Our first beach visit in Dubai. Here's a full walking tour of Kite Beach – from car park to shoreline – with everything you need to know.
Parking at Kite Beach
Download the RTA Smart Parking app – this is how we park everywhere in Dubai now.
The Free Parking Hack
Sundays and national holidays = free parking.
We visited on a Sunday and didn't pay a dirham. Worth planning around if you can.
What's at Kite Beach (Car Park to Beach)
Walking from the car park, here's what you'll pass:
Activities Zone
- Skate park – right near the entrance
- Parkour loop – opposite Burger restaurant
- Volleyball courts – behind the market area
- Kite Beach Market – looked cute (was closed midday, possibly evenings only)
Food Options
- Drift Burger – our first stop, prices were surprisingly reasonable
- Food trucks and popup stands – scattered throughout
- Dedicated restaurants – multiple options
- Starbucks – naturally, we found one
- Communal eating space – covered area with fans (not highly effective at 41°C, but at least there's shade)
"We were expecting to get fully gouged on the price, as you do anywhere in the UK where there's any degree of sand and sunshine. But this was really reasonable."
Facilities
- Washrooms – plenty spread about
- Showers – available throughout
- Foot cleaners – for getting sand off
- Public water fountains – top up your bottles for free
- Shop – for things you forgot (we needed shovels)
Really good facilities for a free public beach.
Aqua Fun: Inflatable Water Park
The Ninja Warrior-style inflatable obstacle course on the water. We didn't use it, but it looked fun.
| Location | Price |
|---|---|
| Kite Beach (Aqua Fun) | 70 AED/hour |
| JBR (for comparison) | 150 AED/day |
Can't imagine you'd want more than an hour on it, so Kite Beach is the better deal.
Beach Options: Free vs Paid
Public Beach (Free)
To the right as you arrive – no payment needed. Just set up and enjoy.
Sol Beach Club (Paid)
If you want something more turnkey – sunbeds, parasols, towels provided.
| Option | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sunbed | 120 AED | Regular positioning |
| VIP sunbed | 150 AED | Front two rows by the water |
| Kids (no sunbed) | FREE | Enter free |
| Kids (with sunbed) | 80 AED | Optional |
| Cabana | 500 AED | Private cabana for the day |
We went for the VIP front row option – 300 AED covered me and Sara. Kids entered free.
Relatively inexpensive for a proper beach day without having to bring all your own gear.
The Views
From Kite Beach you get views of:
- Burj Al Arab – clearly visible from the beach
- Burj Khalifa – in the distance
Pretty spectacular backdrop for a beach day.
The Sea
Three words: warm, beautiful, warm.
We got lucky with a windy day, which:
- Broke up the heat
- Made for fun waves to jump with the kids
Top tip: A breezy day is perfect for Kite Beach.
Quick Cost Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parking (weekdays) | Via RTA app |
| Parking (Sundays/holidays) | FREE |
| Aqua Fun | 70 AED/hour |
| Sol Beach Club sunbed | 120 AED |
| Sol Beach Club VIP | 150 AED |
| Kids sunbed | 80 AED (or free without) |
| Cabana | 500 AED |
| Food | Surprisingly reasonable |
Would We Recommend It?
100%.
It's got everything you'd want:
- For families – activities, facilities, safe beach
- For couples – public beach or beach club options
- For groups – volleyball, cabanas, food options
You can go full free (public beach, bring your own stuff) or pay for convenience (beach club, everything provided).
Pro Tips
- Visit on a Sunday – free parking
- Get the RTA app – essential for parking anywhere in Dubai
- Go on a breezy day – breaks the heat, better waves
- Bring a cooler – we brought our Yeti, tested it in 41°C heat
- Arrive midday if you want quiet – things open up more in the evening
Location
Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Easy to find, plenty of parking, and a proper family beach day waiting for you.
Planning Your Dubai Beach Days?
- Take the neighbourhood quiz – Find areas near beaches
- More Kite Beach adventures – Our week of activities
- Work with Sara – Get personalised Dubai guidance
Questions about Kite Beach? Drop them in the comments!