Sun, sea and skyline are the order of the day at the best beach clubs in Dubai. While you’ll find many fringing the city’s white, man-made shores, you’ll also find several who have taken the term ‘beach club’ less than literally, instead setting up shop on the rooftops and terraces of five-star hotels. Whatever you prefer – beach or rooftop, ocean or city views, Miami-inspired or Australian-themed – there is something for every taste in the City of Gold. Here are our five favourites. 

Sunset 55° Bar

Nestled in the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah hotel, the Sunset 55° Bar looks as if it has been lifted from the chic beach club scene of the Côte d’Azur. Channelling a bohemian 1950s beachfront vibe with its soft-white hammocks and wooden teepees, paired with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Dubai skyline, this is the perfect haven for sunset admirers and night owls alike – without the punchy DJ sets you’ll find on the city’s skyscrapers. Book a sunbed here to indulge in delectable cocktails – our favourite is the Tikki Punch – and dine on light bites such as chicken satay salad, lobster roll and wagyu beef sliders. Sundowners don’t get much better than this. 

Visit hilton.com

The 305

You could quite easily arrive at The 305’s Wellness Den for a morning Pilates session and then not leave until sunset – it’s that good. Taking its cues from Miami and Palm Springs and dressed in pale pink hues, this beach club certainly leans into its American roots, offering a taste of South Florida’s foodie scene via creative cocktails, fresh pizzas courtesy of the giant in-house stone oven and a Mr Whippy machine, so you can enjoy soft serve on tap while soaking in the surrounding views of the Marina skyline. And while The 305 is centred around a glittering pool, it offers more than just a splash in the sun. Head here on Fridays for Ladies Day, Wednesdays for wellness mornings and Thursdays for corporate discounts – business lunches have never looked so good. 

Visit solutions-leisure.com

Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach is famous the world over for its luxurious seafront offering, so when a slice of Dubai’s Pearl Jumeirah island – offering unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf and white sand beaches – was up for grabs, it’s understandable that the brand did not hesitate to snap it up. Instantly recognisable with its white and turquoise design, sunken loungers, and the expansive pool surrounded by cabanas with flowing white drapes, Nikki Beach has had no problem making a name for itself as one of Dubai’s party destinations. Expect an unlimited roster of DJ sets and live music for a non-stop weekend celebration, as well as European-inspired cuisine in the form of watermelon and feta salad, zucchini pasta and spicy beef tartare roll. 

Visit dubai.nikkibeach.com

The Byron Bathers Club

A top choice for those with little ones in tow, The Byron Bathers Club offers a relaxed beach club experience with a touch of Australian charm. Enter via a discreet door to be greeted by a boho-inspired restaurant reminiscent of a beach shack, along with a terrace which overlooks a lush private island and offers views of the Burj Al Arab, as well as the Downtown Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa on clear days. 

Light bites come courtesy of Ulu’s Oyster Bar, where diners can gather around the open underwater display and sample the vibrant seafood towers, ceviches, antipasti and fresh salads. The adjacent playground is designed for wholesome family fun in the sun, where youngsters can spend hours clambering on the outdoor frames. Discover a heartier foodie affair at Tigerlily’s Beach, where you can settle in for the afternoon and dine on never-ending plates of truffle fries, Greek salad, octopus carpaccio and Byron’s burger – 200g of marinated stockyard beef burger layered between mature cheddar, beef bacon, lemon aioli, homemade ketchup and fried onions – all served under umbrellas. 

Visit byronbathers.com

Drift Beach

A fan favourite among Dubai’s social set, Drift fringes the Marina to offer beach clubbers an alternative to those on the man-made shores below. Inside, discover an infinity pool surrounded by pristine white loungers and cabanas, all designed for maximum comfort and exclusivity. It would not be out of place in the South of France – and it would seem it’s not only the decor which takes its cues from Europe. Under the artful direction of chef de cuisine Sylvain Noël and sous chef Thierry Huet, the restaurant showcases an innovative take on classic Provençal cuisine. Expect plates of yellowfin tuna ceviche, langoustine carpaccio, burrata pizza and seafood orzo, all perfectly paired with an innovative cocktail and wine menu curated by mixologist Ruslan Svezhenko.

Visit driftbeachdubai.com

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