Soak up the sun at these mesmerising beaches in the UAE
- Best beaches in Dubai
- Best beaches in Abu Dhabi
- Best beaches in Sharjah
- Best beaches in Fujairah
- Best beach in Ras Al Khaimah
The UAE, which is located along the Arabian Gulf, is home to gorgeous white sandy beaches where you can enjoy the country’s year-long sunshine. Be it the glamorous beaches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi or the more laid back yet picturesque beaches in Fujairah, there are several seaside spots in the UAE that are definitely worth visiting. Let’s take a look at the most popular seaside spots and even some of the secret beaches in the UAE.
BEST BEACHES IN DUBAI
Let’s dive deep into the exciting world of sun, sea and sand with some of the more well-known options on our list of the best beaches in the UAE. The beaches here are popular among locals and tourists alike and are definitely worth a visit if you love exploring seaside retreats in Dubai.
THE BEACH JBR
One of the most popular beaches in Dubai, The Beach JBR, also called JBR Beach, JBR Open Beach or JBR Public Beach, is abuzz with activities and offers amazing things to do. It’s the perfect leisure and entertainment spot for homeowners and tenants residing in apartments in Jumeirah Beach Residence.
This Dubai beach has its own outdoor mall where you can shop till you drop or enjoy a scrumptious meal at the countless cafes and restaurants spread along the sandy beach.
THE BEACH JBR TICKETS:
- The JBR Beach is a free public beach in Dubai
JBR BEACH TIMINGS
- Retail outlets are open Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. The timing from Thursday to Saturday is 10:00 am – 11:00 pm.
- F&B outlets are open Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm and opening hours for Thursday to Saturday are 10:00 am – 12:00 am.
THINGS TO DO AT THE BEACH JBR
- Go shopping at the JBR Beach Mall
- Get on the Flying Cup and enjoy spectacular views
- Catch the latest flicks at Roxy Cinema at the Beach JBR
- Enjoy thrilling rides at Adventure HQ
- Have unlimited fun at the AquaFun waterpark
- Workout at the outdoor gym stations dotted along the running track
- Be a part of the water sports at Sea Breeze at JBR Beach
- Explore some fun activities for kids at Splash Pad
WHERE TO EAT?
- Sample fresh salads, juices, soups, burgers and more at Catch 22
- Enjoy a delicious selection of fresh seafood at Urban Seafood The Beach JBR
- Bosporus is your go-to spot for Turkish cuisine
- Aprons and Hammers offers a seafood feast like no other
- Awani is a haven for Levantian cuisine
- Satiate your Indian food cravings at Bombay Bungalow
- Enjoy a lavish breakfast by the beach at Eggspectation
WHERE TO STAY?
- Rixos Premium Dubai is right next to the JBR public beach
- Sofitel Dubai is 600 metres from the beach
- Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach Residence is walking distance from the beach
- Hilton Dubai The Walk is 140 metres from the JBR beach
KITE BEACH BY MERAAS
Next on our list of the best beaches in the UAE is the Kite Beach by Meraas. The beach is an idyllic spot for kite surfers in Dubai but it also has a lot of other activities and attractions too.
Counted amongst the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, Kite Beach boasts spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. There are plenty of dining options with many food trucks around. You can simply lounge on the beach and work up a tan at the loungers or be a part of the water sports activities at Kite Beach in Dubai.
KITE BEACH TICKETS
There is no Kite Beach entry fee but other facilities like water sports, cabanas and loungers come with additional charges.
KITE BEACH TIMINGS
- Retail, leisure and entertainment venues’ opening hours at Kite Beach are 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.
- F&B outlets are open Sunday through Wednesday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, and Thursday through Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
THINGS TO DO AT THE KITE BEACH
- Kite surf for the ultimate aerial views and thrills
- Hit the jogging track to get fit
- Try the outdoor gyms for a workout by the beach
- Read a book at the beach library
- Get your buddies together for a game of beach volleyball
WHERE TO EAT?
- Freshen up with a Taiwanese bubble tea at Booba Dubai
- Indulge in succulent grilled chicken at Dynamite Bites
- Find the best of Lebanese cuisine at Kaakunada
- Chill out with your friends at LaOla
- Enjoy alfresco dining at Majlis Café
- Get your caffeine fix at Starbucks
- Try traditional Emirati fast food options galore at Hum Yum
- Tuck into succulent juicy burgers at Poker
WHERE TO STAY?
