BEACHES ALONG THE COAST

The Jumeirah coastline stretches 14 km along the sea between the Burj al-Arab and the Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa (not far from the Jumeirah Mosque), passing through six residential districts and numerous public beaches; it features a 5-metre-wide footpath and soft jogging track, a cycle path, and is bordered along its entire length by free facilities for bathers (changing facilities, toilets, free wifi), as well as a variety of cafés and restaurants. Primarily aimed at sports enthusiasts and families, this recreational area is a must for outdoor sports aficionados.
Although on paper the trail runs along the beach for 14 km, in reality it is intersected by fishing harbours, forcing the trail to divert into the streets behind. It also stops at one point to make way for the canal level (which links the Creek to the Persian Gulf via Business Bay) and the Four Season Resort.

Points of interest along the Jumeirah Corniche coastline from the Burj al-Arab include:

Sunset Beach, undoubtedly Dubai's most photographed beach thanks to its breathtaking view of the Burj al-Arab; it's also one of the busiest, although redevelopment work is underway.

Umm Suqeim 2 Fishing Harbour, one of the small fishing harbours with pleasant terraces overlooking the harbour.

Kite Beach , the liveliest and sportiest beach, where kite surfing has pride of place, as well as beach volleyball and beach tennis. Trampolines for children.

Umm Suqeim 1 Fishing Harbour, a small fishing port with a fish market where fishermen sell their catch of the day. This is also the regular venue for the Marina Souk: a market organized by a Frenchwoman, featuring stalls selling clothes, jewelry and decorative items made by resident expatriates.

Nessnass Beach, also known as Sunset Mall Beach, is a beach with almost no facilities, but is quieter than the previous ones, and hosts the Dubai Food Festival in February. It's after this beach that the trail ends to make way for the canal.

Jumeirah 1 Fishing Harbour, the last small fishing port on the corniche, where a 7-time world champion Frenchman rents jet skis.

La Mer: palm-fringed promenade, nearly 2.5 km of landscaped beach, restaurants and boutiques.