What To Know

  • Umm Suqeim is positioned as one of the most visited public beaches in the city, with the upgrade focused on visitor flow, comfort, and long-term coastal protection.
  • The focus at Al Mamzar centers on privacy, safety, and comfort while remaining part of a public beach environment.
  • Al Mamzar Beach Corniche is undergoing a Dh355 million upgrade that includes a dedicated women-only beach area.

Beach plans in Dubai are no longer background news. They are part of daily conversations, social posts, and weekend planning threads. New details around the Dubai coastline makeover have kept circulating online as spring and summer travel planning starts to ramp up. Public beaches are being expanded, redesigned, and reopened with features that change how people use the shoreline at any hour of the day.
From Umm Suqeim to Al Mamzar and even Hatta, official plans confirm upgrades focused on access, safety, privacy, and all-day use. The result is a coastline that feels more intentional, more flexible, and clearly prepared for heavy seasonal demand.

A guide to Umm Suqeim area in Dubai | Visit Dubai

Image: Visit Dubai/Website

Umm Suqeim Beach Gets a Major Upgrade

Umm Suqeim Beach sits at the center of the Dubai coastline makeover. Authorities have approved a Dh500 million redevelopment plan that increases the total beach area by around 30 percent. The project includes a 38-metre observation tower designed to give elevated views of the shoreline and surrounding areas. A two-kilometre retaining wall is also part of the plan, alongside new beachfront landmarks and upgraded facilities. Officials expect the upgraded area to accommodate up to six million visitors each year once the work is complete. Umm Suqeim is positioned as one of the most visited public beaches in the city, with the upgrade focused on visitor flow, comfort, and long-term coastal protection.

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Night Swimming Expands Along Jumeirah

Night swimming continues to gain attention as part of the coastline update. Beaches at Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, and Umm Suqeim 1 already operate overnight, with more than 1.5 million visits recorded since the initiative began. Smart lighting has been installed across 130,000 square metres of beachfront to support visibility after dark. AI-supported rescue and monitoring technology is also active, allowing lifeguards and emergency teams to respond quickly when needed. The overnight access has changed how residents and visitors schedule beach time, especially during warmer months.

Al Mamzar Introduces a Women-Only Beach Zone

Al Mamzar Beach Corniche is undergoing a Dh355 million upgrade that includes a dedicated women-only beach area. The zone covers 125,000 square metres and features controlled entry, night swimming access, sports facilities, and commercial outlets. The same project includes Dubai’s first floating pedestrian bridge. The bridge stretches 200 metres and connects sections of the beachfront while allowing water flow underneath. It is expected to become a recognizable feature of the area once completed. The focus at Al Mamzar centers on privacy, safety, and comfort while remaining part of a public beach environment.

Environmental Questions Stay in the Conversation

Marine specialists have shared mixed reactions to the coastline projects. Marine biologist John Burt has stated that rocky breakwaters introduced during redevelopment can support coral growth and fish habitats. Other experts, including Professor Derek Jackson, have raised concerns related to artificial lighting and its impact on turtle nesting, along with water circulation issues that may affect algae growth if not managed carefully. Environmental monitoring remains part of the ongoing planning process.

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Hatta Adds a Mountain Beach Experience

Hatta Activities | Things to Do in Hatta | Visit Dubai

Image: Visit Dubai/Website

Hatta is also included in the wider coastline vision through plans for a Crystal Lagoon-style artificial beach set within the mountains. The destination is designed for year-round use and includes an outdoor cinema and food truck spaces. The concept offers an alternative beach setting without relying on the coast.
The Dubai coastline makeover confirms a clear direction for public beach spaces in 2026. Extended hours, designated zones, upgraded safety technology, and new locations are already shaping how people plan time by the water. As warmer months approach, these changes continue to dominate online discussion and seasonal planning.

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Jovilyn is content editor and author, delivering timely and engaging stories on Dubai’s lifestyle, trends, major events, and the city’s ever-evolving future across culture, business, and innovation.