Dubai’s free beaches for summer 2025: Swim day or night
From JBR to Jumeirah, these beach escapes cost nothing but time
Dubai’s coastline is calling this summer, with over a dozen public beaches open to residents and visitors at no charge.
With floodlit areas for safe night swimming, playgrounds, jogging tracks, and pet-friendly stretches, the city’s beaches are an accessible escape from the heat – day or night.
Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has launched its 2025 edition of “Dubai’s Summer Activities” guide, spotlighting 11 free beaches. In addition, the municipality continues to enhance access and safety at night beaches, part of a city-wide initiative to create inclusive outdoor spaces.
Top family spots
Kite Beach in Jumeirah remains a crowd favourite for its 2.4-kilometre stretch of sand paired with fitness zones, food trucks, and dedicated corridors for People of Determination and the elderly. Thrill-seekers can venture into jet skiing or banana boat rides in designated zones, while families enjoy shaded playgrounds and ample seating.
Jumeirah 3 Beach offers not only beach access but also a standout “happiness platform,” a 125-metre structure perfect for viewing sunsets or fishing. Its 1,980-metre beach is also fitted with gym equipment and a kite surfing area.
Jumeirah 2 Beach, stretching out with jogging tracks and playgrounds, is another popular choice for its open-gym concept and even a free-to-use beach library stocked with books for all ages.
Al Mamzar Corniche Beach, though smaller at 760 metres, delivers a quieter, more peaceful experience, away from motorised water sports, while Al Mamzar Lagoon Beach stretches 3.5 kilometres and includes gym facilities, a walking track and designated swimming areas. It will also have night swimming, a new women-only beach and 1,000 metres of running, walking and cycling paths by the end of 2025.
Best for night swims
In 2023, Dubai Municipality rolled out its night swimming initiative, equipping three public beaches with high-tech safety infrastructure. These include:
- Jumeirah 2 Beach
- Jumeirah 3 Beach
- Umm Suqeim 1 Beach
Each features an 800-metre floodlit area powered by smart towers, along with electronic displays broadcasting safety guidelines and live conditions.
Night swimming is permitted daily from sunset to sunrise, making them ideal for post-work relaxation or late-night strolls. Dubai is the first city in the region to implement such a feature at scale on public beaches.
Umm Suqeim 1, located just before Burj Al Arab, also connects to a lush park and offers designated surfing and swimming zones, jogging paths and shaded lounges, all open after dark.
Hidden gems & pet-friendly beaches
For those looking to escape the crowds, Sunset Beach and Mercato Beach in Jumeirah offer quieter alternatives.
Sunset Beach is well-known among early risers and surfers, with free WiFi, BBQ spots and even a pop-up library.
Mercato Beach’s relaxed vibe makes it ideal for children and families seeking a nostalgic shoreline experience.
The Beach, JBR, blends beachside fun with a bustling promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and retail outlets. The 600-metre jogging track is a bonus for fitness lovers.
Dubai Islands Beach stands out as the city’s first pet-friendly beach, featuring a 460-square-metre leash-free dog park, paddleboarding, and kayaking zones. The beach is accessible via the Dubai Islands bridge off Deira, making it easy to reach from most parts of the city.
Palm West Beach, located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, offers 1.6 km of beachfront, upscale eateries, and panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. Some restaurants here also welcome pets, adding to its inclusive appeal.
Remote retreats
Jebel Ali Public Beach, located near Mina Jebel Ali, is a serene spot with limited amenities but ample space and peace. Occasional pop-up coffee trucks and kiosks offer refreshments.
Nessnass Beach, tucked behind Sunset Mall, is popular among kite surfers but also caters to swimmers and paddle boarders. Nearby cafés provide post-swim treats, making it a favourite among locals.
Sunrise Beach, at the corner of Al Athar Road and Jumeirah Beach Road, is vast and quiet, perfect for DIY beach days. With no shops or restaurants, it is best enjoyed by those prepared with their own gear and food.
More coming soon
The Dubai Municipality has confirmed that a revamped Jumeirah Beach will open by July 2025, featuring enhanced infrastructure, AI-based safety tech and accessibility improvements. This is part of a broader push to turn Dubai’s coastline into a world-class, inclusive public leisure zone.