⛱️ UAE beaches 2026: 20 best shores and where to go swimming

The UAE has seven emirates and dozens of beaches on two seas. Some are open around the clock and free, while others operate as paid parks and clubs (according to Visit Dubai, 09/2026).

Choosing a beach for your trip is not easy: each has its own rules, water depth, and infrastructure. In some places you need to cover your shoulders, in others loungers are provided free of charge, and in others entry is by ticket only.

We have put together twenty UAE beaches with photos and explained who each one suits.

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1. Ajman Beach

💡 In short:

Beaches across all seven emirates: from city promenades to wild coves.
Most public beaches are free and open around the clock (according to the official Dubai guide, 09/2026).
Paid areas: Al Mamzar Beach Park, RIVA Beach Club, Nasimi Beach, Saadiyat Beach Club.
Best time: October through May; in summer the air heats up above forty degrees.
Beach access and infrastructure: 09/2026, according to the Dubai tourism office.

Ajman Beach with surf, mosque and skyscrapers

In Ajman, almost the entire Persian Gulf coastline is set aside for recreation, more than ten kilometers. The shore is divided among hotels, and there are several dozen of them along the water. There is almost no nightlife here, so the emirate is chosen for a quiet getaway.

The water entry is gradual, with no large rocks or sharp shells on the bottom. The sand is fine and almost white. The free city beach starts right behind a shady promenade, where there are benches, changing cabins, gazebos, and barbecue areas, and the lifeguard service operates around the clock.

Along the shore are The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah and Ajman Hotel. The first is tucked among a mangrove forest and offers rooms in four-story buildings and villas, while the second is considered the greenest on the coast. Both occupy the first line.

How to get there: from Dubai or Sharjah airports by taxi or rental car.
Cost: the city beach is free; you rent loungers and umbrellas.
Who it's for: families with children and older travelers.
Not for: those looking for bars and nightclubs.
The catch: in summer the air heats up above forty degrees and sandstorms occur; it is most comfortable from October through May.

2. Al Bateen Beach

Abu Dhabi is among the hottest cities on the planet. It has a dry tropical climate, warm winters, and scorching summers, with humidity maintained by the Persian Gulf and the islands. The water in the bay is comfortable for swimming year-round.

There are almost no waves, so surfers have nothing to do here, and fishing near the shore is prohibited. The beach area stretches along a beautiful palm promenade, from which you can see Hudayriyat Island.

The shore is divided into two parts. The first is free for everyone and has sports facilities, changing cabins, and loungers, so locals come here to exercise on the shore and in the water. The second part is reserved for women with children; boys are only allowed up to age six, and entry is paid.

Here you can rent a jet ski or water skis, or go kayaking and canoeing. There is parking and a cafe nearby.

How to get there: by taxi or city bus; routes run from morning until late evening.
Cost: one part is free, the women's area is paid.
Who it's for: active city residents and families with small children.
Not for: surfers and those who want to fish near the shore.
The catch: dogs and tents are not allowed, and photography is prohibited in the women's section.

3. Al Corniche

Aerial view of Downtown Dubai and the fountain lake

Sharjah, the country's third-largest emirate, is considered the cultural capital of the UAE. There are plenty of budget-friendly recreation spots with decent service here, and the word "Corniche" means "promenade" in Arabic.

The beach area starts at the Ladies Club and stretches along the coast to the Coral Beach hotel as a long strip of white imported and yellow local sand. It is informally divided into sections for families with children, young people, and older adults. A palm promenade separates the sand from the city, where you can hide from the sun, and an umbrella can be rented separately.

This is the largest and most spacious recreation area among UAE beaches. There are no underwater currents near the shore, and buoys are placed tens of meters out, so swimming is calm. Entry is free every day, there is free parking nearby, and the bedouin heritage village "Al Heritage" is not far away.

How to get there: by taxi or bus along the promenade.
Cost: entry is free; you rent an umbrella and lounger, prices at Coral Beach on Trip.com.
Who it's for: budget travel and families.
Not for: those who want quiet; the strip is crowded in summer.
The catch: you won't have your own hotel on the first line; the infrastructure here is city-run.

