10 Beaches in Dubai - more than just sun, sand and surf

Because of the hot climate of the United Arab Emirates, residents of Dubai are always looking for ways to stay cool. Fortunately, the region is endowed with a beautiful coastline with long stretches of turquoise waters and golden sands, making the beaches a popular place to spend the day.

You no longer need to be in air-conditioned places when you can instead enjoy the cool ocean breeze! Dubai's beautiful beaches filled with active sports and water activities are more than just sun and sand.

Here are some of the best beaches in Dubai:

Sunset Beach

Known as Umm Sukeim Beach by locals, this is one of Dubai's beaches. Located behind Sunset Mall in Jumeirah, it offers pleasant views of the Persian Gulf and, as the name implies, gorgeous sunsets. This makes Sunset Beach a great beach for couples to enjoy a long walk together on the weekend.

On weekdays it is open only for women and children. Keep in mind that there are no cafes or kiosks on this beach, so it is better to bring your own food. As a public beach, it is open all day.

2. La Mer Beach

A former public beach at Jumeirah, La Mer Beach in Dubai is a great place for those who appreciate chic aesthetics. There are beautiful wooden walkways and boardwalks, as well as colorful artwork and graffiti.

There are ice cream parlors and restaurants to satisfy your appetite, and quite a few bars. There are resting huts and public showers for washing up on the beach, as well as water sports equipment for rent at nominal prices. There are even hammocks. Surprisingly, all these amenities are free, as admission is free!

3. Kite Beach

Located on Al Manara Road, this beach gets its name from the popularity of kitesurfing. A variety of water sports such as kayaking, beach tennis and volleyball can be enjoyed here, as well as land sports such as ice skating and a ropes course.

These amenities make it a great place for families. On weekends, there is even a seaside market where they sell handicrafts. It has a stunning view of the Burj Al Arab.

4. Burj Beach

As the name suggests, this beach in Dubai offers a fantastic view of the Burj Al Arab. It has become a popular destination for surfers and swimmers who find it difficult to ride as the waves here are quite choppy.

Many other water sports are also offered with equipment that can be rented at a nominal price.

The Promenade is a great place for joggers and couples hoping for a romantic stroll along the beach. Best of all, the dolphinarium in Dubai is not too far away if you want to observe and interact with these beautiful ocean animals.

5. JBR Beach

JBR (which stands for Jumeirah Beach Residence) is one of Dubai's most luxurious beaches. It has been awarded Blue Flag status for its cleanliness.

Jumeirah hotels have a private promenade that is perfect for sunbathing, and public areas offer water sports such as banana boat rides, parasailing and even wakeboarding.

Entrance fee: 5 dirhams

Opening hours: from 7:00 to 22:00.

6. Ghantoot Beach

Ghantoot Beach is a private beach run by the Golden Tulip Hotel in Dubai. There are many bars and bistros here, making it a great place to party after the sun goes down. Ghantoot Beach is located along Sheikh Zayed Road leading to Abu Dhabi.

Entrance fee: 30 AED-100 AED not for guests. Guests of Golden Tulip Hotel have free access to the private beach.

7. El Chiringuito

El ChiringuitoEl Chiringuito is another popular party beach. The first branch was opened in Ibiza. El Chiringuito in Dubai hosts popular international DJs, and has many top-notch bars scattered throughout its space. It is located on the Palm Jumeirah.

Entry fee: AED 100 (Wednesday and Thursday), AED 250 (Friday)

Opening hours: Open Wednesdays and Fridays only.

8. Black Palace Beach

Less popular than Dubai's more commercial beaches, Black Palace Beach can be found on Al Sufouh Road. It's easy to miss, as access is difficult, but once you arrive you'll find it in a tranquil harbor outside the hustle and bustle of the city.

The beach has gorgeous turquoise waters and beautiful sandy ridges. It is a popular family destination for young children to splash around in the shallow waters, so it is advisable to dress modestly here. Unfortunately, because of the seclusion of the beach, there are not many amenities.

9. Al Mamzar Beach Park

This public beach, located on Al Mamzar Al Khalij Road, covers a huge 106 hectares. It is clear why it is so large: the beach park includes a well-kept public lawn, a public swimming pool, and even bike paths for those who like to ride.

There is plenty of room to enjoy the warm sand and cool grass. For those who would like to spend the night, Al Mamzar Beach has beautiful chalets overlooking the Persian Gulf.

10. Mercato Beach

Located near the Mercato shopping center, this beach is ideal for those who appreciate calm water and cool sand, not just picturesque surroundings.

The beach is not known for its scenery, and as a result it is one of the less crowded in Dubai. However, it has wheelchair access, as well as a jogging path and a public library run by the Dubai Municipality. Visit this beach near Jumeirah 1 to enjoy a relaxing day on a flat beach with a cool breeze.

Don't forget to pack your swimsuit for your next vacation to Dubai, because these beaches are definitely not to be missed! With cool turquoise water, soothing ocean breezes, and friendly locals, a beach day in this beautiful place is never a bad idea.