Photos: Dubai’s scenic beaches offer unique sunny getaways

Dubai’s extensive coastline is packed with picturesque beaches that have been developed over the last few decades into some of the emirate’s most compelling outdoor attractions.

The emirate’s wide diversity of beaches, each with its own unique scenic charm, provide people the opportunity to soak up the sun, enjoy breathtaking views and discover their adventurous side with water sports activities.

With clear blue water, golden sands, year-round sunshine, a vibrant seaside dining scene and diverse beach activities, the emirate’s beaches are key attractions highlighted by the #DubaiDestinations initiative launched by the Dubai Media Council to showcase the exceptional activities and experiences offered by the emirate.

One of the most popular beaches in Dubai is the Jumeirah Public Beach. Apart from being a spot for sun, sand and sea lovers, the beach has a range of family-friendly attractions and sporting facilities.

The beach has a lot of benches to enjoy the view and a big, modern playground for kids. There’s also a library on the beach with beanie bags and tables for people to read in comfort.

For a beach spot that features outdoor activities and retail and dining attractions, The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence, offers the ideal place.

Located right at the heart of Dubai’s biggest lifestyle destination, with a promenade featuring a wide range of restaurants and retail outlets, The Beach is a great place to enjoy a bite to eat and go shopping.

The Beach is also a great location for seeing the biggest observation wheel in the world, Ain Dubai.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Burj Al Arab is another beach that has been a favourite among both residents and visitors for decades - The Sunset Beach in Umm Suqeim. Offering breathtaking views of the world’s most luxurious hotel, which provides a perfect backdrop for selfies, the beach is one of the most picturesque stretches of sand in the emirate.

Beachgoers can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking around the landmark hotel’s island and even surf in the waters. Known as one of Dubai’s best surfing beaches, the beach offers a vantage point to view beautiful sunsets.

Another beach that is popular among both the general public and adventure lovers is the Kite Beach. Named after the many kite surfers and kite flyers that have made this stretch of sand their own, you can play beach volleyball or test your skills in stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking.

The beach hosts plenty of non-aqua activities too, including a skatepark, an outdoor trampoline and a toddler-friendly area. Kite Beach is also a popular haunt for foodies with many food trucks that assemble here both during the day and the evening.

Among public beaches in the city, the Black Palace Beach is a truly hidden gem. Running from the Dubai Marine Beach Resort to the Four Seasons, the pristine stretch of golden beach is a brilliant spot for sun seekers and attracts runners, rollerbladers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts and more.

Another beach destination that offers countless fun activities, especially for families, is the Al Mamzar Park. Home to five separate beaches set amidst lush barbecue areas, landscaped playgrounds, lagoons, swimming pools, manicured lawns and bicycle paths, the area provides many great picnic spots for families.

Uniquely, only women and children are allowed here on Mondays and Wednesdays. This public beach even has its own amphitheatre.

Many of Dubai’s beaches are attached to resorts, allowing guests to enjoy the sun and sand along Dubai’s shoreline while lazing on hotel sun loungers and taking advantage of world-class hospitality. Even if you’re not staying at a beach hotel, treating yourself to a day’s beach pass is always a great option.

Luxury knows no bounds at The Madinat Jumeirah private beach, which offers fantastic views of turquoise waters and the iconic Burj Al Arab. This private beach is accessible from both Jumeirah Al Qasr and Mina A’Salam. Larger than other private beaches, this gorgeous sandy strip stretches out for an impressive two kilometres.

More recent additions to Dubai’s beach resort scene also include Caesars Palace Bluewaters Island with access to the most pristine beachfront enclave on the city’s newest island destination.

When it comes to fun in the water, Dubai truly knows how to make a splash.