14 best beaches for families in the UAE
There's close to 1,300km of soft, sandy shoreline in the UAE, which means plenty of opportunity (and space) for some seriously good beaches for families.
Whether you prefer to curl up with a book and let the kids entertain themselves building sandcastles (good luck with that) or prefer to join the little ones for a splash in the sea (while trying to avoid getting your hair wet of course) the UAE's plentiful beaches are the perfect place to do it.
If you like reading this: 44 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE
From Dubai to Fujairah, these spots are either free, or accessed for a minimal amount. So, enjoy those sandy toes and sun-kissed noses.
Dubai: best family beaches
Al Mamzar Beach Park
It might be a bit of a drive (family road trip, yay), but if you can tune out the backseat (heated) discussions then this park on the Sharjah border is worth it.
With a choice of four beaches, along with a large lawn, sports pitches and a small skate park, there's something to keep the whole tribe happy.
Pack a picnic, claim a barbecue spot for a budget lunch or pick something up from one of the many outlets. The park has toilets and changing rooms, or you can even rent a chalet for the day if you want to make yourself at home.
There are plenty of facilities and spots to eat at on this beach – though it will cost you, but what's a day out at the beach without an ice cream? There's free parking on site, too.
Dhs5 per person, Dhs30 per car. Open daily 8am-10pm. Near Century Mall, Al Mamzar. dubaipublicparks.ae (04 296 6201).
JBR Beach
Finding your own private patch of sand on this beach is possible all day, but be warned it won't be massive. This is easily Dubai's busiest beach – with hordes of residents and tourists heading down in droves every day.
However, it is a huge stretch of coastline starting from Zero Gravity and extending all the way to the breakwaters near the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort without interruption.
Little adrenaline-junkies can have some fun taking on the inflatable Aqua Park. There's an abundance of restaurants, breakfast spots, cafés and entertainment areas including a cinema, fairground arcades and playgrounds. Facilities include beach bed rental, showers and changing rooms. Plus, there's plenty of activities to entertain the whole family, including Splash Pad, a fun wet play area for little water babies.
The Beach, opposite JBR.
Jumeirah Open Beach
This is one of Dubai's quieter stretches of sand. Make sure you take plenty of water and all the snacks that your tribe will want to eat, because while there are several cafés and restaurants, they are few and far between.
There are however bathrooms and showers for cleaning off your sandy little people before you load them back into the car, while lifeguards oversee the water for peace of mind. Oh, and if the kids actually give you five minutes to read a book, but you've left your Kindle in your bedside table drawer, worry not, there's a library unit on the beach where books can be borrowed for free.
Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road.
Kite Beach
This is one of the best beaches for families and a great spot for all your friends to gather on. Teeming with activities including everything from skateparks to mini bungee jumping, high-rope courses and even a running track, there's never a dull moment at this beach (which should prevent whining).
Watersports are also popular and include kayaking, paddleboarding and water-skiing to turn a lazy day into something much more adventurous. Not only is the beach packed with activities, it's also home to plenty of cafés for a break before the kids' next round of adventure. Want to walk or jog along the coastline? Kite Beach's 14km track is the perfect spot.
Free. Off Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, kitebeach.ae (800 637 227).
Mercato Beach
This charming and peaceful beach is one to head to when you fancy escaping the crowds. There's always a cool breeze sweeping along the shore and, while it's not the prettiest, it has everything you could want for a quiet day out: sun, sea and sand. Plus, there are some pretty special views of the Burj Khalifa to soak up.
There are no facilities so bring everything you need, or head to the Mercato Mall opposite to stock up before you find a place to call your own on the sand. Nearby Jumeirah Fishing Harbour has some nice cafés and restaurants, and is worth exploring when the temperatures start to dip in the late afetrnoon.
13a Street, Jumeirah 2.
Nessnass Beach
Another of Dubai's popular kiteboarding spots (signposts read Kitesurfing Beach), this stretch has the perfect conditions for catching some serious air thanks to consistent cross-onshore winds.
