Last Updated on October 5, 2021 by hungryoungwoman
Summer’s the time when most people would head to the beach, but for people in the Middle East, it’s the opposite. Yes, winter is when we explore the best beaches in UAE and this list is just going to tell you the top beaches in the UAE you absolutely must visit for those sunsets, picnics, and seashell picking!
Traveling to Dubai for the first time? Here are some basic things to know
The COVID19 situation has us locked in and while we can’t travel as much as we used to, I’m thankful that the UAE has been able to control cases and it’s still safe for everyone visiting the country if you follow simple precautions.
Before visiting the best beaches in the United Arab Emirates as a first timer, it will be helpful to check the best season to visit Dubai and other Emirates. If you haven’t already decided on an itinerary yet, here’s a Dubai itinerary 7 days to help you explore the Emirate.
Winter is my favorite time of the year in the United Arab Emirates because it’s cool enough for outdoor events (I know this might not be the right time but small groups are okay), Dubai Shopping Festival, Global Village (I have a full guide on what to do in Global Village Dubai here), holidays, and my birthday!
Check out the fun things to do in Dubai during winter here!
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Best Beaches in UAE
Umm Al Quwain Kite Beach Center
Not to be confused with the Kite Beach in Dubai, Kite Beach Center is a new pet-friendly addition to Umm Al Quwain beaches with swings, an outdoor gym, and Bohemian style benches and seating areas which make for super Instagrammable props!
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It is important to note that because of the current situation only a limited number of people are allowed and parking spaces are also cut down. The entrance fee on the weekdays is AED 25 and AED 50 on the weekends.
Booking an entire bungalow with chairs, tables, and hammocks for a small group will set you back AED 250 on the weekdays and AED 350 on the weekends.
Location for Umm Al Quwain Kite Beach Center – https://g.page/kitebeachcenter?share
Shuweihat Island
Shuweihat Island has gorgeous rocky beaches and beautiful cliffs. It’s not exactly a beach but since it’s located near the waters paired with the rocky formations, I’d love to add this to the list of best beaches in the UAE. Visit this place and you will forget you’re in the UAE for a while!
Location for Shuweihat Island Abu Dhabi – https://goo.gl/maps/8Ym3GKQnjKK4ENvQ7
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Best Beaches in Dubai
Al Sufouh Beach: Also known as Black Palace Beach
It’s easy to get confused with the beaches being on the same line just minutes from each other but Al Sufouh Beach in Dubai is literally a Dubai hidden gem as there are no directions on the road for this little secret beach.
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People usually go to this best beach in Dubai for small picnics or to get their wedding/baby photoshoots done as it is really one of the most instagrammable places in Dubai from my guide! Go for the pristine sand and gorgeous blue waters with the view of the Burj Al Arab <3
Location for Sufouh Beach – https://goo.gl/maps/oxDwvkFtcMeB6cGD7
Mamzar Beach
This is my go-to when searching for best beaches Dubai. Heads up, it gets super crowded during the weekends and it’s hard to social distance so always go during the weekdays.
Apart from the beach area which is really backwaters so there are no waves, there are activities like fishing, renting bicycles, an extension with a full park having built-in barbecue facilities, and a throng of restaurants offering everything you could possibly think of having.
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It’s my favorite spot for getting some drive through Karak Tea (a kind of tea in Dubai) from Filli or the lesser-known Rabbash, Karak and Regag for some Emirati sweets, or Yummy in My Tummy for all things chocolate 😉
Location for Mamzar Beach Dubai – https://goo.gl/maps/Pme4dY6w4wza8zZVA
Kite Beach
The only reason I used to previously visit Kite Beach Dubai was because of their Salt food truck, but since then, the beach has hosted a nice range of restaurants where you can get bites from before a picnic on the beach.
The backdrop of Burj Al Arab makes it all the more special especially during winters when Dubai is known to have the most beautiful cotton candy-like sunsets. This is also a pretty good spot to catch the NYE fireworks although you might have to secure a spot hours in advance from midnight!
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Around the UAE National Day which falls on the 2nd of December, Kite Beach transforms in a beautiful haven of UAE flags which is a super cute spot for taking pictures in Dubai.
