From family-friendly pools to glamorous party spots…

Whether you’ve got friends in town, looking to top up your tan at the weekend or enjoy a lazy day by the beach, there are some top beach clubs in Dubai.

Here’s our guide to the city’s best.

Cove Beach

Now open in a new location, you’ll find an upgraded Cove Beach at the new Caesar’s Palace Bluewaters Dubai. Inside there are three pools and two restaurants across split levels, as well as a shisha terrace and access to a private beach. There’s a new rotation of weekly day and evening events including live music from local band Cubache on a Monday from 2pm, and ladies’ day every Wednesday. Entry is free but comes with a minimum spend of Dhs150 through the week, and Dhs300 on weekends.

Cove Beach, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters, off JBR, daily 10am to late, min spend Dhs150 weekdays, Dhs300 weekends. Tel: (050) 454 6920. covebeach.com

Drai’s

Although not by a beach, Drai’s deserves a mention for being one of the city’s best spots for a big party by the pool. Open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the pool club features beds, cabanas and even private jacuzzi’s, with each day is dedicated to a different activation. On Tuesdays, head down for 11am to enjoy their ‘Hot Mess’ ladies day, while on Friday, expect a day-to-night champagne spray party complete with spray countdown, urban setlist and an A list star or two. Saturdays are their weekly party brunch, where UK brand LoveJuice takes over for five hours of free flowing food and drink.

Drai’s, Gate B, Meydan, Dubai, 11am to 9pm, Tues, Fri and Sat, ladies entry from Dhs100, guys entry from Dhs200. Tel: (052) 388 8857. draisdxb.com

Soho Beach

Again not found by the beach, but this sleek new party spot is equally worthy of a shoutout. Like it’s neighbouring Drai’s, Soho Beach opens for its ladies’ day on a Tuesday, as well as on Fridays and Saturdays for two poolside brunches. Keep your eye on social media with this place, Soho Beach transforms into a huge events space for festivals several times a year – and they’re some of the city’s most unmissable parties.

Soho Beach, Meydan, Dubai, 12pm to 11pm, Tues, Fri and Sat. Tel: (052) 433 3375. sohobeach.com

Azure Beach

Perfectly positioned on the JBR beachfront is Azure. It’s got an expansive pool at the centre, as well as an adjacent lounge for enjoying a relaxing lunch. All guests are given access to the beach in the entry price, which has been discounted over the festive season to Dhs100 from Sunday to Thursday, and Dhs200 on Friday and Saturday.

Azure Beach, Rixos Premium, JBR, Dubai Marina, daily pool 10am to 7pm, weekdays Dhs100, weekends Dhs200. Tel: (052) 777 9472. azure-beach.com 

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE

Blue Marlin is a stalwart among Dubai’s party hard beach clubs. Opening on Fridays and Saturdays each week, entry is free if you’re either dining, or on guestlist for their Friday day-to-night party, which regularly flies in international acts to headline. On Saturdays, Blue Marlin hosts a weekly brunch where there’s two sittings in the restaurant of Mediterranean sharing dishes, as well as a slightly longer option if you choose to brunch beachside.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

Summersalt

The only way that you could beat this beach club’s view of the Burj Al Arab is if you hopped on a boat. The Jumeirah Al Naseem spot is quite literally under the shadow of the Burj, but don’t worry, it’ won’t stop your tan game. The luxury club has a white sand beach, infinity pool and music that’s just loud enough to add atmosphere. Go in the morning if you want to read a book, or head there in the afternoon if you’re after a livelier vibe. The food is a Mediterranean mix with a heavy Italian influence, and it’s only steps away from your lounger if you’re wanting to tuck in midway through your tanning session.

Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai, daily 9am to 6pm, Dhs577 with Dhs250 food credit back. Tel: (04) 366 7680. jumeirah.com

Playa Nomade

Bringing a Nomadic vibe to the Palm Jumeirah is Playa Nomade. The stripped back beach club serves up a more chilled out vibe during the week, with a lively vibe taking over with regular house DJs and party brunches dominating the shores every Friday and Saturday.

Playa Nomade, Rixos The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 11am to 8pm, Weds to Sun, 11am to 12am, Fri. reservations@playanomade.com

Nikki Beach

The luxury beachside destination features in-water loungers, Jacuzzis, inflatables and spans across an impressive site on the Pearl Jumeirah that leads out onto the beach. If you’re hungry, you can order one of their signature sushi and ceviche boats, which arrives, as you’d expect, on a wooden boat. It’s a bold swimwear affair, with dancer, musicians and resident DJs.

Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah, daily 11am to 9pm, Dhs150 per person (with a Dhs100 food voucher) weekdays, Dhs300 per person (with a Dhs250 food voucher) weekends. Tel: (04) 376 6162. nikkibeach.com

Drift Beach Club, One & Only Royal Mirage

We love a good sunbathing spot in Dubai, and this new luxury beach club is a total treat. Located in the swanky One&Only Royal Mirage, DRIFT is described as a destination where “luxury beach chic meets casual simplicity”. There’s an infinity pool, 1km of prime beachfront real estate, and a restaurant and bar serving up Provencal cuisine and interesting cocktails. Don’t mind if we do…

DRIFT, One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh. Pool and beach open daily 10.30am to 7pm, restaurant open daily 12.30pm to 7pm. Packages start from Dhs250 for sunlounger with beach and pool access Sun to Thurs, Dhs300 Fri and Sat. Tel: (04) 315 2200. driftbeachdubai.com.

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity Pool

Zero Gravity is one of the best for a party crowd: a host of DJs spin decks every weekend, and the pool itself is huge. The glass side that looks out to the beach is perfect for the snap-happy. There aren’t many single loungers by the pool, but cabanas are available with minimum spends for a VIP experience. Weekday rates start from Dhs160 including a Dhs50 food and drink voucher, with free entry for ladies on their Tuesday ladies’ day, while weekend access is included in their Friday and Saturday brunch packages.

Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina, Sun, Mon and Weds 10am to 9pm, Tues 9am to 3am, Thurs 10am to 3am, Fri and Sat 8am to 3am. Tel:04 399 0009. More info on 0-gravity.ae.

Barasti

Big, brash and boisterous, Barasti is a Brit expat favourite, and quickly packs out with people. The giant top deck screens football and rugby, live bands perform at sunset, and there’s a daily happy hour from 4pm to 7pm. Plus, they’ve just opened a brand new pool. Did we mention that entry is free for everyone?

Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach resort and Marina, Sat to Weds 11am to 1.30am, Thurs and Fri 11am to 3am, pool and sea access until sunset. Tel: (04) 318 1313. barastibeach.com.

Andreeas

On the edge of the beach in Dubai Marina you’ll find Andreeas. It’s undergone a couple of extensive refurbs recently, and boasts a split level pool with swim-up bar, in-water loungers and access to a pristine JBR beachfront. It’s a more chilled spot for topping up your tan, with two value ladies’ day deals every

Andreeas, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, daily 9am to sunset. Tel: (04) 408 4400. andreeas.ae

Riva

This beach club on The Palm isn’t the easiest to find, but it’s worth it when you get there. There’s a large pool that opens out with views onto The Palm, and a large patch of white sandy beach for those who prefer the ocean to the pool. It’s family friendly, with a poolside beach bar and lounge, and children’s pool for the little ones.

Building 8, The Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah, daily 7am to 5pm for pool, restaurant until 12am, Dhs105. Tel: (04) 430 9466. riva-beach.com.

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