Where can you safely take your dog in Dubai?
Dubai may not be seen as the most pet-friendly place with it’s scorching hot summers but with a growing population of expat families, over the years Dubai is adapting to become a more pet-friendly city.
Whilst there are indeed strict laws around dog ownership, there are a growing number of venues across the city that can see pet owners catered for in a safe and respectful manner; off leash beaches, however, are not yet one of them.
Dog walking rules in Dubai
In June 2017, it became illegal for any dog to be walked off-leash when on public property – this includes all parks and beaches. Failure to follow this rule can result in a 10,000 AED fine.
Dubai dog-friendly beaches
At present, we are only aware of the following beachfront areas where dogs are formally permitted without a problem:
The Pointe – Palm Jumeirah
Situated at the top of Palm Jumeirah, the Pointe offers idyllic waterfront views over to Atlantis the Palm. They recently updated their beachfront policy to be pet-friendly:
“Dogs are permitted at The Pointe beach, provided they are kept on a leash at all times and do not enter the water. Owners must also bring their own dog waste bags and dispose of them in an appropriate manner. We thank our two – and four – legged guests in advance for their co-operation.”
The Pointe Management
Palm West Beach
Newly opened Palm West Beach – as the name might suggest on the west-facing side of the trunk Palm Jumeirah includes a 1.6km long boulevard open to dog-friendly walks on a leash. There are many cafes dotted along the waterfront here that will allow your leashed friends to join you, including Jones the Grocer.
Dog-friendly beaches beyond Dubai
You can look beyond the city of Dubai to other Emirates for more open spaces and opportunities to take your pet for a longer walk.
Kite Beach Center, Umm Al Quwain
Not to be confused with the Kite Beach in Dubai, Kite Beach Center in Umm al Quwain (UAQ) is a trendy beachfront club offering watersports through to healthy drinks – and a place to take your pooch for a swim!
There is a small cover charge of 50 AED per pet, and AED 10 per owner to enjoy beachfront vibes – pre-booking essential at present due to restricted numbers.
Al Jazira Bungalows – Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi
Located just across the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border on the waterfront, this has to be one of the best pet-lovers paradises in the UAE. Day passes and overnight stays available to picnic in the lush gardens or take a swim. Dogs are more than welcome, in fact they’re almost the star of the show!
Dog-friendly dining in Dubai
Now whilst beachfronts might be hard to come by in Dubai with your dog, dining with your four-legged friend is much more welcome (ironic, we know!). The following dining venues allow doggy-dining within set rules:
Reform Social & Grill
Found in The Lakes part of the city, this tranquil waterfront British GastroPub is not only exceptionally child-friendly, it’s furr-baby friendly too. Your well behaved pooch is welcome on a leash and can even be offered a gourmet meal from Furrchild. In summer, they are allowed within the airconditioned terrace area.
They have a dedicated lawn area where dogs are allowed off leash, but only two sittings per day with a minimum spend, within current group safety rules, so do book in advance for this special offer; undoubtedly a Dubai 4-legged favourite. Learn more and book here.
Arrows and Sparrows
Situated in a residential area, the Greens (which also has a dog-friendly walking park), this ultra-trendy café is another child & pet-friendly offering in Dubai. Great coffee, local art and casual dining; dogs on leashes are permitted on the outside terrace. Learn more here
Boston Lane, Al Quoz
This utterly instagrammable little café in Al Quoz is famous not only for its irresistible toasties, they also have a wonderful courtyard area perfect for winter breakfast with your dog.
The Irish Village – Al Garhoud
A good old-fashioned pub set up, The Irish Village is a favourite outdoor dining venue for families in the winter, and dogs will be well-catered for with watering bowls and a large lawn area where kids and pets can play; they just need to be on a leash and clean up after your own mess.
Counter Culture Cafe – Dubai Marina
Harder to find in the more populated areas of the city, this is a little high-rise area gem for those in the Dubai Marina area. A casual community café found within Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, your pooch is welcome here on a leash while you enjoy your smoothie on the terrace, or alcoholic drinks are also served. Learn more here.
Palm Jumeirah – Dining with Dogs
As well as picture-perfect on-leash walking at The Pointe beach, there are several dog-friendly restaurants on Palm Jumeirah, including Chicago Meatpackers (with a dedicated doggy menu!), Brunch & Cake UAE, the outside area of Breeze Beach Grill at Club Vista Mare, Sun&, Barrel 12 and Senara.
Dog-friendly Hotel in Dubai?
Yes! It does exist, not just pet-friendly but pet-welcoming, Hotel Indigo Dubai specifically caters to your furry friends – several dining venues are dedicated to dogs and their owners and they are permitted to sleep in your room.
They have a few housekeeping rules, as you’d expect, so it’s only your smaller dogs under 20kg that are allowed, and they must be with you at all times, not left alone in the room. A 200 AED cleaning fee applies per 5 nights stay and only one pup per room or 2 in a suite – see the fine print here.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our tour through dog-friendly Dubai. We won’t quite be recommending it yet as the ultimate jet-setting destination for dog-lovers; But there’s a great push in the right direction for responsible dog owners in Dubai to enjoy the cities wonderful outdoor offering.