Best Surfing Spots in Dubai

The Best Surfing Spots in Dubai

We already know Dubai has some of the best beaches in the Middle East. But what most people don’t know is that this city also has some of the best surfing spots.

Whether you’re new to the sport or an avid surfer, we’re sure that you’ll find the perfect beach to catch a wave at one of these top surfing spots in Dubai.

North Beach

Website: http://dubeach.com/beach/north-beach-dubai/ 

Address: Pearl Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Operating hours:

  • 24 hours daily

Price:

  • Free

North Beach is a well-loved surfing spot in Palm Jumeirah right beside the famous Nikki Beach. But did you know these waves didn’t exist a few years ago?

The beach was designed to be part of the man-made island, but its structure made way for these waves to be created through the years,

Soon after it was finished, a group of surfing enthusiasts discovered that North Beach actually had good swells that were perfect for surfing.

This was mainly because of the beach’s location on the Palm and the design of the sand banks that were built with the island.

It wasn’t long after North Beach became a popular surfing spot for avid surfers in Dubai where you can also find surfing instructors who can teach you how to catch a wave.

This beach has great waves for both newbies and pros, so it’s no surprise that it quickly became a favorite place for both locals and tourists.

Pro tip:
If you’d like to catch more challenging waves at North Beach, go to the south A-frame where you’ll find a short right-hander that offers bigger rips when the tide is right.
But you also need to be careful since the rip current may pull you close to the rocks that are covered in sea urchins. If you’re a beginner, avoid this part of the beach altogether.

Sunset Beach

Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/sunset-beach 

Address: 22 Al Sagi Street – Sunset Beach – Umm Suqeim – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Contact details: +971 800 900

Operating hours:

  • 24 hours daily

Price:

  • Free

When you think about surfing in Dubai, Sunset Beach always comes up first – and it’s easy to know why. Aside from its excellent waves, nothing beats surfing with the Burj Al Arab in the background.

And if you haven’t guessed it yet, this beach is also named after its beautiful sunsets that add to its charm.

Known to locals as Umm Suqeim Beach, Sunset Beach has sea, sun and sand, but it’s also a lot quieter than other beaches in Dubai, making it a perfect spot for those who want a peaceful day by the beach.

But if you’re into surfing, you’ll appreciate the quality of the rips and breaks at Sunset Beach, which are ideal for both beginner and pro surfers.

In fact, Surf House Dubai, one of the pioneering surfing institutions in the city, has called Sunset Beach its home for more than 13 years for its mid-tide waves that are good enough for teaching students.

The beach also has designated “swimming only” and “surfing only” zones to make sure that everyone can enjoy the water safely, especially the kids. Lifeguards are also on duty daily for added safety.

What makes Sunset Beach really good for surfing for different skill levels. The northern and southern ends of the beach have smaller waves that are perfect for those just learning to surf.

On the other hand, the middle of Sunset Beach has bigger waves, which is where you’ll find the locals and pro surfers who love a good challenge to hone their surfing skills.

Pro tip:
If you’re surfing on the first day of a swell, it’s best to bring your shortboard that will give you better control even in windy conditions.
But you can switch to a longboard on your second surfing day whenthe swells are smaller and you can enjoy being on top of your board longer.
It’s very important to check the weather before going out to know what type of board you need to bring on your surfing trip.

Kite Beach

Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/kite-beach 

Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Contact details: +971 4 317 3999

Operating hours:

  • 24 hours daily

Price:

  • Free

Kite Beach is a favorite surfing spot in Dubai not only for its good swells and breaks but also for its amenities. Here, you’re not just enjoying the waves, but you also have a lot of activities to try both on and off the water.

Named after the colorful kites used by kite surfers on the beach, Kite Beach is famous for its good-sized swells, thanks to its location on the Arabian Gulf, which is favorable for the winds.

This is why a lot of kitesurfers choose to be on this beach since they can maximize their ride because of the strong winds in the area.

Are you a newbie surfer? You can take lessons at one of the surfing schools at Kite Beach. You can also find surfboards and equipment rentals on the beach, so you won’t have to bring your own gear.

If you’re a pro surfer, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a good challenge while catching the bigger waves on a windy day in Kite Beach. You can even learn a thing or two from other seasoned surfers who frequent the area.

And if you want to elevate your surfing experience, you can also try kitesurfing, which the beach is famous for, thus the name.

