The DSCVR guide to UAE beach clubs

These are the best beach clubs in the UAE to escape the heat this summer.

Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island

Barefoot luxury has a new address in Abu Dhabi – meet Kai Beach, a 500-metre stretch of public beach lapped by warm turquoise waters and hidden in the heart of Saadiyat Island. Incidentally, the Japanese word ‘kai’ has several interpretations (ocean, shell, restoration, and recovery), reflected by Kai Beach’s mission to merge authentic natural energy with creature comforts.

Barasti

A beach club with a stellar reputation for fun in the sun, Barasti is the place for stag weekends, hen nights, sports viewing or a place for beachfront relaxation. The expansive venue features a beach bar, swimming pool and a sandy beach boasting in-water hammocks for that perfect Insta-snap against the backdrop of the Dubai Marina skyline.

Beach by FIVE

Palm Jumeriah’s most happening address features multiple options for splashing around in the sun. Beach by FIVE at FIVE Palm Jumeirah offers revellers a palm flanked central pool, private beach and glass-lined swimming pool with an Insta-worthy chandelier. The venue also boasts double width sun loungers, cabanas and jacuzzis.

Bla Bla Dubai

Bla Bla Dubai offers the ultimate day to night venue in the heart of JBR. Expect twenty (yes twenty) themed bars, including an Irish pub, champagne bar, butterfly bar and an outdoor beach bar, each individually themed and strategically located around the central pool. Bla Bla is open to everyone, whether you’re looking to dress up or grab a drink in flip flops. Expect spectacular views of Ain Dubai and a large metal slide to transport guests from the top terrace to the ground floor!

Café del Mar Abu Dhabi

The capital’s newest beach club can be found at Yas Bay Waterfront and features music from top International DJs, standout cocktails and a touch of Spanish charm amidst an artificial beach. It’s an adults-only playground where good vibes and ambient music converge to create a party-fuelled destination. So whether you’re looking to take a dip in the infinity style pool while riding a giant flamingo inflatable, sip cocktails on the beach or indulge in Mediterranean cuisine, Café del Mar brings a touch of the Ballerics to Abu Dhabi.

Cove Beach Abu Dhabi

Cove Beach Abu Dhabi sits on a picturesque stretch of coastline in the new Makers District. As the only licensed venue on Al Reem Island, Cove Beach in the capital offers a waterfront oasis with over 300 meters of private beach, a pool set within the ocean, and the only swimmable beach on the island. Set amongst landscaped gardens, expect a beachfront oasis with water sports, theme nights and Mediterranean restaurant Two.0.

Cove Beach Dubai

Cove Beach boasts a stunning seafront locale at Bluewaters Dubai that comprises a restaurant and three pools, all set against the backdrop of the tranquil Arabian Gulf. Fashioned in contemporary and beautiful décor with a Mediterranean vibe and personalised service, Cove Beach Dubai is frequented by jet-setters, influencers, celebrities and athletes who all come to revel at the beach and pool.

DRIFT Beach

Easily one of Dubai’s most stylish beachfront destinations, DRIFT Beach can be found at the One&Only Royal Mirage. The venue boasts 65 acres of landscaped gardens, one kilometre of exclusive seafront and an exquisite menu of Provençal cuisine. This beach club is operated by Sunset Hospitality Group, the team behind AURA Sky Pool, SUSHISAMBA Dubai and DREAM.

Eva Beach House

The chic new venue at The Club boasts trendy décor and beachfront vibes, blending Tulum-inspired beachfront dining with an artisanal culinary experience. Expect a selection of the fresh catch of the day, dry-aged meats and signature choices such as carabinero carpaccio, beef tartar and escargots, all paired with exceptional service and a laid-back atmosphere. The venue also features a beach club and swimming pool where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

If you’ve been dreaming about diving into Emirates Palace’s West Beach pool or whiling away an afternoon in the lazy river, now’s the time! The Emirates Palace Beach Club offers fun for the entire family, with a family pool, an adults-only pool complete with in-water hammocks and a 1.2 kilometre stretch of pristine private beach. You can treat yourself to one of the private cabanas or indulge in a selection of watersports.

