You’d be shocked and even saddened to know an avid Time Out reader and good friend of ours detests beaches. “I just hate all that sand,” they once declared. “It gets in your shoes, your pockets, your hair – absolutely everywhere.”
Now we’re not ones to judge (unless it comes to our Time Out awards, of course) but we couldn’t quite believe our ears when she made this revelation. That was until she invited us to visit her home town back in the old country.
We soon discovered what constitutes a beach there is nothing more than a network of rock-hewn plateaus coated in the most slippery of algae. A few grains in your trunks or a few nights in hospital with a broken ankle? We know which we’d prefer.
And if, like us, you adore nothing more than a barefoot saunter along a sandy shore followed by a brisk swim or relaxing float in the glorious Gulf then here are the UAE’s best spots in which to do so.
What’s more, these pleasures are absolutely free.
ABU DHABI
Al Hudayriat Beach
It’s only been open just over a year but Al Hudayriat Island has instantly become one of our favourite seaside destinations in Abu Dhabi. Drive, cycle or, if you have the stamina, walk over the bridge formerly known as The Road to Nowhere and you’ll be greeted by a totally free public beach with great facilities and a convoy of food trucks to get stuck into after you’ve splashed around with a maniacal grin for a few hours. There are sports courts here, too, for basketball, tennis and volleyball fans but we come here mostly to chill and work on our almost impossibly uneven tans.
Free. Open daily 7am-8pm. Al Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.facebook.com/alhudayriatAD.
Al Bateen Beach
A stone’s throw from Al Hudayriat, the relatively small (it’s only 800 yards long) but perfectly formed Al Bateen is where you’ll find some of the finest capital grains going. Hugely popular with the locals, although not so much so that it ever feels crowded, this Blue Flag beach is fantastic for fishing, watersports and busting out the picnic hamper on. When the kids tag along, they’ll be in their element in the children’s playground (but still in earshot if the screams of delight are anything to go by). There’s plenty of parking, meaning you could easily bail out and sit in your motor with the AC full blast and some soothing sounds on the stereo – but where’s the fun in that, eh?
Free. Open daily 8am-sunset. Al Bateen, Khalifa Al Mubarak Street, Abu Dhabi (no number).
Mirfa Beach
Granted, just getting to Mirfa from the capital is something of a mission but trust us, once here you’ll soon realise why this is one of our most beloved secluded spots. Perennially peaceful and consummately clean, you’ll never be fighting for space with your 6am-towel-laying European holidaymakers at Mirfa. Watersports are the name of the game here, so your more active companions will be delighted you let them hitch a ride. You’d be unwise to try and do it in a day so pack the camping stove and pitch up for the night, gazing merrily at the stars and patting yourself on the back for a job well done. For a seaside sojourn that’s full of mirth, head to Mirfa.
Free. Open daily 24/7. Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi (no number).
The Corniche
This delightful destination in the capital reminds you why you first fell in love with the UAE. Year round, this sumptuous strip is thoroughly thriving, particularly in the parts that offer free entry (including the amazing A’l Bahar). For football fans and cricket comrades, there are plenty of kickabouts and knock-ups to be had, while for more leisurely pleasures you could always bust out the picnic hamper or take a sublime sunset stroll. Restaurants abound here, so even if you dropped your sarnie in the sand you won’t go hungry. Pack the parasol so you won’t have to rent one.
Free. Open 8am-8pm. Corniche Street, Abu Dhabi (no number).
DUBAI
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Up beyond the Dubai Creek you’ll discover this quite brilliant park that boasts not one but five beaches, each with its own character and a range of attractions fit for all types of visitors. There are also more than two dozen public barbecues and if the amazing aroma of grilled goodness doesn’t make you instantly salivate, you’re clearly out of your depth here. Your feast finished (you could just pack a picnic if sweating over the coals is not your thing), hop on the park train and choo-choose a sweet spot by the lagoon. And once your tummies have settled, hit the Gulf and burn off some calories in the wonderfully clean waters, even if that fifth lamb kebab has made your swimming style somewhat sluggish.
Free. Open daily 8am-10pm. Al Mamzar Beach St (04 296 6201).
Al Sufouh Beach
Also known as Black Palace Beach due to its proximity to several royal dwellings, this ‘secret’ stretch of shoreline might lack the facilities of its rivals but that shouldn’t put you off testing the water here. This is one for the seriously chilled and given it’s just up the road from Time Out Towers Dubai, you might even find one of our colleagues here of a lunchtime – book in hand, hanky on head and trousers rolled up to the knee. Don’t let that vision put you off, though, as the panoramic views of the Palm are worth the visit alone. Plus, the shallow waters here are ideal for those who don’t want to fully immerse themselves in coastal culture. Never fear, your secret’s safe with us.
Free. Open daily 24/7. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (no number).
Kite Beach
Once almost exclusively the domain of kick-seeking kitesurfers, in recent years this place has become a by-word for the very best of beachy bravado. Watersports remain at the fore of Kite Beach’s allure but should you not want to sample such shenanigans, you’ll find some of the tastiest treats in town here (if you don’t have a beef with queueing, a SALT burger is an absolute must). This spot is always a hive of activity and thanks to its 14km stretch of jogging (or meandering in our case) track, you can soak up others’ healthiness even when you feel like some seaside slobbishness.
Free. Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm; Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Jumeirah (04 317 3999).
