Dog Friendly Beaches in Dubai: Important Advice | ExpatWoman.com
 

Dog Friendly Beaches in Dubai: Important Advice

Get clued-up on exactly what you can and can't do with your pooch

Posted on

11 April 2018

Last updated on 19 January 2020
by Rebecca Roberts
Dog Friendly Beaches in Dubai

For any of you who are hoping to bring a dog into your home in Dubai, it's important that you are prepared and 100% clued-up with the laws surrounding pet ownership in the city. Especially when it comes to the beaches here and across the UAE.

Before we start, it's important to note that we love dogs... We love the many changes that have occurred to help make Dubai a little more dog-friendly, and we also support the huge dog-loving community that exists in Dubai.

SEE ALSO: How to adopt a dog in Dubai

However as with any responsibility, it's important that as a dog owner in Dubai, you are indeed responsible when it comes to looking after your pup, and ensuring you don't break any of the laws in place here. And in a climate like this, it's no easy job. With a severe lack of suitable walking spots, no land to let your pooch roam free, and not forgetting that the climate is too hot 70% of the time - owning a dog in Dubai can be a challenge.

If you feel, however, that you are more than ready to welcome a dog into your home, there's one rule you must remember (from a long list of rules).

There are no dog-friendly beaches in Dubai.

To put it bluntly. We see online and on social media groups SO MANY comments asking what beaches in Dubai are dog friendly. Of course, there are owners here who do head to the quieter beaches around the city to let their dogs have a swim, but they do risk being fined - and potentially having their dog(s) taken off them if they're a repeat offender.

Dog Friendly Beaches in Dubai

Why is there no dog-friendly beaches in Dubai?

First of all, since June 2017, it has been illegal for any dog to be walked off-leash. Dog owners in Dubai must abide by the recently revised law, which states that a leash must be kept on the dog(s) at all times when on public property.

Sadly, parks and beaches fall under the 'public property' category, and failing to follow these rules may result in a hefty fine of at least 10,000 Dhs.

This of course, does not mean dogs are banned altogether in Dubai - as long as they're on leash your daily walks will still be fine and enjoyable for both owner and pup. You might want to check out our big list of dog-friendly walking spots, here.

Alternatively if you're hungry, our guide to dog-friendly restaurants and cafes will be useful, too.

Are there any dog beaches in the UAE?

Until recently, many dog owners would take the short journey to the small Jebel Ali Beach, but authorities have recently been clamping down further since signs appeared explicitly stating dogs are banned.

Now, dog owners in the UAE are left with few choices; however don't be dismayed. If your pup doesn't mind a road trip, there are a few spots across the UAE that are dog-friendly and do allow dogs on the beach.

Kite Beach Center in Umm Al Quwain

For just AED 50 per pet, and AED 10 per owner, you can head to the Kite Beach Center in UAQ with your pooch(es) for a lovely morning or late afternoon by the seaside!

Kite Beach in Abu Dhabi

Located next to Yas Island residential, Kite Beach in the Capital is perfect to exercise your dog as they can run freely and swim in the sea. The area is quiet early morning and great for a run with your pet.

Beach behind Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah

Generally most, if not all, beaches in the emirate of RAK are dog-friendly and provide ample space for your pooch to explore and swim in the sun! We've heard residents in the area enjoy this particular spot behind the Al Hamra resort.

 
 

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