February 30

Unusual cocktails, beach club bliss and a menu from acclaimed chef Reif Othman make this spot a ‘must visit’ on Palm Jumeriah. At February 30, natural elements are fused with bold colours and patterns whilst lush greenery and pulsating bursts of red and monochrome make the venue stand out. Expect a lounge, restaurant and three bars, including a striking circular bar that overlooks the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Fluid Beach

Beaches, humidity, trendy eateries, flashy sports cars, and plenty of glitz – it’s easy to see why people constantly compare Dubai and Miami. And while the coastal city’s appeal is undeniable, is it worth the 16-hour flight? Hint: no. After all, Fluid Beach is now open. The buzzing Beach Club features chic cabanas, enviable skyline views, a tempting food and beverage menu and banging tunes from the in-house DJ.

Gallery 7/40

Dubai has an enduring love affair with the combination of art and cuisine, and the latest manifestation of this fusion can be found at Gallery 7/40, now open at The Club at Palm West Beach on Palm Jumeirah. Inspired by the iconic designs of Antoni Gaudi, this state-of-the-art venue showcases a collection of renowned art pieces from around the world alongside a menu of Spanish and Greek cuisine. The interior design of the restaurant features flowing lines, whimsically curved ceilings, and vibrant mosaics that perfectly complement the overall theme of the establishment.

Kyma Beach Dubai

Kyma Beach Dubai brings the effortless sophistication of Mediterranean coastal dining to Palm West Beach, embodying the lively and multicultural spirit of Greece. As one of the most highly anticipated openings of the year, Kyma offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary with a curated menu that sets the tone for a luxurious beach club experience in Dubai.

Lava Beach Club

Nestled beneath the Hajar Mountains in the northern emirate of Fujairah, the aptly-named Lava Beach Club is tiled in hues of fiery orange to resemble an erupting volcano. Connected to the Fairmont Fujairah Hotel, this family-friendly beach club features a MediterrAsian restaurant, in-pool jacuzzi jets providing the appearance of bubbling lava, and a live DJ to keep the vibe elevated.

Nation Riviera Beach Club

The beach club at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi features a 200-metre stretch of shoreline overlooking the Arabian Gulf. While away the hours on one of the comfortable sunbeds or participate in watersports or health and recreational services. We recommend chilling in a cabana by the beautiful pool and making the most of the swim-up bar. For optimum relaxation, order food and drink from Cabana Bar & Grill.

Nikki Beach Dubai

Celebrate life on the waterfront of Pearl Jumeira at the multi-faceted Nikki Beach Dubai. Here, the private beach and shimmering pool are flanked by slender palm trees and strategically placed parasols, while tribal touches and blindingly bright white décor are used to striking effect. You can sip on a cocktail and relax poolside in submerged sun loungers while listening to the hypnotic beats from a live DJ.

Nurai Island

For a taste of the Maldives in Abu Dhabi, a trip to Zaya Nurai Island is a must! Head to Smokin’ Pineapple with its rope swings at the bar, beanbags, and soft floor cushions for boho-chic island vibes. This luxurious venue overlooks the Arabian Gulf and features a surf pool and a menu. Order an artisan pizza, cooked in the pineapple-shaped wooden pizza oven, and take your pick from the wide range of classic and signature cocktails.

Nobu by Beach

Indulge in a lavish experience at Atlantis The Royal’s exclusive pool and beach club – the world’s first Nobu-branded establishment. Unwind in your own private cabana while enjoying refreshing drinks and the upbeat tunes of both local and international DJs. The menu features a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, known as Nikkei, and features creative small plates, communal platters, and renowned Nobu favorites. When the atmosphere becomes too much, take a refreshing dip in the pool or ocean to rejuvenate your senses.

Playa Beach Club

This colourful and vibrant Palm Jumeirah beach club encourages individuality with soulful music. It embraces the sun in every bite of the exquisite fusion cuisine created by Peruvian chef Carlo Valentino and every sip from the extensive signature Pisco-inspired cocktail drinks menu. As for its array of spaces? Playa Beach Club features an indoor restaurant and multiple outdoor lounge areas ranging from a white sand beach adjacent to the swimming pool – one of the few in this vicinity – to a terrace ideal for sundowners, complete with killer views.

