The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country that combines luxury, comfort and seaside nature. Among the attractions and entertainment on offer in the Emirates, seaside resorts occupy a special place. The warm waters of the Persian Gulf, soft sand and manicured beaches make the UAE a popular destination for a seaside holiday at almost any time of the year.
1. The UAE's geography and climate: why it's the perfect beach holiday destination
The UAE lies in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula and is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Its unique geographical location provides the country with a stable, sunny climate almost all year round. The water temperature rarely drops below +22°C in the winter months and reaches +30°C in the summer, making a holiday by the sea comfortable at any time of the year.
The peculiarity of the local climate is the low humidity and the almost total absence of rainfall, which create ideal conditions for a beach holiday. However, during the summer months, temperatures can exceed +40°C, so travellers prefer to visit the country in autumn, winter or early spring.
The UAE's coastline adds to the uniqueness of the region. The sandy beaches are characterised by soft golden sands and in some places, particularly in Fujairah, there are areas of dark volcanic sand. Local coastal vegetation includes rare shrubs and mangrove forests, which can be seen in Abu Dhabi. These provide a natural habitat for birds and marine life, adding to the exoticism of the overall landscape.
2. Dubai: beaches that combine luxury and outdoor activities
Dubai is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its luxury resorts and stunning beaches. This metropolis on the Persian Gulf coast has something for everyone. Dubai's beaches cater for all tastes, from luxury resorts with exclusive amenities to more affordable and relaxed beachfront locations. There's stunning infrastructure, a wide range of water sports and, of course, bright sunshine and warm waters all year round.
2.1 Jumeirah Beach.
Jumeirah Beach is one of Dubai's most famous beaches, combining an expansive coastline, soft golden sand and world-class facilities. The beach is ideal for family holidays due to its calm waters and well-planned infrastructure. You'll find shaded picnic areas, playgrounds and comfortable changing rooms. The coastline is lined with palm trees, and the proximity of iconic landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab Hotel (also known as the Sail Hotel) makes the beach particularly popular with tourists.
Tip: Jumeirah Beach is divided into several sectors. It is interspersed with other beaches and parts of it are simply marked 'Public Beach' on maps.
In addition to sunbathing, Jumeirah Beach offers many opportunities for active recreation. Water sports such as water skiing, surfing, kayaking and snorkelling are all available. For those who prefer more relaxed activities, strolls along the promenade overlooking the bay are available, as well as yacht rentals for boat cruises.
The beach has cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine. In the evening, the beach offers a magical view of the lights of Dubai, creating a romantic atmosphere for strolling.
Hotels on the beach:
- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah - A global symbol of luxury with a private beach and exclusive services.
- The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a great place for a family holiday with beach access.
2.2 La Mer
La Mer Beach is a unique combination of beach holiday and modern urban style. Surrounded by boutiques, cafes and restaurants, it is not only a place to swim but also a centre for shopping and dining. La Mer stands out for its design concept, which combines bright colours, stylish seating areas and modern amenities. The beach is divided into several zones, including children's and teenagers' areas.
Active holidaymakers can try parasailing, scuba diving or windsurfing. There are also regular cultural and entertainment events on the beach, such as open-air cinema sessions, music concerts and parties.
Tip: English is the dominant language at these events. This should be taken into account if you plan to attend film screenings or other evenings where English communication skills are important.
The beach is equipped with showers, changing rooms and sun loungers for hire, making it an ideal all-day destination. In the evening, La Mer is transformed by colourful lighting, creating a festive atmosphere.
Hotels on the beach:
- Rixos Premium Dubai, a luxury hotel with beach access and outstanding service.
- The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is the ideal choice for those seeking the highest levels of comfort and service.
2.3 Kite Beach
Kite Beach is the perfect place for those with an active lifestyle. There is always a lively atmosphere here thanks to the kite surfers who fill the sky with their colourful sails. The beach has an outdoor sports area with jogging tracks, fitness equipment and beach volleyball courts. For families with children, there are safe swimming areas and playgrounds.
A special feature of Kite Beach is the many food trucks offering dishes from all over the world. This makes the beach popular not only with sportsmen but also with gourmets. The beach also hosts kitesurfing competitions and masterclasses, where beginners can learn the sport under the guidance of experienced instructors. An evening at Kite Beach is an opportunity to enjoy the sunset and delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Hotels on the beach:
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel, a comfortable hotel overlooking the Palm Jumeirah, offers family-friendly facilities.
