guide-to-jebel-ali-dubai

The Only Drama at My Jebel Ali Trip Are the Waves Breaking (I Love It)

Since I travel a lot for work, there’s always a ton of noise around me. Traffic, public transport, street vendors, crowds, construction, or my mother yelling at me on the phone to be home more—you name it. At some point, I’ve heard it all at the same time!

My sleep-deprived self can’t sometimes even tell what’s real or just a figment of my imagination. That’s why I’ve come up with a simple solution—I need a peaceful break. A proper one that would be far from the city, but fits my moderate budget.

So I reached out to friends, and they pointed out that Jebel Ali is way less crowded and noisy compared to popular spots like Downtown or Dubai Marina. Sounds perfect for giving my ears a break! Check out the travel guide I made after my serene getaway.

What is Jebel Ali known for?

Jebel Ali is known for being the biggest man-made harbor and the 9th busiest port in the world! It was built in the late 70s to support the facilities of Port Rashid.

Best Time to Go

The best time to go to Jebel Ali is between December to February when the temperatures lower to 20sºC. You can comfortably visit the Jebel Ali Beach, the Jebel Ali Port, and nearby parks. It’s best to go on weekdays for fewer crowds too!

Things to Know

Background: Jebel Ali was opened in 1979. This free-trade zone includes activities like aluminum smelting, car manufacturing, and cement production.

Entry Fees: The entry fees here depend on the attraction you want to explore. For example, public access to the beach is free, but you need to pay to join beach clubs and visit theme parks.

Operating Hours: Jebel Ali Beach is open 24 hours, while the resort’s restaurants and facilities (as well as theme parks nearby) typically open from 10 am to 6 pm.

Parking: There are many parking areas around the port town. Nevertheless, these can fill up fairly quickly during weekends and holidays.

Washroom: Public washrooms are available at several points along the beach, resorts, hotels, and theme parks.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome at Jebel Ali Beach! Just make sure to keep them on a leash, and they can happily frolic on the sand and splash around with you.

How to Get Around 

Trains: The closest metro station to Jebel Ali is the Jebel Ali Metro Station on the Red Line. From there, you can access various places in the city. 

Buses: A good number of bus routes service Jebel Ali, connecting it to various neighborhoods and attractions. Some stops include the Gold Souq Bus Station – 03 and Shaikh Zayed Road 1 – 01.

Taxis: You can hail a taxi from almost anywhere in Dubai! You may use apps like Careem and Uber. For me, this is the most convenient transport option.

Car: You can either drive your own vehicle or rent a car to get around the port town. I think this would be convenient in exploring multiple attractions in one day.

What to Do in Jebel Ali

Hit the Beach

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Address: Public Beach – Mina Jebel Ali

Jebel Ali Beach is among the most popular reasons why people visit the port town. I think there’s also a nice air of exclusivity here, since this sandy destination is out of the way from Dubai’s main beaches.

You can have a well-deserved “me time,” have a romantic walk by the seaside, or satisfy your adrenaline cravings through beach volleyball, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Although, be careful of coming across a few jellyfish in the sea!

Besides all the action, I also feel the beach is ideal for an intimate family picnic or barbeque. There’s a mini cafe available for a few snacks and drinks as well. Just note that the closest washroom is about a 10- to 15-minute walk on the sand. 

Play a Few Rounds of Golf

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Website: https://www.jaresortshotels.com/dubai/ja-the-resort/ja-beach-hotel 

Address: JA The Resort – JA Beach Hotel – Exit No – 13

Contact Details: +971 4 814 5555

If you want to play a chill sport, I recommend swinging clubs at the 9-hole course near Jebel Ali Golf Resort. Official handicap certificate holders may use the course, while beginners and non-golfers are welcome to use the practice facilities for lessons.

For the outdoors, I love that each hole comes with a distinct landscape with exotic trees, shrubs, and flowers. There are also 3 peaceful saltwater lakes and lovely sea views—I reckon that would help you really focus to get a hole in one!

And if you’re lucky, you might just encounter a majestic peacock (or two). They just wander around the area, which I heard is uncommon in other golf courses in Dubai.