And if the thought of packing a picnic or a cool box on top of all the other seaside paraphernalia sends chills down your spine, never fear because you can grab a bite, (or a smoothie or ice latte) at Feels, the beachfront café that serves up healthy, home-made food. Prevent sandy sandwiches by sitting the tribe down at one of the numerous tables outside the little eatery.
Nessnass Street, behind Sunset Mall.
Umm Suqeim Beach
(Credit: Supplied)
Tucked behind Umm Suqeim park, you can have a day on the grass and on the sand at Sunset/Umm Suqeim Beach.
Offering up some lovely vistas all the way down the coast towards Burj Al Arab, there's even a built-in running track, and an adorable Arabian Tea House if you want to grab some lunch. There are changing rooms and public toilets nearby too for when you need them.
If you want to dip out of the sun, check out the quirky Book Hero Café, pick up a fresh brew and browse the second-hand novels.
2C Street, Umm Suqeim.
Abu Dhabi: best family beaches
A'l Bahar
Technically, this stretch of sand belongs to the Corniche, but this area with its outdoor gym, basketball and volleyball courts, shops, restaurants and gaming area deserves a bit of special attention.
A great place to stroll along and relax with the entire gang, it's open every day from 7am.
Free. Daily 7am-sunset. Corniche.
Al Bateen Beach
Brilliantly family-friendly, Al Bateen Beach is hugely popular with tourists, expats and locals. And not just for building sandcastles, but for swimming and fishing too, due to its beautifully calm waters and properly relaxed atmosphere. This 800m stretch also features a children's playground, 100 parking spaces, lifeguards aplenty, a handful of eateries and also watersports like kayaking and – if you're game enough to give it a go – stand-up paddleboards.
Basically, it's got everything you and the family could possibly need. Pack the car, the kids and the sun cream and head on down for an immaculate weekend chill-out session with the whole gang.
Free. Open daily 8am-sunset. Al Bateen, Khalifa Al Mubarak Street, off Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
Hudayriat Island
This huge island opened its beach back in 2018, and while the rest of the island remains untouched, the space just over the hulking Hudayriat Bridge is a popular spot.
There are food trucks and sports facilities from the island and the 600 metre-long beach is open daily from 8am to 7pm and is free to use for the public. There are also three new slipways for boats and jet-skis, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers in the capital.
Free. Open daily 8am to 7pm. Hudayriat Island.
The Corniche
The jewel in Abu Dhabi's beachy crown, especially when it comes to families, the Corniche is a pristine beachfront divided into three handy sections, so everyone gets maximum enjoyment from its golden joys.
There are children's play areas, restaurants and lots of free sports on offer, like volleyball (there are five courts) and football.
Best of all, floating fences keep you within 40 metres of the beach at all times, which makes this, along with all the lifeguards, a beach where you always feel 100 percent safe. Little wonder 50,000 people come here every month, to soak up the rays and the stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
Dhs10 per adult and Dhs5 per child under 12. Kids under five go free. Dhs25 per lounger. Public beaches are free and open daily 8am-8pm.
Fujairah
This is the perfect stretch of shoreline to settle down with a picnic and the family for the day, and you're spoilt for choice when it comes for spots to spend the day. But if you're bringing the whole brood, there's you'll find a great day out on Umbrella Beach.
The mountains provide a pretty impressive backdrop to your beach day out on the Fujairah Corniche with beautiful sparkly waters and plenty of other things to do close by. Grab your beach towel and loads of SPF and get ready to blow off some steam. Afterwards? There are plenty of cafés and a walk along the Corniche waiting.
Free Al Faseel, Fujairah, umbrella-beach.com.
Ras Al Khaimah
RAK is full of luxurious private beaches, but if you're looking for something a little more rustic, but equally as beautiful, try Al Jazeerah public beach near Jazirat Al Hamra.
Offering a pristine stretch of unobstructed golden sandy shore, kids can run around safely while you unpack the picnic hamper. Send the little ones off on a mission to load up their buckets with colourful seashells (there are loads to be discovered).
Free. Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Kaimah.
