J1 Beach: Dubai’s dazzling beachfront venue
The highly anticipated J1 Beach is set to open to the public shortly after this summer, becoming Dubai’s latest hotspot for leisure, dining and entertainment. Situated in the heart of the emirate, this vibrant destination promises to be a bustling hub for both locals and tourists. With its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands, J1 Beach offers the perfect setting for dining, shopping and entertainment. Let’s explore what makes this exciting new attraction a must-visit in Dubai.
What to expect from J1 Beach in Dubai?
J1 Beach (formerly called La Mer) is one of the most happening spots to visit in the emirate. The project is developed by Merex Investment Group, a joint venture of Dubai Holdings. The dazzling new leisure destination welcomes visitors for an unforgettable experience.
The new destination is located on approximately 500 metres of impressive beachfront in Jumeirah 1. It comprises two sections of Dubai Development Authority (DDA) plots with a total covered area of 103,550 sq. m.
New Beach Clubs and Restaurants
The J1 Beach, a new flagship beach resort, features three exclusive beach clubs and high-end restaurants with unparalleled sea views. Let’s take a look at the various venues such as Gigi Rigolatto, Baoli and Sirene Beach by Gaia to name a few!
NINIVE BEACH
For all the curious travellers intrigued by Mesopotamian mythology, Ninive is a must-visit. This restaurant serves regional dishes as a homage to Mesopotamian mythology and its associated culture and fables—the restaurant’s concept centres around blending different cultures and stories over time.
The aim is to present authentic regional dishes to curious visitors who are interested in food and learning about the region’s legends and history. It’s about offering a cultural and culinary experience tied to ancient traditions of the Middle East and North Africa.
- Contact: +971-4-498-4200
ALMAYASS BY THE SEA
Craving a taste of the Mediterranean with a unique twist? Almayass by the Sea will offer its celebrated Lebanese-Armenian fusion cuisine at J1 Beach in Dubai. Established in Beirut in 1996, Almayass by the Sea boasts a legacy of generation-old recipes reimagined with modern touches.
Once open, the restaurant will offer a delightful spread of mezze-style dishes and much more. Tantalise your taste buds with manti dumplings, kabab karaz skewers, kibeh karaz pastries, sujuk flambe and warak enab in yoghurt.
- Contact: +971-4-214-5999
LÚNICO
Prepare to explore tempting Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine at J1 Beach! LÚNICO offers an immersive dining experience with live entertainment. This eatery is one of the most popular destinations for a memorable night out. Get ready for a lively addition to the beachfront scene!
- Contact: +971-50-277-6503
GIGI RIGOLATTO
Gigi Rigolatto hails from Saint Tropez, France. This stunning location features a gorgeous restaurant at J1 Beach resort with an ardent garden, two terraces, a swimming pool, kids’ circus, wellness section and a Bellini Bar. The outlet offers direct beach access as well.
- Contact: +971-4-558-2067
KAIMANA
With a cuisine inspired by Asian-Polynesian flavours, Kaimana is a beachfront haven. Dishes on offer include flame-broiled pulehu short ribs and refreshing tropical salmon salad. Unwind with a dip in their private pool or soak up the sun on their exclusive beach.
- Contact: +971-4-243-3555
BAOLI
Craving a taste of East Asian cuisine? Baoli is another restaurant at J1 Beach resort to look forward to. This retreat-style and jungle-themed space offers patrons a chance to indulge in authentic flavours from Japanese cuisine.
- Contact: +971-4-558-6381
SIRENE BEACH BY GAIA
Another restaurant at J1 Beach is Sirene Beach by Gaia. This home-grown brand is inspired by fresh and exotic Greek Mediterranean cuisine.
- Contact: +971-4-570-4766
GITANO
Hailing from the lush jungles of Mexico, Gitano brings its vibrant energy and tempting Mexican cuisine to J1 Beach.
Prepare to be transported with immersive dinners, dazzling dance experiences and a taste of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. Just like its name, which translates to “gypsy” in Spanish, Gitano promises a free-spirited escape unlike any other.
- Contact: +971-58-566-2320
AFRICAN QUEEN
African Queen at J1 Beach provides a relaxed and casual atmosphere for diners. Led by the acclaimed Chef Thierry Paludetto, the restaurant offers a delightful twist on classic Mediterranean cuisine.
Prepare to savour dishes like artichoke with a zesty vinaigrette, parmesan cheese, tableside preparation of salade niçoise featuring succulent tuna belly and perfectly seared filet au poivre.
- Contact: +971-52-778-0760
CHOUCHOU
Chouchou, the brainchild of WithLove Hospitality group – a family venture built on love for guests and exceptional service – marks its first concept restaurant in the world.
This haven boasts a stylish living room, rooftop terrace and a signature pool, perfect for a day of relaxation. Indulge in culinary delights like signature seafood towers brimming with oysters and caviar or enjoy the salt-crusted chicken and fish alongside romanesco.
- Contact: +971-4-558-4877
SAKHALIN
J1 Beach will also feature Sakhalin. This restaurant offers a deliciously unique “MediterrAsian” cuisine – a fusion of local, Far Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian flavours.
Curated by Chef Alexey Kogay, the menu boasts signature dishes like the goldfish roll, golden nori, bluefin toro, akami, truffle, black caviar and Sakhalin tiramisu.
Patrons can relax on the beachside terrace with its central fountain and shimmering roof, enjoying the breathtaking day and night views.
- Contact: +971-4-495-1600
FACILITIES AT J1 BEACH DUBAI
The new J1 Beach provides ample parking space and valet parking facilities. Visitors have direct access to the beach and shuttle golf carts, making it easy to commute within the destination from one location to another.
FAQs
IS LA MER CLOSED FOR GOOD?
Yes, Dubai’s La Mer South is now redeveloped into the J1 Beach with new attractions. The entire La Mer and La Mer South is demolished.
WHEN WILL J1 BEACH DUBAI OPEN?
The J1 Beach is open and visitors can enjoy dining at the restaurants or indulge and unwind by the pool at the beach clubs.
ARE POOL DAY PASS DEALS AVAILABLE AT J1 BEACH?
Yes, these outlets are open from 10:00 am onwards and offer special pool passes:
- African Queen
- Gitano
- Kaimana Beach
- Sirene Beach by Gaia
- La Baia
- Bâoli Dubai
- Gigi Rigolatto
- Ninive Beach
That’s all we have for the J1 Beach. We’ve kept a close eye on the progress and we’ll be back with more updates as soon as it’s open to the public.
Apart from J1 Beach, you can currently Expo City in Dubai, a leisure, dining and entertainment district that allows you to rediscover the magic of Expo 2020 and more.
Cover image credit: Merex Investments official website
