Near, but not too near, The Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah Beach
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
23 August 2015
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Three things:
(1) It's free.
(2) It's crowded during the weekends.
(3) And, as the sub-title suggests, it's near but not too near, the other famous landmark of Dubai.
Not in THE WALK: Burj Al Arab in the background
There are other beaches in the area: some of them private, yet inexpensive; while some would definitely cost you both arms and legs and, perhaps, your soul (*coughBurjAlArabdaytourcoff*). For cheapskates like me though, you only need to walk around and figure out for yourself if you're not much into the crowded public beach.
It's worth 20 AED a cup of plain cappuccino
If I had known, I would have brought my own 3n1 and a thermos
The best place to go for a leisurely walk on a beach (or swim, if you fancy a dip), is in Jumeirah Beach Residences' "The Walk". It's quite far from Burj Al Arab, but there are LOADS of activities to do there. They have plenty of shops and restaurants in there, and lots of games for adults and children alike; public art shows (street art and such), trampoline (yes, it's there), a football pit, they even have an outdoor gym equipment for public use, and... of course, Dubai's famous Jet Blade Experience. Click to view on external link. You can also find cheap deals in cobone.com or in www.groupon.ae but they often only offer it in the summer months, starting June.
Regular price starts at 360 AED; but with deals, they often offer it at 299 AED on weekdays, or 349 AED on weekends.
Picture not mine, taken from cobone.com
I haven't actually tried doing it, and I'll write more once I've experienced jet blading; however, for now, I am simply going to tell you how to go there.
OPTION 1 - Car?
I haven't gone there via private transport because I think it's really inconvenient for the car owner to bring one so I can't really give you much advise. However, a friend of mine who drives one told me that parking is a bit hard to come-by in JBR especially during the weekends; so you will have to consider that when going there. Aside for that, traffic is often bad in that area.
Yes, I am discouraging you from bringing a car along. Haha.
OPTION 2 - Taxi?
This is easier than bringing a car because taxi drivers in Dubai are usually familiar with most tourist spots. Hop on, tell him/her to take you to The Walk JBR, hop off, walk for a bit and you'll find yourself staring out at the beach in no time.
Unfortunately though, this option is quite expensive. Minimum would be 12 AED (for those who live near the area), but if you're staying somewhere in Deira, guesstimate is around 40 to 50 AED (one-way).
OPTION 3 - Metro (Train)?
Best option, as always. Take the Red Line train, heading towards UAE Exchange station (formerly Jebel Ali Station) and get off at either Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Lake Towers. Ride the Orange Line (the stations are connected via walkways so you wouldn't need to worry about how to get from one line to another), and then head towards Jumeirah Beach Residences 2. Once you get off the train, turn to your left; exit the station and cross the street. Turn left again and head straight until you reach the first junction. Turn right and walk straight-- you'll pass by a hotel, and at the end of the road, you'll see the beach.
Remove shirt. Dive.
Or not.
Jet blading is located on the farther left side; if you're at the beach, you'll see people having fun (it's far from where people are swimming, don't worry). I'll repeat: I haven't been there so I can't give you directions. YET. I'll update this post once I have been there though. If you want to go ahead and do it first, feel free to take my advice and find yourself some sweet deals via the links I provided above. Otherwise, you can search youtube and you'll be able to see footages.... then wallow in self pity and chew on your shoe because you CAN'T. Boo-hoo. Haha.
What can I do?! I'm always on-call for emergency cases! ðŸ˜
Forever Rose London
One of the many (temporary) shops by the beach area
If you went there to enjoy The Walk, then by all means: go! I am highly encouraging you to do so. Have shisha, drink mocktails and eat good food (a bit pricey, but that's Dubai for ya)-- just make sure that it's not the Holy Month of Ramadan. If it is then, make sure you go there during Iftar (AFTER 7pm) when they all break the fast.
The Walk, Smoky Beach
This... is how I prefer to end a busy day in Dubai. :D
This... is how I prefer to end a busy day in Dubai. :D
Check-out these Places at The Walk:
- Smoky Beach
- The Beach (yes, THE BEACH. Go there and enjoy the waves.)
- Sushi Art
- Cheesecake Factory (pricey, but they offer big servings)
- PF Chang's (make sure to come in early; the place is packed after 5pm)
- Arcade (inner part of JBR establishments, away from the beach)
Toodles!
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