Jumeirah Beach | Things to Do on the Arabian Gulf Coast in Dubai

Once an area frequented only by fishermen and pearl farmers, today Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Dubai. Travelers from around the world come to Jumeirah Beach to lounge on stretches of sand and splash, snorkel, and sail the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. The beach is lined with luxury hotels and resorts so awe-inspiring that they are attractions in and of themselves. The most famous of these is the Burj Al Arab, which is shaped like a sailboat and seems to float atop the peaceful waters of the gulf. Jumeirah Beach offers all of the usual seaside activities, and there are a variety of fun recreational and cultural activities in the surrounding area as well. Even if you’re staying elsewhere in the city, a visit to Jumeirah Beach should be part of any Dubai itinerary.

Take Advantage of the Beach

Jumeirah Beach itself offers plenty of fun for everyone from honeymooners to families with small children. There is a small play area to occupy little ones who tire of building sand castles as well as grills for those who want to whip up a meal while admiring the view. If you’d rather have someone else do the cooking, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world in a variety of settings.

• The waters of the Arabian Gulf are always warm and calm, making them very inviting for swimmers, and lifeguards are on duty to make sure everyone stays safe. Visitors to Jumeirah Beach will also find a wide array of watersport activities available in the area. Kayaks, banana boats, jet skis, and paddleboards are all available for rent. There are also multiple companies that offer the unique experience of flyboarding where you are propelled up to 12 meters in the air by a water-powered jetpack that is strapped to your feet.

• Visitors who want to get up close and personal with Dubai‘s underwater residents are in luck. Snorkeling gear can be rented or purchased at innumerable shops in Jumeirah Beach, and there are multiple companies that offer dive trips for both novice and experienced scuba divers. Whether you opt to snorkel or dive, you can expect to see a variety of tropical fish, eels, rays, and black tip sharks.

• If you need a break from the sun, head for one of the many cafés, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of the shore. Try Scoopi for inventive gelato flavors or Surf Café for healthy vegetarian and seafood dishes. When it’s time to catch the sunset, pop into Skyview Bar and enjoy a cocktail and an incredible view. There is no cost to access the beach, which is open daily from 7am to 11pm or 11:30pm, depending on the day.

Check In to Roda Beach Resort, Step Out to Jumeirah Beach

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN DUBAI TODAY

Marvel at Burj Al Arab

Located on an artificial island about 280 meters from shore, Burj Al Arab has been called the world’s most luxurious hotel. It’s so incredibly posh that when it opened in 1999, a travel writer deemed it a “seven-star hotel,” and that description has stuck. For guests of Burj Al Arab, the indulgent experience begins with the ride from Dubai International Airport to the hotel. Depending on the experience selected, guests can either cruise across the bridge to the hotel in a chauffeured Rolls Royce or land on the helipad on the hotel’s roof. Regardless of how you approach the Burj Al Arab, you’ll be struck by the architecture of the hotel, which was built to look like a traditional Arab sailing vessel with a full, billowing sail.

• Once you set foot inside the hotel, the over-the-top opulence is undeniable; 24-carat gold leaf covers over 6,700-square meters of the hotel’s interior. There are 202 spacious suites in the Burj Al Arab, the smallest of which is 558-square meters. The luxury isn’t limited to the hotel’s décor. In fact, it’s the service at Burj Al Arab that really shines. Each guest has access to a personal butler who will attend to every need from unpacking to drawing a bath. Guests of the hotel also enjoy access to a private section of Jumeirah Beach as well as a stunning beachfront infinity pool.

• If rates that range from $1,000 to as much as $18,000 a night are beyond your budget, you can still get a glimpse inside Burj Al Arab by booking a dining experience or a spa treatment. Since the hotel prides itself on exclusivity and privacy, non-guests cannot just stroll into the lobby of the illustrious hotel, so you’ll have to plan ahead. One of the most affordable ways to get into the hotel is to book High Tea at Burj Al Arab, the hotel’s atrium lounge. The cost for tea starts at AED 250. Children three and under dine free.

Check In to Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Step Out to Burj Al Arab

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN DUBAI TODAY

Cool off at Wild Wadi Water Park

When you’re ready to cut loose and cool off, head for Wild Wadi Waterpark. Located in front of Burj Al Arab, the waterpark is themed around Juha, a well-known character from Arabian folklore. With 30 rides and attractions, Wild Wadi Waterpark has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Highlights include the Jumeirah Sceirah, a 30-meter water slide that gets riders going up to 80 kilometers per hour and Breakers Bay, the largest wave pool in the Middle East. Those who prefer to take it easy will enjoy the lazy river, and everyone from tots to teens will love the AquaPlay Rainforest.

• When it’s time for a bit to eat, you’ll find a variety of dining options including a BBQ restaurant and a pizzeria. Wild Wadi also offers a VIP experience where you can enjoy cold drinks and fresh fruit in a luxury cabana. Make sure to check the schedule so as not to miss the daily choreographed water show, Wadi Washed, which simulates a flash flood with lightning flashes, cracks of thunder, and sudden water deluges.

• Wild Wadi Waterpark operates on a cashless system, so you don’t have to worry about what to do with your wallet as you’re splashing around. Every guest receives a waterproof bracelet that can be used to make purchases throughout the park. Since some rides are height-restricted, ticket prices are based on height. Those who are at least 1.1 meters tall will pay AED 299. Tickets for those less than 1.1 meters tall cost AED 249. There is a discount available for tickets purchased online in advance. Towels and lockers are available for rent. Hours vary slightly based on the time of year, but the park is generally open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Check In to Regent Beach Resort, Step Out to Wild Wadi Waterpark

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN DUBAI TODAY

Dive into the Dubai’s History and Culture

Located about a five-minute walk from the north end of Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Mosque is a must-see on any visit to Dubai. The stunning white stone mosque is one of the few in the UAE that welcomes non-Muslims. Local representatives from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offer 75-minute tours six days a week at 10am. Visitors are greeted with coffee, pastries, and dates and are encouraged to ask questions and take photos. Remember to dress modestly for your visit to Jumeirah Mosque. If you don’t have anything appropriate, you are welcome to borrow traditional dress for your visit. Women are asked to cover their heads and shoulders with a scarf.

• When you’re ready for a break from the beach, there are plenty of cultural and historical sites to explore very nearby. Situated between Jumeirah Beach and Al-Wasl Road, the Jumeirah Archaeological Site dates back to the 9th century when it served as a caravan stop for traders traveling between Iraq and Oman. While little remains at the site, it still makes for an interesting stop, particularly before a visit to the Dubai Museum where you can see many of the artifacts that were excavated from the site in 1969.

Check In to Jumeira Rotana Hotel, Step Out to Jumeirah Archaeological Site

Five More Things to Do Near Jumeirah Beach

1. Book a cruise on a dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel and explore the Dubai Marina
2. Have an evening picnic in Jumeirah Beach Park
3. Check out Madinat Jumeirah, a sprawling resort complex that is comprises three boutique luxury hotels.
4. Swim with dolphins at the world-famous Atlantis.
5. Explore Palm Jumeirah on a standup paddle board.

Check In to Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Step Out to Jumeirah Beach Park

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN DUBAI TODAY