Umm Al Quwain
Make a beeline to Kite Surf Beach Centre in Umm Al Quwain, which is not only child-friendly, but dog-friendly too. The cute eatery, which wouldn't look out of place on Phuket's Patong Beach, welcomes the whole family from the tiniest of tots to the furriest
of friends – it's pawfect for the whole gang.
You can grab a lounger and umbrella on the sand and then let your four-legged friends off the lead to explore the fenced in beach and to swim in the sea.If you manage to get your other half to look after the little ones, there's a jungle gym and frequent yoga classes if you want to switch off.
Dhs75 (adult), Dhs45 (child), weekdays, Dhs100 (adult), Dhs75 (child), weekends. Open daily 6am-10pm. Shaik Saud bin Rachid Al Mualla Road, Umm Al Quwain, kitebeachcenter.ae (055 507 3060).
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Time Out Dubai
3 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
14 best beaches for families in the UAE
There's close to 1,300km of soft, sandy shoreline in the UAE, which means plenty of opportunity (and space) for some seriously good beaches for families. Whether you prefer to curl up with a book and let the kids entertain themselves building sandcastles (good luck with that) or prefer to join the little ones for a splash in the sea (while trying to avoid getting your hair wet of course) the UAE's plentiful beaches are the perfect place to do it. If you like reading this: 44 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE From Dubai to Fujairah, these spots are either free, or accessed for a minimal amount. So, enjoy those sandy toes and sun-kissed noses. Dubai: best family beaches Al Mamzar Beach Park It might be a bit of a drive (family road trip, yay), but if you can tune out the backseat (heated) discussions then this park on the Sharjah border is worth it. With a choice of four beaches, along with a large lawn, sports pitches and a small skate park, there's something to keep the whole tribe happy. Pack a picnic, claim a barbecue spot for a budget lunch or pick something up from one of the many outlets. The park has toilets and changing rooms, or you can even rent a chalet for the day if you want to make yourself at home. There are plenty of facilities and spots to eat at on this beach – though it will cost you, but what's a day out at the beach without an ice cream? There's free parking on site, too. Dhs5 per person, Dhs30 per car. Open daily 8am-10pm. Near Century Mall, Al Mamzar. (04 296 6201). JBR Beach Finding your own private patch of sand on this beach is possible all day, but be warned it won't be massive. This is easily Dubai's busiest beach – with hordes of residents and tourists heading down in droves every day. However, it is a huge stretch of coastline starting from Zero Gravity and extending all the way to the breakwaters near the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort without interruption. Little adrenaline-junkies can have some fun taking on the inflatable Aqua Park. There's an abundance of restaurants, breakfast spots, cafés and entertainment areas including a cinema, fairground arcades and playgrounds. Facilities include beach bed rental, showers and changing rooms. Plus, there's plenty of activities to entertain the whole family, including Splash Pad, a fun wet play area for little water babies. The Beach, opposite JBR. Jumeirah Open Beach This is one of Dubai's quieter stretches of sand. Make sure you take plenty of water and all the snacks that your tribe will want to eat, because while there are several cafés and restaurants, they are few and far between. There are however bathrooms and showers for cleaning off your sandy little people before you load them back into the car, while lifeguards oversee the water for peace of mind. Oh, and if the kids actually give you five minutes to read a book, but you've left your Kindle in your bedside table drawer, worry not, there's a library unit on the beach where books can be borrowed for free. Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road. Kite Beach This is one of the best beaches for families and a great spot for all your friends to gather on. Teeming with activities including everything from skateparks to mini bungee jumping, high-rope courses and even a running track, there's never a dull moment at this beach (which should prevent whining). Watersports are also popular and include kayaking, paddleboarding and water-skiing to turn a lazy day into something much more adventurous. Not only is the beach packed with activities, it's also home to plenty of cafés for a break before the kids' next round of adventure. Want to walk or jog along the coastline? Kite Beach's 14km track is the perfect spot. Free. Off Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, (800 637 227). Mercato Beach This charming and peaceful beach is one to head to when you fancy escaping the crowds. There's always a cool breeze sweeping along the shore and, while it's not the prettiest, it has everything you could want for a quiet day out: sun, sea and sand. Plus, there are some pretty special views of the Burj Khalifa to soak up. There are no facilities so bring everything you need, or head to the Mercato Mall opposite to stock up before you find a place to call your own on the sand. Nearby Jumeirah Fishing Harbour has some nice cafés and restaurants, and is worth exploring when the temperatures start to dip in the late afetrnoon. 