No winter in the UAE is complete without a visit to a beach club or two. However, while almost every club offers golden sands, clear blue waters, and luxurious amenities, not all of them are equally committed to protecting the country’s glorious coastline.
Loud parties, motorised watersports, litter, and over development can all cause harm to wildlife and ecosystems, so why not spend your hard-earned money at beach clubs that strive to protect their environment rather than damage it.
Thankfully, there are many gorgeous destinations across the country that fit this description. Opting for handcrafted furniture, chilled out vibes, and vegetarian cuisine over lavish, excessive, and wasteful dining and facilities, make sure you add these 7 destinations to your winter bucket list.
Banan Beach, Ras Al Khaimah
Arguably the most rustic, unpolished, and genuinely down to earth beach club in the country, it’s easy to forget you are in the UAE while strolling along Banan Beach’s sunbed-free stretch of golden sand. Constructed from repurposed materials like scaffolding, railroad sleepers, old blankets, and unwanted furniture, the entire complex is completely pet-friendly, and a true hidden eco gem.
Painted blue and white like an idyllic Greek island, day passes are only available to members, but registering to join is free and quick and easy to do. Ideal for animal lovers and those interested in art, music and dance, it’s the ultimate place to relive the carefree backpacking days of your twenties, and embrace a slower and more chilled-out pace of life.
AED 100 weekdays, AED 200 weekends – fully redeemable. @bananbeach.
Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa, A Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi
Combining the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi’s coastline with laid-back DJ beats and tasty bites, Fahid Beach Club offers a refreshingly pared-back beach club experience. Set out away from the city, it’s more welcoming and spiritual than some of the country’s glitzier beachside venues, while the revolving line of guest DJs means it’s buzzing every weekend. Complete with simple, boho-chic furniture made from natural materials and retro food trucks, equipment for kitesurfing, kayaking and paddle can also be rented, while the entry prices are exceptionally reasonable, too. Only open Thursday to Sunday until May, make sure you catch it before it goes.
AED 149 Thursday ladies’ day with unlimited drinks, day passes AED 175 fully redeemable on F&B, Thursday to Sunday.
@fahidbcbybarbossa.
Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Peaceful and secluded, family-friendly Kai Beach is surrounded by greenery, shrubs, and untouched coastline. Covering 500m of gorgeous beach, the pretty bar area and cutesy teepees blend into the surrounding landscape, and everything from the wooden walkways to the macramé umbrellas give relaxed hippy vibes. The perfect spot for a bit of quiet reading, swimming, or wildlife watching, Fridays are reserved just for ladies, while the 7am opening means you can even get there in time to watch Saadiyat’s spectacular sunrise. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot some dolphins playing amongst the gentle waves, too.
AED 125 with AED 50 redeemable on weekdays, AED 200 with AED 50 redeemable on weekends.
@kaibeachsaadiyat.
Laguna Beach Taverna & Lounge, Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Centred around a hard-carved wooden bar, and finished with fresh white drapes, wicker furniture, and pretty dream catchers, Laguna Beach invites you to discover a more authentic side to the Palm Jumeirah. The soft daybeds offer amazing views of the sparkling ocean, while the bar team’s delicious zero-waste, whole fruit cocktails allow you to look after the planet whilst still enjoying a sundowner or two. Hump day (Wednesday) passes come with a free jug of fruity sangria, while the vegan-friendly menu spans creative and tempting recipes like chickpea ‘meatballs’, and photo-ready Green Dragon maki rolls, filled with avocado, cucumber and wakame.
AED 200 on weekdays and AED 300 on Sundays, fully redeemable on F&B.
@lagunabeachdubai.
SAL Saadiyat Island, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island
Not only is SAL one of the most exclusive beach clubs in the UAE, but it also has one of the most naturally gorgeous settings, too. Overlooking the dreamy blue waters of Saadiyat Island – an area famed for its abundant populations of turtles, dolphins, and dugongs – its beauty simply cannot be exaggerated, while the white sands of its private beach are as soft and pure as any tropical island resort.
Proudly adult-only, and completed with a serene circular pool, everything about the nautical-inspired decor is made for Instagram, while the menu offers elegant Mediterranean favourites like Manchego croquetas, fresh salads, and a wide choice of veggie pastas and pizzas. Already tried and tested by Christiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodriguez, and other celebrities, don’t be surprised to see a famous face on the sunbed next to you either.
From AED 500 with AED 200 redeemable, Monday to Thursday, AED 600 with AED 200 redeemable, Friday to Sunday. @sal_saadiyatisland.
Summersalt Beach Club, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai
As hosts of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, Jumeirah Al Naseem has long been one of the UAE’s most environmentally conscious hotels, and its classy beach club is equally dedicated to preserving the natural world. Offering stunning ocean views, clean white and blue furnishings, and a whole dedicated menu of sophisticated vegetarian bites – including spicy tacos, creamy burrata, padron pepper tempura, and much more – its day passes are definitely on the pricier end of the spectrum, but still absolutely worth the investment.
Relaxed and refined, the ‘Wellness Wednesday’ deal offers the perfect mid-week escape, including a yoga class, full day pass, and a nutritious breakfast for AED 500.
From AED 500 with AED 250 redeemable on F&B, Monday to Thursday. @summersaltbeachclub.
Ula Ras Al Khaimah, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
Set on the glorious coastline of the UAE’s wildest and most rugged emirate, Ula Ras Al Khaimah makes every day feel like a holiday. All about deep connections and communing with nature, it’s the perfect place to switch off from city life, and give your mental health some well-deserved TLC. Sampling some of the homemade Mediterranean fare (particularly the halloumi gyros, and classic Greek salad), while the long pool and still waters of the private beach are ideal for working on your strokes, or simply chilling out under the sun.
For an escape that’s truly all about health and wellness, join the Sunday morning beach yoga and breakfast event, and get your day off to the most revitalising and invigorating start imaginable.
AED 150 on weekdays and AED 200 on weekends with AED 100 redeemable on F&B.
@ulabeachrak.
