La Mer Beach Dubai: 11 Essential Facts for a Smooth Visit

Introduction

Planning a visit to La Mer Beach can be frustrating because much of the information online refers to different versions of the destination. Some guides still mention Laguna Waterpark, Roxy Cinema, old shops, public beach facilities and former activity prices. Newer pages focus on J1 Beach, where the experience is now centred on restaurants, beach clubs, pools, sunbeds and venue-based access.

This creates several pain points for Dubai tourists. Families may not know whether children are allowed at every venue. Budget travellers may expect free beach access or low-cost facilities. Visitors arriving by car may be unsure about parking and valet rules, while those using public transport may struggle to find a simple route. There is also confusion about whether La Mer Beach is open, whether it has been renamed J1 Beach and which parts of the old destination still exist.

I faced some of this uncertainty when I visited the area with my family. Before going, I wanted to know whether the destination would be easy to reach, convenient for a family outing and worth the time. During our visit, what stood out most was the easy access and overall convenience. The experience felt manageable, which is important when travelling with family and trying to avoid unnecessary walking, delays or confusion.

My visit also showed me that the current destination should not be approached using old La Mer expectations. J1 Beach is more organised around individual restaurants and beach clubs, and each venue may have its own prices, age rules, pool access and reservation conditions.

Based on my first-hand family experience and detailed research from official destination, tourism and development sources, this guide explains what is currently open, how La Mer relates to J1 Beach, what happened to the old attractions, how to reach the area and what visitors should check before arriving.

La Mer Beach: 11 Essential Facts

1. The original La Mer opened its first phase on October 15, 2017.
2. The former La Mer South site was redeveloped as J1 Beach.
3. J1 Beach officially opened in November 2024.
4. The wider La Mer name remains in use for the surrounding waterfront development.
5. J1 Beach is in Jumeirah 1, Dubai.
6. There is no single entry fee covering every J1 Beach experience.
7. Beach, pool, sunbed and cabana access can depend on the selected venue.
8. J1 Beach describes itself as a valet-only destination for visitors arriving by car.
9. Visitors can also arrive by boat through its private jetty.
10. Family and age policies differ between venues.
11. Old La Mer attractions and prices should not be treated as current without verification.

About La Mer Beach

La Mer was developed by Meraas as a waterfront destination in Jumeirah 1. Its first phase opened in October 2017 with beaches, restaurants, cafés, shops and family activities across La Mer North and La Mer South.

The destination has since changed significantly. The former La Mer South area was redeveloped as J1 Beach, which officially opened in November 2024. The new development was designed around beachfront restaurants and beach clubs with direct coastal access.

The wider La Mer name has not disappeared. Meraas continues to use it for the broader waterfront master development, including Port de La Mer, beachfront residences, marina facilities and access to nearby lifestyle destinations.

Visitors should understand the difference between these names:

Name	What it means
La Mer	The wider waterfront destination and legacy name
La Mer South	The former area redeveloped as J1 Beach
J1 Beach	The current restaurant and beach-club destination
Port de La Mer	A nearby residential and marina development
Rove La Mer Beach	A hotel close to the area with its own guest facilities

Is La Mer Beach Open in Dubai?

The most accurate answer is that the former La Mer South site is open as J1 Beach, while other parts of the original La Mer destination have closed, changed or entered redevelopment.

J1 Beach currently operates as a coastal dining and beach-club destination in Jumeirah 1. It offers restaurants, pools, sunbeds, beach access, entertainment, valet arrival and access by boat through a private jetty.

However, visitors searching for the original La Mer public-beach environment may find closed buildings or construction in other legacy areas. This helps explain why some online reviews say La Mer is closed while official J1 Beach pages show an active destination.

For current dining, club or pool information, search for:

J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, Dubai

Do not depend only on an old La Mer map or attraction guide.

Is J1 Beach the Same as La Mer?

J1 Beach is connected to La Mer, but the two names are not completely identical.

Rove describes J1 Beach as the new name for La Mer Beach. This is a useful explanation for tourists, but the more precise answer is that La Mer South was redeveloped and rebranded as J1 Beach, while the wider La Mer name remains in use for the surrounding master development.

Why was La Mer Beach renamed J1 Beach?

