Posted by Occurrence, Season & Safety 2025
The water in Dubai is warm, clear and inviting – perfect for swimming. But many tourists wonder: Are there jellyfish in Dubai? The answer is yes, but they are usually harmless and rarely a problem. Only in certain months can jellyfish be washed ashore. In this article, you will learn everything about the jellyfish species in the Arabian Gulf, the jellyfish season in Dubai, possible risks and what to do in case of a jellyfish sting.
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1. Are there jellyfish in Dubai?
Yes, jellyfish naturally occur in the Arabian Gulf. The warm, shallow waters around Dubai provide ideal conditions for their development. Nevertheless, jellyfish encounters on beaches are rare – the city monitors its coastline very closely. Lifeguards check daily whether jellyfish are in the water and warn swimmers with flags if necessary.
- Occurrence: seasonal, mainly in summer
- Location: for example near Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach & Jebel Ali
- ️Risk: low – most species are harmless
2. Why are there jellyfish in the Arabian Gulf?
Jellyfish are a natural part of the marine ecosystem. The Arabian Gulf is particularly shallow and warm – perfect conditions for their reproduction. Tides, currents and seasonal temperature changes also play a role. In some years, wind directions cause jellyfish to drift toward the beaches.
- ☀️ Water temperature: 25–33 °C in summer
- ️Cause of jellyfish blooms: currents & wind direction
- Natural predators: fish, sea turtles & dolphins
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3. Common jellyfish species off Dubai’s coast
Around 10 species of jellyfish live in the Arabian Gulf. Most are small, transparent and completely harmless. Only a few can cause mild skin irritation.
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Blue jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus)
One of the most common species. It is milky-blue, about hand-sized and has barely toxic tentacles. Contact is unpleasant but not dangerous.
Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
The classic “transparent jellyfish” found worldwide. Its stings are mild, and it is often seen near the coast, especially after calm nights.
Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis)
This species looks spectacular – with a purple float on the surface. Its venom is strong and potentially dangerous, but encounters are extremely rare. If it appears, the beach is immediately closed.
- Size: up to 30 cm diameter
- Venom: painful but treatable
- Measures: swimming ban during sightings
4. When is jellyfish season in Dubai?
Jellyfish mainly appear in the warm summer months – from May to September. Especially in July and August, when water temperatures exceed 30 degrees, isolated jellyfish clusters can occur.
- Main season: May – September
- Best swimming time: October – April (fewer jellyfish)
- Tip: swim early morning or evening when the water is calmer
5. Are jellyfish in Dubai dangerous?
No. Most jellyfish in Dubai are harmless and cause only mild skin redness. Dangerous species such as the Australian box jellyfish do not occur in the Arabian Gulf. Only the Portuguese man o’ war can cause painful stings – but it is extremely rare.
- ⚠️ Risk for children: low, but see a doctor if skin is sensitive
- Treatment: available immediately in all hotels & clinics
- Myth: urine does NOT help – better use vinegar or seawater
6. First aid for jellyfish stings
A jellyfish sting is unpleasant but not a cause for concern. Follow these steps:
- Rinse with seawater – never with fresh water, which bursts the tentacles.
- ❌ Do not rub! This spreads the venom.
- Apply vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the venom.
- Cool with ice or cold water.
- For severe reactions: call a doctor or emergency services (999).
7. Jellyfish warnings & beach safety
Dubai has an excellent warning system. Lifeguards ensure safety at all major beaches (e.g., JBR Beach, La Mer, Kite Beach). If jellyfish are sighted, a red or yellow flag is raised. Then: do not swim or only go into the water up to knee height.
- Flags: Red = no swimming, Yellow = caution, Green = safe
- Tip: shower after swimming & apply moisturizer
- Check: signs & notices at the beach
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8. Jellyfish in the Dubai Aquarium & Lost Chambers
If you want to see jellyfish safely and up close, visit the Dubai Aquarium or the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis Hotel. There you will find glowing jellyfish species in special tanks – beautiful and completely harmless.
- Location: Dubai Mall & Atlantis The Palm
- Highlights: jellyfish in LED tanks, over 65,000 marine animals
- ️Entry: from about €40
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9. Sustainability & marine conservation
The government of Dubai places great importance on protecting marine life. Projects like the Dubai Reef Project or the Marine Environment Research Center regularly study water quality, jellyfish populations and current conditions. The goal is to maintain ecological balance and align tourism with nature.
- Environmental protection: do not throw plastic waste into the sea
- Behavior: never touch or remove jellyfish from the water
- Recommendation: book boat tours with certified guides
10. Conclusion – Safe swimming in Dubai
Jellyfish in Dubai are no reason for concern. They are part of the natural environment of the Arabian Gulf but appear only occasionally. With its excellent safety system, experienced lifeguards and clear signage, swimming at Dubai’s beaches is completely safe. If you still want to experience jellyfish up close, visit the aquarium or enjoy a boat tour with ocean views.