Free beaches with a Burj Al Arab view
- Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim): the closest public beach, with the hotel right in front of you. The best spot for photos, especially at sunset.
- Kite Beach: a little further up the coast, longer and livelier, with cafés, food trucks, a running track and kitesurfers. The sail is further away but still in the picture.
- Jumeirah Public Beach: further along again, a wide, sandy family beach with the hotel in the distance.
Public beaches are free. They have showers and toilets, but little shade, so bring an umbrella or go late in the day.
Madinat Jumeirah
The Madinat Jumeirah resort next door is open to the public. Walk through the souk and along the waterways, where the hotel appears between the wind towers, or take an abra ride on the canals. Several of the waterside restaurants look out at the sail.
Going inside Burj Al Arab
You can't just walk in. Non-guests need a booking for:
- The Inside Burj Al Arab tour: about 90 minutes, with a buggy ride over the bridge, the atrium and a two-storey Royal Suite. Prices start at roughly AED 250 per person and go up with drinks or food.
- Afternoon tea: under the atrium at Sahn Eddar. It's expensive, and the most famous way to see the interior.
- A restaurant table: book well ahead and check the dress code.
See it from the water
A jet-ski or boat tour gets you closer than any beach, and the classic photo stop is right in front of the sail. Tours leave from Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour and Jumeirah.
Exclusive 1-Hour Jet Ski Tour: Burj Al Arab & Atlantis
Exclusive 30-Minute Jet Ski Adventure: Burj Al Arab
30-Minute Burj Al Arab Jet Ski Tour
Where to stay nearby
Burj Al Arab is about 15–20 minutes by taxi from Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. Many penthouses on the Palm and on high floors in the Marina look down the coast towards the sail. Browse penthouses with a sea view.
Penthouses for this trip
Signature 6BR Villa with Private Pool, Frond F, Palm Jumeirah
Beachfront 6BR Villa with Private Pool, Cabana and Beach, Frond P, Palm Jumeirah
Premier 6BR Villa with Private Pool, Frond E, Palm Jumeirah
Maison Privee - 6 Bedroom Villa with Private Pool, Palm Jumeirah
Maison Privee - 6 Bedroom Beach Villa with Private Pool, Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah Beachfront 5BR Villa with Private Pool and Beach Access
Questions
Can you visit Burj Al Arab without staying there?
Yes, but only with a booking: the Inside Burj Al Arab tour, afternoon tea or a restaurant reservation. You can't walk in without one.
Which beach has the best view of Burj Al Arab?
Sunset Beach at Umm Suqeim is the closest public beach. Kite Beach and Jumeirah Public Beach, further up the coast, also have views of it.
How tall is Burj Al Arab?
About 321 metres. It stands on an artificial island around 280 metres from the shore, linked by a private bridge.
Are the beaches near Burj Al Arab free?
Yes. Sunset Beach, Jumeirah Public Beach and Kite Beach are free public beaches.
Facts and dates checked 6 November 2026. Event dates can change, so confirm with the organiser before you book.
