La Mer South, the popular beachfront destination in Dubai, is undergoing some big changes. If you’ve been to La Mer before, you’ll remember its relaxed vibes, cool cafes, waterfront views, and those famous beach swings. But if you visit now, you might notice that things look a little different.
For a while now, much of La Mer South has been closed off to the public. Shops and restaurants have shut their doors, and there’s construction happening behind hoardings. While this has surprised many Dubai residents and tourists, it’s actually part of a bigger plan to transform the area into something new and exciting.
So, what exactly is happening at La Mer South? And what can people expect in the future?
What Was La Mer South Known For?
Before we talk about the changes, let’s look back at what made La Mer South special.
La Mer South was part of the larger La Mer beachfront development in Jumeirah 1. It was designed to offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle, right in the middle of the city. The area was packed with trendy restaurants, dessert spots, and independent shops. From families to couples to tourists, it attracted a wide crowd. People came to enjoy the open-air spaces, take Instagram-worthy photos, or just relax by the sea.
The beachfront also had entertainment options like Laguna Waterpark and a cinema. With palm trees, street art, beach hammocks, and a view of the city skyline, La Mer South had a unique charm that was hard to find anywhere else in Dubai.
The Sudden Closures and Speculation
In 2022 and 2023, visitors began to notice that shops and restaurants were closing at La Mer South. At first, many thought it was due to the pandemic’s after-effects. But over time, more and more parts of the area were shut off. The once-busy walkways became quiet, and popular dining spots began pulling out one by one.
This led to a lot of speculation. Some people wondered if La Mer South would be closed forever. Others guessed that a massive redevelopment project might be in the works. There were even rumors about luxury hotels and branded residences coming to the area.
Eventually, confirmation arrived: the area was being transformed into a new lifestyle destination under a different concept. While no official launch date has been confirmed, it’s clear that a major upgrade is happening.
What’s Coming Next?
While full details haven’t been officially revealed, reports suggest that La Mer South is being redeveloped into a luxury hospitality and residential hub. One of the biggest changes includes the addition of Ellington Beach House, a new luxury residential project by Ellington Properties. This will include beachfront apartments with stunning views, modern designs, and access to premium facilities.
Developers have also hinted at the inclusion of high-end hotels and resorts in the area. That means La Mer South could soon be home to some of the world’s most luxurious hospitality brands. This could completely change the vibe of the space, turning it into a more upscale destination — similar to places like Bluewaters Island or Jumeirah Bay.
That said, it’s still expected that the new La Mer South will keep its connection to the sea and beach. Plans suggest that public access to the beachfront will remain, but it will be more polished, with enhanced landscaping, upgraded pathways, and new dining concepts.
A Shift in Dubai’s Coastal Vision
La Mer South’s transformation is part of a larger shift happening across Dubai’s coastal developments. The city is clearly moving towards more high-end, curated experiences. We’ve already seen this with the transformation of other areas like JBR, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Harbour.
Dubai’s coastline is valuable — and developers are using that space to introduce luxury beachfront living, boutique hotels, and five-star restaurants. This change appeals to both wealthy residents and tourists who want something unique, glamorous, and sea-facing.
At the same time, it does raise questions about accessibility. Will La Mer South still be a place for everyone? Or will the new version feel more exclusive and less laid-back?
Many Dubai locals have fond memories of casual weekend outings at La Mer. Families with kids, groups of friends, and solo beachgoers all enjoyed the easygoing feel of the place. Whether or not that spirit remains will likely depend on how the new version balances luxury with public access.
What About Laguna Waterpark?
One of the big attractions at La Mer South was Laguna Waterpark, a family-friendly spot with waterslides, a lazy river, and surf machines. As of now, Laguna Waterpark has also shut down as part of the redevelopment.
There has been no official word on whether the waterpark will reopen or if something new will take its place. Some reports suggest that the space might be converted into part of a resort or private club. Until developers reveal the full plan, its future remains unclear.
A Mixed Reaction from the Public
Not everyone is thrilled about the changes. On social media, many people have shared their disappointment about the sudden closures. Some say they’ll miss the casual vibe and beachy feel that La Mer South offered. Others are excited to see what’s next and believe Dubai always delivers when it comes to new, world-class experiences.
This mix of excitement and nostalgia shows how important La Mer South has been to the city’s cultural landscape. It was more than just a place to eat or shop — it was a lifestyle destination that helped define modern beachfront living in Dubai.
What to Expect in the Future
While there’s no confirmed reopening date, it’s expected that the new La Mer South will roll out in phases over the next couple of years. Residents and tourists can look forward to new restaurants, luxury living options, and possibly some big hotel openings.
Until then, other parts of La Mer — including La Mer North — remain open for visitors. You can still enjoy the beachfront, take a walk along the coast, or grab a coffee with a sea view.
Dubai continues to evolve, and La Mer South’s redevelopment is just one example of the city’s ongoing transformation. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a curious tourist, keep an eye on this space — because something big is coming.
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