The redevelopment introduced a more premium coastal concept focused on licensed restaurants, beach clubs, pools, sunbeds and day-to-night entertainment. Rove describes the change as an effort to create a refreshed beachside and dining experience.

What happened to La Mer South?

La Mer South was replaced by J1 Beach. The new destination officially opened in November 2024 and was designed with multiple dining and beach-club venues along the shoreline.

Is Port de La Mer the same place?

No. Port de La Mer is a separate residential and marina development within the wider La Mer area. It includes waterfront residences and marina-related facilities. J1 Beach is mainly a restaurant and beach-club destination.

Location

La Mer and J1 Beach are located in Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE. The area sits along Dubai’s coastline and is accessible from Downtown Dubai, City Walk, DIFC, Bur Dubai and Dubai International Airport.

Where is the La Mer Beach Dubai location?

For current directions, search for the exact destination or venue:

J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, Dubai

Searching only for “La Mer Beach” may show Rove La Mer Beach, Port de La Mer, residential developments or old attraction listings.

Prime J1 Beach location

J1 Beach is built along the former La Mer South shoreline. Its setting combines beach access with restaurants, pools, clubs and evening entertainment.

How to Reach La Mer Beach and J1 Beach

By taxi or ride-hailing service

A taxi or ride-hailing service is usually the simplest option for tourists. Enter the exact name of your chosen restaurant or club rather than using only “La Mer.”

This is especially useful because La Mer, J1 Beach, Port de La Mer and Rove La Mer Beach are different map destinations.

By car and valet

J1 Beach describes itself as a valet-only destination. Its official pages promote several dedicated valet points for visitors arriving by car. Confirm the latest valet charge with your venue before travelling.

The valet-only description applies to J1 Beach. It should not automatically be applied to every hotel, residence or development carrying the La Mer name.

By metro and taxi

The official J1 Beach pages do not provide a direct metro route. Tourists using the Dubai Metro should complete the journey by taxi, ride-hailing service or a current public-bus connection.

Use the official RTA Journey Planner on the day of travel because routes, stops and operating times may change.

By public bus

Public buses serve areas of Jumeirah, but visitors should avoid relying on old route numbers from previous La Mer guides. Check the current RTA route using your starting location and the exact J1 Beach venue.

By boat

J1 Beach promotes arrival by boat through its private jetty. This is separate from the marina and yacht-club facilities at Port de La Mer. Marine visitors should arrange access before arrival.

What Is the La Mer Beach Entrance Fee?

There is no single entrance fee that covers every J1 Beach restaurant, pool, beach area, sunbed or cabana.

J1 Beach is made up of individual venues. Each restaurant or beach club may set its own:

• Entry charge
• Minimum spend
• Pool-access price
• Beach-access rule
• Sunbed cost
• Cabana rate
• Children’s policy
• Event fee
• Booking condition

The official destination promotes pools, sunbeds and direct beach access but does not publish one universal price for every visitor.

Before booking, ask:

1. Is there an entry charge?
2. Is there a minimum spend?
3. Can the payment be used toward food and drinks?
4. Does the booking include beach access?
5. Is pool access included?
6. Are towels provided?
7. Are children allowed?
8. Is advance booking required?

General destination access does not automatically include a pool, cabana, sunbed or private beach-club facilities.

What Are the La Mer Beach Timings?

There is no single schedule that applies to every restaurant, pool and beach club at J1 Beach.

Individual venues set their own operating hours. Some focus on daytime pool and beach experiences, while others are built around sunset dining, music and late-evening entertainment.

Check the selected venue’s official booking page before visiting, especially during:

• Ramadan
• UAE public holidays
• Summer
• Private events
• Weekends
• Seasonal schedule changes

Morning or early afternoon may be easier for a family visit. Late afternoon is suitable for sunset, while evening is better for visitors seeking dining and entertainment.

La Mer Beach Dubai Activities

The current J1 Beach experience focuses mainly on activities provided by individual restaurants and beach clubs.

Beach and swimming

Selected J1 Beach venues provide direct beach access. Visitors should confirm whether swimming is included with a dining reservation, sunbed package or day pass.

Always follow posted swimming rules, lifeguard instructions and weather warnings.

