Your Guide to the 5 Best Free Beaches in Dubai
Dubai is one of the hottest tourist sites in the UAE, and it has something for everyone. From huge shopping districts to one-of-a-kind experiences, it’s the ultimate vacation city. And it’s not cheap! Hotels and experiences can often cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, making Dubai a distinctly high-end destination.
However, there are some places in Dubai that you don’t have to pay for to enjoy - the city is full of gorgeous free beaches that are open to everyone. Whether you’re an active adventurer looking for your next favourite water sport or an Instagram enthusiast getting that perfect shot, there’s a free beach in Dubai that you’ll be daydreaming about for the rest of your life.
1. Jumeirah Open Beach
The Jumeirah Open Beach is the most popular free beach in Dubai, running between the Dubai Marine Resort and the Four Seasons. Tourists and locals flock to its golden sands and variety of family-friendly amenities - volleyball courts and a jogging track for the fitness conscious and a public library for the more relaxed tourist. There are even return kiosks running all along the beach, so you can wander as far as you like without worrying about returning your to latest beach read.
Jumeirah Open Beach is known for being immaculately clean and well-cared for, and it’s located right next to the Mercato Shopping Mall so that you can go straight from the shops to the sand.
Lounging in the sand with a book in your hand sounds like the ultimate relaxing vacation, and there are a few essentials you’ll need to make it perfect. First up is a beach bag that can carry and protect any books or snacks you might be bringing along with you - we’re in love with the beach bags from Moroccan Star for their capacity and classic print. And second is a good pair of sunglasses to keep the glare out of your eyes while you read - the Stupid Cupid Sunglasses from Le Specs feature a lighter brown lens and trendy big silhouette that makes them great beach reading companions.
2. Kite Beach
Kite Beach in Dubai is an adrenaline junkie's paradise - from kite surfing to paddle boarding and everything in between, it's one of Dubai's best spots for water sports. It used to be a well-kept secret beach amongst locals, but it's been taken on by Meraas, a development company that's turned it into a watersports hub, added beachside dining spots, and created a perfect place for getting some sun with a view of the Burj Al Arab. It even has a bouncy seaside running track for getting views of the sunset on your evening run.
If you're a particularly athletic type, you'll need swimwear that can handle whatever sport you decide to try next. Camilla's Regular Leg Paddle Suit is the perfect mix of sporty and fashionable with its mesmerising print inspired by the Amazon rainforest. It's made from sustainable materials and is ideal for paddleboarding, kite surfing, and any other thrill you can find at Kite Beach in Dubai.
3. La Mer Beach
Spread out over 3 areas - La Mer South, La Mer North, and Laguna - La Mer Beach in Dubai is the ultimate beach for art lovers and street-food connoisseurs. It’s a breathtaking seafront neighbourhood that’s so much more than a beach; a splash park and inflatable playground provide entertainment for kids of all ages, while the cinema and shopping mall make La Mer Beach an entire day affair for tourists.
Foodies flock to La Mer Beach in Dubai as well - it’s a haven for leisurely beachside dining, no matter what your tastes are. From Indian street food to high-end burgers, there’s something for everyone.
It’s also one of Dubai’s most Instagram-worthy beaches. La Mer Beach was previously host to the annual Dubai Canvas, and over 15 art installations still stand on its shores. The surrounding neighbourhood is filled with boxy urban architecture and street art - your Instagram stories will thank you after a visit to La Mer Beach.
We love the edgy, urban feel of La Mer Beach, and it reminded us instantly of the Tulum Tribal Kimono from Mystique. Mixing luxury beachwear with bright colours and edgy prints, this and many other pieces from Mystique are the ultimate accessories for a photo shoot in front of the street art at La Mer Beach in Dubai.
4. Black Palace Beach
Black Palace Beach (officially known as Al Sufouh Beach) is a free beach in Dubai that locals keep as a well-guarded secret. It’s located between the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, butted up against some of Dubai’s most exclusive beachfront hotels. Lucky for you, though, you won’t have to pay a dime to use it!
There are no facilities or restaurants at Black Palace Beach, but that’s what keeps it so tranquil. It’s a beautiful beach to just lay in the sun and listen to the waves, away from crowds and prying eyes.
Black Palace Beach is the best free beach in Dubai for getting a tan uninterrupted, and we know just how to prevent those unsightly tan lines. A strapless bandeau style bikini like the Edie Nile Bikini from Hunza G is perfect for keeping your tan even and the lines confined to areas that you can keep hidden under your clothes.
5. The JBR Beach
Fashion-forward beachgoers flock to JBR Beach in Dubai for its long stretch of beachfront shops and boutiques. The long white sand shore stretches along the entire length of the Dubai Marina, and it’s the most luxurious free beach in Dubai.
It’s a pretty popular stretch, so it’s best to arrive early, but the good news is that there’s no such thing as a bad spot at JBR Beach in Dubai. As an added bonus, the landing zone of Skydive Dubai is located just off this beach, providing an all-day aerobatics show for beachgoers below. Talk about trendy!
Feeling a little high fashion after walking the length of JBR Beach? Why not try out an elegant midi dress for a night out? We’re in love with the Shanelle Midi Dress from Seven Wonders - the daring plunge neckline and trendy tied waistline can be flattering on a variety of figures, and we’re in love with the peachy tropical print for an effortless day-to-night look.