La Mer
A relatively recent addition to Dubai’s shoreline scene, La Mer is as vibrant as it is quirky and fun-packed as it is relaxing. Jumeirah Bay might be out of our reach when it comes to purchasing a pied-à-terre but we can live the dream, one and all, with a day out at this super spot. Abundant with Time Out-recommended restaurants and a bevy of boutiques, don’t feel like you need to break the bank with a shopping splurge or slap-up meal – you’re more than welcome to bring your own spread and enjoy the lapping waves of luxury. And even if the kids are playing up and have buried the car keys in the sand, you’ll never have a mare at La Mer.
Free. Open daily 10am-midnight. Jumeirah 1 (637 227).
Sunset Beach
Nestled serenely in the shadows of the Burj Al Arab, and without the necessity to own a chopper to land on it, Sunset Beach not only offers some of Dubai’s most shareable selfie opportunities but also a haven of calm in a constantly bustling city. When you’re done inducing green-eyed envy from your pals back home, maybe cast a rod out into the Gulf and see if you can hook some dinner to cook up in one of the barbecue areas. And thanks to its ‘Smart Power Poles’, you don’t have to be an REM fan to enjoy some night swimming once the sun has set.
Free. Open daily 24/7. 2C St, Umm Suqeim, Dubai (no number).
The Beach at JBR
Many Dubai dwellers’ first experience of a UAE beach day will have been spent here at this JBR shore, trying to keep their cool while being buffeted by the waves that provide as much of a workout as they do a wipeout (or was that just us?) If you manage to survive this induction relatively unscathed (a mouthful of wake water soon being washed down with an ice cream from one of those tremendously teasing Turkish vendors), you’ll soon come to realise why The Beach is such a spectacular spot. Its remarkable restaurants, prime position and fantastic facilities all make for maritime moments not to be missed. There’s also loads of stuff for kids to do – making it a top spot for all the family.
Free. Open Sat-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Opposite JBR, Dubai (637 227).
REST OF THE UAE
Khor Fakkan Beach
Sharjah is often criminally ignored by Western tourists. But more fool them, we say, especially when it’s home to the wondrous Khor Fakkan Beach. The natural splendour here is almost unrivalled and to do this enclave true justice, spend a sunny afternoon on Heart Beach, a chilled-out cove carved into the headland. The area is a thriving hub for divers keen to discover the stunning coral reefs, while the snorkelling and scuba hotspot of Shark Island is a short boat trip away. Stretching out on the sand is our favourite pastime here, and watching the palm trees gently swaying in the sea breeze is a pleasure right at the core of what makes Khor Fakkan great.
Free. Open daily 24/7. Rugaylat Road, Khor Fakkan, Sharjah (no number).
SEASIDE SNACKS
Al Hudayriat food trucks
The food trucks right opposite Abu Dhabi’s newest public beach attract people from all over town. Here you can grab a cooling milkshake or whipped ice cream from Chocolicious or get your caffeine fix from hipster-approved coffee van saddle. There are also more chilled treats at Boutique Ice Cream, super meat kebabs at HARR & HLOO and so many more tasty options to enjoy before, during or after your beach day.
Cold Stone Creamery
Every trip to the seaside has to involve a cooling cone or two, and at this popular spot on the Corniche you can create your dream ice cream. The ‘mix ins’ include Oreo cookies, brownies, pecan nuts, sweets and so much more, and getting your scoop of choice served in a chocolate-dipped waffle bowl makes it even better still. Ours always involves a lot of peanut butter.
Corniche Beach, Corniche Road (055 213 6507).
The Third Place Café
Just over the road from Corniche Beach, this is a relaxed and cosy spot to refuel and escape the sun for a while. The menu includes yummy wraps, substantial salads, huge cakes and expertly made coffees, and you can enjoy them all while relaxed in a comfortable armchair or out in the pretty garden area.
Corniche Road, Al Khalidiyah (02 681 1877).
TOP THREE
Beach days worth splashing out for…
Nikki Beach Dubai
As Time Out Dubai’s reigning Beach Club of the Year, you’d expect nothing but sheer excellence from this Miami import. And thankfully, that’s precisely what you’ll encounter here. Even when it’s at full capacity, Nikki’s beach is spotless (and you won’t have your sea views spoilt by a construction site, either). And should you want to indulge in the fabulous food on offer, the service is supremely swift. They say “Tell only your best friends” about this place but we can’t help but shout “Oh, Nikki, you’re so fine” to anyone who’s willing to listen.
From Dhs250. Open daily 11am-9pm. Pearl Jumeirah, Dubai (04 376 6162).
Saadiyat Beach
The island might be better known for its amazing art galleries and remarkable restaurants but anyone who’s ever visited its beach will tell you it’s among the finest in the UAE. Sauntering down the boardwalk that leads to it only heightens the anticipation, with the perfectly preserved dunes flanking you on either side. Once you hit the sand, hire a lounger (from Dhs50) and soak up the atmosphere while hoping to catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. This might be the capital’s cultural quarter but we’re not averse to diving in to a trashy novel here as we let all thoughts of the working week ahead drift off with the sea breeze.
Dhs25 per adult and Dhs15 per child aged six-12. Kids under five go free. Open daily 8am-sunset. Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi (800 8342).
Zaya Nurai Island
For sheer insular indulgence, few could argue that Zaya Nurai doesn’t top the lot. A ten-minute ferry ride from Saadiyat, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a whole new world out here. You might think that such exclusive environs will cost a pretty penny (or fancy fils) but given you’ll get most of your entry fee back in credit to spend on lunch, a spa experience or the array of available watersports, it really doesn’t feel like you’re splurging.
Dhs480 including boat transfer (with Dhs420 redeemable). Open daily 10.30am-11pm (advanced booking required). Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi (02 506 6274).
