La Mer Dubai Status: Which Parts are Open?

As of late 2023 and early 2024, much of the original La Mer beachfront (specifically La Mer North and La Mer Central) has been demolished to make way for a new luxury destination called J1 Beach. While the public beach remains accessible in limited capacities, most of the retail and dining outlets in the former North and Central sections are permanently closed.

For high-end travelers and business professionals visiting the Jumeirah district, navigating this transition requires a bit of planning. Whether you are heading to the area for a morning run or to check on the progress of the new beach clubs, having a stable internet connection is vital. see plans to ensure you have 5G coverage the moment you step onto the sand.

The Evolution of La Mer: From Playful Beach to J1 Beach

La Mer was once a sprawling, Instagram-friendly destination known for its colorful shacks and street art. However, Dubai’s landscape evolves rapidly. The redevelopment project, led by Merex Investment, is transforming the northern and central stretches into J1 Beach. This new hub is designed to be a premium beachfront destination, featuring three flagship beach clubs—Gigi Rigolatto, Bâoli, and Sirene by Gaia—alongside ten upscale restaurants.

While this is exciting for the future of Dubai's luxury scene, it means the 'old' La Mer experience is largely gone. The whimsical wooden structures and many of the casual dining spots have been cleared. If you are visiting today, you are essentially visiting a site in transition.

What is Currently Open at La Mer?

Despite the massive overhaul, certain elements remain functional, though the situation changes monthly:

• La Mer South: This section has remained largely intact for a longer period than the North and Central areas, though it is also undergoing rebranding and refurbishment. Some cafes and the Roxy Cinemas have historically remained open here, but it is always wise to check their specific operating hours before commuting.
• The Public Beach: Portions of the beach remain open for swimming and sunbathing, though the backdrop is now construction fencing rather than boutique shops.
• Laguna Waterpark: Visitors should note that Laguna Waterpark has closed its doors as part of the wider redevelopment plan.

Connectivity Realities in Jumeirah

When visiting a construction-heavy area like Jumeirah 1, you cannot always rely on public Wi-Fi. Many of the cafes that once offered free hotspots are now closed. For business travelers, this creates a 'dead zone' if you are relying on local infrastructure.

In Dubai, the two primary carriers are Du and Etisalat. While their coverage is excellent, getting a SIM card at the airport can be a bureaucratic hurdle involving long queues and physical passport registration. If you want to bypass the kiosks at DXB, using a Dubai eSIM is a more efficient choice. It allows you to connect to the Du 5G network—the same infrastructure used by locals—without the need for a physical card or a local phone number.

Why Local SIMs Can Be Frustrating

For the high-end traveler, the biggest frustration with local UAE SIM cards isn't the coverage; it is the restrictions. The UAE has strict regulations regarding Voice over IP (VoIP). This means standard WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, and Skype calls are often blocked on local mobile data plans.

Dubai eSIM offers a significant advantage here. Because these data-only plans route traffic differently, they typically allow for seamless WhatsApp calling. This is essential for international professionals who need to stay in touch with teams in London, New York, or Singapore without paying for expensive roaming minutes from their home provider. You can check your device compatibility to see if your smartphone can handle an eSIM before you arrive.

Comparing Connectivity Options

If you are deciding between a local prepaid SIM and an eSIM for your trip to La Mer and the wider UAE, consider the following comparison:

Feature	Local Prepaid SIM (Du/Etisalat)	Dubai eSIM
Registration	Requires Passport & Visa scan	No ID or paperwork required
VoIP Calls	WhatsApp/FaceTime usually blocked	Works for WhatsApp/VoIP calls
Activation	Physical store or airport kiosk	Instant via QR code
Network	Du or Etisalat	Du (5G)
Phone Number	Local +971 number included	Data only (no local number)
Top-ups	Available at convenience stores	Available online 24/7

Data Needs for Your Dubai Visit

How much data do you actually need while exploring J1 Beach or the Burj Al Arab area?

1. Navigation: Using Google Maps or Waze to navigate Dubai’s complex highway system (like the E11) consumes roughly 50MB per hour of active driving.
2. Social Media: Uploading high-resolution videos of the Jumeirah skyline to Instagram or TikTok can burn through 500MB in just 15 minutes.
3. Remote Work: If you are a business professional tethering your laptop for a Zoom call (assuming you use a VPN or an eSIM that allows VoIP), expect to use 1GB to 2GB per hour for HD video.
4. Ride-Hailing: Apps like Careem or Uber are essential in Dubai. While they don't use much data, they require a constant, stable connection to track your driver.

For most travelers staying a week, a 5GB or 10GB plan is the 'sweet spot.' However, if you are on a long-term project or a digital nomad heading toward the desert, you might consider larger allocations. If you're planning a broader tour, you might also find our guide on Dubai to Saudi road trip data useful for GCC-wide travel.

How to Install Your eSIM on iPhone and Android

Setting up your connection is straightforward and can be done before you even board your flight. This ensures that the moment your plane touches down at Dubai International, you have 5G data to book your car or message your hotel.

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Select Use QR Code and scan the code provided by Dubai eSIM.
4. Label the plan as 'Travel' or 'Dubai'.
5. Set 'Cellular Data' to use this new plan, but keep your primary line for SMS if needed (though be careful of roaming charges on the primary line).

For Android Users (Samsung/Pixel):

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. Select Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
3. Scan the QR code.
4. Once downloaded, ensure the eSIM is toggled 'On' and selected as the preferred data provider.

For a more detailed breakdown, you can read more about how it works on our dedicated setup page. Many of our users also find that using Apple Pay with Dubai eSIM makes the entire transaction and top-up process seamless while on the move.

Coverage Beyond the Beach

While La Mer is in the heart of the city, many travelers head further afield. Whether you are attending the Dubai World Cup or heading to the capital, 5G coverage remains robust. The Du network used by Dubai eSIM provides excellent speeds across the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.

If your business takes you to Abu Dhabi, you will find the transition between emirates is seamless. You won't need to switch plans or settings; the data will continue to work as you pass the Last Exit and enter the capital. This reliability is why many professionals choose to see plans early in their trip planning phase.

Roaming vs. eSIM: The Professional Choice

Many high-end travelers rely on their home carrier's roaming plans (e.g., AT&T International Day Pass or Vodafone Global Roaming). While convenient, these often come with 'fair usage' policies that throttle your speed to 2G or 3G levels after a few hundred megabytes. In a city as technologically advanced as Dubai, 3G speeds are practically unusable for modern business applications.

By using a local 5G eSIM, you get priority data on the Du network. You avoid the 'roaming lag'—the latency that occurs when your data has to travel back to your home country and then back to the UAE. This is particularly important for day traders or those using remote desktop applications.

The bottom line

La Mer is currently a destination in flux. If you are looking for the vibrant shops of 2019, you will be disappointed. However, if you want to witness the birth of J1 Beach—Dubai’s next great luxury landmark—it is still worth a visit. Just ensure you aren't left searching for a signal amidst the construction cranes. A Dubai eSIM provides the 5G freedom to document your trip, stay connected via WhatsApp, and manage your business without the traditional hassles of local SIM registration.