We’ve rounded up the best beach spots for every mood.
The UAE has it all when it comes to beaches: golden sand, clear waters, and plenty of ways to keep busy or simply switch off. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping water sports, scenic jogging tracks, or just a spot to sip an iced coffee with your toes in the sand, there’s a plethora of beaches to suit your every whim.
Here are some of the best spots to catch sun, surf, and scenery across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah:
Dubai
Sunset Beach
Best for: Golden hour
Umm Suqeim Beach, or Sunset Beach as locals call it, is perfect for watching the sun dip behind the Burj Al Arab. Night swimmers can paddle up to 30 metres out to sea until midnight, while surfers enjoy dedicated zones and runners can hit the beachside track.
Umm Suqeim, Dubai, free entry.
Kite Beach
Best for: Active days & night swims
Just a stone’s throw from Sunset Beach, Kite Beach is buzzing 24/7. Alongside a 14km running and cycling track, skate park and padel court, kitesurfers and kayakers take to the water. Night swimming is allowed, and food trucks and shops stay open until late.
Jumeirah, Dubai, free entry.
The Beach, JBR
Best for: Visitors ticking off Dubai must-sees
A busy but convenient spot, The Beach offers views of Atlantis The Palm and Bluewaters Island. Activities include parasailing, wakeboarding and banana boats, plus plenty of cafés and restaurants.
JBR, Dubai, free entry, thebeach.ae.
Palm West Beach
Best for: Day-to-night vibes
This Palm Jumeirah hotspot transforms from sun-soaked lounge to lively night scene. Beach clubs, restaurants and bars line the boardwalk, serving everything from artisanal pizza to French fine dining. Trendy spots include SĀN Beach, February 30 and Surf Club. Dress up to impress as day turns to night.
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, free entry.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Best for: Barbecues and family days
A quieter option, Al Mamzar has designated BBQ areas, manicured gardens, and an outdoor amphitheatre in winter. Entry is AED 5 per person and AED 30 for cars, and Mondays and Wednesdays are women-only days.
Al Mamzar, Dubai, paid entry, al-mamzar.com.
Dubai Islands Beach
Best for: Pet lovers
Dubai’s first fully pet-friendly beach lets dogs swim off-leash in designated areas. Kayaking, paddleboarding and more activities are also on offer.
Dubai Islands, Dubai, free entry.
Abu Dhabi
Corniche Beach
Best for: Families
Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Gate 4 offers free entry otherwise paid.
Soul Beach, Saadiyat Island
Best for: Relaxing and sunsets
Hundreds of loungers line the kilometre-long private beach with gentle waves perfect for swimming. Order snacks via WhatsApp and stay for a beachside dinner at nearby Mamsha Al Saadiyat.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, soulbeach.ae.
Al Bateen Beach
Best for: Water sports
Calm, shallow waters make this a hub for kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding and snorkelling. The beach has volleyball nets, picnic areas and a ladies-only section with private facilities.
Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, free entry.
Marsana Beach, Hudayriyat Island
Best for: Outdoor activities
With a gym, volleyball courts, skate park, splash zones, cycle lanes and water sports, Marsana Beach is perfect for active visitors. Green spaces and art installations add to the charm.
Al Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, free entry, hudayriyat.ae.
Fujairah & Ras Al Khaimah
Umbrella Beach, Fujairah
Best for: Road trips and family fun
A fitness- and family-friendly destination, Umbrella Beach offers a jogging track, volleyball courts, padel academy, watersports, and dozens of restaurants. About 90 minutes from Downtown Dubai.
Fujairah, free entry.
Flamingo Beach, Ras Al Khaimah
Best for: Camel spotting and tranquillity
A secluded spot tucked behind dunes, Flamingo Beach lets you swim alongside resident camels. Stroller-friendly paths and nearby cafés make it easy to spend the day.
Ras Al Khaimah, free entry.
From golden sunsets to adrenaline-packed watersports, the UAE’s beaches offer something for every type of holidaymaker and savvy resident. Pack sunscreen, a towel, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to soak up the sand, sea, and sun across these stunning coastal spots.
