20 of the best beach bars to check out in Dubai

Toast to the sunset…

There’s nothing quite like that feeling with the sand on your feet whilst taking in a stunning, Insta-worthy sunset. Dubai has a number of amazing beach bars giving you the chance to do just that.

We’re not talking about just any old beach-side bar, however. We are talking about toes in the sand, cocktail in hand and the most epic sunset views you can find in Dubai (although we’ll admit, they’re all pretty epic).

Here are 20 of the best beach bars in Dubai for sundowners…

Barasti

Old-but-gold Barasti is an all-encompassing, come-as-you-are space that’s loved by locals and visitors. It’s split into multiple spaces in one: the upper deck for watching the sport outdoor, an indoor-outdoor restaurant, a pool, and then there’s the beach, where parties on the sand regularly take place. It’s here that you can grab a beanbag and enjoy chilled sundowners with your toes in the sand, sipping on happy hour deals as you do.

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, 9am to 3am daily. Tel: (0)4 511 7373. @barastibeach

Barefoot Lounge

Sink your feet into the sand while you sip on a delicious tiki inspired cocktail or fresh coconut at Barefoot Lounge. Barefoot lounge has a daily happy hour that runs from 12pm to 8pm and offers 25 per cent off on select drinks, perfectly timed to enjoy beautiful sunsets with your toes in the sand.

Barefoot Lounge, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeriah, daily 12.30pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 346 1111. dxbmarine.com

Bliss Lounge

A rustic seaside spot at the Sheraton JBR, Bliss Lounge is perched on a wooden deck and invites guests to enjoy relaxed dining and fruity serves. It’s a bit more no-frills than some of the other spots in this list, but for laidback drinks by the beach with picture-perfect Ain Dubai views, few do it better. There’s daytime happy hours, plus a ladies’ night, and DJ sets several nights per week.

Bliss Lounge, Sheraton Beach Resort, JBR, Dubai, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (0)4 315 3838 @blissloungesheraton

Bungalo34

More of a restaurant than a beach bar, but this pretty Pearl Jumeira spot deserves a mention thanks to its relaxed, retro feel and breezy beachfront location. The tables spill out from the terrace and down onto the sand, so you can watch the waves gently lap the sand while sipping on sunset serves. Don’t miss trying the menu, which features highlights like the Amalfi lemon pasta.

Bungalo34, Pearl Jumeira Island, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. daily 9am to 12am. Tel: (0)4 238 1780. @bungalo34 

Byron Bathers Club

Taking inspiration from Australia’s celebrity hotspot, Byron Bay, this family-friendly spot at Shoreline 4 is an all-occasions destination inviting diners to a trio of concepts. There’s the main restaurant and terrace, Byron’s Bar & Bistro; the all-alfresco Ulu’s Oyster bar; and Tigerlily’s Beach, where you’ll find loungers, deck chairs and even a play area for the little ones. Either of the latter serves as a stunning destination for drinks alfresco.

February 30

February 30 is the ultimate spot to enjoy a beach day, sunset drinks, or a night out on the sand. February 30 Dubai greets guests with a soundtrack of tropical house beats, from both the restaurant tables and beach loungers. The day-to-night destination also serves shisha from the deck, and make sure to grab a seat at the huge circular bar for sundowners. The best place to toast to the sunset is sat up at the circular bar out on the beach.

February 30 Dubai, West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, daily 12pm to 2am, beach 12pm to 7pm. Tel: (0)4 244 7200. february30dubai.com @february30dubai

Jetty Lounge

Jetty Lounge is one of the oldest and best beach bar sundowner spots in Dubai. Known for Mediterranean bites, chic cocktails and an all-around classy vibe, you’ll approach the beach spot through lush greenery, taking you through the One&Only Royal Mirage resort. A DJ is on hand to set the scene with chilled-out tunes as you marvel at the views. If you’ve never done Jetty Lounge, you need to.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, daily 3pm to 1am Tel: (0)4 399 9999. royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com

Koko Bay

Koko Bay is the Bali-inspired beach bar and restaurant that has proved endlessly popular since its opening. You’ll find it at Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, where it offers incredible views out to the iconic skyline of Dubai Marina, especially at sunset. Choose from seating in the Bali-inspired restaurant, out on the decking, or bag a seat right there in the sand, from cushy blue bean bags to clusters of comfortable wicker seating.

