There’s close to 1,300km of soft, sandy shoreline in the UAE, which means plenty of opportunity (and space) for some seriously good beach days with the brood.
Whether you prefer to curl up with a book and let the kids entertain themselves building sandcastles (good luck with that) or prefer to join the little ones for a splash in the sea (while trying to avoid getting your hair wet of course) the UAE’s plentiful beaches are the perfect place to do it.
Plus, these 20 sandy spots are either free, or accessed for a minimal amount. So, enjoy those sandy toes and sun-kissed noses.
Dubai
4×4 Beach
If you like eating and fun, two things that pretty much tick all of the boxes on most families’ lists, then this beach is for you. All you need is a car – ideally a 4×4 as the name might suggest – a picnic, inflatables for the kids and all the gear for a day in the sun. There are no restaurants or toilets around, which is why we recommend bringing your own refreshments. Cars can drive through the empty car park right up to the beach from sunrise to sunset. The massive expanse of sand stretches from the road to the shore and the bay arches around making for a picturesque view. Slather on that factor 50 and have some fun in the sun.
At the corner of Al Athar Road and Jumeirah Beach Road, next to Jumeirah Beach Park, Jumeirah 2.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
It might be a bit of a drive (family road trip, yay), but if you can tune out the backseat (heated) discussions then this park on the Sharjah border is worth it. With a choice of four beaches, along with a large lawn, sports pitches and a small skate park, there’s something to keep the whole tribe happy.
You can jog, Jet Ski, barbecue, swim in the sea, roller skate, have a kick about or simply build sandcastles at this beautiful beach. There are more than 25 pits to grill on (bring your own barbecue supplies), complete with wooden tables and chairs, 1,600 palm trees, 300 coconut trees and 6,000 types of plants and foliage surrounding this picturesque bay.
Pack a picnic, claim a barbecue spot for a budget lunch or pick something up from one of the many outlets. The park has toilets and changing rooms, or you can even rent a chalet for the day from Dhs150 if you want to make yourself at home. There are plenty of facilities and spots to eat at on this beach – though it will cost you, but what’s a day out at the beach without an ice cream? There’s free parking on site, too. Mondays and Wednesdays are women only.
Dhs5 per person, Dhs30 per car. Near Century Mall, Al Mamzar (04 296 6201).
Black Palace Beach
Lovingly referred to as Black Palace Beach due to its proximity to the private island and palace of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, this stretch of shoreline in Al Sufouh is a huge hit with families thanks to its shallow waters (although, always ensure to check the waters for yourself and be wary of rip tides as the beach is not watched by lifeguards) and sandy bay. Look to the right and you’ll see the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, look to the left and you’ll see the sun setting over the Palm Jumeirah. This stretch of secluded sand is quite tricky to find and is often labelled a “hidden gem” by those in the know. While we’re not big fans of that terminology, we can make an exception for this spot as it is simply beautiful and very often deserted. As it’s off the beaten track there are no facilities, so bring everything you’ll need for the day.
Turn right into the slip road after the bus stop on Al Sufouh Road (just before Hessa Street and about 500m before Dubai Media City).
JBR Beach
Finding your own private patch of sand on this beach is possible all day, but be warned it won’t be massive. This is easily Dubai’s busiest beach – with hordes of residents and tourists heading down in droves every day. However, it is a huge stretch of coastline starting from Zero Gravity and extending all the way to the breakwaters near the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort without interruption. Stroll the entire route and you’ll pass jet skiers, flyboarders, swimmers, bathers, ice cream huts, beach volleyballers and joggers. Little adrenaline-junkies can have some fun taking on the inflatable Aqua Park. There’s an abundance of restaurants, breakfast spots, cafés and entertainment areas including a cinema, fairground arcades and playgrounds. Facilities include beach bed rental, showers and changing rooms. Plus, there’s plenty of activities to entertain the whole family, including Splash Pad, a fun wet play area for little water babies.
The Beach, opposite JBR.
