A Palm Jumeirah Travel Guide
It’s hard to look at Palm Jumeirah and not be in awe of how such a magnificent development came out of the Arabian Gulf.
Named after one of the most important trees in the Middle East, Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island and one of the most exciting communities in Dubai.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at one of Dubai’s most iconic developments and what it has in store for you.
What is Palm Jumeirah?
Palm Jumeirah is a man-made archipelago in the shape of a palm tree located in Jumeirah and extending 6.5 kilometers into the Arabian Gulf.
With the goal of increasing Dubai’s real estate, the government commissioned Nakheel to build the prestigious Palm Jumeirah community that covers over 7 million square meters of reclaimed land.
The archipelago consists of 16 palm tree fronds where you’ll see different beachfront residences and private resorts.
All these fronds are connected by a huge crescent-shaped trunk, which also holds the Palm Monorail, the train that runs through the course of the island.
Palm Jumeirah offers a mix of residential communities, resorts and theme parks, so residents and guests wouldn’t need to leave the island.
It’s also home to the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm, one of Dubai’s most iconic resorts, and its sister hotel, Atlantis, The Royal that gathered global A-listers like Beyonce for its opening.
Best Time to Go
Palm Jumeirah is open to visitors all-year round, so you can expect a lot of tourists coming in and out of the island every day.
Peak season for tourists in Palm Jumeirah happens around winter, from December to March, when the weather is cooler and people can enjoy the outdoors more.
There are fewer people in Palm Jumeirah during the summer because of the heat. But if you choose to visit during this time, go in the morning when the sun isn’t as hot.
On the other hand, if you’re going to Palm Jumeirah for the food and drinks, most restaurants and bars open from 11:00AM to 12:00 AM.
Things to Know
There’s so much to see, do and experience in Palm Jumeirah. In fact, you could spend your entire holiday in Dubai on the island alone.
To make the most of your stay, here are some important things that you need to know:
- Visiting the island is free.
Everyone has free access to Palm Jumeirah. You only need to pay for the experiences and activities that you choose while on the island.
Most people do a day tour to go around the island while others choose to stay in one of the many resorts in the area.
- There’s plenty of parking.
All residential areas in Palm Jumeirah have their own dedicated parking spaces. Resorts, hotels, theme parks and other commercial spaces also have valet parking.
But you can also find street parking around the island, although it can get easily full during peak season.
- The island is self-sustainable.
Palm Jumeirah is designed to have all the amenities that guests and residents need without leaving the island.
It has its own mosque, church, supermarkets and even nurseries. If you ever get sick during your trip, you can get yourself checked at the Emirates Hospital Clinic Palm Jumeirah.
The island also has its own mall, several restaurants, bars and other commercial establishments.
How to Get Around
Trains: The Palm Jumeirah Monorail is the main form of transportation on the island. The monorail runs from 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM and has a trip every 15 minutes going through the length of the island.
There’s still no direct connection to the Metro from the city center, but you can take the Metro and stop at the World Trade Center Metro Station where you can take a taxi to Palm Jumeirah.
Buses: There are several bus lines that have stations near Palm Jumeirah. But you can only access the island through the monorail, taxi or private car. But Nakheel also offers free shuttle rides for guests traveling around some areas like the Nakheel Mall or The Pointe.
This free bus service has three trips from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays and from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends. Guests can take the bus from hotels like Kempinski The Palm, Sofitel Dubai and Waldorf Astoria.
Taxis: If you prefer a quick trip from the mainland to the island, it’s best to book a taxi through Uber, Careem or S’hail.
Car service: You can book a chauffeured or self-drive car service if you want to go around Palm Jumeirah at your own pace and time.
Where to Stay in Palm Jumeirah
Atlantis The Palm
Address: Crescent Road – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 2000
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
Right in the heart of Palm Jumeirah’s crescent is its crown, Atlantis, The Palm, one of Dubai’s most iconic hotels.
Designed after the lost underwater city of Atlantis, this hotel offers suites with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Gulf.
It also has the massive Lost Chambers Aquarium where you get to see more than 65,000 marine animals.
If you want the full Atlantis experience, you can even book the Poseidon or Neptune underwater suite that lets you see the aquarium from a glass window in your room.
Atlantis, The Palm is also home to several celebrity restaurants and amenities for a holiday like no other.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Address: East Crescent Road – The Palm – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 567 8888
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
If your idea of a holiday in Palm Jumeirah involves a lot of time in the water or enjoying a day at the spa, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is the perfect choice.
This world-class hotel has more than 400 meters of private shoreline for extra exclusivity and it’s also the only hotel in the UAE to offer over-water villas.
The Palm Dubai is also known for its world-class spa and a beautiful infinity lap pool.
FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel
Address: No.1 Palm – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 455 9988
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
If you’re looking for a place on Palm Jumeirah where you can lounge all day and party all night, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel has everything you need and more.
Named the hottest hotel on the island, FIVE Palm Jumeirah doesn’t hold back when it comes to spoiling its guests, from its luxurious suites to its famous nightclub.
One&Only The Palm Dubai
Address: West Crescent – The Palm – Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 440 1010
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
Famous for its beautiful Andalusian architecture, One&Only The Palm prides itself for being the most exclusive resort in all of Palm Jumeirah.
Here, you can choose from a room, suite or private beachfront villa where you can enjoy pure privacy during your stay.
You also have access to a beautiful private beach, an infinity pool and a restaurant where Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alleno cooks up his famous dishes.
Atlantis The Royal
Address: Crescent Road – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 3000
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
It may be one of the newest additions to the long list of resorts in Palm Jumeirah, but Atlantis The Royal surely made a grand entrance when it was launched in January 2023.
The resort invited A-list celebrities from around the world and headlined Beyonce on its opening party.
Staying true to its name, the resort offers accommodations and amenities fit for royalty, from its private suites and penthouses to one of the best infinity pools in Palm Jumeirah.
Where to Eat in Palm Jumeirah
Nobu
Address: 22nd Floor – Atlantis, The Palm – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 0760
Pricing: $$$
Website
Nobu is an institution when it comes to modern Japanese cuisine, and it’s also become the most popular Japanese restaurant in Dubai.
Owned by celebrity Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the restaurant on Atlantis, The Palm offers iconic dishes like wagyu beef tacos and black cod miso.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to enjoy good food with sweeping views of Palm Jumeirah in the background.
Ibn Al Bahr
Address: Club Vista Mare – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 553 9575
Pricing: $$$
Website
If you’re craving fresh seafood, Ibn Al Bahr is the best in Palm Jumeirah and the city.
The restaurant is known for serving the best Lebanese seafood in town with dishes like grilled fish, fried prawns, decadent lobster and calamari.
But what really makes this restaurant stand out is its use of spices and herbs that combine both Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisines.
Maiden Shanghai
Address: No.1 Palm – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: 971 4 455 9989
Pricing: $$$
Website
No one does Chinese food better in Palm Jumeirah than award-winning Chef Luo Bing at his beautiful restaurant Maiden Shanghai in FIVE Palm Jumeirah.
Recognized by Gault&Millau, the restaurant treats you to Cantonese, Shanghai, Sichuan and Beijing Chinese cuisine over three levels of dining space.
You can choose to dine in the private dining room, the main restaurant, the bar or on the beautiful Maiden Terrace.
101 Dining Lounge and Bar
Address: One&Only – West Crescent – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 440 1030
Pricing: $$$
Website
Helmed by award-winning Chef Yannic Alleno, 101 Dining Lounge and Bar at the One&Only The Palm is one of the trendiest restaurants in town.
Offering sumptuous seafood dishes in an indoor-outdoor space, you can guarantee a relaxing time at this restaurant while admiring the views of the Arabian Gulf.
Seafire Steakhouse and Bar
Address: Ground Level – The Avenues – Atlantis The Palm – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 2626
Pricing: $$$
Website
If you’re all about straightforward good steak and sides, the Seafire Steakhouse and Bar is undoubtedly one of the best on the island.