4. Al Mamzar Beach Park

The Al Mamzar Beach Park complex stretches along the Persian Gulf coast in five sections, with another lying between Dubai and Sharjah. The open sea does not reach here, so there are almost no waves, and swimming with small children is calm.

Exotic trees grow on the grounds and well-kept flower beds bloom. Near the palms you will find sports and children's playgrounds, and rentals include land and water vehicles. You can grab a bite at cafes and restaurants, and bungalows are available for rent in the fourth zone.

As for attractions, there is an observation tower and an amphitheater, while pools, rides, and spa centers cover different leisure scenarios. Hours and season were checked on 09/15/2026 on the official Visit Dubai website. Check visiting times in advance: the schedule changes in summer.

How to get there: by taxi or car, parking is available at the entrance.
Cost: the park is paid, tickets are bought at the entrance.
Who it's for: families with children and pool lovers.
Not for: those looking for a free city beach.
The catch: it's hot in summer, and shade is only under palm trees and in gazebos.

5. Al Muntazah Beach

UAE coastline with artificial islands seen from space

The Al Muntazah area is in Sharjah, right after Al Corniche. From the city center you can get there by taxi or your own car; bus routes run along neighboring streets. The coastal strip stretches for just over a kilometer.

There are no entertainment venues or noisy shopping malls near the shore; cafes and restaurants are on parallel streets. This is part of a conservative emirate, where people relax in quiet surrounded by clean water and bright sun. Most guests sunbathe on private hotel beaches, so the public strip is uncrowded even in high season.

Light yellow sand, a gentle slope, a clean bottom, and clear water attract local residents. On Tuesdays, women-only days are held on public sections; men and boys are not allowed there. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the air stays around thirty degrees and a cool breeze comes in from the gulf at night.

How to get there: by taxi or car, the bus stops on a neighboring street.
Cost: public sections are free, hotel beaches are open to guests.
Who it's for: quiet relaxation and families.
Not for: those who want music and bars on the shore.
The catch: high humidity during the day, and there is little shade on the strip.

6. Al Sufouh Beach

Al Sufouh Beach with view of Burj Al Arab

The Al Sufouh district lies on the Persian Gulf coast next to Palm Jumeirah. High-rise buildings with unusual architecture look out over the new, well-kept recreation area; they have long become a calling card of the Emirates. Hotels in the district are cheaper than on neighboring premium strips, while the sun, sea, and clean shore are no worse.

A road with bus routes runs nearby, so getting there is easy. The main thing is not to forget your camera: from here you can see Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, and the Palm itself. The strip's infrastructure is modest, but it offers an excellent sea view, and a water park with rides is nearby.

How to get there: by bus or taxi along the coastal road.
Cost: entry to the public section is free.
Who it's for: walks and photo shoots with a view of the Palm.
Not for: relaxing with a full set of amenities at your lounger.
The catch: the infrastructure is modest, and a major highway is nearby.

7. Al Khan Beach

This stretch on the Persian Gulf coast is part of the Sharjah emirate's recreational areas. It is about six hundred meters long. Locals relax on the white sand and in the azure water on weekends.

Modern hotels have been built along the shore for visitors, and the cost of a vacation here is noticeably lower than on the Dubai coast. The area has cafes and restaurants, sports and children's playgrounds, and shops. Parking is set back from the shore, so you walk to the beach: there are too many hotels along the waterfront.

You can rent loungers, umbrellas, and water equipment. There is always a calm spot in the cozy lagoon. The only catch is the appearance of colorful jellyfish and stingrays here in October, so you need to be more careful around them. For variety, check out the aquarium and maritime museum.

How to get there: by taxi or car, parking is set back from the shore.
Cost: entry is free, rentals are paid.
Who it's for: families and calm swimming in the lagoon.
Not for: those who don't want to walk from the parking lot.
The catch: jellyfish and stingrays appear in the water in the fall.

8. Umbrella Beach

Beach with umbrella and loungers by the ocean

Umbrella Beach lies near the city of Fujairah, the country's youngest emirate. This is the only part of the UAE on the Indian Ocean coast, more precisely the Gulf of Oman. Near the shore are the oldest mosque Al Bidiya, the Al Wurraya waterfalls, the Ain Al Madhab gardens, and the Ain Al Ghamu hot springs, which are convenient to visit between swims.

