The one name that pops up multiple times in your search history when looking for beaches to explore in Dubai would be Jumeirah Open Beach.
Open Beach, has been among the most popular beaches in Dubai for a very long time and is also a big part of the lives of residents as much as it is exciting for tourists.
Though it’s been a part of the city since the relaxing days of yesteryear, the Open Beach has undoubtedly amped up its facilities over time, attracting families and adventure seekers throughout the year.
Location
Open beach is located in the Jumeirah District of Dubai, close to Al Wasl and opposite Daria Island. The beach is the closest of all in Dubai to Downtown Dubai, which is just a 15 minute drive.
Local attractions include Jumeirah 1 Fishing Harbour, Dubai Ladies Club, Masjid Rashid Al Hadeeth Mosque and the Calisthenics Park.
Things to do at Jumeirah Open Beach
Jumeirah Open Beach has a whole host of paid and free activities close by to ensure you make the most of your day here. Whether you like relaxing, being active or a bit of both, there is something for everyone.
Below we’ve listed our 8 favourite things to do when visiting Open Beach.
1. Go Parasailing to Gain Iconic Views of Dubai from a New Angle
Owing to the aerial views of the stunning skyline of Jumeriah, parasailing is a must-do and a highly recommended activity to be added to your itinerary. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands and more.
2. Get Your Adrenaline Fix by Jet Skiing
An hours jet ski tour around the clean waters of Jumeirah with the backdrop of Downtown Dubai is guaranteed to give you a memorable experience. You can opt for a guided tour or go solo if you have prior experience.
Shark Jet Ski are located at Open Beach and offer guided and non guided jet ski rentals from 420AED for 30 minutes.
Alternatively Sea Ride Dubai are also located at Open Beach and offer 30 minute Burj Khalifa tours for just 315AED.
3. Grab a Book and Relax at Open Beach Library
A relatively recent addition to the Open Beach Dubai is the Beach Library kiosks with over 300 books to choose from, which you can borrow for free while you spend time at the beach. There are comfortable bean bags and lighting too, if you wish to read after sunset. They are open throughout the day, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy some quiet time by the beach.
4. Try the Tasty Street Food
Along the beach, snack bars and cafes offer quick treats and snacks at affordable rates. From mouth-watering local street food to global cuisines, be rest assured to be spoilt for choices.
Occasionally, the Open Beach hosts food festivals too!
5. Practice Your Camera Shots
At the risk of sounding clichéd, it’s a colossal miss to visit Dubai and not click the quintessential photograph of the Burj Al Arab at the backdrop of the beautiful beach at sunset, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and a treat for architectural photographers.
6. Shop Away at Mercato Mall
Technically under “things to do at Mercato Beach”, but at just walking distance from Open Beach, it’d be a shame not to mention this! Mercato Mall hosts top brands such as Nike, H&M, Diesel, Aldo, Virgin Megastore and more.
Built to resemble a Mediterranean town, the architecture of the mall is a delight in itself.
7. Get Some Exercise at Calisthenics Park
Whether you make use of the yoga mats, pull up bars or the running track, get your exercise in whilst at Open Beach by using the Calisthenics Park situated at the end closest to the fishing harbour.
8. Visit Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
With the fishing harbour so close by it would be such a shame not to take a leisurely stroll, grab a cold drink, eye up the yachts and enjoy the scenery.
How to Reach Open Beach Dubai
Via Cab/Car: From Downtown Dubai, take the road D71 to Al Urouba Street and exit to Jumeirah Street or Jumeirah Beach Road. You could also take the E11 or Sheikh Zayed Road, which also leads to Jumeirah Street.
Via Bus: Buses 8, X28, F55A, 81, 88, 12, F20 and 93 stops near Jumeirah Beach Road.
Via Metro: The nearest metro station would be Business Bay Metro Station, approximately 4 km away.
Via Tram: The nearest tram station to Open Beach would be Al Sufouh Station. From there, a 20 mins cab ride would take you to Open Beach Dubai or catch bus number 88 or X28 from the nearest bus stop from Al Sufouh Tram Station to Jumeirah Beach Road.
We always use Rome2Rio.com which provides every mode of transport including costs.
Hotels Close to Jumeirah Open Beach
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay close to Open Beach then check out our 5 recommendations below:
1. Four Seasons Resort
This beachside resort is closest to the Open Beach Dubai that offers all amenities along with the experience of dining beside the mesmerizing view of Burj Al Arab.
2. Bulgari Resort Hotel
Located at the Jumeirah Bay Island, this hotel ticks all boxes of a plush getaway, coming from the iconic brand of Bulgari. World-class dining and its proximity to iconic landscapes of the city makes it a worthy choice to stay.
3. Mandarin Oriental Dubai
Just 3.5 km away from the Open Beach Dubai and right opposite Mercato Mall, the Mandarin Oriental at the coasts of Jumeirah is pocket-friendly too. Without compromising on the amenities, you can enjoy a staycation at Mandarin Oriental.
4. Rove La Mer Beach Hotel
Being at the heart of Jumeirah, Rove La Mer is close to La Mer Beach, Open Beach, Laguna Waterpark, Etihad Museum and more to choose from to make your weekend getaway or your family vacation worthwhile.
Those travelling on a budget can consider this as the best option with rooms starting from 400AED.
La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk, Autograph Collection
From the Marriott brand, this 5-star hotel is located close to Dubai World Trade Centre, the Coca Cola Arena and Open Beach. Here you can plan a staycation that balances your business trip while you don’t miss out on fun over the weekend.
Top-Rated Restaurants Near Open Beach
Sea Fu: Your craving for dining with a view for some Asian inspired seafood can be fulfilled at ‘Sea Fu’ in Four Seasons resort. They have both terrace and indoor seating, which you can pre-book through reservations. The ambience and food are equally raved by all customers.
3 fils: An award-winning Japanese inspired contemporary restaurant featured in Forbes Top 10 Coolest Places to Eat, and TimeOut Dubai’s Best Asian Restaurant tucked away at the fishing harbour, at walking distance from Open Beach.
Al Falamanki: Highly recommended for Lebanese, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, unique to the region. It is just a 1.5 km walk from Open Beach and you could also drop by for some aromatic coffee or tea.
COYA Dubai: When we say there are many cuisines to choose from at Jumeirah, it even includes COYA Dubai that serves Peruvian dishes. From ceviche’s to tacos and tiraditos, get a sneak peek at the Latin American preparation presented in a modern way.
Scalini: If you fancy an elegant dinner by the beach with some Italian courses and wine, Scalini Dubai has got you covered. True to its branch in London, they have retained its charismatic ambience and authentic taste.
Conclusion
Jumeirah Open Beach is among those iconic beaches, which also forms the nostalgic memories of the people of Dubai. It’s also a common sight to see friends and family gathering here for most weekends. However, as Dubai grows with so many new attractions added every year, very few places remain true to their past, and the Open Beach with the skyline view of architectural marvels like Burj Al Arab offers reasons more than one to add it to your bucket list.
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