Location for Kite Beach in Dubai – https://goo.gl/maps/fAXh1a7WBYtmCvwz8
Jumeirah Beach Residence – The Beach
JBR, as it’s popularly abbreviated, boasts a beach with a view of Ain Dubai, has lots of restaurants in its vicinity, and also reputed hotels. Yes, Dubai beaches are fancy like that. You just don’t get the beach, but a whole package 😉
There are festivals happening at different times of the year which you can keep up to date with from their official social channels – @thebeachdubai
You can find a cinema too which is just perfect to head for a movie after all that lazing on the beach, or vice versa! Flying Cup is a very nice experience that I enjoyed if you’re not really afraid of heights. Check out here for all activities to do in JBR.
Location for Jumeirah Beach Residence Dubai – https://goo.gl/maps/BGDWmoz1T2HnBaxN9
La Mer Beach
One of my favorite places to eat and then head to the beach is La Mer, Jumeirah. The parking is mostly free when you visit on the weekdays, dozens of restaurants to choose from and little stalls set up by the beach in the evenings make La Mer Dubai stand out
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I’ve even chosen a couple of best breakfast places in Dubai from La Mer restaurants so this is really a place you should consider when searching for a beach in Dubai
Here’s the location for La Mer Beach – https://goo.gl/maps/SCPt7YPHGZd1Bd1t6
Palm West Beach
Opened in 2020, West Beach is a new addition to Palm Jumeirah boasting a nice skyline view of Jumeirah Beach Residence and Ain Dubai.
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There’s free parking currently (don’t know if this will change) and a few restaurants still opening up so better to head there soon before the crowds find out!
Location for Palm West Beach – https://goo.gl/maps/aKWRevGWcuKuCTyg9
Umm Suqeim Beach
One of the best public beaches in Dubai, Umm Suqeim Beach is located right opposite Umm Suqeim Park so you can have a picnic and swim on the beach afterward. The gorgeous Burj al Arab is also located really close so sunsets with this landmark in Dubai would be every photographer’s dream
This beach of Umm Suqeim, also known as Sunset Beach, has a public library nearby where you can borrow books for free and read while on the beach, swimming and surfing are allowed until evenings and there’s a walking path for joggers and pedestrians.
This is also one of the only beaches in Dubai that is open 24/7
Location for Umm Suqeim Beach Dubai – https://goo.gl/maps/1wUSMdMuZYCMrDGUA
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Best Beaches in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach
The corniche is a beautiful part of Abu Dhabi city culture. Whenever I’m visiting the capital, I never leave without visiting the corniche or beach at least once. Most people would say that this is the best beach in Abu Dhabi because of its accessibility. Especially during the cooler months, it’s a nice place to chill and catch a bite at one of the many restaurants situated there.
There’s a cycling track, a place where you can rent bikes, and the beach stretches for over 10 kilometers so good for jogging and walking on the track
There’s also a private area for this beach for the Radisson Blu located on the opposite side. You might have to pay an entrance fee if you want access to the private area but this public beach in Dubai has been great so far for us and we haven’t had to use the paid beach area
Location for Abu Dhabi Beach – https://goo.gl/maps/UaMSMKKcckica3q37
Best Beaches in Sharjah
Al Khan Beach
One of the famous beaches in Sharjah is Al Khan Beach also called the best beach in Sharjah. Located in the near city attractions, there are a couple of water activities like parasailing and surfing you can enjoy along with a playing area for kids.
Open showers are present for swimmers and a lifeguard is on location too
Location for Al Khan Beach Sharjah – https://goo.gl/maps/brH3tyuzWFkGSqRf7
Khor Fakkan Public Beach
A long drive away from Dubai, about 90 minutes is Khor Fakkan Beach with a park. There are several water activities to do here including parasailing, jet ski, and boat rides starting from only AED 20 per person.
If you’re looking for a place to swim, beware there is only a changing room which isn’t in the best condition. There are shower rooms but without doors and also not properly kept.
The park has swings but that’s just about it when it comes to playing area for kids.
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The view of the mountains, however, is fascinating and something to look forward to if you visit Khorfakkan Beach.
Location for Khorfakkan Sharjah Beach – https://goo.gl/maps/CNxJMMBkKwYMiLuk6
Best Beaches in Fujairah
Dibba Al Fujairah Beach: Also known as Dadna Beach
Dadna Beach is a beautiful spot located in Fujairah actually on the edge of UAE if you check on Google maps. Since it’s a water spot there are a number of hotels in the vicinity if you’d like to have a staycation with the water view.
For just a visit, Dibba beach Fujairah is great for camping, barbecue, and swimming too. The waters are clear and if you go few miles away, you can go snorkeling (located on Snoopy Island and available for a fee) This makes it the best beach in Fujairah since there are so many activities to do. Locals from Dubai usually flock to this location during long holidays as it’s also nice for a road trip.
