b al- ruJ arab h loTe
Map p218 (www.burj-al-arab.com; Jumeirah rd,
umm Suqeim 3) We’re suckers for trivia, so
let’s kick off by telling you that the lobby
of the Burj al-Arab is so high, the Statue of
Liberty would fit quite nicely into it. Or that
the sail-shaped building tops out at 321m,
just a few metres shorter than the Eiffel
Tower. And here’s one more: 1600 sq metres
in the hotel are sheathed in gold leaf.In its first decade since opening, the Burj
al-Arab has been more than just the iconic
symbol of a booming city in the sand; it
has challenged preconceived ideas of what
an Arab country in the Middle East can
achieve. It’s built on an artificial island
280m offshore from the Jumeirah Beach
Hotel, to which it is linked by a causeway.
This five-star hotel (it’s best to ignore
the nonsense about seven stars) is worthp blic u eXposureIf you’re not staying at a beachfront five-star place but want to swim in the Gulf,
you’ve got two options: either head to one of Dubai’s free public beaches or pay for a
day at a beach club�d pping without i dirhams
Dubai’s free beaches...
Jumeirah open beach (Map p218; next to Dubai Marine beach resort & Spa, Jumeirah
1) Also known as Russian Beach because of its popularity with Russian tourists, this
stretch of white sand is paralleled by a paved path popular with strollers, joggers,
skaters and cyclists� Alas, on Fridays it teems with off-duty male guest workers
keen on ogling bikini beauties� Although you probably won’t get physically accosted,
women may feel more comfortable further south at Jumeirah Beach Park� Showers,
toilets and kiosks are available�
Kite beach (Map p218) Also known as Wollongong Beach, this long pristine stretch
of sand is quiet and a great place for relaxed sunbathing but it has zero facilities� It’s
about 3km north of the Burj al-Arab, past umm Suqeim Hospital, umm Suqeim 1�
u m m suqeim beach (Map p218; btwn Jumeirah beach hotel & kite beach) This white
sandy beach, with fabulous views of the Burj al-Arab, has showers and shelter and is
popular with Jumeirah families and Western expatriates�
Jumeirah beach residence open beach (Map p220; Jumeirah beach residence,
Dubai Marina) This is a lovely wide beach paralleling The Walk at JBR� There are no
facilities here�b aches for e bucks
The ones that cost...
Jumeirah beach park (Map p218; per person/car Dh5/20; h7am-10.30pm Sun-Wed,
7am-11pm Thu-Sat) It’s a real treat to take a walk on the grass at this verdant park, as
it’s a couple of degrees cooler than the beach� Fronting onto a long stretch of sand,
the park has lifeguards on duty, children’s play area, barbecues, picnic tables, walk-
ways and kiosks� Monday is women and children only�
a -Mamzar l beach park (al-Mamzar Creek, Deira; per person/car Dh5/30; h8am-11pm)
One of Dubai’s hidden gems, this large, landscaped park on a small headland in
Deira has lovely white sandy beaches, barbecues and kiosks� Kids have plenty of
open space and play areas for romping around, plus three pools with waterslides for
cooling off� Friday is busy, but during the week you can have the place to yourself�
Wednesday is women and children only� Catch a cab to get here�
l eridien Mina e M seyahi beach resort & Marina (p145; adult/child Sun-Thu
Dh175/100, Fri-Sat Dh250/150) The calm beach, wonderful pools including a 150m-
long winding lagoon, and a water sports centre offering everything from banana boat
rides to windsurfing make this resort a family favourite�
Mina a’salam & al-qsar (p142) The Dh750 tab buys you access to a dreamy beach
and fabulous pools and includes a Dh250 food voucher� Buy tickets at the Health Club�Jumeirah
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