Dubai is home to some of the finest beaches in the world and you don’t have to visit them on a quick stopover from Australia or Europe, either. It’s easy enough to venture down for a week or two, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities near the coastline. What makes a beach a great beach? We’d say sand, water, shade, and things to do. Let’s go with that as our checklist:
1. Kite Beach
The most famous one is Kite Beach in Dubai and indeed the UAE, this is where you’ll find numerous kite surfers trying out their skills year-round. Families head here for the open space and relative lack of rocks – but grab a spot by 11 am if you want some serious shelter from those relentless sun rays! What to do there.
Kite surfing isn’t as simple as it looks – so don’t expect lessons or board hire to be available. You can watch the pros at work, though! What makes it great next to JBR/The Walk on the beachside? It’s clean, relatively big, and has a few other water-based activities on offer – jet skiing and banana boating, for instance.
2. JBR Open Beach
This local was once a private sandlot for those who lived along the shoreline of The Walk in JBR. Now open to all, it’s always bustling with activity, as you can see from above! If you’re looking for something quieter, park yourself further north near the hotels lining this stretch of sand.
What to do there: You can practice your football skills or just laze around on one of those inflatable mats that’ll save you having to lie directly on the hot sand (ouch). Bring along an umbrella and kick back with your buddies and some BBQ food – the nearby restaurants will deliver to you! Where: JBR, opposite The Walk. Wherever you can find shade What makes it great: It’s close to everything – the hotels of The Walk and Beach, as well as countless eateries (see our Dubai guide) and other attractions.
3. Family Beach
If you want a quieter beach without going too far from the action, take public transport down to this spot near Safa Park. You’ll find toilets here and lifeguards on duty all season long – it’s one of the better places for families who want something swimming-friendly but don’t feel like bringing along their inflatable toys just yet.
What you can do here: As we said above, there are no jet skis or banana boats here. But you can hunt for seashells, lay down your towel near the waters’ edge to watch the waves roll in, or rent a pedalo boat and do some gliding! Where: Opposite Safa Park on Sheikh Zayed Road is great because: It’s kid-friendly but still manageable for adults who just want to chillax with a good book.
4. Al Mamzar Beach Park
If you’re thinking about spending an entire day outdoors, consider taking the family to Dubai’s first-ever beach park, which opened up last year near Garhoud Bridge. With plenty of activities on hand – including free yoga sessions if you want to work on your downward dog – this is easily one of our top picks.
There’s a climbing wall, bouncy castles, and equipment for volleyball – all free if you’re planning on making a day of it. You can even go scuba diving or rent windsurfing boards from the kiosks which offer these services at the far end of the beach. Opposite Sky Dive Dubai, next to Garhoud Bridge What makes it amazing: It’s huge – over 300 meters wide – and comes with several play areas for kids.
5. Al Qudra Lakes
This is the perfect option if you don’t mind driving – but we think you’ll agree that getting out of town for a quick excursion will be worth your while as soon as you catch sight of this oasis. There’s a lot to do here – you can go cycling on the many marked trails or even bring your bike and cycle around, or take a jog around one of the lake loops if you’re feeling active. There are many things to do here. Live up your childhood fantasies and go fishing on one of the lakes! Go with some friends so you can have a BBQ together. Strangers will happily join in if you ask them nicely enough.
6. Saadiyat Beach
This is another beach that’s perfect if you’re looking for something a bit more peaceful – plus, there’s the added bonus of having public access even when the resort is closed off. However, if you’re keen on taking a dip in the water, be sure to check with lifeguards before venturing too far as they don’t.