- Beach Walk Hotel is 1.9 kilometres from the Kite Beach
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel is 3.4 kilometres
- Roda Beach Resort is 3.8 kilometres
- Jumeirah Al Naseem is 4 kilometres
LA MER BEACH
La Mer Beach is another popular beach that offers unlimited fun and thrills for visitors of all ages. This 1.24 million sq.m stretch of gorgeous beach is known for its artistic features and novel landscaping. The waterfront destination is nestled among towering palm trees.
This is the ultimate summer destination in Dubai if you’re looking for different activities, things to do, and places to dine where you can indulge in amazing food from all around the world. The beach has several facilities including changing rooms, mobile charging boxes, customer information hubs, ATMs and more.
LA MER BEACH TICKETS
The La Mer Beach is free to enter but rides, attractions and loungers are charged.
LA MER BEACH TIMINGS
- Retail and entertainment outlets are open from Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- F&B outlets are open from Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm and the weekend opening hours are 10:00 am – 12:00 am
THINGS TO DO AT THE LA MER
- Spend quality time at the sunbeds and loungers by Sea Breeze La Mer Beach.
- Rent a cosy air-conditioned cabana
- Take part in a variety of water sports
WHERE TO EAT?
- Dig into delicious bites of perfectly grilled meat at Charcoal BBQ and Grill
- Enjoy burgers of your choice at Bare Burger
- Sample a selection of fresh juices, snack and light bites at La Mer Beach Restaurant and Bar
- Get a good selection of Turkish food at Zou Zou Restaurant
- Fix your fast food cravings at SALT
WHERE TO STAY?
- Holiday Inn Express Dubai is only 1.9 kilometres away
- The Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeirah is 2.2 kilometres away
- Capitol Hotel is 2.5 kilometres away
- Mandarin Oriental is 2.7 kilometres from La Mer Beach
- Dubai Marina Beach Resort & Spa is 2.7 kilometres
- Al Khoory Executive Hotel Al Bada is 3.1 kilometres
BEST BEACHES IN ABU DHABI
Now let’s move on to the incredible sandy beaches of the capital city, in our search for the best beaches in the UAE. Here are some picturesque beaches in Abu Dhabi that are definitely worth a visit.
HUDAYRIYAT BEACH ABU DHABI
To soak up the sun in the capital city, head to the Hudayriyat Beach in Abu Dhabi, one of the top seafront destinations in the UAE. Located within Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment, this gorgeous beach offers a wealth of activities and things to do.
HUDAYRIYAT BEACH TICKETS
Entry to the beach is free for all
THINGS TO DO AT THE HUDAYRIYAT BEACH
- Catch a movie at the Beach Cinema
- Try out the countless water sports options
- Ride a horse by the beach
- Head to the OCR Park
- Rent a bicycle and enjoy beachfront cycling
- Play tennis, football and other games
WHERE TO EAT?
- Satisfy your seafood cravings at Al Shader
- Enjoy pizza and speciality coffee at DRVN
- Try the extensive BBQ menu at Harr & Hloo
- Explore the food trucks at the Hudayriyat Beach which offer a good range of cuisines
WHERE TO STAY?
- Bab Al Nojoum luxury glamping
SAADIYAT BEACH ABU DHABI
Saadiyat Public Beach is next on our list of the best beaches in the UAE. This iconic beach is located on the prestigious Saadiyat Island and offers many exciting activities. Homeowners and tenants living in apartments in Saadiyat Beach get to enjoy an enviable waterfront lifestyle.
THE SAADIYAT BEACH TICKETS
- Saadiyat Beach entry fees: AED 25 for adults| AED 15 for kids
SAADIYAT BEACH TIMINGS
- The Saadiyat Beach opening hours are 08:00 am to sunset every day
THINGS TO DO AT THE SAADIYAT BEACH
- Explore the native wildlife at the Hawksbill Turtle’s hatching site
- Enrol in a yoga class to stay fit
- Dive deep into the world of scuba diving and snorkelling
- Indulge in nautical adventures like sailing and other water sports
WHERE TO EAT?
- Try French delicacies at La Salle
- Indulge in a seafood feast at Cabana9
- Discover fine dining at Safina
WHERE TO STAY?
- Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is only 600 metres from the beach
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is 700 metres away
- The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is 2.1 kilometres away
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island is 7.6 kilometres from the beach
BEST BEACHES IN SHARJAH
The cultural capital of the UAE boasts some amazing beaches as well. Let’s find out about the sought-after seafront hotspots in Sharjah.
AL KHAN BEACH SHARJAH
Al Khan Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sharjah featuring a number of entertaining activities and fun things to do. It was one of the first public beaches to open in Sharjah with a 600-metre long sandy stretch perfect for residents looking to top up their tan.
