La Mer is currently a tale of two beaches. The northern half — street art, independent boutiques, the free public sand — while Laguna Waterpark, which ran from 2017 to 2023, now sits closed and fenced off. The southern half has been rebuilt as J1 Beach, a licensed beachfront dining district rolling out in phases since late 2024, led by Gigi Rigolatto.
Part of the wider Jumeirah coast, La Mer North still pairs a free public beach with a genuine day-out vibe. Here’s how to make the most of it, as part of our main Dubai guide.
Updated: July 2026 — by Monica Bonalto
How it’s laid out right now
La Mer North splits into a beachfront promenade and a lively strip of shops and eateries just behind it, with the shuttered Laguna Waterpark site at one end and the rest of the Jumeirah coast stretching either side. South of it, J1 Beach is already open in phases, so expect a mix of finished beach clubs and ongoing construction depending on where you walk.
Laguna’s dining strip, and the rest of the boardwalk
Beachfront cafes and restaurants run the length of the promenade, from ice-cream stops to full sit-down meals with a sea view. Plan with the best restaurants in Dubai and line up a weekend session from the most fun brunches.
The old Laguna Waterpark plot sat right behind this strip for six years and was best known for the WaveOz 180 FlowRider, one of only three in the world at the time. It shut for good in 2023 as the wider La Mer South redevelopment took shape, so don’t plan a waterpark day here — the promenade dining is what remains open and worth the visit.
Beach and things to do
The free public beach and watersports are the big draw — see the UAE’s best beaches and book a day-bed from the best beach clubs in Dubai. More ideas in things to do in Dubai.
Where to stay right on the sand
Rove La Mer Beach is the district’s own hotel — 366 rooms, a sea-view pool and sun deck, with interconnecting rooms that suit families and groups travelling together. It’s being rebranded as Rove J1 Beach Hotel alongside the wider redevelopment, so expect the name (and likely the finish) to shift over the course of 2026. Beyond it, the resorts of the wider Jumeirah coast put you within strolling distance of the sand.
Getting there
Best reached by car or taxi, as the Metro runs inland — Business Bay is the nearest station, roughly a 10-15 minute ride away. RTA bus routes 8, 9 and 88 run along Jumeirah Beach Road and stop close to the entrance if you’d rather skip the taxi. The Jumeirah coastal roads make it easy to combine with nearby beaches.
Best time for the beach and the boardwalk
October to April is the sweet spot for beach days; mornings are quietest and the promenade comes alive in the evenings. The open beach features in our guide to the best free things to do in Dubai and the UAE, and weekend dining slots into our best brunch in Dubai roundup.
What’s coming: J1 Beach
The southern stretch has been rebuilt as J1 Beach, rolling out in phases with Gigi Rigolatto — an Italian concept from the Rikas Group — as its first open venue, alongside Bâoli Dubai and Sirene Beach by Gaia. It’s aimed squarely at the high-end, Mediterranean-glamour end of Dubai’s beach-club scene, a step up in tone from La Mer North’s laid-back original — check current opening status for each venue before you book, since a rollout this size doesn’t land all at once.
Top things to do at La Mer
- La Mer North’s free public beach — street art and independent boutiques along the sand, no entry fee. Note: Laguna Waterpark, which ran here 2017-2023, is now closed and fenced off — don’t plan a visit around it.
- J1 Beach (La Mer South) — the newly rebuilt licensed beachfront dining district, rolling out in phases since late 2024, led by Gigi Rigolatto (an Italian concept from the Rikas Group).
- Bâoli Dubai and Sirene Beach by Gaia — the district’s other early openings, aimed at the high-end, Mediterranean-glamour end of Dubai’s beach-dining scene.
La Mer, quick questions
Is La Mer South still open?
No — it’s been demolished and rebuilt as J1 Beach, a licensed beachfront dining district rolling out in phases with three headline venues (Gigi Rigolatto, Bâoli Dubai and Sirene Beach by Gaia). Some are already open; check current status before booking a specific one — La Mer North’s free public beach is unaffected and still runs as before.
Is the beach at La Mer free?
Yes — La Mer North’s public beach remains free; only day-beds and beach club access carry a charge.
Is there a hotel right at La Mer?
Yes — Rove La Mer Beach, soon to be renamed Rove J1 Beach Hotel as part of the wider redevelopment.
Is Laguna Waterpark still open? No — it closed for good in 2023 after running since 2017, as part of the same redevelopment that created J1 Beach. The site is fenced off with no reopening planned, so the free beach and boardwalk dining are what’s left to enjoy on this stretch.
The boardwalk and the free public beach
Jumeirah continues the coastline in both directions. Back to the main Dubai guide.
Is Laguna Waterpark still open at La Mer?
No — it closed in 2023 and the site remains fenced off. The area’s current draw is J1 Beach, the licensed dining district that’s replaced it on the southern half.