Koko Bay, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Sun to Thu midday to midnight, Fri and Sat midday to 1am Tel: (0)4 572 3444. @kokobayuae

Laguna Lounge

You’ll find Laguna Lounge on the sands of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, promising to bring breezy Cyclades vibes to the city in the form of a laid-back Mediterranean lounge by day, which transforms to an open-air, late-night spot after dark. The aesthetic has been designed to mirror the beach bars of Santorini or Mykonos, with a thatched pergola roof, whitewashed walls and rattan design features. Seating is split between high tables and low-lying lounge seating, all surrounding an aging olive tree and a DJ booth that spins at the edge of the terrace.

Sand Bar

One of the city’s best-kept secrets, Sand Bar is the ultimate beachfront hideout at the popular Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. Relax in one of the deck chairs perched in the sand, and sip crafted cocktails while you enjoy incredible views coupled with the gorgeous Dubai sunset.

Sand Bar, The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, open daily 9am to 11pm. Tel: (0)4 399 4141.

Shimmers

Another stalwart Dubai beach bar is Shimmers, and it’s popular for good reason. With a neutral colour scheme and simple, yet luxurious setting, this place lets the view of the Burj Al Arab, and beyond, do the talking. Tuck into traditional Greek cuisine from the sun-dappled restaurant, set out under a white-washed canopy, or sit yourself on a bean bag on the beach.

Shimmers, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, daily 12.30pm to 12am. Tel: (800) 323232 jumeirah.com

Soul Lounge

On the shorefront of Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Soul Lounge is a beautiful beachfront spot where whitewashed lounge tables dot the sand. By day, it’s calm and relaxed where guests can sit and drink in the ocean views, then as the sun sets, colourful sips are paired with shisha and ambient DJ sets.

Soul Lounge, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeira, daily 8am to 12am. Tel: (0)4 376 6290. nikkibeach.com

Surf Club

While you might know Surf Club for its lively Saturday DJ sets and relaxed beachside Sunday brunch, this Palm West Beach spot is a lovely destination for a sunset drink. Bag a seat out on the terrace or on the beach and toast to the evening with picture-perfect views of the sunset and the iconic Dubai Marina Skyline.

Surf Club, West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, daily 12pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 589 5444. surfclubdubai.com, @surfclubdubai

Tagomago

Bringing a slice of the Balearics to Palm Jumeirah is Tagomago, a laid back, Ibiza-style chiringuito that’s got a gorgeous beach bar in the sand. Perch up at one of the wooden lounge tables and enjoy a toes-in-the-sand sundowner, before making your way to the breezy restaurant for tapas, sangria, and an immersion into the White Isle.

Caña Beach

Caña Beach is nestled right on the beachfront at JBR, meaning visitors are treated to incredible sea views and the Ain Dubai. Beyond the restaurant is seating right out on the beach, with a winding path leading to Caña, the venue’s very own circular beach bar, which has its own DJ booth and is the perfect spot for sundowners.

Caña Beach, Al Mamsha Street, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, JBR, daily 12pm to 10pm. Tel: (0)4 318 6724.  @canabytamoka

The Beach House

The Beach House at stunning Thai-inspired resort Anantara, The Palm, is a long standing favourite for drinks by the beach. Sit out under the canopy with decking underfoot and huge fans blowing lazily overhead, or just bag yourself a seat right on the beach to watch a truly stunning sunset.

The Beach House, Anantara The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (0)4 567 8316. @anantaradubai

Wavebreaker

It’s all about keeping it casual at longtime Dubai bar, Wavebreaker at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah in JBR. The people-friendly spot shows all of the live sports on big screens and there’s a happy hour on weekdays from 7pm to 10pm.

Wavebreaker, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk, JBR, open daily 12pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)4 318 2319. @wavebreaker_jbr

Ula

Ula has a chic Mediterranean aesthetic, and as well as a restaurant, pool and loungers, there’s a beautiful beach bar where you can relax and enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand. There’s a whole roster of deals to enjoy, from ladies’ nights to beachside breakfasts, and the kind of design that deserves to be photographed.

Ula, Dukes, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, open Mon to Thu 10am to 1am, Fri to Sat 9am to 1am. Tel: (0)4 565 2231. @uladxb

Zenzi Beach

Located in the stunning Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Zenzi Beach is one of the beach bars in Dubai that is a definite must-try. Complete with the perfect boho chic vibes, this family-friendly venue makes for the ideal day out.

Zenzi Beach, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, daily 12pm to 7pm. Tel: (0)4 453 0000. @zenzibeachdxb

Images: Social and supplied