In Dubai, where the desert meets the sea, a girls’ getaway isn’t just about sunbathing-it’s about feeling seen, heard, and free. The city’s beach clubs have evolved into curated spaces where expats, locals, and visitors come together for music, cocktails, and moments that feel like a breath of fresh salt air after a long week in the office. Forget generic beach resorts-Dubai’s top beach clubs offer private cabanas, DJ sets that last until sunset, and service so smooth you’ll forget you’re in a city that never sleeps.
1. White Beach Dubai - Where the Vibes Are Quietly Luxe
White Beach Dubai, tucked into the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), isn’t loud. It doesn’t need to be. This is the spot for girls who want to sip a perfectly balanced mojito under a shaded cabana, dip their toes in water so clear it looks photoshopped, and snap Instagram-worthy shots without fighting for space. The sand is fine, the loungers are plush, and the playlist leans into chill house and indie pop-not the thumping bass you’d find at a nightclub. The menu? Think fresh ceviche, avocado toast with truffle oil, and coconut water served in whole coconuts. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in a bikini and a wide-brimmed hat and feel completely at home.
Pro tip: Book a cabana for four at least 48 hours in advance. Weekends fill up fast, especially during Dubai’s cooler months-from November to March. And if you’re arriving by car, use the valet. Parking here is a maze.
2. Nikki Beach Dubai - The Iconic Party With a Pulse
If you’ve ever seen a video of a Dubai beach party with golden hour lighting, string lights, and women dancing barefoot on the sand, you’ve probably seen Nikki Beach. Opened in 2015, this is the original luxury beach club in Dubai and still the most recognizable. The signature red-and-white striped umbrellas, the live DJs spinning from a floating platform, and the signature ‘Nikki Mojito’ make it a must-visit for any girls’ trip.
What sets Nikki Beach apart isn’t just the aesthetic-it’s the energy. It’s the place where a group of Emirati friends celebrating a birthday might be next to a team of female expat entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley. The crowd is diverse, but the vibe is unified: good music, good company, and zero judgment. Don’t miss the ‘Sunset Sessions’ on Fridays, when the club turns into an open-air lounge with live acoustic sets and champagne towers.
Pro tip: Arrive before 4 PM to snag a prime spot. After 6 PM, the crowd thickens, and the entrance fee jumps to AED 350 per person (includes one drink). But honestly? It’s worth it.
3. Zabeel Saray Beach - The Hidden Gem With Palace Vibes
Most tourists never make it to Zabeel Saray Beach, tucked behind the grand Zabeel Saray hotel on the Dubai Creek. But locals know: this is the quietest, most elegant beach club in the city. The beach here is private, the water is calm, and the service feels like you’ve been invited to a friend’s villa in the Maldives.
Here, you won’t find flashing neon signs or booming bass. Instead, you’ll find silk cushions, traditional Arabic coffee served in ornate dallahs, and a menu that blends Mediterranean flavors with Emirati touches-think lamb kofta skewers with date glaze and saffron-infused iced tea. The staff remembers your name. The music? Soft jazz or Arabic oud melodies. It’s the perfect place for a slow, intentional day with your closest friends.
Pro tip: Ask for a cabana with a private plunge pool. They’re limited, but if you’re staying at Zabeel Saray or booking through a concierge, you can often get one for free with a minimum spend of AED 1,200.
4. Beach Walk Dubai - The Casual, Walkable Option
If you’re not in the mood for VIP treatment or high prices, Beach Walk Dubai-part of the JBR promenade-is your go-to. It’s not a single club, but a stretch of open-air beachside lounges, each with its own vibe. Try Beach House for retro vibes and live acoustic sets, or Beach Bums for a more laid-back crowd with board games and frozen daiquiris.
What makes Beach Walk special is accessibility. You can stroll in from the JBR metro station, grab a drink from a kiosk, and find a spot on the sand without booking anything. No cover charge. No dress code. Just sun, sea, and the sound of waves. It’s ideal for groups who want to keep it low-key but still feel like they’re part of Dubai’s beach scene.
Pro tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen. The shade here is sparse. And if you’re staying in Dubai Marina, this is a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk along the boardwalk.
5. The Beach Club at Jumeirah Al Naseem - For the Luxury Seekers
Opened in late 2024 as part of the new Jumeirah Al Naseem resort, this beach club is the most exclusive yet. It’s not open to the public-only guests of the hotel and those with private reservations. But if you’re planning a special girls’ getaway, it’s worth the splurge.
