10 of the best beach bars in Dubai

From the luxurious to the simple, Dubai has it all…

Too many of us take for granted just how easy it is to spend the day at the beach in Dubai. The winter weather will be gone before we know it so now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy one of these beach-side bars.

Here are ten of the best beach bars in Dubai.

DRIFT Beach Dubai

The bar has plenty of seating, with comfortable sofas or shaded tables to enjoy lunch.
VIEWS: The vast Marina skyline, Ain Dubai and the Arabian Gulf all in one eye-line.
FOOD: Healthy salads and international bites – the tacos are a favourite.
GO FOR: An afternoon feeling like you’ve left the city for the day.

DRIFT Beach Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, 10am to 7.30pm, daily. Tel: (04) 315 2200. Taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage. driftbeachdubai.com

Key West, Nikki Beach

A welcome addition to the Nikki Beach Resort on Pearl Jumeirah, you don’t come much closer to a beachfront location.
VIEWS: The beachfront restaurant and lounge extends out onto the beach, and you can watch the sun set over the water from the sand.
FOOD: Caribbean meets casual West coast American, it’s a flavour fusion you’ll want to get stuck into.
GO FOR: A little slice of beachside luxury.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah, off Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily 6pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 376 6000. Taxi: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa. nikkibeachhotels.com

Jetty Lounge

One of the best looking bars in Dubai, Jetty Lounge is all about classy cocktails, chilled out tunes and stunning sunsets. Book a table if you’re a big group.
VIEWS: Pretty special. Accessed via a winding path through the lush gardens of the One&Only Royal Mirage, Jetty Lounge is perched right on the sand, with sweeping views of the ocean and the Palm.
FOOD: Bar snacks and mezze.
GO FOR: Jetty Lounge is great for impressing visitors or celebrating a special occasion – plus the jetty screams sunset photo opportunity.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, 2pm to 2am, daily. Tel: (04) 399 9999. Taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage. royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com

Breeze Beach Grill

Breeze Beach Grill on the Palm has a Mediterranean feel that makes you feel like you’ve left the shores of Dubai behind
VIEWS: Soak up the views across Jumeirah towards the Burj Al Arab
FOOD: Mediterranean and Asian fusion bites perfect for snacking and sharing
GO FOR: Beachside sundowners with your toes in the sand

Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Sat to Weds 11am to 12am, Thurs and Fri 11am to 1am. Tel (04) 568 3000. Taxi: Club Vista MARE. summeronthepalm.com

Mistral

A beach shack nestled in the lawn of Rixos Premium’s vast beach club, Azure. Wooden structures and furniture give vibes of East Asia.
VIEWS: About as close to Ain Dubai as you can get without being on Bluewaters.
FOOD: Nachos and other bar snacks.
GO FOR: Family friendly bar with epic views of the sunset.

Mistral, Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, 10am to 10pm, daily. Tel: (052) 777 9472. Taxi: Rixos Premium JBR. premiumdubai.rixos.com

Bliss Lounge

Holiday vibes abound at this beachside lounge at the Sheraton on JBR.
VIEWS: The curved banquettes enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea.
FOOD: Sushi and tapas dishes that are ideal for sharing.
GO FOR: Cocktails and nibbles with friends.

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 6pm to 3am Sun to Thur, 4pm to 3am Fri and Sat. Tel: (04) 3995533. Taxi: Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort. blissloungedubai.com

READ MORE: The 7 best new happy hour deals in Dubai

Barasti

The beach bar that needs no introduction. It has recently renovated it’s beach bar and added a Gilli T style sea swing and hammocks for all the photo opportunities.
VIEWS: A cluster of yachts and the occasional jet ski rider showing off to the crowd.
FOOD: The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
GO FOR: Live sport on big screens, lively lunches, and late night dancing.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, Sat to Wed 11am to 1.30am, Thur and Fri 11am to 3am. Tel: (04) 399 3333. Taxi: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi. barastibeach.com

Cove Beach

Cove’s bar is secluded from the rest of the beach club and stands in a league of it’s own. Rather a main attraction than an afterthought.
VIEWS: With Ain Dubai on one side and the beach on the other, there’s a great view in every direction.
FOOD: Sushi, pizza and edamame.
GO FOR: a great day-to-night spot where the hours fly by.

Cove Beach, Caeser’s Palace, Bluewaters, off JBR, 10am to 1am Saturday to Wednesday, 10am to 3am Thursday and Friday. Tel: (050) 454 6920. Taxi: Cove Beach, Bluewaters. covebeach.com

Shimmers

A minimalist bar with beanbags and lounge chairs on the sand that gives a luxurious feel to the beach.
VIEWS: Three words – Burj Al Arab.
FOOD: Authentic Greek cuisine, perfect for choosing a few dishes and sharing.
GO FOR: Romantic date nights to watch the sun go down.

Shimmers on the Beach, Madinat Jumeirah, noon to 12.30am, daily. Tel: (04) 432 3232. Taxi: Madinat Jumeriah. jumeirah.com

RAS Beach Vibes

A buzzing, laid-back beach bar in popular weekend destination Club Vista Mare.
VIEWS: Jumeriah beach and skyline in the distance.
FOOD: Breakfast, curry goat, jerk chicken and plantain chips.
GO FOR: Weekly live music performances and authentic Caribbean vibes.

Ras Beach Vibes, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, 8am to 2am, daily. Tel: (04) 554 2665. Taxi: Club Vista Mare. rasbeachvibes.com

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