Saadiyat Beach Club

If you’re looking for a pool day in the capital, look no further than the luxe Saadiyat Beach Club. Situated on Saadiyat Island, this Instagrammable infinity pool, flanked by swaying palm trees, spacious cabanas and incandescent waters, stretches out onto the sandy shoreline. More than just a place to luxuriate poolside, the venue also hosts several events, including a popular ladies’ day and weekend brunch.

SĀN Beach

Located at Palm West Beach, SĀN Beach offers a private pool and beach access amidst soul-settling decor and an exclusive pool bar set against the backdrop of the Dubai skyline. SĀN Beach is a chic and contemporary African sanctuary. Featuring a Mediterranean-inspired menu, the tranquil and minimalistic restaurant gives way to lush landscaping, white sand, private sofas and floating sunbeds. Elsewhere, guests can expect to be entertained by resident DJs, guest musicians and weekend performances by SĀN’s in-house band, The Nomades.

Soul Beach

Perched on the edge of the marina within the manicured grounds of JA The Resort, Soul Beach comprises an infinity pool, an indoor and outdoor restaurant, an Aperol Lounge, Estrella Beach Bar and a spacious rooftop event space. A resident DJ is positioned high above the beach, offering an eclectic mix of funky and progressive house, while the South of France inspires the culinary offering. In addition, the venue features multiple lounge areas, from the impressive beach and centre-stage infinity pool to the eye-catching 26-metre-long sunbed.

Twiggy by La Cantine

A relatively new addition to the Park Hyatt Dubai, the majestic 100-meter infinity lagoon at Twiggy by La Cantine is essentially a private beach far from the Arabian Gulf. Featuring elegant sun loungers and pristine white sands, the lagoon is the ideal spot for taking it all in with a drink in hand while marvelling at the Dubai skyline and historic creek.

Umm Al Quwain Kite Centre

Sink your toes in the sand, ride a surfboard. kitesurf, swim, snorkel or paddle out in the gulf at this adventure-driven beach club. Whether you’re looking for a place to rest in between kitesurf or surf lessons, the castaway-style beach huts are ideal for spending a day in the Northern Emirates. In addition to the stunning natural beach, you can hit the Tarzan gym, dine at the beach cafe, or kayak in the natural mangrove forest.

ULA

The word ‘ula’ means sea jewel, so it is no surprise that this Palm Jumeirah venue draws inspiration from the warmth of the sun and the passion of the ocean. The immersive social experience is all about smooth and uplifting beats, live music and roving entertainment – all complemented by warm and inviting interiors. Ula’s pool, beach, and bar areas are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

West Bay Abu Dhabi

West Bay is a vibrant beachfront lounge that extends over the sands of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche beach at Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi. Open from early morning until late evening, West Bay serves a fusion menu of Mediterranean dishes, including oysters, sushi, skewers and freshly grilled seafood. In addition to the beach, West Bay is also home to a wave pool, zip-line and adventure park, resulting in a beach club that’s suitable for the entire family.

WHITE Beach

Atlantis, The Palm beach club features an Insta-worthy infinity pool, a chic outdoor restaurant and a breezy open-air terrace perfect for sundowners. With views of the Dubai Skyline and the shores of Palm Jumeriah, WHITE Beach captures the Mediterranean’s finest qualities in a beach club. Weekly events include a ladies’ day on Tuesdays and the Sunkissed Brunch on Sunday lunchtimes. 

Yas Beach

Yas Beach offers a serene antidote to the hustle and bustle of Yas Island’s exhilarating attractions. With its white sands, crystal clear waters and natural mangroves, Yas Beach offers an idyllic island getaway. From adventures through the mangroves to water sports, dining and an expansive infinity pool, there’s no end to the fun at Yas Beach.

Zero Gravity

Enjoy some vitamin sea while soaking up the sunshine on an ocean-facing sun lounger or in the glass-fronted infinity pool. Then, when your appetite kicks in, choose from the la carte menu or the Killa Grilla BBQ package whilst enjoying glittering views of the city skyline and Arabian Gulf.