Which beaches are free in Dubai?

Dubai is a well-known holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. People come here sightseeing, do shopping, and mostly just relax and get some sunshine at the beach. As Dubai can be visited most of the time in a year, except in summer, when it is too hot, many people visit Dubai in the winter to disappear from the cold weather.

There are many beaches in Dubai that you can visit. Even though a lot of beaches are private and belong to luxurious hotels, there are a lot of free public beaches that you can go to. Most of the beaches in Dubai are man-made.

Beaches in Dubai are flat and long with white soft sand and a lovely warm sea most of the time during the year. In the winter months, January and February the sea is a little colder, but still possible to swim there.

Most of the public beaches have washrooms, showers, changing facilities, and lifeguards on duty. There are restaurants, bars, and cafes, and some even have free WiFi. They do take care of the beaches in Dubai. Beaches are cleaned and most of them are groomed every day.

Some public beaches, where there is a small fee, have special days for women only. It is not allowed to swim at night on most beaches. If you want to know which beaches are free in Dubai, here is my list.

As the owner of this website, I’ve included some recommendations for your trips. When you use the links to make a purchase, I may get a small commission. You will not get charged extra. Full disclosure.

 

1. JBR Beach

Jumeirah Beach Residence is the most popular area with shops, restaurants, entertainment, and a busy lifestyle during the day and night. JBR Beach is the longest and best beach in Dubai. There are some areas belonging to the hotels, but most of them are open to the public and it is free. There are lifeguards and facilities like washrooms and changing rooms. You can also get some food and drinks there. There is a gradual entrance to the sea with some shallow water suitable for kids and non-swimmers. The beach is open every day, but swimming after sunset is not allowed.

 

2. Umm Suqeim Beach

Is a public beach right next to the famous hotel Burj Al Arab. Here you can take stunning pictures with Burj al Arab behind you. This is a lovely beach with soft sand and a graduate entrance to the sea. Sometimes there can be small waves here. There are lifeguards, and washing and changing facilities. This beach is open till midnight and swimming is allowed as the beach is lightened. Also, this beach is free of charge.

 

3. Kite Beach

Kite Beach is part of Umm Suqeim Beach. This area is windier and, therefore is popular for kitesurfing. There is a rental of the kayak, paddleboards, and kitesurf. Except for the ordinary facilities, you can also find here a Kitesurfing school where you can take lessons on kitesurfing, a kids aquapark, a theme park with trampolines and bungee jumping, a beach volleyball school, where you can take lessons, or just rent the court to play with your friends. You can spend the whole day at this beach, look around the shops, and eat in the restaurants, and cafes that are here for you. There is also a service to rent sunbeds, umbrellas, and towels and you will get free water, suncream, and inflatable toys. And the best thing is, the entrance is free of charge.

 

4. Marina Beach

Marina Beach is another public beach right next to JBR Beach. Also, here you will find white soft sand, a warm clean sea, and lifeguards are present for your safety. Close to the beach are shops and restaurants. Marina Beach is now facing the biggest wheel in the world, which is known as Ain Dubai.

You can take a one-hour Jet Ski Adventure ride to see Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa from a close distance as you ride along. Your instructor will take you the best pictures ever.

You can also take a Yacht cruise.

 

5. La Mer Beach

La Mer Beach is a beautiful beach with a lot of entertainment for the whole family. La Mer is the newest development project in Dubai where people can spend their free time. At this beach, you can practice a lot of watersports with the equipment rented here. For example paddleboarding, paddle boating, water biking, kayaking, jet-skiing, surfing, flyboarding, donut riding, boat cruising, and more. And this is not the end yet. You can also visit Laguna Waterpark here, the kids’ playground, and the shops. You definitely won’t be hungry with restaurants, bars, and cafes available here. And in case you are still bored, the cinema is here too. And guess what? The entrance here is free.

 

6. Al Sufouh Beach

Also known as Black Palace Beach or Secret Beach. This beach is very quiet and not very well known. It is located close to the Royal Palace. There are no facilities there, so you will need to bring what you need. However, you will get your privacy and stunning pictures of Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. The water here is shallow, so perfect for kids and it is also a wonderful place for picnics.

 

7. Al Mamzar Beach Park

Al Mamzar Beach Park is a public park with four beaches perfect for families. Even though the beaches are public, there is a fee of AED 5, which is a very symbolic price. Mondays and Wednesdays are ladies’ days. There are all facilities available, you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Places to eat and drink are not missing here either. This park is a great place for barbeques, with grilling pits, all you need to bring is your barbeque supplies. The good thing is that this park is less busy with tourists.

 

8. The Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree. It is a well-known and luxury area in Dubai. Unfortunately, there are no public beaches here. All the beaches belong to the residential units or to the hotels that are here. One of them is the Atlantis Hotel. There is a beach club for the public with an entrance fee of AED 200 from which AED 100 can be redeemed for your food and drinks. Or you can go to the Aquaventure waterpark and from there get to the beach.

 

9. Barasti Beach

Barasti Beach is located in Dubai Marina. The entrance to the beach is free, but there are security guys who will check your bags for not allowed items, like food and drinks. There is a pool and beach area with comfortable sunbeds, but there are only a few of them, so you need to come early as it tends to get busy here. Food and drinks can be bought here, even alcoholic drinks. When the day is over, this place continues to go on as there are night parties with DJs, music, and different events happening. People under 21 have to leave the place by 11 pm.

 

Conclusion

Are you planning to visit Dubai soon? After reading this article you know which beaches are free in Dubai and I believe you were able to choose several ones from this list. Whichever beach you choose, you will not be disappointed as the sand on Dubai beaches is soft and white and the water is warm and lovely for swimming. Other activities on some beaches are an advantage.