Overlooking the Arabian Sea on the southern outskirts of Dubai, Jebel Ali is home to the biggest port in the Middle East. It was developed into an industrial area in the 1970s and is now a bustling business hub, with a sandy beach and one of Dubai’s three Palm Islands among its attractions.
Things to do in Jebel Ali
Spend a day swimming and relaxing on the sands of Jebel Ali Beach, which offers impressive views of Dubai’s city skyline. You can participate in a range of water sports, including paddle boarding and kite surfing, or have your photo taken on the love heart seat. In the late afternoon, Jebel Ali Beach is the perfect spot for watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Nestled just behind the beach is the Jebel Ali Golf Course, which has been beautifully landscaped around three saltwater lakes. Its greens are framed by desert vegetation where peacocks, partridges and gazelles are regularly spotted. In addition to its 18-hole course, the complex boasts a floodlit driving range, a putting and chipping green, and an indoor “swing room” equipped with high-tech video analysis equipment.
Jebel Ali is home to one of Dubai’s three Palm Islands, which were constructed in the early 2000s. While Palm Jumeirah was the first to be built, Palm Jebel Ali is significantly bigger. Boardwalks encircle the “fronds” of its palm-shaped design, with inspiration taken from a poem by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Nearby is the Hollywood-themed amusement park of Motiongate Dubai and the Middle East’s first LEGOLAND.
Getting around Jebel Ali
Jebel Ali is around a 30-minute drive from the centre of Dubai and 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Subway services stop at the UAE Exchange Metro Station and buses travel throughout Jebel Ali.