Nothing beats the sensation of sand between your toes while watching an Instagram-worthy sunset. There are numerous fantastic beach bars in Dubai where you can do just that.
But this isn’t just any old beachside bar. We’re talking sand in your toes, a cocktail in your hand, and the most epic sunset views in Dubai (though we’ll admit, they’re all pretty epic).
Here are 11 of the best beach bars in Dubai for sundowners.
Barasti
Barasti, an oldie but unquestionably a goodie, is a stalwart beach bar in Dubai. Head there for serious holiday vibes, whether you get a towel-in-sand spot or sit at one of the table clusters while being served drinks from a tiki-style bar.
Details: Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, open daily from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., Fri and Sat from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. (04) 318 1313; www.barastibeach.com
Barefoot
At Barefoot Lounge, sink your feet into the sand while sipping a delicious tiki-inspired cocktail. Barefoot Lounge has a daily happy hour from 12pm to 8pm that offers 25% off select drinks, which is ideal for watching beautiful sunsets with your toes in the sand.
Details: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. at Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa in Jumeriah. (0)4 346 1111, www.dxbmarine.com
Bliss Lounge
Bliss Lounge at the Sheraton JBR is a rustic seaside spot perched on a wooden deck that invites guests to enjoy relaxed dining and fruity serves. Every day from 6 to 8 p.m., there is a happy hour, and on Wednesdays, all females can get three sushi rolls and three house beverages for Dhs120. Every Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2.30 a.m., a gent’s night is held, with selected house beverages and mixers priced at Dhs25.
Details: Bliss Lounge, Sheraton Beach Resort, JBR, Dubai, 6pm-3am daily. @blissloungesheraton (0)4 315 3838
Cove Beach
From ladies’ days to sunset DJ sessions, there’s always something going on at Cove Beach. On Fridays, for example, there’s the big 808 party, which features throwback 80s and 90s R&B and Hip Hop, and on Wednesdays, it’s rose all day for ladies starting at Dhs149.
Details: Cove Beach, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Island, Dubai, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Wednesdays, and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursdays. Covebeach.com, (0)50 454 6920
February 30
February 30 has had no shortage of visitors since it opened on the coveted stretch of sand-meets-restaurants at West Beach. It’s the ideal location for a day at the beach. On February 30, Dubai welcomes visitors with a soundtrack of tropical house beats played from both restaurant tables and beach loungers. The day-to-night destination also serves shisha from the deck, and sundowners are served at the massive circular bar. The circular bar out on the beach is the best place to toast to the sunset.
Details: February 30 West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12pm-2am, beach 12pm-7pm. 04 244 7200, www.february30dubai.com, @february30dubai
Fish beach Taverna
From the paved flooring to the blue and white hues of the open-air restaurant, Fish Beach Taverna transports you to the Mediterranean. It serves ‘an Aegean menu of Turkish and Greek cuisine,’ with a variety of fresh dishes. Dine or sip cocktails on the beach at cute white tables with fairy lights twinkling above you.
Details: Fish Beach Taverna is located at the Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and is open daily from 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 511 7373. Fish-dubai.com
Jetty Lounge
Jetty Lounge is one of Dubai’s oldest and best beach bar sundowner spots. You’ll approach the beach spot through lush greenery, taking you through the One&Only Royal Mirage resort, which is known for Mediterranean bites, chic cocktails, and an overall classy vibe. A DJ will set the mood with chilled-out tunes while you take in the scenery. You should try Jetty Lounge if you haven’t already.
Details: The One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, is open daily from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tel: (04) 399 9999. One&Only Royal Mirage (royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com) taxi
Koko Bay
Koko Bay is a Bali-inspired beach bar and restaurant that has been a huge success since its inception. It’s located on Palm West Beach in Palm Jumeirah, and it provides spectacular views of the iconic Dubai Marina skyline, especially at sunset. Seating options range from cushy blue bean bags to clusters of comfortable wicker seating in the Bali-inspired restaurant, out on the decking, or right in the sand. Make a reservation ahead of time because it is always busy.
Details: Koko Bay, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, open Sun-Thu midday to midnight, Fri-Sat midday to 1am, Tel: (04) 572 3444.
Laguna Lounge
Laguna Lounge is located on the sands of Sofitel Dubai. The Palm, which promises to bring breezy Cyclades vibes to the city by day as a laid-back Mediterranean lounge that transforms into an open-air late-night spot after dark. With a thatched pergola roof, whitewashed walls, and rattan design elements, the aesthetic is meant to resemble the beach bars of Santorini or Mykonos. Seating is divided between high tables and low-lying lounge seating, all surrounded by an ageing olive tree and a DJ booth at the terrace’s edge.
Details: Laguna Lounge, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Sofitel-Dubai-The-Palm.com, (0)4 455 6677
Sand Bar
Sand Bar, located at the popular Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Relax in one of the deck chairs perched on the sand and sip crafted cocktails while admiring the incredible views and the stunning Dubai sunset.
Details: The Westin Mina Seyahi in Dubai Marina has a Sand Bar that is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tel: (0)4 399 4141
Shimmers
Shimmers is another popular Dubai beach bar, and for good reason. This place lets the view of the Burj Al Arab and beyond do the talking, with a neutral colour scheme and simple, yet luxurious setting. Tuck into traditional Greek cuisine from the sun-dappled restaurant, or relax on a bean bag on the beach.
Details: Shimmers on the Beach is open daily from 12.30pm to 12am at Madinat Jumeirah. Tel: (04) 432 3232, jumeirah.com
Read more: 8 best Shisha cafes to hangout in Dubai
