Written By: The Ethicalist
With the onset of desert winter comes a whole season of enviable weather: beautiful clear blue skies and light evening breezes. Whether you’re just visiting or a long-term resident, now is the time to ditch the car and go for an evening stroll, morning jog, family picnic or simply enjoy a sunbathing session on one of the countless beautiful and free UAE beaches.
While beach activities are fun, walking is the best – and often most underrated – form of exercise. Its benefits include helping to maintain a healthy weight, improving fitness and cardiac health, alleviating depression and fatigue, and improving your mood. Plus, it creates less stress on joints than more strenuous workouts and can effectively reduce pain.
So don’t you think it’s time to put your bikini or trainers on, embrace this glorious weather and hit some of these beautiful UAE beaches?
This free UAE beach is popular among long-term Dubai residents and tourists alike. It’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds but still get mesmerising views of the Burj al Arab (without the hefty price tag of a luxury night’s stay) and its panorama is perfect for taking in other iconic landmarks, too.
Trying to find the entrance to this sandy spot can be tricky as it is covered by a row of palm trees so direct your taxi (or sat nav) to Al Sufouh Park – the beach is just opposite. There are no facilities or restaurants here though, which is great for keeping the crowds away, so be sure to turn up with a beach bag full of soda, sarnies and suntan lotion.
For an evening stroll, this is a quiet, peaceful spot to explore, away from the brights lights of the city, yet still close enough to venture to often. There is paid parking on site, plus an access ramp for wheelchairs.
The best time to visit Al Bateen is 30 minutes before sunset as you don’t want to miss the breathtaking golden skies setting into the Arabian Sea. This beach is open to all from 8am to sunset, however, at the eastern end of the beach, women only can enjoy from 10am-10pm.
With a 70km coastline, Ajman offers plenty of romantic beaches which are perfect for long strolls. Pristine, with crystal clear waters and smooth white sand, these two public beaches are right next to each other, and you can cover both of them in one evening. Al Hamriya has a jogging track and toilet facilities, and is known for its breathtaking sunsets over the Persian Gulf.
The jewel in the crown of Ajman is Al Zorah beach. Walk along the glistening white sand as the waves kiss the shores. Enjoy picnics on the flawless beach or why not try jet skiing? This UAE beach never gets too busy, providing ample open space and a peaceful ambiance in a secure location, perfect for children to play and feel free. You can reach Ajman’s beaches within an hour’s drive from Dubai.
If you want to make a weekend of Kite Beach, you can rent a two-storey thatched beach hut which offers a private shower, hammock, toilet and a fruit platter. Pets are welcome at Kite Beach too, just make yourself familiar with the rules and be sure to sign the Pet Declaration Form. The Kite Beach Centre can be found on the Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla road in Umm Al Quwain.