The UAE’s cooler beach season is getting under way, but an offshore oil spill has disrupted access to several popular stretches of coastline. Authorities have introduced temporary restrictions in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and parts of Sharjah while environmental teams assess the pollution and carry out clean-up operations.
The incident was confirmed on 23 October 2026, with further restrictions announced the following day. However, plenty of beaches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s east coast remain accessible.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly waterfront, a quiet place to swim or somewhere to enjoy watersports, here are 11 UAE beaches to consider, along with the latest closure information as of 27 October 2026.
Beaches in Dubai
1. Kite Beach
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Kite Beach remains one of Dubai’s popular public waterfront destinations, particularly for visitors who prefer an active day outdoors.
The beachfront offers running and cycling routes, volleyball, watersports, and space for relaxing on the sand. Food trucks, casual restaurants and coffee shops provide plenty of options for refreshments throughout the day.
Its proximity to the Burj Al Arab also makes it a familiar spot for beachfront photography.
Visitors should note that some sections are affected by development work, including an area near 4D Street. Other parts of the beach remain accessible.
Where: Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Access: Free public beach; individual activities and rentals cost extra
2. Dubai Islands Beach
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For beachgoers travelling with pets, Dubai Islands Beach offers something different from the city’s more established waterfront destinations.
The beach includes a designated dog-friendly area where pets can enjoy the sand and water. Other sections accommodate families and visitors who want to relax, walk along the shore or take part in activities.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are among the watersports available, while toilets, showers and parking facilities make longer visits more convenient.
Visitors can bring their own beach essentials or rent loungers where available.
Where: Dubai Islands, Dubai
Access: Public beachfront; selected facilities and activities may carry charges
3. Al Mamzar Beach Park
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Al Mamzar Beach Park combines a seaside setting with landscaped gardens and facilities for family outings.
The park has spacious lawns, picnic areas, designated barbecue facilities, and places for children to play. Visitors can spend time by the water before moving into the shaded recreational areas.
It remains a practical choice for families who prefer a beach day with additional facilities rather than spending the entire visit on the sand.
Nearby, the wider Al Mamzar waterfront has been undergoing redevelopment. The first phase of the upgraded Khor Al Mamzar Beach opened in May 2026, introducing additional recreational facilities, a floating walkway and a dedicated night-swimming section.
The separate Al Mamzar Corniche development remains subject to its own opening arrangements.
Where: Al Mamzar, Dubai
Time: Beach park, daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Price: Dhs5 per person for beach park entry
4. The Beach, JBR
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The Beach at JBR is a convenient choice for visitors who want to combine swimming with shopping, dining and outdoor entertainment.
Situated beside Jumeirah Beach Residence, the waterfront is surrounded by restaurants, cafés and pedestrian areas. Its location also places visitors close to Bluewaters Island and views of Ain Dubai.
The beach offers swimming areas and a selection of watersports, while changing rooms, showers and other visitor facilities make it suitable for families spending several hours outdoors.
For those who prefer additional comfort, loungers and shaded seating can be rented from available operators.
Where: Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai
Access: Free public beach access; paid rentals and activities available
5. Jumeirah 2 Public Beach
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Jumeirah 2 Public Beach provides a more straightforward beach experience for residents and visitors who want access to the sea without booking a private beach club.
Located near the route to Jumeirah Bay Island, the beach includes public amenities, pedestrian areas, and facilities designed to improve accessibility.
It is also among Dubai’s designated night-swimming beaches, with lighting and safety provisions intended to support swimming after sunset.
The surrounding Jumeirah neighbourhood offers additional dining choices for anyone planning to extend their visit into the evening.
Where: Jumeirah 2, Dubai
Access: Free public beach; night swimming is permitted within designated areas
Beaches in Fujairah
6. Al Aqah Beach
Al Aqah Beach offers a different coastal landscape from Dubai, with the Hajar Mountains rising behind the shoreline and the Gulf of Oman stretching out ahead.
The area attracts visitors interested in snorkelling, diving and exploring marine environments. Snoopy Island, a distinctive rocky formation just offshore, is one of the best-known features of this part of Fujairah.
Publicly accessible stretches of beach provide space for picnics and relaxation, while neighbouring resorts offer additional facilities through their own guest and day-access arrangements.
The location is particularly appealing for visitors planning a full-day excursion or a short east-coast break.
Where: Al Aqah, Fujairah
Access: Selected public areas are accessible; resort facilities require separate arrangements
7. Umbrella Beach
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Umbrella Beach combines a coastal setting with a modern recreational area, making it suitable for families and visitors looking for more than a place to swim.
The waterfront development includes cafés, restaurants, walking routes and outdoor seating. Visitors can also find recreational spaces and facilities for activities such as beach volleyball and padel.
The landscaped promenade provides an appealing setting for an evening walk, while the nearby food outlets make it easy to turn a short beach visit into a longer outing.
Located along Fujairah’s eastern shoreline, the destination overlooks the Gulf of Oman.
Where: Umbrella Beach, Fujairah
Access: Public waterfront; individual attractions and activities may have separate charges
Beach in Sharjah
8. Khor Fakkan Beach
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Khor Fakkan Beach remains an option for visitors heading towards Sharjah’s east coast while temporary restrictions affect Al Hamriyah Beach in the emirate’s north.
The beach sits within a broad bay surrounded by mountains, creating a scenic setting for swimming, walking and family outings.
Its promenade features palm trees, seating areas and nearby dining options, while watersports and recreational activities are available through local operators.
The surrounding landscape makes Khor Fakkan particularly attractive for a day trip that combines time by the sea with exploring the eastern part of the UAE.
Where: Khor Fakkan, Sharjah
Access: Public beachfront; selected activities cost extra
Beaches in Abu Dhabi
9. Corniche Beach
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Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Beach remains one of the capital’s best-known coastal destinations, offering swimming areas alongside a long waterfront promenade.
The beach is divided into different sections, including a free-access area and designated paid sections suited to families and other visitors.
Cycling and walking routes run alongside the coastline, while landscaped areas, children’s playgrounds and recreational facilities offer activities away from the water.
Visitors can also enjoy views across the Arabian Gulf towards nearby islands and the capital’s skyline.
Where: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Price: Free access in designated areas; paid beach sections have separate entry charges
10. Marsana Beach
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Marsana Beach on Hudayriyat Island offers a combination of beach access, sports facilities and outdoor recreation.
The wider waterfront development includes walking and cycling areas, children’s play spaces, an outdoor gym and facilities for activities such as beach volleyball and skating.
Visitors can spend time swimming or relaxing on the sand before exploring the surrounding promenade, where casual dining outlets provide refreshments.
Its mix of recreational facilities makes it an appealing choice for groups with different interests, particularly families with children.
Where: Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Access: Beach and recreational areas; selected services and rentals may have charges
11. Soul Beach
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Soul Beach offers a managed beachfront experience on Saadiyat Island, with neatly arranged loungers, parasols and access to the island’s sandy shoreline.
The destination is suited to visitors who prefer a more organised beach day, with seating and refreshments available alongside swimming.
Its location near Mamsha Al Saadiyat also gives visitors the option of exploring nearby restaurants after spending the afternoon by the water.
Unlike many of the public beaches on this list, Soul Beach operates with paid access arrangements.
Where: Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Access: Paid beach entry; rates depend on the applicable package
Which UAE beaches are temporarily closed?
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Several beaches in the northern UAE are subject to temporary restrictions following an offshore tanker oil spill reported on 23 October 2026.
The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has confirmed that pollution reached parts of Umm Al Quwain’s coastline, prompting monitoring, containment and clean-up operations.
The restrictions announced so far include:
- Ras Al Khaimah: All beaches are closed until further notice following an announcement on 24 October.
- Umm Al Quwain: Beaches and coastal areas remain temporarily closed while environmental and safety assessments continue.
- Sharjah: Al Hamriyah Beach is temporarily closed as a precaution against potential marine pollution.
No confirmed reopening dates have been announced for these affected areas.
Authorities have also urged fishermen and other sea users to avoid polluted waters and follow local safety instructions.
Meanwhile, access to beaches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s east-coast destinations has not been subject to the same widespread oil-spill closures.
What to check before visiting a UAE beach
Although the destinations listed above remain accessible based on the latest available information, conditions can change while the environmental response continues.
Visitors should check the latest official beach-access notices before travelling, particularly when planning a trip to the northern emirates.
Development work, temporary safety restrictions, sea conditions and beach-management rules may also affect individual swimming areas even when the wider destination remains open.
With cooler temperatures making outdoor activities more comfortable, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Sharjah’s eastern coastline continue to provide options for beach days while restoration work proceeds in the affected northern coastal areas.