Dubai Public Beaches: Locations, Night Swimming and Beach Rules

Dubai’s public beaches are managed by Dubai Municipality and are free to visit. The Municipality’s list includes Al Mamzar, Jumeirah 1, 2 and 3, Umm Suqeim 1 and 2, Al Sufouh and Jebel Ali, with lifeguards on duty from sunrise to sunset. Some beaches have lit night-swimming zones where you can swim after dark, but only in the marked areas.

Key facts

Which beaches in Dubai are public?

In August 2023 Dubai Municipality listed the emirate’s public beaches as Al Mamzar Beach, Al Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 2, El Shorouq, Al Sufouh and Jebel Ali. In March 2026 it described itself as overseeing all public beaches and canals in the emirate, naming Umm Suqeim 1 Night Beach, Jumeirah 3 Night Beach, Jumeirah 1 Beach, Jumeirah 2 Beach and the Al Mamzar beaches.

Jumeirah 1 Beach

Dubai Municipality describes Jumeirah 1 as one of the quietest beaches, used mainly by residents of the area. It is designated entirely for swimming, has a jogging track of 1,350 metres, and is open to the public around the clock, with licensed lifeguards on duty from sunrise to sunset.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Al Mamzar Beach Park is listed by Dubai Municipality as open every day from 8am to 10pm. Visit Dubai, the official tourism guide, describes a 106-hectare park with five beaches, three swimming pools, lawns, barbecue areas and chalets to rent, with entry at AED 5 per person (checked 2 October 2026). Nearby, Dubai Municipality is developing Al Mamzar Corniche, which it says will include a women-only public beach with night swimming; in April 2026 the project was reported as 88% complete.

Night swimming in Dubai

Dubai Municipality opened beaches for night swimming in May 2023. These beaches have lighting systems so people can swim after dark, electronic screens with safety messages, and lifeguards on duty through the night. The Municipality set night-swimming hours from sunset to sunrise and asks swimmers to use only the designated night zones and not to enter the sea from other areas.

According to a December 2024 update, the night beaches had welcomed around 1.5 million visitors in 18 months and were equipped for people of determination and senior citizens, with floating swimming chairs, trained rescue staff and a dedicated rest area. Its March 2026 release names Umm Suqeim 1 Night Beach and Jumeirah 3 Night Beach.

Beach rules and safety

Instruction signs that Dubai Municipality installed in 2022 at Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1 and 2 beaches set out the main rules:

• Swim only in the marked areas, in daylight and in suitable weather (or in a designated night-swimming zone after dark).
• Beginners and children on their own should not swim.
• Follow lifeguards’ instructions and watch the warning flags.
• No camping, smoking, fishing or pets on the beach.
• Keep the beach clean, do not leave luggage unattended, and respect public morals.

On the beachside cycling and e-scooter tracks the signs set a 20 km/h speed limit, a minimum age of 12 for cycling and 16 for e-scooters, and require a helmet. Dubai Municipality has also added rescue robots and water rescue drones to support its lifeguard teams.

Other free beaches listed by Visit Dubai

Visit Dubai uses some popular names that differ from the Municipality’s list:

• Jumeirah Public Beach (also called Nessnass Beach or Jumeirah Open Beach): free, open 24 hours, with public showers and toilets.
• Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim: free and open 24/7, popular for kitesurfing, paddleboarding and beach volleyball; Visit Dubai notes it is not dog-friendly.
• The beach opposite JBR: free, with lifeguards, changing facilities and showers; swimming from sunrise to sunset. Some sections are used by hotels. See Dubai Marina and JBR.
• Palm West Beach on Palm Jumeirah: open to the public from 8am to midnight.

Hotels on the coast have private beaches, and many sell day passes. To pick a base near the sea, see where to stay in Dubai, and for other outdoor ideas see things to do in Dubai.

FAQ

Are Dubai’s public beaches free?

Yes, the public beaches are free to enter. Al Mamzar Beach Park charges a small entry fee, and equipment hire or loungers cost extra.

Can you swim at night in Dubai?

Yes, but only at the designated night-swimming beaches and within their marked zones, between sunset and sunrise. Elsewhere, swim in daylight only.

Which beaches have night swimming?

Dubai Municipality’s March 2026 release names Umm Suqeim 1 Night Beach and Jumeirah 3 Night Beach. Check Dubai Municipality for the latest list.

What do the beach flags mean?

Red means swimming is prohibited, yellow means swim with caution, and purple means swimming is allowed but marine species are present.

Can I bring my dog to a public beach?

Dubai Municipality’s beach signs at Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1 and 2 prohibit pets. Visit Dubai mentions Palm West Beach as a place where you can walk your dog.

When are lifeguards on duty?

From sunrise to sunset on public beaches, and through the night at the night-swimming beaches.