Dubai

Dubai is a global city in the Middle East and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Arabian Peninsula and the world.

Dubai is well known for its vast desert landscape and the huge skyscrapers that dot its coastline. It is home to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, man-made islands, luxury hotels, and world-class shopping malls.

In this guide, we will explore the beauty of Dubai and the best beaches to visit in a yacht rental in Dubai marina.

Districts in Dubai

Deira

Formerly Dubai’s financial center, it is now a bustling semi–residential district known for its spice trade.

Bur Dubai

Located to the south side of Dubai Creek, it is famous for attractions such as its Creek, souks, abras, and floating restaurants.

Jumeirah

Both a residential and tourist destination, tourists flock here due to the easy access to its beach. Attractions include Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, full of skyscrapers, the nearby Burj Khalifa, and Jumeirah road.

Jebel Ali

This man-made port is home to the new airport, Palm Jebel Alli, the Dubai World Central, and many more.

Hatta

Located at the border with Oman, this area invites you to visit its charming mountains and get away in a cooler climate and more rugged environment.

Getting to Dubai by boat

Since Dubai is a major shipping and trading hub, it welcomes numerous vessels from around the Indian Ocean. Referred to as dhows, you can arrange a private yacht rental in Dubai from Iran, Yemen, and Somalia.

Dubai also has an international cruise terminal located at Port Rashid. You can charter the luxury yacht charters in Dubai Marina sailing to this port.

Exploring Dubai by a sailboat charter as a tourist

Take an Abra boat ride

Abra boat rides are some of the best ways to enjoy the cool Dubai night and gaze upon the city lights. Abras are always available for private tours at affordable and negotiable prices. Make sure to inform the driver of the purpose of the Abra trip and also of your budget, to avoid a costly cross-river expedition.

Get on a camel race track

Camel races are one of Dubai’s rather unusual attractions, and are held during the winter every Thursday and Friday. Make sure to attend the races if you visit during this time, and also take home some souvenirs from the vendors along the track.

Horse racing

Dubai has a long tradition of horse racing, with its Meydan Racecourse widely regarded as one of the world’s best horse racing venues. Visit the marvelous grandstand and watch the races for both thoroughbred and purebred Arabian horses. Gambling is illegal in Dubai, so you cannot bet on your favorite in any race.

Desert safari or dune bashing

Desert safaris offer thrilling rides over sand dunes in the Arabian desert via specialist desert drivers. You can also join a traditional Arabic Bedouin campsite at night and be treated to a lavish barbecue buffet dinner and entertainment such as music and belly dancing.

Take a Dubai Creek cruise

Dubai Creek was built as a trading port for vessels plying India, Africa, and the Middle East. Some of its old shipping culture still remains intact to this day, from the original buildings that served as customs houses, to the forts and defense structures. Book a yacht hire in Dubai cruise to take you on a trip down the Creek.

Visit the Burj Khalifa

As the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa is surrounded by hotels, shopping malls, and plenty of entertainment.

The best beaches to explore when set sailing in Dubai, UAE

Let us explore the best beaches to sail on a boat rental in Dubai marina.

Jumeirah Beach Residence or JBR Open Beach

This is Dubai’s biggest beach and one of the most popular. This massive public beach covers the entire JBR area, with many residential options available, full facilities at every turn, lifeguards, swimming areas, and restaurants to buy food and snacks.

It has white, powdery soft sand, with warm water that gives off a beautiful blue-green color. The waves are calm and the water very shallow, about four feet deep. JBR is open 24/7 and is the perfect location for a tour in a private yacht in Dubai.

La Mer

Take a yacht charter in Dubai to this newly built beach, a perfect spot for water sports, beachfront shopping, and fine dining. The pristine sand, which is cleaned every day, is dotted with large palm trees protecting the beach from the wind and sun. Other amenities include a water park to cool off after sunbathing, lifeguards available, some beach clubs, and a cinema for movie lovers.

Umm Suqeim Beach

Due to its proximity to the Burj Khalifa, this beach is a top choice for Dubai party yacht rentals cruises. The beach has services like lifeguards, shower rooms, and other basic facilities. There is also some greenery, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a library. 

