Black Palace Beach, Dubai (or Al Sufouh Beach, as it is more commonly referred to) is one of the “unseen” attractions of Dubai, as it provides a silent oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist attractions of the city. Set in the shadow of the famous Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah, this calm coastline of golden sand has pristine blue waters and an uninterrupted view of the skyline. In contrast to the more commercial beaches, Black Palace Beach is fairly underdeveloped, which makes it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and finding photography opportunities.
The anchorage is located at the beach, which is popular among the locals and people in the know, as they find a relaxing atmosphere, not crowds. It has calmer waves and shallow waters that are child-friendly, and the sunsets here are no less than spectacular. There are none, and that is part of its natural appeal, so bring what you need. Black Palace Beach can be an ideal place to find a romantic picnic area, a solitary swim, or just a spot where you can watch the sun set into the Arabian Gulf.
Black Palace Beach
Overview
- Alternate Name: Secret Beach or Al Sufouh Beach
- Tucked away between the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah.
- Famous for its calm, uncrowded vibe.
- Several key features, such as enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Atlantis The Palm
Location
- Area: Al Sufouh, Dubai, UAE.
- Coordinates: 25.1168° N, 55.1734° E.
- Access: From Al Sufouh Road, very short sandy track (very few signs – adds to its “hidden” feel)
Nearby Landmarks:
- Burj Al Arab (10 minutes)
- Palm Jumeirah (5 minutes)
- Madinat Jumeirah (10 minutes)
Beach Features
- Sand: Soft golden sand.
- Water: smooth, shallow water, and easy to swim in
- Foot Traffic: Light, but it’s mostly locals and photographers.
- Ideal Timing: For cooler weather and great light, visit early in the morning or around sunset.
Activities:
- Swimming
- Beach walks
- Photography (especially skyline shots)
- Picnics (bring your own supplies)
Facilities
- Requires visitors to be prepared with no restrooms, changing rooms, or lifeguards to be found.
- There are no rental shops for the watersports: bring your own kit.
- Sandy entrance road with limited parking
Nearby Shops & Restaurants
Closest Mini-Marts
- Choithrams Al Sufouh (nearby, about 5-minute drive)
- Carrefour Market, Golden Mile (Palm Jumeirah, 7-minute drive)
Nearby Cafés & Restaurants:
- Bidi Bondi (Palm Jumeirah) – Relaxed beachside dining
- Jones the Grocer (Al Manara) – best coffee & brunch
- KYO Restaurant (The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah) – Views & Japanese fusion
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah (variety of dining options in under 10 minutes)
Tips for Visitors
- Vendors are not present; bring your food, drinks, and beach gear.
- If you want a spot of silence and solitude, steer clear of the weekends – they are when the locals visit.
- Put on flip-flops or water shoes: sand can be hot in the middle of the day.
- Be mindful of keeping the beach clean; there is no tourism office, so waste is not treated at a common point.
- It’s an excellent location for drone photography, but do follow your local drone rules here.
Things to do at Black Palace Beach
Enjoy the Secluded Atmosphere
- Black Palace Beach (Al Sufouh Beach) Black Palace Beach is a lot quieter than Dubai’s tourist-frequented beaches.
- An ideal getaway for travelers who prefer cutting themselves off from the touristy ooh la la.
Stunning Sunset Views
- Dubai is one of the best spots to catch the sunset.
- As a location, it features a beautiful and ideal background with the Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab.
Swimming in Calm Waters
- It is typically calm and clear, making for a nice swim.
- Pack a towel and have a quick dip in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Photography & Scenic Views
- Based on the information you read, capture panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah & Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Marina skyline.
- If allowed, good for drone shots.
Picnic on the Sand
- There are no restaurants in the park; make sure you have some snacks or even a picnic basket.
- You will see a lot of locals bring the mats, yes, mats – umbrellas, and chairs to enjoy a laid-back day.
Beach Walks & Relaxation
- Great for long barefoot strolls on the soft sand.
- Read a book underneath your separate umbrella on the beach.
- Paddleboard (or kayak, if you have one)
- Visitors can take their own paddleboards or kayaks and have a peaceful, beautiful water experience, as there is no rental here.
Stargazing at Night
- Due to the lower amount of development around there, the light pollution is very low, so stargazing on clear nights is perfect.
Fishing (from the shore)
- There is casual shore fishing for some visitors (be sure to follow local fishing regulations).