- One&Only Royal Mirage - A luxury resort with excellent facilities and close access to several beaches.
3. Abu Dhabi: serenity and elegance
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its unique atmosphere, where luxury and serenity meet in perfect harmony. The beaches of Abu Dhabi attract tourists with their tranquillity and privacy, as well as high-end resorts and facilities. Not only can you relax on the sand and in the water, but you can also enjoy a rich cultural life with historical and architectural monuments close by. Abu Dhabi is ideal for those seeking tranquillity, comfort and variety.
3.1 Saadiyat Beach.
Saadiyat Beach is the jewel of Abu Dhabi, located on the island of the same name. It is an environmentally friendly beach with white sand and clear waters, making it an ideal place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach is famous for being a nesting site for the rare Bissa sea turtle, so environmental standards are strictly enforced. The coastline stretches for several kilometres and offers plenty of space for walking, swimming and outdoor activities.
Saadiyat Beach also offers the perfect setting for yoga and meditation with its tranquil atmosphere and stunning sea views. Kayaking and paddle boarding are available for water sports enthusiasts. The beach has sun loungers, parasols and showers to ensure maximum comfort for visitors.
Tip: Bissa turtles come ashore between March and August. During this time you can watch them carefully.
Hotels on the beach:
- Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas - a hotel with stunning villas and beach views.
- St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort - a premium resort with an exotic atmosphere and truly regal amenities.
3.2 Corniche Beach
Corniche Beach is one of the best maintained and landscaped beaches in Abu Dhabi. The spacious promenade overlooking the Arabian Gulf is ideal for walking, cycling and relaxing under the shade of palm trees. The beach is divided into three zones: for families, for young people and for those seeking peace and quiet. This allows visitors to choose a holiday format that suits them.
The calm waters of the beach are ideal for swimming and there are safe shallow areas for children. There are cafes and restaurants on the beach offering both local and international cuisine. Cornish Beach is also known for its green areas, which are ideal for picnics and outdoor games.
Hotels on the beach:
- The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is a luxury hotel with stunning views of the bay and access to the beach.
- Emirates Palace - An iconic hotel offering the highest level of service and facilities.
4. Sharjah: Beaches with a cosy and accessible atmosphere
Sharjah is the second largest emirate in the UAE and attracts tourists not only for its cultural component but also for its variety of beaches. Sharjah's coastline is renowned for its clean sand, calm waters and great holiday conditions for children and quieter holidaymakers. These beaches are perfect for those seeking privacy and tranquillity away from the bustling resorts.
4.1 Al Khan Beach
Al Khan Beach is one of Sharjah's most famous beaches and offers great facilities for families with children. The beach is lapped by the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing, even if you have a young child. There are children's playgrounds, as well as water-bike and other sports equipment for hire.
Tip: there's an oceanarium nearby, which is sure to attract families with children.
The beach has a good infrastructure and facilities: there are cafes along the shore where you can taste local and international cuisine, as well as sun loungers and parasols for relaxing. There are showers and changing rooms along the coastline for the convenience of visitors. Its proximity to the city centre also makes Al Khan Beach accessible to those who prefer short trips to the beach.
Beachfront Hotels:
- Copthorne Hotel Sharjah - A hotel with great views of the Persian Gulf and access to the beach.
- Concorde Hotel Sharjah - A hotel with good recreational facilities, comfortable grounds and access to the beach.
4.2 Al Mamzar Beach Park
A rather unusual place: this is a park where you can just walk around - or enjoy a beach holiday. The palm trees that shelter you from the scorching sun are a definite plus. The abundance of greenery will appeal to those who enjoy a leisurely stroll, and the coastal area is suitable for swimmers and children of all ages.
Separately, you can reach a small 'corner' known as Al Mamzar Beach. This is a cosy beach for those looking for a more relaxed and moderate atmosphere.
Al Mamzar Beach Park on the map
5. Ajman: affordable and cosy relaxation
Ajman is a small and intimate emirate known for its spacious beaches and affordable holiday prices. Ajman's beaches are not as crowded as those in larger emirates, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and privacy. It is ideal for family holidays and leisurely walks along the coastline.
5.1 Ajman Corniche
Ajman Corniche is the central beach of the city and is characterised by its beautiful sandy coastline and the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. The beach is ideal for walking along the shore as well as swimming. The shallow waters and lack of waves make it safe for children. Locals can often be found here enjoying the picturesque sunsets and spending time on the shore.
