Dubai always felt like a “holiday place” in certain areas, perhaps having brunch at a hotel on the Palm Jumeirah, or walking by spectators at the aquarium in Dubai Mall, but at it’s newest leisure area, known as North Beach (I think) there is absolutely no doubt you are in HOLIDAY CITY.

The very modern development between the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach and the Hilton JBR is jammed packed with trendy, cube like restaurant structures with gleaming colours and shiny people.

At last a whole stretch of beach front where you can eat, stroll, swim or just take in the sea air. Apparently it’s been open for about a month and on the first Saturday in April was packed with people just hanging out, older ladies having lunch, children running around and muscular bodies showing off at the outdoor gym facility. Were we in Florida somewhere? No, it was JBR-Jumeirah Beach Residence and the whole area has a relaxed, holiday feel about it. The Walk at JBR always felt a bit like a holiday place, but this has been usurped by North Beach. Read more