Dubai neighbourhood guide
Staying in Palm Jumeirah
Dubai's palm-shaped artificial island, home to many resort-style hotels with private beaches and large pools — ideal for families and couples on a resort holiday.
- Best for
- Resort holidays, families and couples
- Watch out for
- You often need taxis to explore the rest of the city
Palm Jumeirah is the palm-shaped artificial island off Dubai's coast. Much of it is given over to resort-style hotels, many with private beaches, large pools and a range of restaurants on site.
What it's like
The Palm feels like a resort destination rather than a city neighbourhood. Many visitors spend most of their time at their hotel's beach and pools. The Palm Monorail runs along the trunk of the island, and taxis are the usual way to reach the rest of the city.
Who it suits
- Families who want space, pools and a beach in one place
- Couples looking for a resort break and a quieter atmosphere
- Travellers who plan to stay mostly at their hotel
Drawbacks
The island is not easy to explore on foot, and you will often rely on taxis to reach other parts of Dubai. Resorts here tend to be at the higher end of the market, and you may find yourself eating mainly at the hotel.
Consider instead
For the beach with more restaurants within walking distance, try JBR. For sightseeing, a central base in Downtown Dubai is more convenient.