Dubai Police issue beach safety guidance as summer visitor numbers surge

Dubai Police issue beach safety guidance as summer visitor numbers surge

Dubai Police have issued public safety guidance for residents and visitors heading to the emirate's beaches during the busy summer season, urging people to take simple precautions to protect their belongings.

The advisory comes as Dubai enters its peak tourism period, with approximately 50,000 visitors arriving daily and the Dubai Summer Surprises festival running from 2 July to 30 August across hotels, restaurants and coastal attractions.

Authorities recommend that beachgoers avoid leaving personal items unattended and keep mobile phones, wallets, jewellery and cash in secure locations. The public is also encouraged to leave unnecessary valuables at home rather than bringing them to the beach.

Growing visitor numbers at coastal areas

The guidance reflects increased pressure on Dubai's beach facilities following a 50 per cent rise in night beach visitors during 2025. Nearly two million people visited the three designated night swimming locations at Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1 last year, up from around one million in 2024.

Overall tourism to Dubai reached 19.58 million international visitors in 2025, a 4.6 per cent increase from 18.71 million in 2024, with January 2026 recording 1.99 million arrivals.

Dubai Police also reminded motorists to fully lock their vehicles and close all windows before leaving them unattended, particularly during the summer travel season when many residents are away for extended periods.

Reporting system and enforcement

The public is urged to report any suspicious or unlawful behaviour immediately through the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police app or by calling 901. The service allows users to report incidents across multiple categories including disturbance, suspicious vehicles and vandalism, with options for anonymous reporting and the ability to attach images or videos.

Dubai Police have maintained an active enforcement presence at beaches, with previous operations catching offenders for various violations including disturbing beachgoers and inappropriate behaviour.

Despite the safety reminders, Dubai maintains exceptionally low crime rates. The UAE's Crime Index stood at 14.0 points in 2026 with a Safety Index of 85.2, positioning it among the safest countries globally. Dubai's overall crime rate has fallen more than 20 per cent between 2020 and 2024.

Beach safety infrastructure

Dubai Municipality lifeguards operate from sunrise to sunset on public beaches, and swimming after sunset is prohibited in most areas except Umm Suqeim Beach. The emirate currently holds eight Blue Flag certified public beaches requiring qualified lifeguard coverage.

Under Dubai Municipality regulations, all private beach clubs, hotel beaches and resort shorelines must provide certified lifeguards during operating hours regardless of venue size.

A new public safety law implemented in 2026 includes specific standards for swimming pools and beaches, covering equipment requirements, evacuation measures and safety management plans.

Authorities encourage everyone to follow the safety guidance and enjoy the beach with peace of mind during the summer season.