Dubai

Get a taste of an idyllic beachside lifestyle and make your way down to JBR Beach — a relaxed district with restaurants, hotels, lounges and a range of family-friendly entertainment. The waters are fairly calm here, with nearby hotels offering a variety of watersports such as parasailing, wakeboarding and banana boating that anyone can sign up for. It is by far one of the most fun, family friendly beaches in Dubai, and the skyscrapers provide a spectacular backdrop to your activities, all just a quick stroll from the cafe culture of The Walk at JBR and Bluewaters Island, which can be reached via a pedestrian bridge.

Dive into Dubai’s many beach clubs catering to families, with paddling pools, play equipment, kids activity clubs and more. Riva Beach Club, Fairmont The Palm and Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa all offer spectacular sea views from Palm Jumeirah. Jumeirah Beach Hotel features beautiful sunsets and is conveniently located in the city, while JA The Resort offers a serene location with plenty of activities.

Grab something to eat with the sand between your toes. At Kite Beach, taste all-natural fare at Circle Café, healthy food at LaOla or unbeatable sliders at homegrown Salt. The Surf Café offers a more trendy setting and quick access to Surf House Dubai. Bu Qtair is an unpretentious little seafood shack that serves fresh caught seafood and a mix of other ethnic dishes while Al Ijaza Cafeteria offers no-frills, cheap, quick bites.

Dubai’s popular beachfront address, La Mer, is a fine addition to the city’s urban beach cred. This inspirational destination has transformed the suburban Jumeirah 1 neighbourhood, featuring wide open spaces with palm tree-lined boulevards, graffiti murals and laid back beachside charm. Surrounded by almost 2.5km of relaxing sandy beaches and located near some of the city’s modern landmarks, including Etihad Museum and the Dubai Water Canal, La Mer is sure to become your new favourite address to eat, play and unwind.