We’re back in Toronto after two weeks in Dubai and dreaming of those beach vibes in Dubai. Dubai with kids was loads of fun and we’ll soon share our stories but today let’s just talk about the sunshine and sand, shall we? Growing up in Dubai, in the 80s and 90s, my family would go to the beach at least once a week. We’d pack up enough snacks to last us a while and we’d arrive closer to sunset. Dubai is hot and everyone avoids the afternoon heat and the water was always warm enough no matter what time of day it was. During this visit, we managed to get to the beach on a couple occasions but we kept seeing jelly fish and only managed to go in on one occasion.
The old Jumeirah Beach area has now expanded become quite the destination with multiple areas for families to visit. I fell in love with the vibe at La Mer and visited on two occasion. There’s restaurants, a water park, food trucks and a beach to keep everyone happy. Entrance is free and you can get some amazing pictures here if you time it around sunset. We visited La Mer twice and the second time around we took my aunt and grandmother along with a bucket of KFC because Dubai seriously has the BEST KFC in the whole wide world (my cousin was with us during both visits). Now, word to the wise. Don’t think those abandoned sunbeds are free to use. Ooopps! Apparently they cost 120 Dhs for two loungers! We found out after sitting on 4 for an hour but luckily the dude in charge only came around towards the end and didn’t ask us to pay. We weren’t the only ones either! He did however kindly allow my grandmother to sit there for a while as we gathered our belongings and moved towards the sand. The idea of renting a cabana for a group of friends definitely sounds like the way to go though!
One tip I have is that there is a north and south side at La Mer and it takes about 40 minutes to walk from one end to another, if you’re with young kids. Having explored both ends, I prefer the south end’s shallow beach area. There were shower rooms and bathrooms on both ends and our kids loved the water buckets which were fun to shower under after rolling in the sand!
We’re going to end March Break with a visit to Wizard World (definitely checkit out if you’re looking for some family fun in Toronto with kids) but will leave you with some photos of our fun in the sun!
Oh.
P.S – if you’re wondering if you can wear a bikini or regular swimsuit to the beach in Dubai, the answer is a big YES!
Osh Kosh Pink Swimtop and bottom
kathy downey
June 16, 2018 at 12:29 pmSounds lovely I’m so looking forward to warm weather!
Calvin
June 17, 2018 at 5:08 pmNice beaches there, some man made too
Yashy
June 17, 2018 at 7:07 pmIndeed! Quite a few man made habitats there!