Dubai's beach makeover 2026 explained: Women-only beaches to night swimming, floating bridges and mega coastline expansions

Dubai’s iconic coastline is undergoing one of its most ambitious transformations in years, with major beach development projects already underway and more planned through the Blue and Green Spaces 2030 Roadmap unveiled at the World Governments Summit 2026.

These changes are set to reshape how residents and tourists experience Dubai’s shores, from innovative night swimming options and panoramic ocean views to entirely new “all-season” beach destinations.At the heart of this coastal evolution is Dubai Municipality’s master plan to increase public beach length from roughly 21 km to 105 km, expand facilities by up to 400% and boost recreational infrastructure, all aligned with the emirate’s broader urban lifestyle and tourism strategy.

Jumeirah Beach 1: A bigger, smarter beach opens soon

One of the most eagerly awaited upgrades is at Jumeirah Beach 1, where redevelopment is now nearly complete and official opening is expected imminently. The project has expanded the beach by about 50% and integrates new cycling, jogging and pedestrian paths alongside modern amenities such as smart lockers, Wi-Fi, AI-enhanced safety systems and climate-resilient design features.

These enhancements aim not only to support active lifestyles but also to future-proof the beach against environmental pressures, with significant sand nourishment and coastal protection measures engineered into the master plan.

Women-only Al Mamzar Beach Corniche: Connectivity and night activities

Another major pillar of Dubai’s seaside reinvention is Al Mamzar Beach Corniche. Part of a Dh355 million redevelopment programme, the corniche will feature a 200-metre floating pedestrian bridge, the first of its kind in Dubai, connecting both sides of the beach and offering new waterfront perspectives and viewing points.The project also expands walking, running and cycling tracks, enhances public services and includes dedicated areas for active recreation, leisure dining and wellness.

A 125,000 sqm women-only beach area with secure entry and tailored amenities, including children’s play zones and night swimming opportunities, will also be introduced.

Night swimming has already proven wildly popular at existing beaches such as Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1, collectively drawing roughly 1.5 million visitors in 18 months, indicating strong public appetite for round-the-clock coastal leisure.

Umm Suqeim Beach: Dh500 million makeover

In early February 2026, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council approved a Dh500 million master plan to transform Umm Suqeim Beach, which currently spans about 3.1 km. The redevelopment seeks to elevate the area into a year-round destination that combines urban beach life with broader tourism appeal, aiming to welcome up to 6 million visitors annually.The comprehensive project includes infrastructure upgrades, expanded parking, smart lighting for night use and integrated transport hubs, all designed to make the beach more accessible, vibrant and enjoyable. Covering nearly 445,000 square metres, the project will expand the usable beach area by around 30%.

A strong focus on accessibility and safety underpins the upgrade. Smart lighting will be installed across 130,000 square metres, allowing for safer evening and night-time use.

Parking capacity will increase by 200% to approximately 2,400 spaces, alongside improved road access. Connectivity across the site will be enhanced through 10 mobility hubs and 11 dedicated taxi pick-up and drop-off points, while new cycling tracks, electric vehicle facilities and scooter infrastructure will encourage sustainable transport.

Hatta’s All-Season Mountain Beach: Coastal fun meets nature

Dubai’s beach transformation does not stop at the sea. A new artificial “mountain beach” project in Hatta will feature a Crystal Lagoon and waterfront amenities within the mountainous landscape, bringing a unique beach experience far from the Gulf shore.

This destination, complete with walking paths, cycling trails, water sports zones, dining spots and even outdoor cinemas, aims to redefine what beach tourism can look like in Dubai’s varied terrain.

Observation tower inspired by Dubai's maritime heritage

One of the project’s standout features is a 38-metre observation tower, inspired by Dubai’s maritime heritage. Designed as a visual landmark, the tower will offer panoramic views of the coastline, adding a new experiential highlight to the beach.

Technology and sustainability are central to the redevelopment. AI-powered monitoring and operational systems will improve safety and operational efficiency, while engineering measures such as retaining walls and elevated beach levels have been incorporated to address sea-level rise. Sustainable design principles are woven throughout the public spaces, reinforcing Dubai’s long-term vision for resilient and future-ready coastal destinations.

A redesigned beach culture: Accessibility, technology, sustainability

Across all projects, Dubai’s beach strategy prioritises accessibility, inclusivity and smart technology:

Many of these enhancements align with Dubai’s long-term plans to elevate quality of life, boost tourism and create coastal public spaces that rival global beach destinations. The coming years will see Dubai’s beaches evolve from simple seaside escape routes into multi-faceted public destinations that blend lifestyle, technology, inclusivity and sustainability.

Whether it is the expanded Jumeirah Beach 1, the connected Al Mamzar Corniche with its floating bridge, the mammoth Umm Suqeim makeover or the innovative mountain-lagoon scene in Hatta, Dubai is redefining what a beach experience can look like in the 21st century. With more space, new services and night-long leisure options, the emirate’s coastline is poised to become an even greater magnet for residents, tourists and global visitors, a continuous celebration of sun, sea and urban life.