Explore Madinat Jumeirah’s 100 acres.
Dubai’s skyline seems like a fierce competition with each new building more daring and futuristic than the one before. But Madinat Jumeirah shows sometimes the best way to win is to go in a different direction altogether. The resort draws from the past to create an ancient Arabian village with sand-hued, low-rise structures and traditional design.
That’s not to say that Madinat Jumeirah doesn’t go bold — this is Dubai, after all. Set against the iconic backdrop of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the property sprawls across nearly 100 waterfront acres with four hotels, 19 shimmering pools and a dizzying array of 50 restaurants and bars.
It’s undisputedly opulent. When you pull up to Jumeirah Al Qasr, you’ll encounter a herd of golden Arabian horse sculptures frolicking on the grass. The hotel itself (Al Qasr is Arabic for “the palace”) was modeled after a sheikh’s residence.
Here are 13 reasons to visit Madinat Jumeirah:
Hit the beach.
The Beach
Unwind on Madinat Jumeirah’s more than a mile-long private stretch of sand and indulge in the resort’s beachside amenities, from plush cabanas to camels plodding along the shore and offering rides. Lapping with turquoise waters, it’s one of Dubai’s most pristine natural beaches (meaning it’s not artificial, like a number of others in the city).
The accommodations offer a sense of place.
Jumeirah Al Qasr
The exterior resembles a palace, and the interiors are just as palatial. Marvel at the lobby’s Azul Bahia granite floors and columns, sparkling Swarovski chandeliers and a central staircase that wraps around the mesmerizing tiered Moroccan fountain.
The accommodations also have Arabesque flair. The ceiling features cutouts of the Islamic eight-pointed star, scalloped edges adorn arched entryways and metal Moroccan lamps hang over the bedside tables, casting a warm glow throughout the room. You’ll likely find dates, a favorite Middle Eastern treat, as a welcome amenity.
Take a ride through the canals.
The Abra Rides
The most scenic way to see Madinat Jumeirah is on an abra, a traditional Emirati wooden boat. Board the electric abra for a serene ride through the canals that meander the grounds so you can take in the sand-colored buildings and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab looming close by.
Those seeking a more intimate, even indulgent experience can charter a private abra with a personalized tour of the property and the opportunity to savor an afternoon tea while gently cruising along the canals.
Cool off at the spa.
Take the abra to this Four-Star haven for a soothing start to a day of pampering. As you arrive at the spa, you’ll be greeted by the melodic sound of trickling fountains, with verdant gardens and wooden bridges further setting the scene.
The spa recently revamped its offerings, emerging with a holistic wellness approach. The spa’s expert staff tailors multi-day programs around the pillars of restore, internal well-being, mindful movement and mental wellness. Of course, it provides à la carte services as well — it’s the most comprehensive wellness program among UAE spas.
Seek refuge in one of the 26 spa villas and try lymphatic flow therapy. Listed under the “restore” pillar, it’s said to ease inflammation. Or relax in the Gharieni Satori Wellness Lounger, a touchless vibroacoustic experience. The calming session helps alleviate stress and anxiety and promotes deep, restful sleep. Talise is the only spa in Dubai that offers it.
While L’Olivo resides in the Five-Star Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, it’s only a golf cart ride away from Madinat Jumeirah. Not to mention, the food is so good that it’s worth seeking out. At this outpost of chef Andrea Migliaccio’s Capri favorite, don’t miss his famous lemon tagliolini, topped with red prawns and burrata. When a cart wheels over doling three types of bread and an array of flavored Italian olive oils, be sure to take a helping. And add on dinner wine pairings, which take you on a tour of Italy, from the Alto Adige region to Sicily.
During the meal, you’ll notice the vast aquarium in the middle of the Dubai restaurant vying for your attention. Casting a blue glow over the tables, the ambiance makes you feel like you’re dining beneath the sea, with sweetlips, stingrays and even small blacktip sharks traversing the water. Look for Georgina — the humphead wrasse is the largest resident fish.
See rescued turtles at the onsite sanctuary.
The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project
Founded in 2004, this nonprofit is the Middle East’s first turtle rehabilitation project. First, wounded tortoises go to Burj Al Arab’s Aquarium (it’s closed to the public) to be nursed back to health. Next, the reptiles get transported to DTRP’s Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary, where you can see them in a series of lagoon pools at Jumeirah Al Naseem. Visit to meet turtles like Humpty and Dumpty, who became permanent lagoon residents because their misshapen shells make it challenging to swim (experts believe boats struck them). When other turtles are fully healed, they return to the ocean. The organization has rescued and released more than 2,100 turtles, mostly the hawksbill, green and loggerhead varieties.