Swimming pools

Pools are available at selected beach clubs. Pool access may require a booking, minimum spend or paid package.

For example, Gigi Rigolatto promotes a private pool as part of its venue, while Sirene Beach by GAIA offers a coastal club experience.

Sunbeds and cabanas

Selected clubs offer sunbeds and premium seating. The cost and inclusions vary by venue and date.

Confirm whether the package includes:

• Towels
• Food credit
• Pool access
• Beach access
• Re-entry
• A time limit
• Changing facilities

Do not reuse old La Mer sunbed or cabana prices from legacy guides.

Beachfront dining

Dining is one of the main reasons to visit J1 Beach. The destination’s current official pages promote Mediterranean, Italian, Middle Eastern and other international concepts.

Sunset and photography

The coastal setting makes the area suitable for sunset views and travel photography.

Visitors should ask before using professional photography equipment and avoid photographing other guests without permission.

Live entertainment

J1 Beach promotes a day-to-night atmosphere with music and entertainment at selected venues. The experience may become more active later in the evening.

Water sports

Older La Mer guides often mention water-sports packages. The current official J1 Beach pages focus mainly on dining, beach access, pools, sunbeds and arrival by boat.

Do not assume that the former La Mer water-sports providers are still operating. Confirm any activity directly before travelling.

Current J1 Beach Restaurants and Beach Clubs

At the time of fact-checking, the current J1 Beach website displayed the following main dining and club concepts:

Venue	Main concept
African Queen	French Riviera and Mediterranean dining
Bâoli Dubai	Mediterranean and East Asian influences
Gigi Rigolatto	Italian dining, garden, pool and children’s concept
Gitano	Mexican-inspired dining and entertainment
Ninive Beach	Middle Eastern and North African concept
Sakhalin	Premium international beachfront dining
Sirene Beach by GAIA	Greek-Mediterranean beach-club experience

The venue lineup can change. The original project was developed with more venues than the number currently displayed on parts of the official website, so visitors should check the latest directory rather than relying on a permanent number.

Best venues for families

Family suitability depends on the venue and time of day.

Gigi Rigolatto promotes a children’s circus concept alongside its restaurant, garden and private pool. This does not mean every J1 Beach club provides similar children’s facilities.

Parents should confirm:

• Children’s entry rules
• Pool age limits
• Available children’s meals
• Evening restrictions
• Music levels
• Stroller access
• Changing facilities

Best venues for couples

Couples may prefer a venue offering sea views, sunset dining, premium seating or a calmer daytime atmosphere. Bookings are recommended for weekends and sunset periods.

Best venues for pool and beach access

Do not choose a venue based only on its restaurant menu. Check whether the booking includes pool or beach use, as access conditions can differ.

Is La Mer Beach Family-Friendly?

La Mer Beach and J1 Beach can suit families, but the experience depends heavily on the selected venue.

During my family visit, the easy access and overall convenience made the outing smoother. I found the destination worth recommending because the coastal setting and nearby dining options made it easy to plan a complete visit.

However, my personal experience should not be treated as a rule for every club. Some venues welcome families during certain hours, while others focus more on licensed dining, music or an adult evening atmosphere.

Parents should choose the venue before arriving and confirm:

• Whether children are admitted
• Which hours are family-friendly
• Whether pool access is allowed
• Whether a minimum spend applies
• Whether children’s food is available
• Whether the atmosphere becomes louder at night

For many families, a daytime visit will be easier to manage than a late-evening visit.

Features and Amenities

J1 Beach officially promotes:

• Direct beach access
• Swimming pools
• Sunbeds
• Licensed restaurants
• Live entertainment
• Valet arrival
• A private jetty

However, the official destination pages do not provide one complete public list covering toilets, showers, lockers, changing rooms, baby-care facilities and accessibility across the entire development.

These facilities may be controlled by individual venues.

Before booking, contact the selected restaurant or beach club when you need:

• Wheelchair access
• Step-free routes
• Accessible toilets
• Baby-changing facilities
• Showers
• Lockers
• Prayer facilities
• Stroller access

Do not assume that facilities listed in an old La Mer guide remain available to all J1 Beach visitors.

What Happened to La Mer’s Old Attractions?