For AED 350, you can take kitesurfing lessons with a professional instructor where you get to learn the basics of the sport and go on your first ride.

Kite Beach also has a 14-kilometer jogging track if you want to get a workout pre-surfing and a lot of great food spots if you ever get hungry after a day in the water.

And if you want to enjoy the sunset, there are many spots in the area where you can relax, enjoy your favorite drink and just watch the people go by as the sun goes down in the city.

Pro tip:
To get to Kite Beach, take the Red Metro Line and stop at the Mashreq Metro Station 1. From there, take bus line 81 at the Mashreq Metro Bus Stop to Kite Beach.
You can also ride a taxi or rent a self-drive car to get to Kite Beach fast. There’s plenty of parking in the area, so bringing your own car wouldn’t be a problem.

Al Mamzar Beach

Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-mamzar-beach-park 

Address: Al Mamzar – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Operating hours:

  • 24 hours daily

Price:

  • Free

All Mamzar Beach is a great surfing spot in Dubai, especially if you’re the type of surfer who doesn’t want to be on the water with too many surfers – or onlookers by the beach.

If you want to catch some waves without competing against ten other surfers, this is the place to be.

Being located on the off beaten path, Al Mamzar Beach is more serene than its counterparts since not a lot of people don’t know about it yet. In fact, a lot of locals call it their hidden surfing spot.

But being away from the usual tourist spots doesn’t mean that Al Mamzar Beach doesn’t have much to offer because it has some of the best breaks that you can find in Dubai.

Here, you can surf in peace or just relax by the beach since the area is a lot quieter than Kite Beach or Sunset Beach.

It also has a long promenade where you can enjoy an afternoon walk while waiting for the sun to set, especially during winter.

Pro tip:
Plan a family day out at Al Mamzar Beach where the kids can go swimming at one of the swimming pools in the park while you do some barbecue for lunch. 
This area even has a lot of green spaces for the kids to run around, so make the most of your trip by planning your activities ahead. 

Barasti Beach

Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/barasti 

Address: Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Contact details: +971 4 511 7373

Operating hours:

  • 24 hours daily

Price:

  • Free

Barasti Beach is another must-try surfing spot in Dubai for its excellent waves and lively beach atmosphere. 

This beachfront club offers day to night entertainment that begins with a good surfing session in the morning and an energetic party atmosphere at night.

Barasti Beach is also the venue of several surfing competitions in Dubai throughout the year and you can celebrate after at one of the many restaurants and bars on the strip.

So, if you want to do surfing and partying all in one day, this place will surely fit you just right.

Pro tip:
The best time to visit Barasti Beach is between the months of November and April when the waves are at their best and many competitions are held at this beach club.

La Mer

Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/la-mer-dubais-newest-beachfront 

Address: Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Operating hours:

  • 24 hours daily

Price:

  • Free

La Mer is not only considered the best beachfront community in Dubai but also one of the city’s top surfing spots.

While the swells here are not as big as its counterparts, a lot of surfers still flock to La Mer to get their dose of adrenaline. 

After a day on the water, you can enjoy the rest of the amenities at La Mer. Need to grab a bite? We recommend Bare Burger, Makan and Amorino Gelato Cafe.

Do you want to go shopping? Check out the trendy glasses at I Sea or shop for new swimwear at Beach Bunny.

You should also check out Hawa Hawa if you’re bringing the kids along since this inflatable playground has seven peaks and two dunes for your little ones to explore and conquer.

Pro tip:
If the breaks on the beach are not enough to get your energy pumping, you can always go to Laguna Water Park in La Mer to try the FlowRider, which is similar to surfing.

Jebel Ali Beach  

Website: https://www.propertyfinder.ae/blog/jebel-ali-beach/ 

Address: Mina Jebel Ali – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Operating hours:

  • 24 hours daily

Price:

  • Free

Jebel Ali Beach is not only a good surfing spot in Dubai. It’s also the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city because it’s quiet, tranquil and relaxing.

What makes this beach good for surfing is that it has different waves to cater to different skill levels. Newbies get to try their hand at catching the smaller waves while the pros can enjoy a good challenge with the bigger breaks.

After riding the waves, you can grab a bite at one of the beachside cafes or restaurants in the area or just relax by the beach to enjoy the picturesque surroundings. 

Pro tip:
Did all that surfing give you a sore? Treat yourself to some real pampering at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, which makes for a great recharge after a full day of catching the waves.