La Mer and Kite Beach

For a beach day in Dubai you do not need a resort pass. The Jumeirah coast between the city centre and the Burj Al Arab has the best free public sand in the city, and two stretches stand out. La Mer, in Jumeirah 1, is a modern beachfront district built on reclaimed land, with soft sand, calm water, palm-lined walkways, colourful murals and street art, and a long run of restaurants, cafes and shops right behind the beach; its southern part has been redeveloped and rebranded as J1 Beach, with beach clubs and dining, while the public sections remain free. Kite Beach, further south in Umm Suqeim, is the locals' favourite: a long, wide public beach with a running and cycling track behind it, outdoor gyms, food trucks and cafes, beach volleyball, and, as the name suggests, kitesurfers when the wind is up, with a kitesurf school for lessons. From Kite Beach you look straight down the coast to the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which is closed for restoration until about late 2027 but remains the classic backdrop for sunset photographs. Both beaches have lifeguards on duty during the day, showers and changing facilities, and paid parking. They are family friendly and relaxed, with swimwear normal on the sand and a cover-up expected when you leave it. Mornings are calm and best for swimming; late afternoons bring the sunset crowd. Fit: families, couples and first-timers who want a beach without a resort fee, runners, and anyone who wants to see how Dubai residents spend their weekends.

Which one to choose: La Mer is the more polished, with shallow sheltered water that suits small children, plenty of restaurants within a few steps of your towel, and a lively evening scene. Kite Beach is more open and sporty, with bigger skies and more room, better for a run, a game of volleyball or a lesson on the water, and closer to the Burj Al Arab view. Both are easy to combine with sightseeing on the Jumeirah side, from the Jumeirah Mosque tour to the Etihad Museum.

How to do it well: arrive in the morning in the warmer months, when the sun is gentler and parking is easier, or late afternoon in winter to stay for sunset. Swim only between the flags and follow lifeguard instructions; rip currents can occur on any Gulf beach. Bring shade and plenty of water, as umbrellas are not everywhere, and use sunscreen even on hazy days. On weekends in the cool season both beaches get busy; weekday visits are calmer. Respect local norms: swimwear is fine on the beach, but cover up when you walk to the shops and restaurants, and avoid public displays of affection.

Getting there: there is no metro on the beach road, so take a taxi, about fifteen minutes from Downtown to La Mer and twenty to Kite Beach. Buses run along Jumeirah Beach Road. If you are staying at the Rove hotel at La Mer, you are steps from the sand. Pair a beach morning with an afternoon at the Etihad Museum, or end a day of sightseeing with sunset at Kite Beach and dinner at one of the La Mer restaurants.