Since it is also lit at night, Umm Suqeim is one of the few Dubai beaches with lots of activities after dark.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Sail on a luxury yacht charter in Dubai to this great family beach. The beach park has four beach areas with lifeguards, a picnic area, a playground for kids, large swimming pools, showers, bathrooms, and changing rooms. For the maximum vacation experience, rent a sunbed, an umbrella, and one of the little air-conditioned beach tents.

Explore the best beaches close to Dubai

Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay is a picturesque family beach on the island of Malta. This beach offers the best amenities for a tourist destination while preserving its pristine and unspoiled natural environment.

The beach has an expansive golden-sand shoreline with plenty of room to relax and sunbathe in the warm sun. Its landscape features dramatic cliffs covered with shrubs and hillsides providing shelter from the wind. Its peaceful surroundings give it a secluded feel, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and gentle waves.

The beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and its beautiful landscape makes it the perfect setting aboard private boat charters in Malta. Facilities include public restrooms, changing rooms, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a snack bar.

Ir-Ramla il-Hamra

This beach has an expansive shoreline sheltered by a valley and hills. The beach is completely pristine and untouched, with no surrounding hotels and resorts. Its shoreline is covered with clean reddish sand and pebbles, with gentle waves safe for swimming and snorkeling.

Amenities at this beach include restrooms and changing rooms, snack bars, vendors, and umbrella stands. Ramla is the largest beach in Gozo and the perfect beach to explore on Malta sailing charters.

Patara Beach

Sail on yacht rentals in Turkey to Turkey’s longest beach, spanning over 18 kilometers of beautiful shoreline. The beach has fine sand that hugs your feet when you walk on it, making it perfect for a midnight stroll near the water. After a day of swimming and sun-bathing, explore the nearby monuments, including a theater, an old column street, and the charming little village of Gelemiş.

Babylon Kilyos

Babylon Kilyos is a great family beach nestled between mountains and ample greenery.

The atmosphere on the beach is great, and the activities here are endless. Participate in a game of volleyball or badminton, get a summer tan on the soft sand, or ride onto the water in a luxury yacht rental in Istanbul.

In the evening, treat yourself to grilled fish hamburgers or cheese sandwiches while you enjoy the live DJ music on the beach.

Marmaris Downtown Beach

Marmaris Downtown has some of the best beaches in the world for children and family visits. Although the sand is black and feels gritty, the water is warm and crystal clear, perfect for swimming. There are also sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent on the beach. After exploring the water on a Marmaris yacht charter, you can also visit nearby Gumbet beach, with fine golden sand and shallow water.

Gümbet Beach

Sail on a Bodrum yacht rental to Gümbet Beach, one of Bodrum’s best. It is a famous diving spot due to the Big Reef dive site where you will see a large coral reef, urchins, starfish, and colored fish. If you want to relax on the beach, many beach bars offer sunbeds and refreshments for you.

Ölüdeniz Beach

This protected reserve, also known as Blue Lagoon, is one of Fethiye’s finest spots. It is filled with lush greenery amid towering mountains and sparkling shallow lagoons. This beach gets crowded quickly, so make sure your Fethiye yacht charter is booked early to enjoy your experience in Ölüdeniz Beach.

Nissi Beach

This is the prettiest beach in Cyprus and a major tourist attraction on the island. The beach is a sheltered cove filled with white sand and shallow turquoise water. It is also located a few kilometers from the resort town of Ayia Napa.

Tourists and fun-seekers flock to Nissi Beach to sunbathe during the sun-soaked summer months, join its live music events, and explore the gorgeous water in yacht charters in Cyprus.

There are also nearby cafés and restaurants, with options to rent sun loungers and shades. Facilities include water sports operators, lifeguards, and clean public showers.

Conclusion

Dubai is the cultural and hospitality center of the UAE, and it is no surprise that millions visit this desert heaven annually. There is much to see and explore in Dubai, and we have detailed the very best of Dubai in this guide. Follow it to have a memorable time in the city.