Jumeirah Open Beach
This is one of Dubai’s quieter stretches of sand. Make sure you take plenty of water and all the snacks that your tribe will want to eat, because while there are several cafés and restaurants, they are few and far between. There are however bathrooms and showers for cleaning off your sandy little people before you load them back into the car, while lifeguards oversee the water for peace of mind. Oh, and if the kids actually give you five minutes to read a book, but you’ve left your Kindle in your bedside table drawer, worry not, there’s a library unit on the beach where books can be borrowed for free.
Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road.
This huge, wide beach boasts plenty of room for your whole family and all your friends to gather on. Teeming with activities including everything from skateparks to mini bungee jumping, high-rope courses and even a running track, there’s never a dull moment at this beach (which should prevent whining).
Watersports are also popular and include kayaking, paddleboarding and water-skiing to turn a lazy day into something much more adventurous. Not only is the beach packed with activities, it’s also home to plenty of cafés for a break before the kids’ next round of adventure. Want to walk or jog along the coastline? Kite Beach’s 14km track is the perfect spot.
Free. Off Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, kitebeach.ae (800 637 227).
La Mer
The is a real favourite with the kids. Known for its top seaside restaurants, cafés and plethora of ice cream parlours (10am is definitely not too early for a sorbet cone if it makes them happy), La Mer is a top seaside destination. The picture-pretty shoreline is lined with brightly painted beach huts and open for swimming from sunrise to sunset. There’s loads to do and see so the kiddos won’t get bored, plus there is the buzzing, Laguna Waterpark right there, which the children will no doubt try and drag you to when they see the colourful water slides and chutes.
Free. La Mer, Jumeirah 1, lamerdubai.ae.
Mercato Beach
This charming and peaceful beach is one to head to when you fancy escaping the crowds. There’s always a cool breeze sweeping along the shore and, while it’s not the prettiest, it has everything you could want for a quiet day out: sun, sea and sand. Plus, there are some pretty special views of the Burj Khalif to soak up. There are no facilities so bring everything you need, or head to the Mercato Mall opposite to stock up before you find a place to call your own on the sand. Nearby Jumeirah Fishing Harbour has some nice cafés and restaurants, and is worth exploring when the temperatures start to dip in the late afetrnoon.
13a Street, Jumeirah 2.
Nessnass Beach
Another of Dubai’s popular kiteboarding spots (signposts read Kitesurfing Beach), this stretch has the perfect conditions for catching some serious air thanks to consistent cross-onshore winds.
You can even arrange lessons in kite surfing, paddle barding and kayaking for little ones through Kite N’ Surf, who also organise birthday parties for little beach-lovers on their special day.
And if the thought of packing a picnic or a cool box on top of all the other seaside paraphernalia sends chills down your spine, never fear because you can grab a bite, (or a smoothie or ice latte) at Park House, the café that serves up healthy, home-made food. Prevent sandy sandwiches by sitting the tribe down at one of the numerous tables outside the little eatery.
Nessnass Street, behind Sunset Mall.
Sunset Beach
A bustling, urban beach surrounded by some of the city’s finest high-rise hotels, with barbecue areas, Sunset Beach is located right next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, in front of Umm Suqeim Park. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés surrounding it, too as well as changing rooms, Wi-Fi and plenty of lifeguards. And when you’ve had enough of the sand and sea, hit the kid’s playground where they can swing, climb and slide as you take in the stunning sun set over the Arabian Gulf. Everyone’s a winner.
2C Street, Umm Suqeim.
Abu Dhabi
A’l Bahar
Technically, this stretch of sand belongs to the Corniche, but this area with its outdoor gym, basketball and volleyball courts, shops, restaurants and gaming area deserves a bit of special attention. A great place to stroll along and relax with the entire gang, it’s open every day from 7am.
Free. Daily 7am-sunset. Corniche.
Al Bateen Beach
Brilliantly family-friendly, Al Bateen Beach is hugely popular with tourists, expats and locals. And not just for building sandcastles, but for swimming and fishing too, due to its beautifully calm waters and properly relaxed atmosphere. This 800m stretch also features a children’s playground, 100 parking spaces, lifeguards aplenty, a handful of eateries and also watersports like kayaking and – if you’re game enough to give it a go – stand-up paddleboards. Basically, it’s got everything you and the family could possibly need. Pack the car, the kids and the sun cream and head on down for an immaculate weekend chill-out session with the whole gang.