Tip: There is a place where you can go fishing.
The beach infrastructure is well developed, with comfortable seating areas, cafes serving local and international cuisine, and special picnic and activity areas. You can hire sunbeds and parasols and enjoy the local seafood served at the beach cafes. There are changing rooms, showers and toilets on the beach.
Hotels on the beach:
- Ajman Hotel - A luxury hotel overlooking the bay and close to the beach.
- Fairmont Ajman - A hotel with upscale facilities, restaurants and great access to the beach.
Ajman Corniche Beach on the map
5.2 Al Zorah Beach
Al Zorah Beach is a secluded beach surrounded by mangrove forests, giving it a special charm. The beach is ideal for birdwatching and for those who want to enjoy the natural tranquillity away from the noisy tourist areas. It is a pleasant place to walk along the nature trails or just enjoy the solitude.
The infrastructure is a little limited, but there is everything you need for a relaxing holiday. There are small cafés on the beach, as well as sunbeds and parasols for a pleasant time. This is an ideal place for nature lovers and ecotourists. The beach is not crowded, making it a great choice for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
6. Fujairah: beaches where the mountain meets the sea
Fujairah is a unique emirate on the east coast of the UAE, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Oman. Its beaches are the perfect combination of majestic mountain scenery and clear waters, making them particularly attractive to tourists looking for a holiday in a picturesque setting. Unlike other emirates, Fujairah's beaches are full of natural beauty.
6.1 Al Aqa Beach
Al Aqa Beach is famous for its unique underwater world, which attracts divers and snorkellers from all over the world. The beach is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, creating a picturesque landscape and a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation. The soft sand and crystal clear waters make it ideal for families and couples.
At Al Aqa Beach, you can hire water sports equipment or take a boat trip to explore the area's rich flora and fauna. The mountains adjacent to the beach are ideal for walking and taking photographs. The beach is also ideal for picnics, with equipped picnic areas and restaurants serving fresh seafood nearby.
Hotels on the beach:
- Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
- Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
7. Marine activities and active holidays
The UAE offers many activities for those who enjoy active holidays on the water. Popular activities include parasailing, water skiing, kite surfing and jet boarding. For those who prefer a more relaxed activity, boat trips, kayaking and fishing are available.
The underwater world of the Persian Gulf is rich with coral reefs, a variety of fish and sea turtles. Diving enthusiasts can explore the shipwrecks close to shore. Popular diving centres include Al Boom Diving in Dubai and Divers Down in Fujairah. These centres offer courses for beginners and advanced divers and organise excursions to the most interesting underwater sites.
A spectacular snorkelling spot is the Dibba Rock area of Fujairah, known for its rich marine life, including turtles and reef sharks. There are also unique underwater caves in the Hole in the Wall area.
A popular activity is a cruise on traditional Arabic dhow boats. These cruises offer views of the city's skyscrapers and sunsets over the water.
8. Beach Facilities: Comfort and Safety
Beaches in the UAE offer a high level of facilities. There are showers, changing rooms, sunbeds and parasols. There are play areas for children and special lifts and ramps for people with disabilities. Free or chargeable Wi-Fi is available at most beaches so you can stay in touch. Mobile apps are also popular, allowing you to book sunbeds, umbrellas and even private seating areas in advance.
Many beaches are lifeguarded, which makes for a safe holiday. There are also beaches with noise restrictions, which is especially appreciated by families with children. In addition, beaches often have cafes and kiosks offering refreshments, and some areas offer personalised services such as food delivered directly to your sun lounger.
Tip: All urban beaches are free to use, so you don't have to pay to use them.
9. Travel tips
To make your beach holiday in the UAE as enjoyable as possible, it is important to follow a few recommendations. Firstly, do not forget to bring sunscreen, as the sun is very active here. Secondly, be aware of the local rules: topless sunbathing is forbidden on public beaches, and some emirates require modest clothing even for swimming.
If you are planning a summer holiday, try to visit the beaches in the morning or evening to avoid the peak temperatures. Also remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and wear hats.
The sea and beaches of the UAE are the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy a beach holiday combined with luxurious infrastructure. Whether it's the lively beaches of Dubai, the tranquillity of Abu Dhabi or the natural beauty of Fujairah, there's something for everyone. Whatever the time of year, a holiday by the sea in the UAE will leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.