13a Street, Jumeirah 2. Nessnass Beach Another of Dubai's popular kiteboarding spots (signposts read Kitesurfing Beach), this stretch has the perfect conditions for catching some serious air thanks to consistent cross-onshore winds. And if the thought of packing a picnic or a cool box on top of all the other seaside paraphernalia sends chills down your spine, never fear because you can grab a bite, (or a smoothie or ice latte) at Feels, the beachfront café that serves up healthy, home-made food. Prevent sandy sandwiches by sitting the tribe down at one of the numerous tables outside the little eatery. Nessnass Street, behind Sunset Mall. Umm Suqeim Beach (Credit: Supplied) Tucked behind Umm Suqeim park, you can have a day on the grass and on the sand at Sunset/Umm Suqeim Beach. Offering up some lovely vistas all the way down the coast towards Burj Al Arab, there's even a built-in running track, and an adorable Arabian Tea House if you want to grab some lunch. There are changing rooms and public toilets nearby too for when you need them. If you want to dip out of the sun, check out the quirky Book Hero Café, pick up a fresh brew and browse the second-hand novels. 2C Street, Umm Suqeim. Abu Dhabi: best family beaches A'l Bahar Technically, this stretch of sand belongs to the Corniche, but this area with its outdoor gym, basketball and volleyball courts, shops, restaurants and gaming area deserves a bit of special attention. A great place to stroll along and relax with the entire gang, it's open every day from 7am. Free. Daily 7am-sunset. Corniche. Al Bateen Beach Brilliantly family-friendly, Al Bateen Beach is hugely popular with tourists, expats and locals. And not just for building sandcastles, but for swimming and fishing too, due to its beautifully calm waters and properly relaxed atmosphere. This 800m stretch also features a children's playground, 100 parking spaces, lifeguards aplenty, a handful of eateries and also watersports like kayaking and – if you're game enough to give it a go – stand-up paddleboards. Basically, it's got everything you and the family could possibly need. Pack the car, the kids and the sun cream and head on down for an immaculate weekend chill-out session with the whole gang. Free. Open daily 8am-sunset. Al Bateen, Khalifa Al Mubarak Street, off Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Hudayriat Island This huge island opened its beach back in 2018, and while the rest of the island remains untouched, the space just over the hulking Hudayriat Bridge is a popular spot. There are food trucks and sports facilities from the island and the 600 metre-long beach is open daily from 8am to 7pm and is free to use for the public. There are also three new slipways for boats and jet-skis, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers in the capital. Free. Open daily 8am to 7pm. Hudayriat Island. The Corniche The jewel in Abu Dhabi's beachy crown, especially when it comes to families, the Corniche is a pristine beachfront divided into three handy sections, so everyone gets maximum enjoyment from its golden joys. There are children's play areas, restaurants and lots of free sports on offer, like volleyball (there are five courts) and football. Best of all, floating fences keep you within 40 metres of the beach at all times, which makes this, along with all the lifeguards, a beach where you always feel 100 percent safe. Little wonder 50,000 people come here every month, to soak up the rays and the stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Dhs10 per adult and Dhs5 per child under 12. Kids under five go free. Dhs25 per lounger. Public beaches are free and open daily 8am-8pm. Fujairah This is the perfect stretch of shoreline to settle down with a picnic and the family for the day, and you're spoilt for choice when it comes for spots to spend the day. But if you're bringing the whole brood, there's you'll find a great day out on Umbrella Beach. The mountains provide a pretty impressive backdrop to your beach day out on the Fujairah Corniche with beautiful sparkly waters and plenty of other things to do close by. Grab your beach towel and loads of SPF and get ready to blow off some steam. Afterwards? There are plenty of cafés and a walk along the Corniche waiting. Free Al Faseel, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah RAK is full of luxurious private beaches, but if you're looking for something a little more rustic, but equally as beautiful, try Al Jazeerah public beach near Jazirat Al Hamra. Offering a pristine stretch of unobstructed golden sandy shore, kids can run around safely while you unpack the picnic hamper. Send the little ones off on a mission to load up their buckets with colourful seashells (there are loads to be discovered). Free. Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Kaimah. Umm Al Quwain Make a beeline to Kite Surf Beach Centre in Umm Al Quwain, which is not only child-friendly, but dog-friendly too. The cute eatery, which wouldn't look out of place on Phuket's Patong Beach, welcomes the whole family from the tiniest of tots to the furriest of friends – it's pawfect for the whole gang. You can grab a lounger and umbrella on the sand and then let your four-legged friends off the lead to explore the fenced in beach and to swim in the you manage to get your other half to look after the little ones, there's a jungle gym and frequent yoga classes if you want to switch off. Dhs75 (adult), Dhs45 (child), weekdays, Dhs100 (adult), Dhs75 (child), weekends. Open daily 6am-10pm. Shaik Saud bin Rachid Al Mualla Road, Umm Al Quwain, (055 507 3060). Looking for things to do in the UAE? Outdoor workouts: The coolest classes in Dubai for a summer sweat Get fit with these al fresco workouts 31 incredible UAE hotel deals to book right now Enjoy a brilliant staycation without breaking the bank These are Dubai's best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine in 2024 We know where you should book into this week
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
I got my hands on Primark's viral £25 Ryanair-approved cabin bag – it ‘fits everything', has wheels & saved me £60
Plus, scroll down to find out why Primark is the place to go for bargains this summer WHEEL WINNER I got my hands on Primark's viral £25 Ryanair-approved cabin bag – it 'fits everything', has wheels & saved me £60 PRIMARK shoppers are raving about a viral cabin bag that's perfect for Ryanair flights. So if you're lucky enough to be jetting on holiday any time soon and don't fancy splashing the cash on hold luggage, then you've come to the right place. Advertisement 5 A high-street shopper has managed to get her hands on the viral Ryanair-approved cabin bag from Primark Credit: tiktok/@hayleyrubery 5 Not only is it said to "fit everything" inside, but it also saved Hayley Rubery £60 too Credit: tiktok/@hayleyrubery 5 The Trolley Cabin Bag is available to buy in stores or online with the chain's new Click & Collect service Credit: Primark 5 There's three styles to choose from Credit: Primark Thanks to the new pull-along cabin bag from Primark, not only will you travel in style for your next trip, but you'll be able to fit in everything you need whilst saving on hold luggage costs. Hayley Rubery, a young woman from Norfolk, was able to get her hands on the 'viral Ryanair-approved bag' when shopping in a Primark store in Manchester. Thrilled with her purse-friendly find, the content creator who is known online as 'your budgeting bestie', took to social media to give her followers a close-up look at her new purchase. Showing off the bag which she nabbed in black, Hayley beamed: 'Come with me to pick up the £25 viral Ryanair-approved cabin bag from Primark.' Advertisement Hayley then explained: 'I'm off to Italy next week and refuse to pay £60 extra for a small suitcase, when the flight itself was only £60. 'This little bag is everywhere right now and for good reason - it's the exact size for a Ryanair-approved cabin bag. 'I love that it's got wheels and a handle which will make it so much easier when travelling.' Not only was Hayley able to save £60 on the hold luggage fee thanks to this high-street buy, but she also nabbed herself some cheap packing cubes and travel pouches to keep herself organised. Advertisement Moments later, Hayley asked: 'I'm going for four nights, do you reckon I can fit everything in here? Challenge accepted.' Once Hayley had arrived home, she began packing the Trolley Cabin Bag, which is available to buy online with the chain's new Click & Collect service, or in stores now, for just £25. Shoppers rush to snap up Primark's 'underseat suitcase' which is perfect for holidays & it also has removable wheels if you need it to be even smaller Not only did she fit in a packing cube full of clothes, but she also added a toiletry bag and her Kindle too. According to Primark