Here, every detail is intentional. The cabanas are designed by a Dubai-based architect who used recycled coral stone and handwoven fabrics from Oman. The cocktails are made with locally sourced dates, rosewater, and desert herbs. The sound system plays only female artists-think H.E.R., Amr Diab, and emerging Emirati musicians. There’s even a floating yoga platform at sunrise.
Pro tip: Book a full-day package (AED 1,800 per person) that includes lunch, two drinks, and a massage. The spa is on-site, and the staff will arrange a private photo shoot for your group if you ask.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
Dubai’s beach clubs are relaxed-but they’re not beaches. You won’t be turned away for wearing a bikini, but modesty is still appreciated. Avoid see-through fabrics, extremely short shorts, or anything with offensive graphics. Most clubs allow swimwear, but once you leave the sand, cover up with a kaftan or a light sarong. Many places provide complimentary kaftans if you forget one.
And don’t forget the shoes. Even the most luxurious beach clubs have stone paths and uneven sand. Flip-flops are fine, but if you’re heading to Nikki Beach or White Beach, a pair of stylish slide sandals will make you feel more put-together.
When to Go
The best time for a girls’ getaway to Dubai’s beach clubs is between November and March. The temperature hovers around 24°C-perfect for lounging. April to October? Forget it. The heat can hit 40°C, and the humidity makes even the most luxurious cabana feel like a sauna.
Weekends are busy, especially Friday and Saturday. If you want peace, go on a Thursday afternoon. Many clubs offer discounted drink deals during ‘Midweek Chill’ hours (2 PM-5 PM). And if you’re celebrating a birthday or bachelorette? Book a private cabana with a custom playlist and a cake. Most clubs will arrange it with 24 hours’ notice.
How to Get There
Most beach clubs are clustered along Jumeirah Beach Road and JBR. If you’re staying in Downtown Dubai, Uber or Careem is your best bet-expect a 20-minute ride. If you’re in Dubai Marina, it’s under 10 minutes. For those who want to avoid traffic, the Dubai Metro’s JBR station drops you right at Beach Walk. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to White Beach and Nikki Beach.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s beach clubs aren’t just places to sit by the water-they’re social hubs, cultural melting pots, and quiet sanctuaries all at once. Whether you want to dance until sunset, sip cocktails in silence, or just feel the breeze without a care, there’s a spot here that feels made for you. And for a group of women looking to disconnect, recharge, and celebrate each other? There’s nowhere else in the UAE that does it better.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to Dubai beach clubs?
No, outside food and drinks are not allowed at any of Dubai’s major beach clubs. This is strictly enforced to maintain quality control and safety standards. Most clubs offer generous food and beverage menus, and many include all-inclusive packages for groups. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead-most can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or halal requests.
Are beach clubs in Dubai family-friendly?
Some are, but not all. Nikki Beach and Beach Walk are generally family-friendly during the day, but after 6 PM, they shift to adult-only. White Beach and Zabeel Saray are more relaxed and allow children until sunset. Always check the club’s policy before booking. If you’re planning a mixed group, opt for daytime visits or choose a venue that explicitly states it welcomes families.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially on weekends and holidays. Cabanas and group tables at White Beach, Nikki Beach, and Jumeirah Al Naseem often sell out days in advance. Even Beach Walk can get crowded on Friday afternoons. Use the club’s official website or WhatsApp concierge service-many have direct booking lines. Walk-ins are risky unless you’re going midweek and arriving early.
What’s the average cost for a girls’ day out at a beach club?
For a full day (4-6 hours), expect to spend between AED 400 and AED 1,800 per person. This includes entry, one or two drinks, and access to loungers. All-inclusive packages with food and a massage can go up to AED 2,500. Beach Walk is the most affordable at around AED 150 per person for drinks and snacks. Budgeting AED 600-800 per person is a safe middle ground.
Are there any beach clubs that offer all-female events?
Yes. White Beach and Nikki Beach regularly host ‘Girls’ Day Out’ events on Thursdays, featuring female DJs, beauty pop-ups, and free facials. Zabeel Saray occasionally partners with local female entrepreneurs for wellness retreats. Check their Instagram pages or sign up for their newsletters-these events are often announced just 48 hours in advance.