The Best Free Beaches in Dubai to Take a Dip in 2024
Sure, Dubai is well-known for its chic beach clubs and lavish oceanfront resorts. But if you don’t feel like breaking the bank on your trip, rest assured you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to free beaches in Dubai!
Dubai is a rapidly changing city, which means the city’s top free beaches are constantly shifting and changing. For example, Sufouh Beach (Secret Beach) was widely considered to be the very best free beach in Dubai. But it abruptly closed to the public in December 2023 and is currently the site of a massive development.
If you’re wondering where to spend the day soaking up the Dubai sun while splashing around in the Arabian Gulf, I’ve got you covered with a 2024 guide to the best free beaches in Dubai!
Check Out: 21 Free Things to Do in Dubai That Are Actually Cool!
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The 7 Best Free Beaches in Dubai
1. JBR Beach
Lined by high-rise hotels and apartment buildings, JBR Beach (aka Marina Beach) is one of the most popular free beaches in Dubai for both tourists and expats alike. While this 1.7-kilometer swath of sand might attract its fair share of visitors, it’s an easy place to lie down your towel, work on your tan, and take a dip in the perfectly calm waters when things get too hot.
Not only will you get impressive views of JBR’s high-rise buildings, but you’ll get the best views of the 250-meter-tall Ain Dubai over on Bluewaters Island right from the beach. If you do have some dirham to spend, you can rent a lounge chair and umbrella, partake in a variety of water sports, and have some fun at the inflatable Aquafun Waterpark, which is located right offshore.
When it comes to non-beachy things to do, JBR is just bursting with them. You’ll find loads of popular shops, international restaurants, cool cafes, and buzzing bars scattered around the area, including tons of budget-friendly drinking and dining options.
2. Sunrise Beach
For a beach with a view, Sunrise Beach (aka Hidden Beach) is one of the most unique free beaches in Dubai. This one’s a little more off-the-beaten-path than other options on this list, which is part of the appeal. And this is especially true if you wake up with the early birds and get there to enjoy the sunrise.
It’s well worth it!
The views of Dubai’s iconic skyline, including epic views of the Burj Khalifa, from the beach are simply magical. This sunrise experience is a must for photographers. That being said, the white sand being lapped by calm, turquoise waters is beautiful any time of day.
3. J1 Beach (formerly La Mer)
Like I said before, Dubai’s waterfront is constantly going through changes and updates. Former local favorite La Mer beach has been given a dramatic facelift over the past couple of years. Now known as J1 Beach, the new project is expected to be unveiled in late 2024. At the time of writing, it has been revealed that there will be three beach clubs and 10 restaurants lining this beautiful stretch of sand. So expect upscale beach vibes!
4. Kite Beach
Kite Beach is my go-to free beach in Dubai – and I’m not alone. This is a local favorite and beachgoers flock here when the weather is nice. I love that this place is dotted with casual sit-down restaurants and cute food trucks, making it super easy and affordable to grab a snack or drink.
This is a great place to spend the day, so do as the locals do and pack a picnic, claim your spot on the sand, and while away the hours. When the wind picks up, as it tends to do, this is a popular spot for kitesurfers. But rest assured, this is a great swimming beach too.
Kite Beach also features a 14-kilometer beachfront track, making it a popular area for joggers and cyclists.
5. Umm Suqeim Night Swimming Beach
You might be surprised to learn that swimming in the ocean after dark is off-limits in Dubai, except in a few designated areas. Set right down the coast from Kite Beach, you’ll find Umm Suqeim Night Swimming Beach, where it’s perfectly legal to dive into the waters after the sun has set.
If the idea of swimming in the dark freaks you out, you’ll love that a huge chunk of the area is lit up by massive lights. There are also plenty of lifeguards on duty until Umm Suqeim Night Swimming Beach closes at midnight.
6. Sunset Beach
You’ll find Sunset Beach just down the way from Kite Beach and Umm Suqeim Night Swimming Beach. As the name implies, this is a popular spot to watch the sunset. The view is made even more magical thanks to the close-up views of the iconic Burj Al Arab and the spectacular new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel.
7. Palm West Beach
Palm Jumeirah is home to one of the best free beaches in Dubai: Palm West Beach. Located on the “trunk” of the palm, Palm West Beach is a place for foodies, partiers, and all-around beach lovers.
You’ll find tons of restaurants lining the beach here, ranging from Mediterranean at Ula to Mexican at Señor Pico, seafood at Lucky Fish, and Creole and Caribbean-inspired at Black Flamingo. Or, if it’s party vibes you’re after, you’ll have tons of chic beach clubs to choose from with Beach by FIVE and Surf Club being super popular options.
But if you just want to take a dip in the Arabian Gulf, you’re absolutely free to do so!