Explore a Hollywood-inspired Theme Park

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Website: https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai 

Address: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Contact Details: +971 4 820 0000, [email protected] 

Not too far from Jebel Ali, Motiongate Dubai is a theme park that features 5 major areas and attractions about popular media franchises. 

My personal favorite to see here is Shrek, but you can also expect characters from Kung Fu Panda, The Smurfs, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Ghostbusters.

On top of that, you can ride thrilling roller coasters, like The Green Hornet’s High Speed Chase and John Wick: Open Contract. Alternatively, you can opt to drop down vertically in the lightning-speed Zombieland Blast-Off!

Ride on a Horse

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Website: https://www.jaresortshotels.com/dubai/ja-the-resort/ja-equestrian-centre-dubai 

Address: JA Resorts & Hotels, Jebel Ali

Contact Details: 04 814 5611, [email protected] 

Fancy riding a horse? JA Equestrian Centre, located within JA The Resort, offers that kind of exhilarating outdoor adventure. I appreciate that it’s a spacious arena (56 by 40 meters), so riders of all skills can have a comfortable experience.

I bet kids are going to be thrilled too, since there are pony rides available for ages 2 and above! Just make sure to check the schedule—horse riding starts as early as 6 am in the morning and 6 pm in the evening.

If you want to learn more, the equestrians teach other famous classes as well, like dressage (precision riding), livery (horse care and boarding), jumping (obstacle courses), gymkhana games (obstacle races), and hacking (leisure trail riding). 

Where to Eat in Jebel Ali

Mian Jee Village Restaurant

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Address: Unnamed Road Ali Industrial – Jebel Ali Industrial Area

Contact Details: +971 55 786 6994

Pricing: $

Mian Jee Village Restaurant is a casual Pakistani place in Jebel Ali. This is where you can enjoy crowd favorites like mutton biryani (mixed rice dish) and chicken kebab (skewers) at affordable prices. 

I also like the chef’s signature dishes like the special dumba karahi (lamb curry) and chinioti matka gosht (spicy meat curry). However, keep in mind that these are available only on Sundays and Saturdays, respectively.

The restaurant offers outdoor seating too—but it might have problems with the AC now and then. I think it’s good to go with something light and breathable for comfort. For me, layering up is also smart since it makes adjusting easier.

Aurum

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Address: Carrefour Market – Discovery Gardens – Jebel Ali Village – Jebel Ali Freezone

Contact Details: +971 4 580 7214, +971 50 555 6808, [email protected] 

Pricing: $

Aurum is a restaurant and cafe known for its grills and sandwiches. I find it handy that there are plenty of sandwich flavors, making this a convenient spot to grab quick snacks. Our top picks are the chicken club and grilled roast beef flavors.

There are 4 burger flavors too! I recommend the beef ribs one if you want something heartier. But if you prefer shared platters (good for 4), I suggest going for the mixed grill with veal, lamb chops, fries, hummus, and more in one plate.

While there aren’t many desserts, there are a few açai (berry smoothie) bowls, as well as tons of juices and several milkshakes to compensate if you have a sweet tooth.

C House

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Website: http://www.chouseitalia.com/ 

Address: Jebel Ali Recreation Club – H Rd – Jebel Ali Village

Contact Details: +971 52 218 5569, +971 4 880 3320, [email protected] 

Pricing: $$

Craving for some European fare? C House provides a sophisticated dining experience indoors and outdoors with Italian cuisine. However, I think that doesn’t mean families can’t bring everyone they love, since this dining spot is also kid- and pet-friendly!

The highlights for me are spicy chicken pizza with goat cheese and spaghetti pasta, but I also like the ribeye steak. To sweeten the deal, I also recommend the blueberry cheesecake for dessert!

White Orchid

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Website: https://www.jaresortshotels.com/dubai/ja-the-resort/restaurants/dubai/ja-the-resort/jatr-white-orchid-restaurant 

Address: JA The Resort – JA Beach Hotel – X2PC+XQQ – Mina Jebel Ali – Jebel Ali Freezone

Contact Details: +971 4 814 5604, [email protected] 

Pricing: $$

White Orchid is a restaurant and lounge that I think is ideal for a fancy fine dining experience. But don’t think this place is only for small groups—I was surprised to know that booking for 8 or 12 people here isn’t unheard of!

