Making Memories (And Waves) at Umm Suqeim Beach in Dubai
Umm Suqeim Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Dubai. I still remember my first visit, watching the sun set over the water while listening to the sound of the waves. It was the kind of moment that made me forget everything else!
Whether you just want to take a walk, relax in the sun, or enjoy water sports, this beach could easily become one of your favorites too. Here’s why!
Where is Umm Suqeim Beach in Dubai?
You’ll find Umm Suqeim Beach on the coast nearest to the 5-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, and the wave-inspired Jumeirah Beach Hotel in the Umm Suqeim neighborhood.
Tourists and locals flock to this spot because it’s one of the best spots to take pictures with the world famous structures in the background!
This gem is a public beach, so it’s free to visit for everyone. But even though many people come to swim or just hang out, the place remains quiet and peaceful. The soft sand and the crystal clear water make it a great place to relax!
What is the main street in Umm Suqeim Beach?
To get to Umm Suqeim Beach, the main road to know is Jumeirah Beach Road. While there are smaller streets to explore, this road is the heart of the area. It gives easy access to the beach and has lots of restaurants and shops!
How to Get to Umm Suqeim Beach
- Car or Taxi: The beach is easy to reach by car, but you’ll need to pay for parking space, so it’s recommended to use a taxi or a ride sharing service during busy hours.
- BigBus Dubai: If you’re a tourist, you can try the Beach Tour of BigBus Dubai Hop-on Tour to get to the beach. It’s also accessible by Metro and bus!
- By Metro: To reach Umm Suqeim Open Beach in Dubai traveling by metro, use the M1 line. Exit at the Wild Wadi – 02 stop or First Gulf Bank (FGB) Metro Station.
- By Bus: For buses, take routes 8, 81, 88, X28, or F55A.
What To See And Do in Umm Suqeim Beach
The open beach provides various amenities such as changing rooms, toilets, and free Wi-Fi.
A jogging and walking track runs along the beach and there are plenty of seating areas along the track that are perfect for resting or enjoying the scenery. For those with kids, there are several playgrounds too!
Restaurants and food trucks are also available in the area for some snacks and refreshments.
Watch The Sunset
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One of the best things to do at Umm Suqeim Beach is to watch the sunset! This gem is also known as Sunset Beach, since it’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Dubai!
Go Night Swimming
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After sunset, this beach transforms into a favorite spot for night swimming. It’s one of the few beaches equipped with smart lamp posts that brightly illuminate both the shore and the sea, allowing visitors to swim or relax safely and comfortably even after dark.
Enjoy Water Sports
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Umm Suqeim Beach is also a great spot for fishing and surfing, especially when the wind picks up and makes strong waves! You can also try paddleboarding if you’ve got the balance, or even kayaking if you want a good upper body workout!
You can also rent a jetski from 30 minutes to 2 hours for a fun and exhilarating experience on the water!
Relax or Read a Good Book on the Beach
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If water activities aren’t your thing, you can grab a book and take cover under the shaded seating areas around the beach. You can even find the Beach Library, a small booth where you can borrow books for free and sit in the tulip-shaped chairs by the sea!
Go Jogging or Walking
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You can also jog or walk in the dedicated path if you prefer staying active while enjoying the beach’s scenic views. The best time to jog is in the early morning or you can wait until sunset.
Visit the UAE Flag Garden
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And here’s an event that you can’t miss at this spot–from October to January, the UAE Flag Garden opens! You can capture an Insta-worthy moment while being surrounded by more than 11,000 UAE flags with the Burj Al Arab as the backdrop.
Things to Know About Practical Information for Visiting Umm Suqeim Beach
- 12 Midnight Cutoff: If you have plans to go night swimming at this spot, keep in mind that the smart lamp turns off at midnight, so make sure to make the most of the illumination earlier in the evening!
- Safety Tips: For a seamless visit, be aware that although there are lifeguards stationed at Umm Suqeim Beach to ensure safety, visitors should still always heed the warning flags that indicate water conditions.
- Attire: Due to the conservative culture of the UAE, it’s recommended to remain appropriately covered at all times at the beach (for instance, topless sunbathing is not permitted for women).
- Dress to Impress: It is also illegal to wear bikinis outside of designated beach areas in Dubai, whether private or public, so be sure to bring a cover-up!
- Respect Privacy: You’ll need to be mindful of other people when taking pictures at the beach as well. Finally, as a residential area, the Umm Suqeim neighborhood is peaceful, but visitors should be mindful of respecting residents’ privacy.
Tips for a Perfect Beach Day
A great day at Umm Suqeim Beach starts with a bit of planning to make sure you enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. These simple tips will help you have a relaxed and fun time while making the most of your beach day!
- Arrive Before It Gets Busy: To enjoy your visit to Umm Suqeim Beach, it’s a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends or during busy times, to get the best spot on the soft sand or under a shaded area!
- Bring Beach Essentials: Don’t forget to bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay cool and protected from the strong Dubai sun.
- Pack Your Favorite Snacks and Drinks: Although there are food trucks and restaurants nearby, packing your favorite snacks and drinks can make for a fun picnic by the beach.
- Bring or Rent Water Sports Gear: If you love water activities, you can bring your gear for paddleboarding, kayaking, or surfing. Equipment is also available for rent if you don’t have your own!
- Bring Swim Essentials: If you plan to stay for night swimming, it’s helpful to bring a towel, dry clothes, and maybe a small flashlight for when the lights turn off later in the evening.
- Keep the Beach Clean: Finally, it’s important to keep the beach clean and be respectful to others so everyone can have a pleasant experience!