bosses, with this cabin bag, you are guaranteed to 'travel in style.' Advertisement Why is Primark the place to go to for bargains? JUST how does Primark do it? Continue delivering on-trend items at such incredible prices? According to bosses, it's down to four points. They "sell a lot of items" - Thanks to that, they are able to make savings by buying in bulk for their 191 UK stores They "do very little advertising" While their clothes offer the "latest trends", they "don't use expensive hangers, tags or labels". And lastly, they try to be "as efficient as possible when transporting products from factories to stores". This includes things like asking "suppliers to pack our t-shirts so they are ready to go straight on shelf". For more information about how Primark keeps their costs so low, and are able to deliver such amazing bargains, visit the Primark website. There's three designs to choose from - black, leopard print and zebra print. Not only is it 'perfectly sized for essentials', but it also benefits from a large main compartment with a secure zip fastening, as well as an external zipped pocket for extra organisation. Bargain hunters beam Hayley's TikTok clip, which she posted under the username @hayleyrubery_, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 186,000 views, 2,286 likes and 34 comments. I've used it four times in the last two weeks. Fits loads. Never stopped by Ryanair TikTok user And numerous Primark users who have been lucky enough to get their hands on the bag eagerly raced to the comments to share their rave reviews. Advertisement Top Primark summer buys IF you're looking for more Primark summer buys, then you've come to the right place. Shoppers have recently been raving about the new Miffy PJs from Primark. Others were desperate to nab the new leopard print nightwear. If animal print is your thing, you'll want to check out the new maxi skirts. The haltnerneck tops are perfect for summer. If you're on a budget, these trousers are identical to a pair from Zara, but without the hefty price tag. There's brilliant travel essentials for less than £10. And if you plan on heading to the beach, you won't want to miss these crochet bags. One person said: 'I've got that in leopard - fits everything and I've flown Ryanair in it.' Another added: 'I've used it four times in the last two weeks. Fits loads. Never stopped by Ryanair.' A third commented: 'I've got the leopard print one, fits in their box perfectly.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Advertisement
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Daily Mail
UK's only riverside tidal lido is reopening with new £250k splash zone
The UK's only riverside tidal lido has officially reopened, and with a brand new splash zone worth £250,000. Located in Kent, Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham had been closed for months for the extensive refurbishment works. Originally opened in 1896, the attraction has been a firm favourite among local families and visitors. The waterpark's new splash pad has 30 sensor-activated water jets, which are situated in a beach-themed area. Aimed for children aged between three and 11, it's complete with new safety railings as well as bins. As well as its new edition, the leisure park's existing outdoor pool has also reopened, alongside the toddler pool and the central swimming zone which has 25 metre lengths. Its 300-metre lazy river is also back in action, just in time for the summer. Onsite facilities include a pool inflatable shop, a poolside cafe, changing areas and toilets, which management say are limited. There's also a miniature train ride, four tennis courts, an outdoor gym, a picnic area and two children's play areas available. Strand Lido and Leisure Park reopened on May 24 and will be open daily throughout the summer months. Admission to the park, which is cashless and accepts card payments only, costs £7.80, while children and seniors are £5.15. Last year, the Strand gained membership to Historic Pools of Britain after being recognised as 'historically significant'. Clare Short, from Historic Pools of Britain, said the Strand is a 'pool that epitomises the spirit of lidos as a place for fun and wellbeing, which it has been providing to its community and visitors for over 120 years, and that is historically significant as the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country.' Speaking previously about the riverside tidal lido, local Councillor Nina Gurun, who handles the council's portfolio for for heritage, culture and leisure, said: 'We are proud to have invested in this exciting project to improve the already great offering and add a brand new fun feature for our children and families to enjoy both this summer and for years to come.'