For the mains, I like the lobster and the satay prawns (grilled shrimp skewers) with peanut sauce. Dessert-wise, I say don’t miss out on the chocolate lava cake! Just remember to reserve in advance since this spot is typically booked and busy.

Street Foods By Punjab Grill

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Website: https://www.lbf.co.in/brand/street-foods-by-punjab-grill 

Address: Festival Plaza – Jebel Ali Village

Contact Details: +971 4 889 5776

Pricing: $

If you’re a traveler and want a taste of the Emirati culture, I recommend starting with street foods! From its name, Street Foods By Punjab Grill is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to new dishes and flavors.

It offers many types of curries (veg and non-veg), as well as butter chicken chawal (rice) and paneer tikka kathi roll (cottage cheese and meat wrap) that can open up your palate to new spices!

Plus, I like that those who are watching their health can be accommodated by choosing the healthy menu combo! This includes a lighter coconut curry, steamed basmati (long-grain) rice, salad, and more.

Where to Shop around Jebel Ali

Dikochi Brands Factory Outlet

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Address: Ali Freezone – Mina Jebel Ali – Jebel Ali Freezone

Contact Details: +971 4 881 8817

On a budget for your Jebel Ali trip? Dikochi Brands Factory Outlet is a discount place where you can find many affordable goods! You’ll find name-brand clothing, cosmetics, fragrances, footwear, housewares, and cleaning supplies.

Many shoppers frequent here to get low prices for Adidas, Guess, Supreme, Armani Exchange, and so on. If you haven’t thought about buying someone special a nice gift, I feel there’s no harm in doing some early shopping now.

Village Hypermarket

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Website: http://www.talalgroupintl.com/ 

Address: New West Accommodation – near Gate 7 JAFZA – Mina Jebel Ali – Jebel Ali Freezone

Contact Details: +971 4 883 3373, +971 4 272 9666, [email protected] 

Planning a nice family picnic at Jebel Ali Beach? Village Hypermarket is where you can stock up on some snacks and beverages, as well as fresh produce, crockeries or tableware, and other handy goods. 

There are plenty of fruits, chocolates, nuts, cakes, and crisps, but I suggest making a list so you don’t miss out on anything good. Not only that, but I also like that this hypermarket offers same-day delivery if you’re in a rush.

Where to Stay in Jebel Ali

JA Beach Hotel

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Website: https://www.jaresortshotels.com/dubai/ja-the-resort/ja-beach-hotel 

Address: Exit No – 13

Contact Details: +971 4 814 5555, [email protected] 

Pricing: $$$

Book Now

JA Beach Hotel is a posh 5-star accommodation that I believe is on top of the list of many Jebel Ali guests. It showcases balconies or terraces for scenic sights, and the suites add sitting areas to provide bigger crews with more room.

And if you ever get hungry, I bet you’ll feel overwhelmed before you get satisfied. For one, there are 7 restaurants, 1 cafe, 3 bars, and 2 cocktail lounges here!

In my opinion, you also won’t get bored with plenty of things to do. There are 4 outdoor pools, tennis courts, and even a shooting range! For me, it’s like the hotel’s way of saying, what’s the point of going outside?

Rove At The Park

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Website: https://www.rovehotels.com/en/hotels/rove-at-the-park/ 

Address: Dubai Parks and Resorts – Jebel Ali Freezone

Contact Details: +971 4 241 9500, [email protected] 

Pricing: $$

Book Now

Want something cheaper? Rove At The Park is a 3-star hotel that I reckon is a win for tourists. Not only is it across from a mall, but this is also less than 1 kilometer away from Dubai Parks and Resorts—easier trips to Legoland Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai!

And though the rooms look fairly simple, I appreciate that the amenities are complete with free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and minifridges. 

But what I like most are the bathrooms with rainfall showers. In my view, they make your bath time not just relaxing, but also aesthetically-pleasing.

Tips When Visiting Jebel Ali

Now that you a lot about this beautiful port town, I recommend keeping these travel tips in mind to ensure your trip goes smoothly: