Dubai has a new obsession, and it’s not another mall. J1 Beach has taken over the old La Mer South stretch and turned it into a slick, curated strip of beach clubs, restaurants, and pool decks that make you want to call in “sick” to spend a weekday in the sun. This is where beach days meet good dining — not soggy fries by the shore — and where your sunset Aperol comes with a perfect view of the Arabian Gulf.

Whether you’re here to lounge all day in a cabana, sip mezcal cocktails with your toes in the sand, or have dinner with a sea breeze, here’s everything you need to know about Dubai’s new urban riviera.

What is J1 Beach?

Think of J1 Beach as Dubai’s answer to Saint-Tropez — but with valet parking. Set in Jumeirah 1, it’s home to 13 luxury beachfront venues, each offering something distinct: Greek fine dining, Riviera-style beach clubs, bohemian Mexican vibes, and even a modern take on Middle Eastern heritage.

This isn’t a public beach you can wander into with your picnic mat. Access is through one of the venues, so expect minimum spends or day passes — though most are redeemable against food and drinks. The reward? Designer sunbeds, smartly shaded cabanas, curated playlists, and service that actually finds you before you need a refill.

Where to Eat, Drink, and Chill at J1 Beach

Here’s the lowdown on the venues you’ll actually want to book.

Sirene by Gaia

The crown jewel of J1 Beach and the world’s largest beach club. Expect Greek-Mediterranean plates that are as photogenic as they are delicious — seabream carpaccio, truffle-topped cheese pie, grilled seafood platters. It’s as much about the scene as it is about the food, so book a cabana and stay for sunset.

For bookings call 04 834 0303 or reservations@sirenebeach.com 

African Queen

A slice of the French Riviera with a Dubai twist. Think wood-fire pizzas, seafood, and a playlist that slowly nudges you from lazy lunch to golden hour drinks. Perfect for a chilled weekday.

Open daily from 10 AM, it blends relaxation with signature touches, while Tuesday nights introduce Margarita Nights, offering cocktails at AED 55 from 8 PM to 11 PM by the bar. 

For reservations, please call 04 570 5546 or info@africanqueendubai.com

Almayass By The Sea

Layali Almayass welcomes guests to its first-floor dining room for a seaside evening featuring a curated set menu with coastal views, starting from AED 250 per person. Enjoy authentic Lebanese-Armenian cuisine accompanied by soulful Arabic music from Ayman Alrayess, every Thursday from 9 PM.

Reservations: 04 214 5999 | reservations@almayassdubai.com

La Baia Dubai

Colourful sunbeds, Italian coastal vibes, and spritzes on tap. La Baia is an easy choice if you want to spend the day horizontal by the pool and then roll over for a late lunch.

Its Sunset Aperitivo, available Monday to Friday from 5PM - 7PM starting at AED 195, pairs curated cocktails with live music, while daytime access starts from AED 250. 

For reservations, please contact 04 570 2482 or Reservations@labaia-dxb.com  

Bâoli Dubai

Bâoli brings the drama with a glamorous, East-Asian-meets-Mediterranean menu and one of the most stylish settings at J1 Beach. Great for evenings when you want to keep things lively.

From 4 PM, it's Sunset Lounge and live DJ sets create an elegant evening atmosphere, while by day guests can enjoy a chic poolside retreat with lounge beds, cabanas, and refined dining. 

For reservations, please contact 04 558 6381 or reservations@baoli-restaurant.com  

Gigi Rigolatto

If Amalfi Coast aesthetics and Italian comfort food are your thing, this one’s for you. Sunbeds, pastas, and a slow build into a sunset you’ll want to toast.

Children aged 5 to 12 can dive into the magic of the Gigi Circus, jumping, splashing, and snacking under the care of experienced supervisors, while parents unwind on sunbeds, savour authentic Italian dishes, and soak in the ocean views.

For reservations, please contact 04 558 2067 or contact@gigi-dubai.com  

Gitano

Bohemian chic meets modern Mexican. Cabanas, mezcal cocktails, and tropical greenery make it a very Instagram-friendly spot.

Alongside its modern Mexican spirit, Tuesday transforms the venue with Las Gitanas, a weekly ladies’ day from 11 AM to 4 PM offering free-flowing wine and cocktails, poolside lounging, and jungle-disco beats in a chic, celebratory setting. 

For reservations, please contact 058 5662 320 

Kaimana Beach

Asian-Polynesian fusion, Waka Pool Sundays, DJs spinning by the grill — this is where you go when you want a little party with your sunbathing.

Golden Thursdays turn sunset into a poolside party with unlimited cocktails, bold bites, and live DJs from AED 145. On Sundays, Waka Pool Days bring seaside grills and music from AED 250.

For reservations, please contact 04 243 3555 or info@kaimanabeach.ae  

Ninive Beach

An intimate nod to Middle Eastern heritage. Arabic-inspired cocktails, elegant décor, and a slower pace make it the most refined stop on the strip.

Open daily from 10 AM, it offers refined pool and beach access in a setting that feels rooted in culture yet effortlessly modern. The menu celebrates the rich flavours of the Middle East and North Africa, with guests invited to enjoy their dishes by the pool or on the rooftop. 

For reservations, please contact 04 498 4200 or book@ninivebeach.ae

Sakhalin

Sakhalin unites Mediterranean, Asian, and Russian flavours in an elegant beachside setting. The seafood-led menu blends refined techniques with diverse culinary traditions for a contemporary fine-dining experience. Set within a chic beach club, it pairs haute cuisine with sweeping sea views for a memorable meal.

Reservations: 052 660 2377 or Click here

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Timing: Weekdays are cheaper, quieter, and easier to book. Weekends get busy, especially at sunset.
  • Reservations: Strongly recommended for dinner and cabanas at the bigger venues like Sirene and Bâoli.
  • Dress Code: Chic beachwear by day, smart casual if you’re staying for dinner.
  • Pricing: Expect high-end Dubai beach club prices — but most of it is redeemable on food and drinks.
  • Transport: Valet parking is available, but spaces can fill fast. Rideshare is your safest bet on weekends.

The Perfect Day at J1 Beach

Start late morning with a cabana at La Baia or African Queen, order a light lunch, and let the day run itself. As the sun begins to dip, freshen up and head over to Sirene by Gaia or Bâoli for dinner with a view. If you still have energy, stay for post-dinner drinks — the music usually picks up just as the city lights come on.

Why J1 Beach Is Worth It

J1 Beach isn’t just another strip of sand — it’s Dubai’s most elevated take yet on the beach club concept. It nails the trifecta of good food, good service, and a setting that feels like a proper escape from the city. Whether you’re looking for a boozy beach day with friends, a quiet lunch with sea views, or a full day-to-night experience, J1 Beach gives you a reason to plan your weekend around it.