The endangered species face numerous threats, including plastic ingestion, entanglement in garbage, habitat destruction, boat accidents and the tortoise shell trade. DTRP releases turtles twice a year, including June 16, World Sea Turtle Day.
Dine at the beach.
French Riviera
At Jumeirah Al Qasr, make it a point to visit French Riviera. It serves delicious French fare all day long, but come in the morning to dine at the restaurant’s beachside pergola. The sun will be less intense, and if you get there early enough, you might have the spot all to yourself.
Enjoy front-row vistas of the water and the Burj and order chef Kim Joinié-Maurin’s avocado toast. Avo slices artfully coil around a slice of protein bread like a flower, with pico de gallo in the center. It’s a light, flavorful start to the day.
"1,001 Arabian Nights" was an inspiration for the design.
The Design
It makes sense that Madinat Jumeirah looks like an Arabian palace — Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum helped design it, and one of the royal residences is adjacent to the complex.
The sandy buildings, Arabesque flourishes, lush landscaping and winding canals give the whole property an elegant cohesiveness. Madinat Jumeirah also manages to stun in even the smallest of ways. Veer onto a tucked-away path at night, for example, and metal Moroccan lanterns dotted around palm trees guide your path through an oversized archway with scalloped borders.
Bring the kids to Wild Wadi Waterpark.
The Family-Friendly Amenities
In addition to the turtle sanctuary and beach, families will have other activities at their disposal. As guests of Madinat Jumeirah’s hotels, they get complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark near the Burj. The waterpark holds more than 30 rides, ranging from Breaker’s Bay, the Middle East’s largest wave pool, to the heart-pumping 394-foot-tall Jumeirah Sceirah slide that shoots you 50 mph.
The property has two kids clubs. Jumeirah Al Qasr’s club offers nearly 11,000 square feet of immersive play areas and pools. Jumeirah Al Naseem’s club comes with an outdoor playground. Both organize games and arts and crafts, too.
Check out the view at Jumeirah Al Naseem.
The Other Hotels
Three other impressive hotels reside on the grounds. Four-Star Jumeirah Mina A’Salam was the first hotel to open in Madinat Jumeirah in 2004. Sitting at the center of the complex, it offers a family-friendly contemporary Arabian getaway. The newly renovated Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf feels more like a boutique property with villas and summerhouses with eight to 10 guest rooms and a suite around an inviting inner courtyard. The newest of the group, which debuted in 2016, is Jumeirah Al Naseem, a Five-Star escape with a more understated contemporary luxury aesthetic and top-notch service.
Enjoy Greek food on the beach.
When night falls, this alfresco beachfront restaurant at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is the hot spot. Relax under pergolas woven with white fabric, out on the wooden deck or in the sand with low lights. No matter which you choose, take in views of the illuminated buildings in the city skyline, including the Burj, while dance music pulses in the background.
Shimmers radiates a casual-chic vibe, but its Greek fare isn’t an afterthought. Be sure to order the lobster orzo, a supremely satisfying dish with bisque foam, tarragon, lime and green chilli. Follow it up with the Greek yogurt ice cream drizzled with honey and sprinkled with caramelized walnuts or the Vanilla Sphere, a nut-coated ball of vanilla ice cream stuffed with caramel and roasted hazelnuts (for a little decadence, a small gold leaf rests on top). Both are a refreshing way to wind down the night.
The Souk
Dubai’s famous Gold Souk tops the itineraries of shoppers visiting the city, but if you want an alternative, you don’t have to stray from the property. The air-conditioned indoor Souk Madinat Jumeirah houses more than 75 shops. There, you can pick up souvenirs like lanterns, chocolate made with camel’s milk, soft Kashmiri blankets and more.
Dine at overwater restaurant Pierchic.
At Jumeirah Al Qasr’s fine-dining Italian restaurant from chef Beatrice Segoni, you’ll savor dishes like branzino with panzanella (a bread and tomato salad) and Australian Angus tenderloin with a parsnip-date chutney. Many people also flock here for the incredible views — the overwater restaurant sits at the end of the Dubai hotel’s long private pier.
