When the swell is up and the waves are high, Sunset Beach is Surf City, UAE. Count on left-breaking waves at the Jebel Ali end and right-breaking waves at the northern tip of the beach. In between, expect a busy beach full of tourists, locals, and expats soaking up the sun. Palace Beach offers easy access to the waterways of the Palm Jumeirah (perfect for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders), a glimpse of the great sail of a building that is the Burj Al Arab in the distance, sugary white sand between the toes, and crystalline water all the way to the horizon. If you forgot your water-sports equipment at home, Club Joumana at the sprawling JA Jebel Ali Beach Resort rents it all—from Zapcat inflatable racing boats to paddleboards.
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Kite Beach
It’s always surprising to Dubai tourists that a desert city can have such a vibrant beach culture. While it’s not quite RIo, beach life in Dubai has it all: bikinis, volleyball, kayakers, standup paddle...you name it. When the wind comes up, as it does every afternoon, kite surfers swoop across the waves like dragonflies, weaving in and out among the jet-skiers. Whether you’re a water sports aficianado or a sun-lounge lizard, you’ll find your sunny spot at this beach. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two! Make sure to take in the spectacular views of the city, and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab.