Black palace beach/Al Sufouh Beach

While in Dubai there is another place which will definitely cheer you up. Black Palace Beach is one of the city's mystery jewels, with an area that is not entirely obvious yet certainly justified regardless of the exploring mission: between the imperial strongholds at Al Sufouh lies a minor pathway that takes you to this place where there is unadulterated unwinding.

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels

This untouched shoreline has delightful perspectives of Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab. So wander off the beaten track and find this cozy inlet. Straddled by castles and opposite of the Palm, this place will make you forget all your worries.

Dubai’s top tourist attractions aren’t limited to shopping malls, amusement parks and the breathtakingly unique skyscrapers. Each year, a large number of locals and tourists visit the beaches in Dubai to enjoy the cool breeze, water sport activities and the year-round sunshine. Beaches like Jumeirah Public Beach, Al Sufouh Beach and Kite Beach are extremely popular among those looking to make the most of the weather.

Al Sufouh Beach is one of Dubai’s true hidden gems, hence the nickname 'Secret Beach'. It is also known as Black Palace Beach due to the regal real estate nearby. This discreet destination is tucked away between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, not far from Madinat Jumeirah.

Hidden behind a row of palm trees, it’s easy to miss, but well worth the scouting mission. Perfect for a quiet and relaxing time, you’ll see why Al Sufouh Beach is one of the best spots to unwind. As waves gush towards the shell-clad shoreline, take a deep breath to admire serenity at its best. 

Featuring panoramic views of the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, it is the perfect location to capture beautiful pictures of the Gulf. The shallow waters at Al Sufouh Beach make it an ideal hub for children to explore underwater life.

The reason people prefer to spend time relaxing on the sandy stretch is that the facilities and the activities on offer keep growing. From thrilling water sports to international restaurants, you will find it all.

Moreover, being a multicultural city, Dubai embraces all cultures and customs. Businesses also take advantage of having such a large audience and offer unique products and services to beach visitors.

Most beaches in Dubai have excellent basic facilities including lifeguards, changing rooms and shower facilities. What’s important to note is that each beach has something unique to offer.

Al Sufouh Beach, Dubai is also known as Secret Beach because of its calm and peaceful environment. In fact, it’s easy to miss this hidden gem as there is a thick cover of 5-star hotels and palaces in the area! Not to forget, beautiful panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab make it unique amongst the top beaches in Dubai. 

The Black Palace beach in Dubai is known by several names. This beach is also called the Al Sufouh beach, but also often Hidden Beach or Secret Beach because the beach is reasonably hidden. To reach the beach you have to go through a narrow sandy path. Black Palace beach is not a real secret beach however, because it's a well known secret where this beach can be found. So during weekends and holidays it can get quite busy on Black Palace beach. The beach is quite different from the popular beaches in Dubai like the Jumeirah Open Beach and the JBR beach, because it is much more quiet on Black Palace beach! The Black Palace beach is the ideal beach if you want to relax and enjoy the view at the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah!

Also Checkout: 10 Best Beaches in Dubai

ALL ABOUT THE AL SUFOUH BEACH

Also known as Black Palace Beach due to its proximity to the palace of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, one must witness this natural beauty at least once. We’ve put together a complete guide for your trip to Al Sufouh Beach, so you can plan your next adventure without the slightest worry.

With so many fantastic beaches in Dubai, one has to consciously make a choice. If your preference is to go to a buzzing beach with lots to do, Al Sufouh Beach isn’t perhaps the best choice. However, there are times when the beaches can get too busy with action dwellers. Especially during peak tourist season, you could find the famous ones like JBR Beach, La Mer and Kite Beach to be fairly crowded.

In such a situation, Al Sufouh Beach offers a wonderful alternative. Located close to the Royal Palace, Al Sufouh Beach is a quiet place. It has amazing views and the location is also ideal. Nonetheless, it is one of those beaches whose popularity hasn’t yet gone through the roof. Hence, the name Secret Beach. 

Why is the beach not well known you ask? It has been kept that way perhaps by design. We can take a cue from the fact that there are no large sign boards directing the public towards the entrance. You have to actively look for it to find it. Furthermore, there are stretches of palm trees which hide the beach entrance.

Perhaps, the best part is that there is plenty of privacy here. You will find open spaces on the pristine white beach sand. The two-and-a-half kilometre sandy stretch is ideal for those who prefer a calm environment.

Even on a relatively busy day, you can find a spot for yourself and your family. Add to it the beautiful view, and it makes for a perfect day out. The iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah are on the two ends. So this beach is perfect for some selfies too.

On the flip side, however, there aren’t many water sports activities on offer at this Secret Beach. So when you visit, it would be best to bring your beach volleyball or football. Similarly, the sea is quite shallow near the shore, so even children can take a dip in the ocean.

Those looking for a quiet spot to relax by the calm waters will surely be pleased as you won’t find people walking past you at all times as you lay down for sunbathing. All these factors add up to make the Al Sufouh Beach a perfect spot for a family holiday. 

HOW SHOULD ONE PREPARE FOR A TRIP TO AL SUFOUH BEACH?

There are some great advantages in being a relatively little known beach, but there are some downsides to it as well. For example, there are no shower rooms or toilets on the beach. Especially if you have kids, this can be a problem. There are lifeguards so you don’t have to worry about safety as such.

Similarly, there are no restaurants on the beach. But you can always bring along some food from home or drive to another area. Alternatively, if you intend to stay in a hotel close by, there are some excellent options such as Radisson Blue Hotel, Media One Hotel and Arjaan by Rotana.

Facilities at Black Palace beach

Black Palace beach is a quiet beach and there are few facilities available on the beach. You won't find restaurants and shops like on the popular beaches and you won't be able to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. There are not even toilets at Black Palace beach. So when you visit the Black Palace beach make sure you bring your own towels, umbrellas and food and drinks. There are no beach and water sports activities on this beach, so you visit the Black Palace beach to relax, enjoy the beautiful view or to see the beautiful sunset with the Burj Al Arab in the background.

If you prefer more facilities on the beach such as locker rooms, restaurants and shops, then you better visit the Jumeirah Open Beach or JBR beach. Check out our page about beaches in Dubai to read about the best beaches in Dubai!

GETTING TO THE AL SUFOUH BEACH

No direct buses and trains will take you to Al Sufouh Beach location. Bus 88 will drop you close but still, you will have to walk for a while to get to the beach.

The easiest way is to take a car. Continue driving on the Al Sufouh Road (from Madinat Jumeirah) and look for the entrance on the right-hand side closely. Since there are a series of palaces on the coast, you have to be careful not to miss the entrance. If you do, the next U-turn is about two kilometres away.

DO’S AND DON’TS

Here is a general list of rules applicable to all beaches in the UAE. Failing to follow these rules may land you in trouble, so read on.

• Swimwear is only for the beach area. You are not allowed to walk around the street in swimwear.

• PDA is strictly prohibited.

• Alcohol consumption is not allowed.

• No littering.

• Don’t take pictures of other beach-goers.

Price: You can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the place completely free of cost. One should surely visit this place and you will get all the lovely glimpses without paying any amount.

Location: Black Palace Beach Dubai is located between the royal palaces facing the Palm Jumeirah.

Tips 

• This beach does not have any food joints, shops, toilets, locker rooms, or sunbeds.

• Hence, you will have to carry the required things according to your necessities.

• Also, you cannot walk topless or naked on the beach or swim in the sea after sunset. These are the strictly forbidden activities on the beach.

Also Checkout: 10 Best Beaches in Dubai