AL KHAN BEACH TICKETS
- Al Khan is a public beach in Sharjah and entry is free for everyone
AL KHAN BEACH TIMINGS
- Al Khan Beach is open from sunrise to sunset every day
THINGS TO DO AT AL KHAN BEACH
- Play volleyball, soap football and tennis
- Try out water sports including jet skiing
- Have a fun beach picnic with family
- Try to stay steady on the banana boat rides
- Discover Kite surfing
- Read a book by the beach at Al Khan Beach library
WHERE TO EAT?
- Sanober Restaurant is perfect for all your seafood cravings Sanober
- Katis Restaurant has a good range of Indian dishes
- Biryani Junction is ideal to get your hands on piping hot biryani and other dishes
WHERE TO STAY?
- Time Ruby Hotel Apartments is 1.1 kilometres away
- Emirates Star Hotel Apartments are 1 kilometre away from the Al Khan Beach
- Occidental Sharjah Grand is 2 kilometres from the beach
- Ewan Hotel Sharjah is 1.9 kilometres away
AL FISHT BEACH
If you’re looking for a laid back relaxing beach in Sharjah, Al Fisht Beach is the perfect spot for you. Al Fisht Beach Sharjah is a family-friendly beach that’s ideal for a relaxing weekend with kids. The beach has changing rooms and shower facilities as well.
AL FISHT BEACH TICKETS
- Al Fisht is a public beach with free entry for everyone
AL FISHT BEACH TIMINGS
The Fisht beach opening hours are Sunday to Thursday 09:00 am to 07:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 09:00 am to 10:00 pm
THINGS TO DO AT AL FISHT BEACH
- The beach is a good spot for a family picnic.
- Good for a relaxing stroll by the beach
WHERE TO EAT?
- Enjoy fresh seafood at Sealand Restaurant
- Get your Mediterranean food fix from Al Qubtan Restaurant
- Delve into the scrumptious world of Turkish delicacies at Kiyi Turkish Restaurant
BEACHES IN FUJAIRAH
The northern emirate of Fujairah is flanked by the majestic mountain ranges and some of the most attractive beaches in the UAE. Here are the top seafront destinations in Fujairah that you should check out:
KHORFAKKAN BEACH FUJAIRAH
Located on the east coast of the UAE along the Gulf of Oman, Khorfakkan is a major tourist attraction and Khorfakkan Beach is one of the top beaches in the UAE. Khorfakkan Beach has a thriving coral reef, so it has become a favourite spot for marine life enthusiasts.
KHORFAKKAN BEACH TICKETS
- Khorfakkan Beach is free for all
KHORFAKKAN BEACH TIMINGS
- The Khorfakkan public beach is open 24 hours a day
THINGS TO DO AT KHORFAKKAN BEACH
- The Khorfakkan Beach Fujairah is perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling and other water sports
- Don’t forget to try parasailing in Khorfakkan Beach
- Explore the dedicated playground for the little ones
WHERE TO EAT?
- Rebou Lebanese Restaurant has a menu filled with succulence
- Majestic Restaurant is a good option for Indian food
- New Calicut Restaurant also offers a range of Indian dishes
- Golden Fork specialises in mouth-watering seafood
WHERE TO STAY?
- Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort and Spa is located right on the beach
Besides the aforementioned beaches here are some other top beaches in Fujairah worth a visit, including Sandy Beach Fujairah, Dibba Beach and Al Aqah Beach.
BEST BEACH IN RAS AL KHAIMAH
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its luxury beachfront resorts and hotels with extravagant private beaches. But if you’re looking for affordable options, here are some of the best beach in Ras Al Khaimah.
AL HAMRA BEACH
Al Hamra Beach or Jazirat Al Hamra Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the UAE. This gorgeous beach is located on the shoreline bordering the western side of the Jazirat Al Hamra old town. The beach offers a pristine stretch of sands speckled with colourful seashells.
AL HAMRA BEACH TICKETS
Al Hamra is a public beach with no entry fee
AL HAMRA BEACH TIMINGS
The beach is open 24 hours
THINGS TO DO AT AL HAMRA BEACH
- Enjoy a family picnic
- Go for a stroll along the beach
- Visit the nearby Al Hamra Village
- Visit the Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club
WHERE TO STAY?
- The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah is located at Al Hamra Beach
- The Waldorf Astoria in RAK is another option for a luxury staycation right on the beach
This concludes our guide to the best beaches in the UAE. You can also visit the gorgeous emirate of RAK and stay at the best beachside hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah for a memorable beach holiday.
