La Mer

What La Mer is like

La Mer is a seaside development by Meraas in the Jumeirah 1 neighbourhood. It opened in October 2017 along about 2.5 km of beach. Meraas describes it as a mix of beach, marina, leisure and dining, built in a Mediterranean style with terracotta roofs, whitewashed stone, pastel walls, piazzas and small bridges.

The destination has changed since it opened. Visit Dubai’s La Mer page now leads to J1 Beach, describing it as the former La Mer beach area relaunched in October 2024 as a coastal strip of upmarket restaurants and beach clubs. J1 Beach itself says it is set in La Mer and has licensed beachfront restaurants, beach clubs, valet parking and a dedicated jetty. Alongside it, Port de La Mer is a residential community with a marina and yacht club that Meraas says has more than 190 berths.

Because much of La Mer is now residential or run by beach clubs, check what is open to walk-in visitors before you go.

Meraas says the wider destination also has everyday amenities for residents, from plant-based cafés and yoga studios to grocery shops. Sources differ on the number of venues at J1 Beach: Visit Dubai mentions nine luxury dining venues, while the J1 Beach website speaks of six licensed beachfront restaurants plus beach clubs, so expect the line-up to change over time.

What to see and do

• J1 Beach: a line of beachfront restaurants and clubs with pools, sun loungers and music from day into night. Visit Dubai says it includes what it calls the world’s largest beach club.
• Arriving by boat: the J1 Beach Anchorage Zone, run by D-Marin, lets private and chartered yachts moor off the beach. See our tours for yacht charters.
• Port de La Mer: the residential marina area with Mediterranean-style streets and waterfront shops and cafés.
• The rest of Jumeirah: La Mer is part of the wider Jumeirah coast, home to sights such as the Jumeirah Mosque. Browse our attractions.

Getting there and around

La Mer is on 2A Street in Jumeirah 1. There is no metro station within walking distance; Rome2Rio suggests the Red Line to World Trade Centre and then a taxi of about 25 minutes, or a direct taxi from Dubai International Airport of about 13 minutes with no traffic. J1 Beach offers valet parking for drivers.

Within La Mer, the beachfront, marina and residences are close together and easy to cover on foot.

Visit Dubai describes J1 Beach as a year-round destination that moves from relaxed mornings on the sand and by the pool to evening dining with music and entertainment. Plan your day around a reservation: most visitors pick one venue for lunch or a beach club day rather than hopping between several.

Where to eat

Dining is the main event. Visit Dubai lists Gigi Rigolatto (Italian, with two terraces, a Mediterranean garden, a private beach, a pool and a petanque court), Gitano (modern Mexican), Almayass by the Sea (Lebanese-Armenian), Bâoli Dubai (East Asian), African Queen (French Riviera style), Kaimana Beach (Asian-Polynesian), Ninive Beach, Sirene by Gaia (Greek) and the seafood restaurant and beach club Sakhalin. J1 Beach describes its restaurants as licensed. The J1 Beach website also lists set lunches and weekend brunches; check each venue for current offers and prices.

Practical tips

• Book ahead for beach clubs and weekend brunches, especially from October to April.
• Check each venue's own rules on age limits and dress before you go.
• Take sun protection; shade on the sand is mostly provided by the clubs.
• Much of La Mer is residential, so stay within the public and venue areas.