This is also a great spot for a picnic although there are no immediate restaurants located nearby other than the hotel restaurants, you can easily take away food along the way and set up a picnic at the beach.
Mind you, summer might not be a good time to visit so schedule it for somewhere during the evening or between months October end – March
Location for Dadna Beach – https://goo.gl/maps/CBbt4SfQU9F56kir8
Are you an adventure lover? Here’s a guide on 2 days in Dubai for thrill-seekers!
Luluyah Beach
Luluyah Beach located quite close to Khor Fakkan is beautiful with clear waters where you can spot marine life. It isn’t too crowded as most people still don’t know about this location which makes it a great spot even on the weekends.
Nice for camping and barbecuing in groups but a little heads up that there are no facilities like changing rooms or toilets for those who’d like to swim.
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The landscape is gorgeous though and you’ll even have a nice view of the mountains if you’re driving from Dubai to Luluyah Beach
Location for Al Loulouia Beach – https://goo.gl/maps/M8yTZRcmnVComWz27
Best Beaches in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Public Beach
I wouldn’t call this a beach, really. But a large area with sand and the waters which makes it perfect for camping, barbecue, and group time! I spent 2018 NYE here and was able to catch the fireworks for New Year’s.
Let me tell you, there are no facilities like washrooms, changing/shower rooms, restaurants, or parking areas so be prepared with everything in advance. There is a small grocery store located nearby but you will have to take your car for that.
If you take a look at the map, located nearby are also Umm Al Quwain Beach Point and camping areas so you have plenty of options to reserve a spot before the sun goes down. This is my top spot for camping in the UAE.
Location for Ras Al Khaimah Beach – https://goo.gl/maps/hXgjv6YmaXfaFCBT9
Flamingo Beach
Also known as The View RAK, if you’re expecting a beach with facilities, good parking, and restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah, this is the place you need to come to.
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Coffee places, food trucks, and beautiful sunsets during the cooler months are all you need to spend a great time at this beach in Ras Al Khaimah!
Location for The View RAK – https://goo.gl/maps/WDP3TATYVMELZGXT6
Private Beaches in the UAE inside hotels
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
Some of the best resorts in the UAE have private beaches that only allow in house guest access.
Just located about an hour away from Dubai is the Hilton RAK. What a stunning property and the service is really top-notch as it is one of the best in the hospitality industry.
We had a sea-facing room and since we visited during the cooler months, having a morning coffee on the balcony was just nice. Read on here about my full review of Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa
The Cove Rotana Resort
One of my absolute favorite places to book for a road trip + staycation has been Cove Rotana for almost 10 years now. Their villas are perfect for families to stay over and there are private pools for all villas with a beach facility for all guests.
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I haven’t put up a post about this resort yet as I find it hard to get in good pictures when visiting with the whole family because there’s always someone around! But, hopefully, you’ll see a post soon that will go up on the staycations archive of Hungryoungwoman.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
For a beautiful getaway in Abu Dhabi, head to Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas in Saadiyat Island for all the beach views to yourself (and other guests at the hotel! 😛 )
Apart from that, the resort itself is 5 stars so expect good service, massive rooms, and excellent food choices. If you’re not opting for their in-room breakfast then their restaurant breakfast is equally drool-worthy and worth every penny staying at the resort.
Really, cannot recommend it enough! Read my full review for Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi here.
Kingfisher Lodge
For a very unique experience, I booked ourselves at the Mysk Kingfisher Retreat for our wedding anniversary. There are about 20 tents located at a good distance from each other ensuring privacy, private pools for each tent, and the whole idea of glamping in a desert was so much fun!
If you really want a memorable experience, this is it. The price is not very affordable but it’s okay to spend on special occasions, right? 🙂
There’s also a nice beach located close to the tents although to get there you will have to call the buggy service. The area is very much secluded as to get to the retreat itself you will have to get the water boat to take you to the reception so only guests are allowed in the vicinity.
Apart from that, there are cycles for each tent, cool classes for kids, and when there’s the season you can watch turtles that come to the shores and gazelles roaming freely in the desert. If that scares you, then avoid booking during the cooler months!
Here are more ideas on booking private beaches in Dubai and other emirates listed below:
How do you spend winters in Dubai? Or, more importantly, how do you celebrate the festive season? Let me know your ideas!
Until then, happy traveling! xx
P.S. Here is a pinnable version for you to save and read later!
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