Free. Open daily 8am-sunset. Al Bateen, Khalifa Al Mubarak Street, off Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
Hudayriat Island
This huge island opened its beach back in 2018, and while the rest of the island remains untouched, the space just over the hulking Hudayriat Bridge is a popular spot. There are food trucks and sports facilities from the island and the 600 metre-long beach is open daily from 8am to 7pm and is free to use for the public. There are also three new slipways for boats and jet-skis, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers in the capital.
Free. Open daily 8am to 7pm. Hudayriat Island.
The Corniche
The jewel in Abu Dhabi’s beachy crown, especially when it comes to families, the Corniche is a pristine beachfront divided into three handy sections, so everyone gets maximum enjoyment from its golden joys. There’s Al Sahil, for singles and groups, Gate 2 for families (and it has a quiet zone), but it’s Gate 3 you’ll want to make a beeline for as that is the one that’s aimed particularly at kids. There are children’s play areas, restaurants and lots of free sports on offer, like volleyball (there are five courts) and football. Best of all, floating fences keep you within 40 metres of the beach at all times, which makes this, along with all the lifeguards, a beach where you always feel 100 percent safe. Little wonder 50,000 people come here every month, to soak up the rays and the stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
BAKE (a beach management company) is open daily 8am-8pm. Dhs10 per adult and Dhs5 per child under 12. Kids under five go free. Dhs25 per lounger. Public beaches are free and open daily 8am-8pm.
Saadiyat Public Beach
Close to the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, this sanded area is set on Saadiyat Island’s serene natural shores. The 400m beach is a great spot for a day out with friends and family, to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s clean, warm, turquoise waters. There are eco-friendly watersport activities such as windsurfing and sailing, The Beach Café offers lovely, fresh food and beverages delivered straight to your lounger (of which there are 300) if, like us, you can’t be bothered to move. And there are showers and changing rooms, meaning that car journey home caked in sand just got a whole lot more comfortable.
Open daily 8am-sunset. Dhs25 per adult and Dhs15 per child aged six-12. Kids under five free. Sunlounger Dhs50 (weekdays), Dhs75 (weekends and public holidays). Al Saadiyat.
Fujairah
This is the perfect stretch of shoreline to settle down with a picnic and the family for the day, and there’s no better spot than on Fujairah’s Family Beach. You’ve got mountains provided a pretty impressive backdrop to your beach day. There are no restaurants, hence you’ll need to take a picnic and plenty of water, but there are toilets. There is also free parking nearby so you can while away the entire day having fun on the sand.
Free. Family Beach, Fujairah.
Ras Al Khaimah
RAK is full of luxurious private beaches, but if you’re looking for something a little more rustic, but equally as beautiful, try the public beach near Jazirat Al Hamra. Offering a pristine stretch of unobstructed golden sandy shore, kids can run around safely while you unpack the picnic hamper. Send the little ones off on a mission to load up their buckets with colourful seashells (there are loads to be discovered).
Free. Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Kaimah.
Umm Al Quwain
Make a beeline to Kite Café in Umm Al Quwain, which is not only child-friendly, but dog-friendly too. The cute eatery, which wouldn’t look out of place on Phuket’s Patong Beach, welcomes the whole family from the tiniest of tots to the furriest
of friends – it’s pawfect for the whole gang.
You can grab a lounger and umbrella on the sand and then let your four-legged friends off the lead to explore the fenced in beach and to swim in the sea.
Don’t have a pet pup? Don’t worry, it’s still worth the just-short-of-an-hour’s journey out here with the kids. The water is shallow meaning little ones can wade safely in the sea and throw a ball or stick for any of the numerous dogs running along the sand and splashing about in the waves – full disclaimer, we can’t guarantee they will bring it back.
Dhs25 (dogs), Dhs50 (adults). Kite Beach Center and Café, Shaik Saud bin Rachid Al Mualla Road, Umm Al Quwain, www.kitebeachcenter.ae (055 507 3060).
