As the northern hemisphere wraps up tight and reaches for the thermostat, it’s a different story in the Middle East. January is prime beach season in the UAE and a selection of new and improved beach clubs have recently opened their doors to entice sun worshippers. Besides incredible shopping and a growing art scene in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, these sandy waterfronts are not to be missed.

England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has backed Eden Beach Club, which opened late on in 2014 at Rixos Palm Jumeirah. The MBE award-winner, who already has a Dubai cricket academy to his name, took to Instagram with a picture of the venue, heralding its upcoming arrival. Lounge on the private cabanas while sampling freshly shaken cocktails prepared by the club's expert staff is ideal before hitting up the hotel's Royal Spa and wellness center. The Rixos' Turkisk hammam is renowned for incredible interior design and unbeatable massages. Hopefully you'll find time to SUP in the sea (as per below) before retiring back to the bar for an altogether swimming up to the pool bar for a very different kind of supping.

Further down the coast, Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Beach Club (above) has assumed a new identity. The former Monte-Carlo Beach Club on Saadiyat Island relaunched in September with updated facilities within its 39,500-square-metre grounds, having shed its Monégasque affiliation. If that's not enough to entice you on the weekend, Safina, their Mediterranean restaurant and lounge boasts "the best brunch" in town. Champagne and mimosas, anyone?

Anyone familiar with the emirate’s beach clubs will know that Conrad Dubai opened up Purobeach Urban Oasis last year. Now the Purobeach brand is set to expand further — to the other side of town in fact, in Jebel Ali. The Mallorca-based club concept, complete with Balinese cabanas, butler service, massages and resident DJ, is expected to open at the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort in August 2015. Inclined to carry on a luxurious day at Conrad? Cave, their fantastic wine bar that serves up fresh tapas and European cuisine like imported cheeses and charcuterie will satisfy any taste buds. Just another reason to linger by the pool until the sunsets on this Middle Eastern oasis.