Yes! You can kite in Dubai
While kitesurfing in Dubai might not be the first thing that comes to mind, you'll enjoy some cool sessions with light to moderate winds. The main spot, Kite Beach, located on Jumeirah Beach Road, provides stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab.
One of Dubai’s biggest advantages is the temperature. You’ll hardly need a wetsuit throughout the year, except maybe a shorty during the winter on particularly windy days.
Beyond the conditions, Dubai offers a vibrant kitesurfing community. If you’ve recently moved to the city, you’ll quickly connect with fellow kiters and make friends right at the beach.
Pro tip: Don’t miss to check out Abu Dhabi's kite spots, just about 1.5 hours' drive from Dubai. They're generally less crowded, especially on windy weekends, and the wind tends to be slightly stronger.
Dubai's kite season
Dubai’s primary wind is a thermal wind, generated by the temperature difference between the desert and the sea. Winds blow onshore during the day and turn offshore at night until early morning.
The best time to kitesurf in Dubai is from November to March. During this period, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), with water temperatures between 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F). Expect winds of 8 to 12 knots on most days (so bring your foil if you have one and you’re guaranteed to kite a lot), with around 30 days per year offering stronger winds, particularly when the Shamal blows, a northwesterly wind that can bring conditions of 20 to 25 knots.
While kitesurfing is possible in summer, temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F) with very warm water. Thermal winds can still provide good conditions, but you’ve got to face the heat!
Kite spots in Dubai
3 Spots
© Foursquare
Jebel Ali Beach
One of Dubai’s top spots for freestyle, with super flat water thanks to the Jebel Ali Palm construction right next to the spot. It’s generally quieter than Kite Beach but watch out for campers and quad bikes that might obstruct the launch area.
Beginner to Advanced
Sea
Freeride, Freestyle
Map of Dubai's kite spots
Other kitesurf spots in United Arab Emirates
5 Spots
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
November to March
2 Spots
Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates
November to March