Post Update 5th Novemeber 2014 – READ MORE
Dubai always felt like a “holiday place” in certain areas, perhaps having brunch at a hotel on the Palm Jumeirah, or walking by spectators at the aquarium in Dubai Mall, but at it’s newest leisure area, known as North Beach (I think) there is absolutely no doubt you are in HOLIDAY CITY.
The very modern development between the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach and the Hilton JBR is jammed packed with trendy, cube like restaurant structures with gleaming colours and shiny people.
At last a whole stretch of beach front where you can eat, stroll, swim or just take in the sea air. Apparently it’s been open for about a month and on the first Saturday in April was packed with people just hanging out, older ladies having lunch, children running around and muscular bodies showing off at the outdoor gym facility. Were we in Florida somewhere? No, it was JBR-Jumeirah Beach Residence and the whole area has a relaxed, holiday feel about it. The Walk at JBR always felt a bit like a holiday place, but this has been usurped by North Beach. Try it maybe during the week as the queues outside some restaurants on Saturday were 30 minutes long for a table!
We opted for a seafood lunch at Bahria and were pleased with our fresh fish, prawns and salad, service was super fast, the setting drop dead gorgeous and the cappuccinos excellent. We could have opted for Greek food, Burgers (Counter Burger looked tempting), Buffalo Pizzas, or Sushi Art (not on the seafront)
We’ll be back to walk along this new stretch of very developed coastline to dine, stroll, take visitors or just hang out. My only fear is that this development and others like it (the long walking track at Jumeirah 1) will slowly become the norm rather than the exception in Dubai and there won‘t be anywhere (nearby) for you to grab a picnic, park on the beach, take floppy hats and sunscreen and just stare at the ocean, in a quiet stretch without shake shacks and showers. So enjoy the new wave but experience the old before all you can do is remember it.
What did you think of North Beach? Do you prefer Dubai’s natural beaches without facilities or the full blown affairs that offer everything to everyone? Guess how much it is to park for an hour at the North Beach Car Park? You’ll find the answer on one of my Tweets ! Would love to know your thoughts in the comment box below. Residents must have a say..
Thanks for sharing this article in your favourite way.
Monica.