Surfing Sunset Beach in Dubai, United Emirates

While on a week-long stopover in Dubai, I learned that there was actually a surf spot there. I figured there wouldn't be any waves but when I checked the surf forecast, by chance there happened to be a rare late-season swell! Needless to say, I had to go rent a board and take advantage of this rare opportunity. Turns out, not only do the waves get up to 2 meters (6 feet) and get pretty good during the winter, but there is actually a thriving surf community here with a surf shop and all! Such a cool experience to surf under all those high-rises and especially a famous building like the Burj Al Arab. Who would have thought?!

[@KillerViewz]

Who knew!? haha awesome.

[@backwaterbrian]

Right?! glad you liked it!

[@noelwhittle7922]

I worked in Dubai on an oil & gas project about 25 years ago and went to that beach for a swim and there were a couple of people surfing, I didn't have a board so I was just body surfing but the water was so warm it was actually uncomfortable. July - August. Waves were good though. I could see the potential. And I get the impression there are good surf spots over on the Fujairah coast which faces into the Gulf of Oman and gets swell from the top of the Arabian Sea .

[@backwaterbrian]

I can only imagine how hot it would be in middle of summer. I was there in May and that was borderline tolerable. Good to know they still get swell there during the summer though. Some of the expats I spoke with said winter was the best time. Definitely makes you wonder how many other little honey holes there are along the entire gulf.

[@noelwhittle7922]

@@backwaterbrian yes, I saw a youtube video, some crew were exploring the Fujairah coast and it had potential.

[@user-uy7ff6zz5q]

I wonder if them rich Emerities could be convinced to contour the seabed to create a great surf spot ? Aloha DSC777

[@backwaterbrian]

I've been saying this for years. Not specifically for the UAE but for the creation of natural waves. Wave pools are great when there is no surf but the potential is untapped for creating new, amazing waves around the world in places that get swell.

[@dwet260]

Is it free to go?

[@backwaterbrian]

Its free to surf but you have to pay for parking and board rental if you don’t have your own.

[@Marcfj]

Looks like they have a shark net there.

[@backwaterbrian]

Sure hope not! I believe those buoys are there to keep boats from entering the swimming/surfing zone.

[@Marcfj]

@@backwaterbrian - You're probably right. I did a little reading on shark attacks in that area and they are almost nonexistent.