Kite Beach
What’s the story?
Kite Beach is my favourite beach in Dubai, well actually the whole stretch of beach along this area (I still get confused with what is and what isn’t officially Kite Beach). Taking a stroll here is a sure fire way of reassuring you that living in Dubai has many plus points. If you’re just here on holiday then it’s certainly worth exploring here to show you what Dubai has to offer. It’s also perfect for a stroll.
Where to start?
Best advice I was given was to get a taxi to Kite Beach. The beach isn’t metro friendly and parking can be competitive. Get dropped off at Kite Beach and walk up towards the impressive Jumeriah Mosque (you can visit this Mosque as a non-Muslim (apart from Fridays) and it should definitely be on your list of things to do but we will focus on the beach for today!).
Food options
If you are arriving close to lunchtime you might want to spend some time sunbathing at this end of the beach (depending on the time of year and how hot it is!). It’s worth staying around here as the legendary SALT is close by with legendary slider burgers. There’s other options only a short walk back towards the main Kite Beach area otherwise if a burger isn’t your thing such as Operation Falafel which is a bit further along.
Walking (or running!) off lunch
Refuelled stretch your legs along the jogging path which runs for 14km all the way down towards the Jumeriah Beach Hotel (I’d recommend walking but if you’re feeling energetic then jog!). Pick a bit of beach if you fancy a sunbathe or a swim, the water is a lovely blue. Or just watch the amazing kite surfers that frequent the beach (the beach is windy hence being perfect for kite surfers as well as flying kites!).
Burj Al Arab views and more food options (or ice cream!)
Carry on along the jogging route using the Burj Al Arab as your marker (you can get lots of snaps along the way as well). There’s lots of food options down this way too including The Surf Cafe and Bu Qtair Fish restaurant which is something of an institution. No menu for the latter, just whatever the catch is that day. Don’t miss out on the incredible ice cream offered at Cremolata Jumeriah. The flavours are amazing (from Snickers to Salted Caramel and everything in between) and it’s tricky to pick. The very friendly and helpful staff will help with recommendations though, or let you sample one or two first!
Carry on towards Burj Al Arab beach. From here you can keep walking all the way to the Jumeriah Beach Hotel (the wave one). If you haven’t found something that takes your fancy to eat along the way, then they will certainly have options here with over 21 outlets on site.
Sundowners to finish!
Fancy a drink? Again you’re in luck. Check out the Beach Lounge if you’re in beach wear. Did you manage to do Beach glam? I’m still working on that one. If you’re dressed for the occasion it’s certainly worth checking out 360 for sundowners, the sunset cannot be beaten and there’s an amazing atmosphere here. From there you could continue to the Madinat complex next door, but I’d probably save that for another day and instead take it all in and have another drink or two, you deserve it.
The Burj al Arab from the Jumeriah Beach Hotel at sunset