In July at 3pm, Jumeirah beach is empty. The sand burns your feet and the sea is 33°C. At 9pm, though, families turn up with cool boxes and towels, the floodlights come on and the lifeguards are at their posts.
Since May 2023, Dubai Municipality has opened three public beaches for night swimming: Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1. Each is about 800 metres long, fully lit, with information screens and equipped lifeguards. Entry is free.
What time?
The municipality says swimming is possible from sunset to sunrise. In practice, several guides quote 7pm to midnight. Go by the signs at the beach entrance, which show the hours for the day.
The rules
You swim only in the marked zones and you listen when the lifeguards whistle. Children stay within arm’s reach. No barbecues, no tents. Litter left on the sand gets fined, and the inspectors really do come round.
And by day?
Kite Beach is still the most pleasant: cafés, showers, a view of the Burj Al Arab, and busy but not too busy on weekdays. Umm Suqeim, next door, is quieter. For families, La Mer and Jumeirah Public Beach have everything close at hand. JBR is lively at weekends, sometimes too lively.
At the other end of the city, Al Mamzar Beach Park is the only place where barbecues are allowed. It has several coves and lawns, and there is an entry fee.
During Eid, some beaches are reserved for families. The municipality announces it a few days ahead.
A last word on dress: swimsuits yes, topless no. And in summer it is still 35°C at 9pm, so bring water.
Sources: Dubai Municipality, Bayut.
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