Dubai: There are over a thousand people, mostly men, swimming in the lukewarm water, made pleasant by a light breeze. Those not in the water relax on the beach, smoking sheesha, talking and laughing over the strains of Iranian and Hindi music played by various groups that have congregated along the shores of the Open Beach in Jumeirah.
Crowds of men and some women eat and drink, some play football, while others steal the opportunity to rest. This scene takes place every Thursday and throughout the week, to a lesser degree. However, it is not the middle of the day, but 3am the only time that some residents find time to be with family and friends.
"The reason we are here is because the weather is so good and we are able to relax," said Mike, a Filipino supermarket assistant.
"I come here with my friends twice a week after we finish work at 12am. Sometimes we stay until 5am in the morning to watch the sunrise. It is much better than spending time in my small bed space in Karama."
As rents increase and the high cost of living in Dubai becomes out of reach of many low-income earners, beaches are emerging as a place where people can relax and enjoy themselves.
There is also evidence that people are even resorting to sleeping on the beach, on fold-away beds and self-styled resting places.
Even during the early morning on weekdays, around 100 people including women and very young children swim in the inky water, unconcerned by the absence of lifeguards.
Instead, a young Iranian man entertains his friends by sitting in the lifeguard's place.
"I don't think it is dangerous, because we don't go far out," said Pakistani Israr Yousuf Khan, 30.
Rashid Al Awadi, 22, from Oman said he had been coming to the beach "almost every night" for years to play football with his friends.
He said that his working hours and the heat made it difficult to enjoy the beach during the day, so he only visits late at night.
"I work from 8am to 8pm and come to the beach until 3am," he said, adding that he made up for lost sleep during a "lengthy midday break."
Al Awadi said the beach was usually crowded late on weeknights.
"It's probably the only time people can meet their friends."
Entire families are also flocking to the beach until the early hours of morning, trying to make up for the lack of free time in which to spend time together during the day.
"I work until 11.30pm most nights, so I don't normally have time to come out with my family," Mansoor, 29, from Iran explained, as his wife, baby daughter and young niece looked on.
"I just come to be with my family and to take the little ones swimming. I know it is dangerous, but I don't let them out of my sight."
Safety tips
- Go to beaches where there are lifeguards on duty.
- Avoid going at night because lifeguards will not be able to see properly in the dark.
- Always check on children.
- Avoid swimming near rocks as currents are strong and might push the swimmer back to the rocks.
- Always check on the weather.
Your comments
Hello to everyone who has visited Dubai or wants to spend some time here. I spent a 10 day holiday last year in Dubai. Everyday we had a shuttle bus from our hotel to the Hilton Jumeirah beach. One day somebody gave us some advice: go spend some hours relaxing at Jumeirah Public Beach! We spent one night there and it was amaizing to see so many people there! In my opinion I don't think it's really necesarry to have lifeguards during the evening. Everybody takes care to be safe in or out of the water.
Anyway, Dubai was a real shock for me and my wife. We have spent some beautiful holidays in differents parts of Europe, but Dubai is amaizing! We are sure we will visit it again!
Sorin
Sibiu,Romania
I think there should be lifeguards at all time. People should make sure that they keep the beach neat and clean.
Ishaq
Attock,Pakistan
I have unforgetable memories of summer evenings on Jumeirah beach. Not more so than now, sitting watching the rain lash against the window pane at the height of the English summer. You're so lucky! The best escape from Dubai's frenetic daily routine.
Howard
Chelmsford,UK
This may be the first time that I saw the beach here in dubai and it is a really great place to relax, especially at midnight. To those who go to spent time with families, friends and love ones whatever your nationalities, don't forget to put our waste materials into the carbage, so that the cleanliness of the beach always preserved. Maybe also put a lifeguard there at night as we don't know what could be happen.
Eddie
Dubai,Philippines
I have fond memories of spending long spells on the beaches of Dubai - often until sunrise. I visited the Emirates two years ago during summer and would call home (South Africa) while 'moon-tanning' on the beach. The concept of lying on a beach past midnight was totally foreign to my friends and family. Although I only stayed for 2 months I still regard the Emirates as my second home and still keep in contact with friends there, and no day would be complete without my checking Gulf News online. I am grateful for this article as I can now print it and rub it in the noses of those who couldn't understand (or simply wouldn't believe) that this is a perfectly normal pastime in Dubai. It certainly brings back wonderful memories.
Andre
Cape Town,South Africa
Beaches arround the UAE are the best places to spend time, espcially when other activities have become so expensive for families to afford.
Adeel
Dubai,UAE
Lifeguards should be present also at night.
Eduardo
Dubai,UAE
It is very good to hear that families find a way to stay together even if it is during odd hours. After all what are we without our loved ones?
I just think people should be extra careful with the young ones while on the beach at evening time.
Heloisa
Dubai,Brazil
Beaches around the world provide a source of recreation and low cost family outings for everyone. In the summer months, the evening is the only time to be comfortable and enjoy this wonderful resource in the UAE.
It is a healthy alternative to the nightlife and clubs.
Perhaps stadium lights and lifeguards could be provided in designated area's to provide the safety now lacking. Some PVC football goals and sand vollyball courts would be an inexpensive way to encourage team activity and commoradery amongst the diverse population here.
Charles
Dubai,UAE
Spending summers in Dubai, were always a pleasant experience to me.
I never missed an opportunity to visit and picnic on the Jumeirah Open Beach.
Now that I'm in Canada, I hardly get the opportunity to go to the beach. There are some good beaches out here, but finding ample time to enjoy the cool waters and the warm sand, is hard to find.
Narius
Vancouver,Canada
The beach is a really great place to unwind. But for the safety of people swimming at night, why not have some lifeguards for the night shift?
Sheharyaar
Dubai,UAE
