Kite Beach and La Mer Dubai: Which Beach for Your Day?
Dubai has two city beaches that most visitors talk about: Kite Beach and La Mer. Both are free to enter, both have soft sand and warm water, and both are very different. Here is how to choose, and how to plan the day.
Kite Beach vs La Mer at a glance
| Kite Beach | La Mer | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Umm Suqeim | Jumeirah 1, near City Walk |
| Best for | Active days, sport, space | Food, shops, photos |
| What’s there | Kitesurfing area, jogging track, skate park, food trucks | Restaurants, cafés, shops, street art, a waterpark |
| Entry | Free (sunbeds and rentals extra) | Free (waterpark and rentals extra) |
Kite Beach: for an active day
Kite Beach is a long, wide stretch of sand in Umm Suqeim. On windy days you’ll see kitesurfers out on the water, and several schools offer lessons. Behind the sand there’s a jogging track, a skate park and a row of food trucks and cafés.
It’s a good beach for families who want space to run around. Bring a ball, a frisbee and plenty of water.
La Mer: for food and the evening
La Mer is a beachfront district near City Walk. Next to the sand, there are restaurants, cafés, shops and bright street murals. It also has Laguna Waterpark, which charges for entry.
La Mer works well late in the afternoon. Swim before sunset, then stay on for dinner by the sea.
When to go
- October to April is the most comfortable time for a full beach day.
- In summer, go early in the morning or after 4pm, and avoid the midday sun.
- Weekends are busiest, so go early to find a spot.
What to bring
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. Shade on the sand is limited.
- Water and snacks, although both beaches have cafés.
- A light cover-up for walking to cafés and shops off the sand.
- Cash or a card for sunbeds, lockers and rentals.
Getting there
Neither beach has a metro station, so most people take a taxi or a ride-hailing car. If you’re staying near the Red Line, you can combine a beach morning with an afternoon in the malls. Our Dubai Metro guide covers the lines and the nol card.
Stay opposite the metro: Rose Park Hotel Al Barsha
Rose Park Hotel Al Barsha is on Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Insurance Market Metro Station on the Red Line. Spend the morning at the beach and the afternoon in the city, and come back to a quiet room. See the rooms.
Book on our official site for the best available rate.
Check rates at Rose Park Hotel Al Barsha →
FAQ
Is Kite Beach free?
Yes. Entry is free. Sunbeds, lockers and water sports cost extra.
Which is better for families, Kite Beach or La Mer?
Kite Beach has more space for games and sport. La Mer has more restaurants and a waterpark. Many families do both on different days.
Can you swim at Kite Beach?
Yes, in the marked swimming areas. Kitesurfers use their own zone.
Is there a metro to Kite Beach or La Mer?
No. Most visitors take a taxi or a ride-hailing car.