Kite Beach

Kite Beach is one of the liveliest of Dubai's free public beaches, a long, wide strip of soft sand in Umm Suqeim with the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab rising in the distance. As the name suggests, it is popular with kitesurfers when the wind picks up, and the beach is set up for an active day out, with a running track along the promenade, watersports operators, beach sports and a string of casual cafés and food trucks.

The beach works for many different kinds of day. Families come for the shallow water and space to spread out, runners use the track along the sand from early morning, and groups gather for volleyball and paddleboarding. Kitesurfing is restricted to its own zone, and lessons and equipment hire are offered by operators along the beach, so beginners can try it with an instructor.

The cafés and kiosks make it easy to stay all day, serving coffee, smoothies, burgers and snacks with the sea in front of you. Burj Al Arab closed in April 2026 for a long restoration, but its outline still dominates the view to the south and it is a popular backdrop for photographs, particularly at sunset.

As with all of Dubai's public beaches, swimwear is fine on the sand, but cover up when you walk to the cafés or car park. Swim only in the areas marked for swimming and follow the lifeguards' flags. In summer, the sun and the heat are intense from late morning, so come early or late in the day, bring plenty of water and use high-factor sunscreen. From October to April the beach is at its best. Weekends are busy, and parking along the beach road fills up quickly.

Kite Beach suits families, active travellers and anyone who wants a free beach day without booking a beach club. Entry is free. There is no Metro station within walking distance, so a taxi is the easiest option from the city. The Umm Suqeim fishing harbour, Bu Qtair seafood restaurant and the beaches around Madinat Jumeirah are close by, and the Jumeirah Road cafés are a short drive north.