Emerald waters and silky white sands characterise Dubai's beaches. And they're usually fronted by luxurious resorts. But you don't need to splash the cash and stay in one to experience Dubai's beach scene.

Between showcase resorts and beside the towering landmark, Burj Al Arab, are pockets of sand where you can lay down your towel - although at some point you'll need to go searching for shade, refreshments and other conveniences.

Enter Dubai's beach park concept, where you'll find everything you need for a comfortable beach visit. For a small entry fee, you can enjoy palm tree shade, clean sandy beaches, lawns, picnic areas, playgrounds, cafes, toilets, recliner chairs with umbrellas, and life guards. There's even piped muzak at Al Mamzar Beach Park. Here's an overview of Dubai's beach scene.

AL MAMZAR BEACH PARK
Occupying a peninsula in the Al Mamzar residential area is Al Mamzar Beach Park, boasting five beaches spread over 100ha. This extraordinary park boasts a sheltered lagoon, swimming pools, train ride, bicycle hire, restaurants and kiosks, and areas dedicated to roller skating, football and basketball. More than 100 chalets, can also be rented daily. Former expat Pari Bharucha says Al Mamzar was her favourite beach while living in Dubai. “It’s usually not crowded at all, which makes it perfect for a lazy day out and private beach feeling.”

Location: In Deira, north of Al Hamriya Port in the Al Mamzar residential area. Open daily 8am-11:30pm. Entry costs $2 a person or $10 a car. Large chalets cost $65 a day and small chalets $50 a day.

OPEN BEACHES
Free public beaches in Dubai are known as open beaches. There are no entrance fees and facilities are usually limited. However, the most popular free beach, Jumeirah Open Beach Park, also known as Russian Beach (because of a large number of Russian visitors), has offshore services such as toilets, change rooms and food outlets. Sun lounges are also available for hire, and lifeguards are on duty. Other open beaches are squeezed between resorts and hotels. The strip of sand next to the Burj Al Arab makes for an ideal setting, but lacks shade. The rules are also more relaxed on these beaches — with g-strings, cameras and oglers all making appearances — but perhaps shouldn’t be.

Location: Jumeirah Open Beach Park is in Jumeirah Beach Road near the Dubai Marine Beach Resort.

www.emirates.com/au or phone 1300 303 777; For more information visit Dubai Tourism at www.dubaitourism.ae.