Located at Atlantis, The Palm, this restaurant is known for its beautiful beef cuts and seafood along with an extensive list of exceptional wines from around the world.
What to Do in Palm Jumeirah
Have a Splash at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Address: Crescent Road – Atlantis The Palm – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 0000
Website
Covering over 17,000 hectares, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is the largest of its kind in the world and the best place to be for a day of fun, water and sun.
The waterpark has more than 105 water slides for every age, need and preference.
Located on the Atlantis The Palm property, Aquaventure deserves an entire day to be explored and enjoyed, especially if you’re traveling with the family.
Stop and Admire the View
Address: 52nd Floor – The Palm Tower – Palm Jumeirah Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 843 8439
Website
Visiting Palm Jumeirah isn’t enough to admire its magnificence. You also need to enjoy the view from above and you can do that at The View.
At 240 meters high, this observation deck offers full panoramic views of the entire island and the Arabian Gulf.
Located at Level 52 of The Palm, The View is one of the best spots to see the island and you can also learn more about the development through its exhibits.
Jump Off an Airplane
Address: Al Seyahi Street – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 377 8888
Website
If you want to take the experience further and you don’t mind jumping off an airplane, there’s no better way to see Palm Jumeirah from above than through a tandem skydive.
Tick off that bucket list and jump 13,000 feet above the ground to admire Palm Jumeirah from a bird’s eye view.
Get Lost in the Underwater World at the Lost Chambers Aquarium
Address: Atlantis The Palm – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 1040
Website
You don’t have to stay in Atlantis The Palm to experience the lost city of Atlantis because you can always explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
This massive aquarium has more than 20 exhibits that’s home to 65,000 marine life. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even dive in the aquarium with experienced divers.
Enjoy a Day Out at Palm West Beach
Address: Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 365 9441
Website
Considered the best beach in Palm Jumeirah, Palm West Beach is ideal for spending the afternoon on the island.
You can take a dip, lounge by the beach or enjoy good food at one of the many restaurants in the area. You can even rent an e-bike to make going around the beach a lot faster.
Where to Shop in Palm Jumeirah
Nakheel Mall
Address: Palm Jumeirah Center – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 625 4335
Website
Nakheel Mall is the ultimate shopping destination in Palm Jumeirah where you can enjoy five levels of retail space and restaurants.
The mall is also connected to the Palm Monorail, The Rooftop and The View, which makes it easier to explore along with the other attractions on the island.
The Pointe
Address: Palm Jumeirah Fountain Walk – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 04 390 9999
Website
The Pointe is another great shopping and entertainment spot in Palm Jumeirah where you get to shop, dine and have a good time while enjoying views of the waterfront.
The mall is home to shops carrying both local and international brands, so you won’t have any shortage of options.
What to Expect from Palm Jumeirah Weather
Winter: If you’re visiting between the months of December and March, you get to enjoy fair weather since it’s winter season in Dubai. During this time, temperatures can drop by as much as 16 degrees Celsius, making it perfect to explore the city.
Summer: Summers in Dubai are known for being extreme with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day. So, if you don’t want to endure the sweltering heat, it’s best to avoid visiting between the months of June and September.
Transition period: As each season switches, Dubai goes through two transition periods – April to May and October to November. During this time, the weather can switch rapidly, so you have to be prepared for sudden rains or extreme heat.
Apps to Download When Visiting Palm Jumeirah
RTA Dubai Drive: Essential tool for navigating your way around Palm Jumeirah and other parts of the city if you choose to rent a self-drive car
iOs | Android
Visit Dubai: Offers useful information about the different parts of Dubai including Palm Jumeirah
iOs | Android
Dubai Travel Guide: Offers detailed information about Dubai, especially detailed maps to help you go around Palm Jumeirah
iOs | Android
Uber: Booking a car for going to Palm Jumeirah
iOs | Android
Careem: Booking a private car service for going to Palm Jumeirah
iOs | Android