The beach is free, but there are no luxury amenities here. You won't find changing cabins or showers, but there are umbrellas, loungers, and the endless ocean. Plenty of fish and crabs swim near the shore, and after high tide beautiful shells remain on the sand.

The yellow-gray sand and gentle slope into the water attract those who want to connect with real nature. Special services strictly monitor the cleanliness of the shore, so you won't see any trash. Swimming here is allowed only in a one-piece swimsuit, and wearing it outside the coastal strip is prohibited.

How to get there: by car from Dubai or Sharjah along the highway on the east coast.
Cost: entry is free, umbrella and lounger are rented.
Who it's for: wild camping, camping, and barbecue.
Not for: those who need showers and changing cabins.
The catch: minimal infrastructure, and the swimsuit must be modest.

9. Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah Beach and Burj Al Arab hotel in haze

This district in Dubai stretches along the Persian Gulf coast for more than twenty kilometers. There are dozens of paid and free zones here, all referred to simply as "Jumeirah Beach." Some sections have their own names, including La Mer, Kite Beach, Sunset Beach, and Umm Suqeim Beach, while the rest are unnamed and semi-wild, and the quality of the equipped sections is roughly the same.

The beaches are covered with soft white or golden sand, the slope into the water is gentle, and it is shallow near the shore. Families with children most often choose the Jumeirah Open Beach area near the Burj Al Arab. A path for runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers runs along the shore, and the infrastructure is limited to changing cabins, toilets, showers, and barbecue areas.

Rules in Dubai are strictly enforced, and fines here are hefty, up to and including deportation. We don't recommend alcohol on the beach at all, and photographing local women is prohibited. Kids will enjoy the playground near the shore.

How to get there: by metro, bus, or taxi along Jumeirah Beach Road.
Cost: public sections are free, paid zones charge for loungers and umbrellas.
Who it's for: families with children and morning runs.
Not for: those who want a secluded shore, it is always crowded here.
The catch: large fines for breaking the rules of conduct.

10. RIVA Beach Club

Silhouettes of umbrellas and palm trees at sunset by the water

The romantic RIVA Beach Club is located on Palm Jumeirah and is not tied to a specific resort. It is one of the first recreational areas built on the artificial island.

The water here is clean, the sand is soft, loungers and umbrellas are spaced far apart, and seaweed near the shore is cleared almost instantly. Separate pools are available for adults and children.

The cafe and restaurant are designed as a tent with an open terrace, and candles are lit everywhere at dusk. The conditions resemble a spa resort: it has its own fitness center, yoga studio, beauty salons, and shops, including the Bliss flower shop. Locals also come here with their families.

How to get there: by taxi along Palm Jumeirah, public transport does not reach the club.
Cost: it is a paid club, entry by day pass.
Who it's for: couples and families who need resort-level service.
Not for: budget vacations on city sand.
The catch: you pay separately for the comfort and service.

11. Dibba Beach

Dibba Beach lies at the foot of the Hajar Mountains on the Gulf of Oman coast. The first settlements appeared here back in the Iron Age, and the spirit of antiquity is still felt. The natural beauty draws a large flow of vacationers to the resort.

The hotels in the resort town have pools and their own beach areas. Here you not only sunbathe on the soft sand but also learn the basics of diving: the underwater world is rich in colorful corals and marine life. The coastal zone is known for its pristine ecology.

The mountain scenery completes the picture. You can get here from Dubai by bus or car and stay overnight at a campsite to see a meteor shower. The Dibba Al-Hisn fortress and the old Portuguese fort deserve special attention.

How to get there: by car or bus from Dubai along the east coast.
Cost: the public section is free, hotel zones are open to guests.
Who it's for: divers, camping, and a quiet vacation.
Not for: those looking for nightlife and shopping.
The catch: the drive from Dubai takes several hours.

12. Kite Beach

This public Dubai beach with free entry is a favorite of active vacationers. It is convenient to get here by taxi or rental car, and shops are nearby.

Kitesurfers with aerial tricks occupy most of the beach. A school is available for beginners, where you can book hourly lessons with a private instructor, and equipment is included in the price. Rentals are only given to experienced athletes.

The area has courts for soccer, volleyball, badminton, and a trampoline. You can come here at any time of day, and you walk on the sand without special footwear. Parking is available on the beach and by the road, with different prices. An amusement zone is nearby, convenient for family outings.

How to get there: by taxi or car, parking by the shore and by the road.
Cost: entry is free, lessons and rentals are paid.
Who it's for: kitesurfers and beach sports enthusiasts.
Not for: those who need quiet and an empty shore.
The catch: during the season there are many people on the water and on the sand.

13. Lou Lou'a Beach

On the Lou Lou'a Beach shoreline you'll get an even tan and enjoy the crystal-clear water of the Persian Gulf. People come here for active recreation: sailing, catamarans, kayaks, boats, and windsurfing are popular with locals and visitors.

With small children, it's better to choose a calm spot without strong currents. Hotels with tennis, darts, a gym, and a restaurant are suitable for staying. The fine light sand draws vacationers in the evening.

Keep in mind that all safety services operate until six in the evening. When blue jellyfish appear, red flags are raised. The area is in Sharjah and is known for its unobtrusive service, and hotels are on the first line close to the water.

Check prices at Lou Lou'a Beach Resort on Trip.com. It's first line, an outdoor heated pool, and an alcohol ban.

How to get there: by taxi or car from central Sharjah.
Cost: public entry is free, the hotel is by booking.
Who it's for: active recreation and couples.
Not for: evening swims, safety services operate until evening.
The catch: blue jellyfish appear in summer and flags prohibit swimming.

14. La Mer and J1 Beach

A young beach area in Dubai appeared in the Jumeirah 1 district and quickly became an unusual place to relax. It's easy to get here by taxi or bus, and the architectural details are designed for comfort. The quarter is divided into an entertainment center, the North and South islands, and the beach itself.

Inside, there were two lagoons with restaurants, bars, and cafes, and between them stood a water park with slides, waterfalls, and a separate area for toddlers. Around it grew a green oasis of palms and rare flowers, and along the strip there were benches, chairs, and hammocks.

Important: the southern part of La Mer was demolished in 2022, and in October 2024 the area reopened as J1 Beach with thirteen restaurants and beach clubs (according to Khaleej Times, 09/2026). Come here for food, music, and views, but for calm swimming it's better to choose Sunset Beach or Kite Beach.

How to get there: by taxi or bus to the Jumeirah 1 district.
Cost: the sand is free, restaurants and clubs charge by the bill.
Who it's for: for dinners by the water and evening walks.
Not for: those looking for a quiet beach with loungers.
The catch: you won't see the old La Mer beach anymore, the area has been completely rebuilt.

15. Nasimi Beach

Visitors at an outdoor cafe with skyscrapers in the background

On one of the Palm islands, the Atlantis complex operates a paid coastal strip. It's popular with young people and affluent guests. Since 2019, the Atlantis beach club has been called White Beach. On the imported snow-white sand there are not only loungers and umbrellas, but also poufs, hammocks, and closed cabanas, so it's better to book them in advance.

For active guests there are areas for soccer, volleyball, and badminton, and toddlers swim in children's pools. Adults are offered a spa center, a restaurant, and a fashion boutique. On Fridays and Saturdays, parties with music until morning take place here.

The swimming area is small and limited by buoys just a few meters from the shore. It's easy to get there by the monorail that leads to the islands: the fare is paid separately, and you reach the start of the line by metro or tram on a single ticket.

How to get there: by monorail along the Palm, the fare is paid separately.
Cost: admission is paid, book your lounger and cabana in advance.
Who it's for: for young people, couples, and party lovers.
Not for: families who need space by the water.
The catch: the swimming area is small and limited by buoys.

16. Saadiyat Beach

Dunes with grass and Saadiyat Beach with umbrellas

Saadiyat Beach is considered one of the best places to relax in Abu Dhabi. Snow-white sand and open sea lie on the strip of Saadiyat Island, which is called the island of happiness, and the city's other islands don't block the view. You can get here via a high-speed highway across a bridge leading to the mainland.

The island has nesting sites for rare turtles, so staff work here to monitor their safety. The best way to enjoy the island is to stay at one of the local hotels: the conditions are excellent, and you can walk to the sea.

The vacation is considered expensive, and almost all infrastructure is paid. The rental shop has any sports equipment, and the stores sell sunglasses, swimsuits, sunscreen, and masks. Entry to the island itself is free; you only pay for specific areas like Saadiyat Beach Club (according to Saadiyat Island, 09/2026). At sunset, life on the strip comes to a halt, announced by a sound signal.

How to get there: by car or taxi across the bridge to Saadiyat Island.
Cost: entry to the island is free, club areas are paid.
Who it's for: for a calm vacation and wildlife lovers.
Not for: those who want to save on infrastructure.
The catch: almost all amenities are paid, and hotels on the island are expensive.

17. Sunset Beach

Beach with seagulls and view of Burj Al Arab

The recreation area lies between the Arabian Gulf and the coastal strip of Umm Suqeim. Families with children and surfers who enjoy small waves choose this untouched nature. There are changing cabins, toilets, and showers here, and you bring chairs, loungers, and umbrellas with you or rent them for a small fee.

On the fine sand of a soft beige shade, it's convenient to play beach games, and the rental shop has any sports equipment. At sunset, many people want to take a selfie with the Burj Al Arab in the background, while lovers of quiet simply read a book.

In the mornings, people jog along the convenient bay, and the entry into the turquoise water is gradual and calm. It's shallow at first, then the depth increases quickly. You won't find first-line hotels here: the beautiful spots are occupied by sheikhs' villas.

How to get there: by taxi or bus to Umm Suqeim.
Cost: entry is free, lounger and umbrella for rent for a small fee.
Who it's for: for families and surfers.
Not for: those who want to stay right on the shore.
The catch: there are no first-line hotels, and shells can be found in the sand.

18. Sandy Beach

Sandy beach with palm trees and rules sign

Sandy Beach is located on the Indian Ocean coast in the emirate of Fujairah. It's a quiet place with views of the boundless ocean, the rocky Snoopy Island, and the Hajar Mountains, where it's easy to forget the hustle. Fishing, boat trips, and dive center services cover the active program.

Barbecue areas are set aside on the shore. Diving enthusiasts admire coral thickets and marine life, including reef sharks. For accommodation, there are standard hotel rooms, cozy bungalows, and double chalets.

A family hotel with a pool, restaurant, and children's playground stands a stone's throw from the water, and it has a tour desk with trips around the country.

How to get there: by car from Dubai or Sharjah along the east coast.
Cost: entry is free, hotel and rentals are paid.
Who it's for: for divers and families with children.
Not for: those who need city infrastructure nearby.
The catch: there are few cafes nearby, the main amenities are at the hotel.

19. Umm Suqeim Beach

The recreation area stretches across its own peninsula next to Umm Suqeim. Across from the beach along Jumeirah Beach Road rises the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and people come here for photos. The infrastructure isn't very diverse, but the essentials are on site.

Nearby there are green lawns, barbecue areas, and playgrounds. The northern part is windy, so people ride boards, fly kites, and surfers catch waves here. The sand has many small shells, which is inconvenient for children's recreation.

The luxury of hotels with pools makes up for the beach's minor shortcomings. The first line is held by Jumeirah Beach Hotel on Trip.com, and rooms at Jumeirah Mina A'Salam include the Sindbad kids' club, the Madinat Theatre, and the Talise spa.

How to get there: by taxi or bus along Jumeirah Beach Road.
Cost: access to the public section is free, loungers and umbrellas are available for rent.
Who it's for: surfers and families willing to stay at a hotel.
Not for: those who want an empty shore without shells.
The catch: the northern part is windy, and the sand is full of small shells.

20. Yas Beach

Yas Island is considered a major entertainment hub in the capital. Guests of seven hotels and hotel apartments on the island get free access to the beach area. There are plenty of reasons to come: turquoise sea, white sand, mangrove forests, and theme parks.

It's comfortable for young people, seniors, and families with children. The shoreline is wide and open, the water entry is gentle, and the bottom is sandy.

You can spend the day relaxing lazily or take out a kayak, water skis, or a jet ski. Cafes, restaurants, and bars with simple dishes and hot dogs are nearby.

How to get there: by taxi or car across the bridges to Yas Island.
Cost: free entry for guests of the island's hotels.
Who it's for: families, young people, and water sports enthusiasts.
Not for: those visiting for one day without a hotel booking.
The catch: free access is only for guests of the island's hotels.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is it comfortable to swim in the UAE?

The best time for a beach vacation in the UAE runs from October through May, when the air and water stay in a pleasant range (according to the official Visit Dubai website, 09/2026). In summer, temperatures go well above forty, and high humidity makes even evening walks unpleasant. Plan your swimming for the morning or late evening.

Is there a fee to enter UAE beaches?

Most public beaches are free and open around the clock: Ajman Beach, Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach, and the Sharjah shoreline cost nothing. You pay for comfort: entry to Al Mamzar Beach Park, a day pass at RIVA Beach Club or White Beach (formerly Nasimi Beach), and the zones on Saadiyat. Loungers and umbrellas are rented separately almost everywhere.

Where in the UAE can you swim with kids?

Calm water without waves awaits you at Al Mamzar Beach Park, Al Corniche, and Yas Beach: the entry is gentle, the bottom is sandy, and it's shallow near the shore. Umm Suqeim Beach and Sunset Beach have plenty of shells and wind, so they're trickier with little ones. Go in the morning: there's shade before noon and fewer people.

What is prohibited on UAE beaches?

Alcohol on the sand, photographing local women, topless sunbathing, and bringing dogs. Men are not allowed in the women's sections in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, and at Umbrella Beach swimming is permitted only in a full-coverage swimsuit. Violations in Dubai carry heavy fines, up to and including deportation.

How do you get to the Fujairah beaches?

Fujairah lies on the east coast, on the shore of the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. From Dubai or Sharjah you can drive via the highway through the Hajar Mountains, and bus service connects the main cities. Keep in mind that infrastructure at Umbrella Beach and Sandy Beach is minimal, so bring water and an umbrella with you.

UAE beaches on the map

All twenty beaches in this selection are gathered on one map. Mark the spots you need before your trip.

20 best beaches of the UAE

Places on the map

1Ajman A free city beach, fine gently sloping sand, relaxed rest
2Al Bateen An Abu Dhabi beach overlooking Al Hudayriat Island, some zones paid
3Al Corniche Sharjah's largest recreation area, free entry every day
4Al Mamzar A beach-and-park complex with five zones, paid entry
5Al Muntazah A quiet strip in Sharjah, Tuesdays are ladies' days
6Al Sufouh Views of Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah
7Al Khan A roughly 600-metre strip in Sharjah, affordable hotels nearby
8Umbrella Beach A wild beach near Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, free
9Jumeirah Beach Over 20 km of Dubai coastline, dozens of paid and free zones
10RIVA Beach Club A paid club on Palm Jumeirah, sunbeds and private pools
11Dibba Diving at the foot of the Hajar Mountains on the Gulf of Oman
12Kite Beach A kitesurfers' beach with free entry in Dubai
13Al Lulua Active water sports in Sharjah, a safety patrol until 18:00
14La Mer An area by Palm Jumeirah, the southern part reopened as J1 Beach
15Nasimi Beach A paid strip by Atlantis on the Palm, parties on Fridays and Saturdays
16Saadiyat Snow-white sand on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, free island entry
17Sunset Beach A beach between the Arabian Gulf and Umm Suqeim, good for surfing
18Sandy Beach A quiet Fujairah beach on the Indian Ocean coast, diving
19Umm Suqeim A beach opposite the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, windy in the northern part
20Yas Free access for guests of Yas Island hotels

In short: what's worth booking

If you're traveling with kids: choose Al Mamzar Beach Park, Al Corniche, or Yas Beach. If you want service with a pool: RIVA Beach Club or White Beach (formerly Nasimi Beach). If you're looking for a wild stretch of the Indian Ocean: Umbrella Beach or Sandy Beach. If you're planning to kite and surf: Kite Beach and Sunset Beach.

Find a hotel near your chosen beach on Trip.com.

20 Best beaches in the UAE: where to swim for free and which one to choose