beach can get a bit loud in the afternoons due to its popularity, it remains an ideal location for water sports enthusiasts. It’s a remote hotspot for kite-surfing and other water activities, so you can have a thrilling adventure.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for an exciting outdoor adventure, Jebel Ali Beach provides an excellent opportunity for caravan camping. Set up your mobile home, relax by the water, and enjoy the soothing sounds of the sea and the rustling palm trees.

Opening Hours: 24 hours (night swimming is not allowed)

Address: Public Beach – Mina Jebel Ali – Dubai

How To Reach: by car or taxi, by bus + metro: take the F55 bus from the UAE Exchange Metro Station or the F55A bust from the Ibn Battuta Metro Station towards Jebel Ali Beach Hotel

Take note! This is a pet-friendly beach.

Key Features:

• Toilet:  no
• Shower: no
• Changing Rooms:  no
• Lifeguards: no
• Umbrellas: no
• Sun Loungers:  no
• Free Wi-Fi: no
• Cafes, shops, and restaurants: limited dining options close to the beach
• Facilities: rental of water sports equipment and caravans
• Parking: free

Sights nearby: Dubai Parks and Resorts (Motiongate Dubai, Riverland Dubai, Legoland, Legoland Water Park)

Map: Free Beaches In Dubai

Things to Do

Water Sports

Dubai’s free public beaches have a lot to offer if water sports are your thing. Water sports including water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available at the above-mentioned beaches. Always put your safety first and abide by regional regulations while engaging in any water sports activity.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a great way to explore Dubai’s underwater world. Head to places like Secret Beach (also known as Black Palace Beach) and immerse yourself in the colorful marine life just below the surface. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear, and be mindful of any currents or tides.

Scuba Diving

Although scuba diving may require additional costs for equipment and certifications, the experience of diving in Dubai’s waters is worth it. There are a few dive centers near free beaches that can help you organize a safe and enjoyable dive.

Kite Surfing

Kite Beach is named after the kite surfers who frequently visit the area. This popular beach is the perfect spot to learn or practice your kite surfing skills. You can rent or bring your own equipment, and be sure to follow safety guidelines while on the water.

Fishing

Fishing is a relaxing pastime for many, and Dubai’s free Jumeirah Beach offers ample opportunities to cast your line. Remember to follow local fishing regulations, and bring your own fishing gear and license. Always clean up after yourself and respect the environment.

Camping

Spend a night under the stars at places like Jebel Ali Beach and Al Sufouh for a unique camping experience. Be prepared with camping essentials and adhere to the designated camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

During your visit, you may explore and take advantage of the many stunning, tranquil, or uncharged beaches that Dubai has to offer. Any beach you select will certainly delight you with its sandy coastlines, clear seas, and spectacular vistas.

The seasons of fall and spring, when the temperature is pleasant and mild, are the finest times for you to visit these beaches. However, keep in mind that Dubai has warm weather all year round, so you may still go swimming at other times of the year.

Parking, essential amenities, and sun loungers can be found at most of the public beaches in Dubai. You won’t have to worry about finding food or drinks while you’re there because some of them even have cafés or restaurants close by.

Remember, free beaches in Dubai may provide an equally charming and enjoyable experience compared to the luxurious, paid beach clubs. So, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and make your way to the sun-kissed shores of Dubai’s beautiful coastline.