Many competing articles still mention attractions from the original La Mer development. These should not be presented as current J1 Beach activities.

Is Laguna Waterpark still open?

No. Laguna Waterpark permanently closed during the redevelopment of the La Mer area. The closure took effect in March 2023.

The former waterpark area is now connected with the redevelopment of La Mer Central into the Solaya residential project.

Is Roxy Cinema at La Mer still open?

No. Roxy Cinema at La Mer closed during the wider redevelopment. The former cinema and waterpark area is making way for the Solaya project.

Is Hawa Hawa still operating?

Hawa Hawa was part of the original La Mer entertainment offer. It is not included in the current official J1 Beach destination directory.

Visitors should not plan a trip around Hawa Hawa unless they receive direct and current confirmation.

Are the old shops and restaurants open?

Many shops and restaurants from the original La Mer closed during redevelopment. Current visitors should use the J1 Beach venue directory instead of an old La Mer retail list.

Are the old Sea Breeze services available?

Bayut’s article still includes former Sea Breeze sunbed, cabana and water-sports information, but it also warns that La Mer is undergoing major redevelopment and that some activities may no longer operate. These legacy prices should not be used as current J1 Beach information.

Reviews

Why do current reviews conflict?

Tripadvisor reviews refer to different parts and different periods of La Mer.

Some recent reviewers describe closed buildings, construction and limited public facilities in legacy sections. Other reviews discuss beach access, restaurants and the atmosphere around the wider area.

At the same time, official sources confirm that J1 Beach is operating on the former La Mer South site.

This means both types of information can appear online:

• A visitor to an old La Mer section may find closures or construction.
• A visitor with a confirmed J1 Beach reservation may find an operating restaurant or beach club.

Always check the exact map location and review date.

Is La Mer Beach Worth Visiting?

La Mer Beach and J1 Beach are worth considering for tourists who want:

• Beachfront dining
• Modern beach clubs
• Pools and sunbeds
• Sea views
• Sunset experiences
• A family meal
• A couple’s outing
• Evening entertainment
• A premium Dubai coastal setting

It may be less suitable for someone seeking:

• A completely free beach day
• Free sunbeds
• A simple picnic area
• Direct metro access
• Old La Mer attractions
• Guaranteed public showers and changing rooms
• Low-cost family entertainment

The destination is best approached as a group of individual dining and beach-club experiences rather than one universal public beach package.

Questions Related to La Mer Beach

Our Verdict: My Family Experience at La Mer Beach

My family visit gave me a clearer understanding of what tourists need before planning a trip to La Mer Beach and J1 Beach. The biggest concern for many visitors is not simply whether the destination looks attractive. They also need to know whether it is easy to reach, suitable for children, clear about costs and convenient enough for a relaxed outing.

From my own experience, easy access and convenience were the strongest parts of the visit. These factors made the day easier to organise and helped us enjoy the coastal setting without unnecessary difficulty. Based on that experience, I found the destination worth recommending.

However, my recommendation is based on proper planning. J1 Beach is not one single public beach with the same rules everywhere. Each restaurant or beach club may have different entry conditions, minimum spending requirements, age limits, pool policies and operating hours.

From both my visit and my research, the best approach is to choose a venue before travelling. Families should confirm whether children are allowed, whether beach or pool access is included and whether the atmosphere becomes more adult-focused later in the evening. Visitors arriving by car should check current valet arrangements, while those using public transport should review the latest route before leaving.

My experience also helped me understand why some online reviews conflict. A visitor using an old La Mer map may reach a closed or redeveloped area, while someone with a confirmed J1 Beach reservation may find a fully operating restaurant or beach club. The exact destination matters.

As a family visitor who has experienced the area directly and reviewed current official information, I would recommend La Mer Beach and J1 Beach to tourists who want a modern coastal setting, beachfront dining and organised leisure experiences. It may be less suitable for travellers expecting the former low-cost public-beach environment or old attractions such as Laguna Waterpark.

The main lesson from my visit is simple: verify the location, choose the right venue and check the current access rules before travelling. This preparation can reduce confusion, control unexpected costs and make the visit more enjoyable.

Since restaurants, prices, age rules and operating hours can change, visitors should always check the official J1 Beach directory and the selected venue before their trip.