Dubai Marina
The History And Overview Of The Marina
Dubai Marina is a man-made canal city in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE); it began in 2003, with some buildings still under construction.
Emaar Properties, a Dubai-based real estate company, built the complex. The Marina designer was the California-based architecture firm HOK. The project is built on a 3.5 km long strip of land along the Persian Gulf shoreline. It covers an area of 4 square kilometers.
Dubai Marina’s construction involved dredging and excavating the area to create the canal, which is 3.8 km long. This allowed for the construction of waterfront residential and commercial buildings.
The development includes residential, commercial, and entertainment facilities, high-rise buildings, luxury hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls. The development’s centerpiece is the Marina Walk, a 7-kilometer pedestrian promenade. This runs along the waterfront and offers stunning views of the canal and the surrounding area.
The Marina has become one of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of yearly visitors. Its construction was part of the broader development plans of Dubai to diversify its economy. The city invested in tourism to bring more people to visit.
Table Of Contents
- The History An Overview Of Dubai Marina
- Location
- Overview
- Restaurants In Dubai Marina
- Activities In The Marina
- Transportation
- Summary
- Useful Links
- Key Takeaways
Location
As shown in the map above, Dubai Marina is located along the coast between the ocean and Sheik Zayed Road. This is the main highway that travels the length of the city. There are over 200 residential towers in Dubai Marina, catering to all sizes and budgets.
On the beach side of the Marina, we have the Jumeirah Beach Residences, a separate residential complex. Between JBR and the beach is a wide range of hotels.
Overview
It’s impossible to cover Dubai Marina with just one post. Hence, this time, we will give an overview, and later posts will look at activities, restaurants, hotels, etc.
One end of the Marina consists of multiple blocks of super-tall residential towers. These include the Ciel Tower (under construction), DAMAC Heights, Princess Tower, Elite Residences Tower, and Ocean Heights. These towers start to stretch down the coast, and most have full ocean views.
From the main entrance on the Dubai side, the first yacht/boat moorings are in front of the original 6 Emaar Towers.
The walk here is beautiful, with many restaurants and fun activities. You will find a huge range of yacht/boat rental companies allowing you to rent a boat. This can be for a whole day or a half-day excursion with swimming and other activities.
Looking across the marina to the opposite side, you have towers like the Grosvenor House with the popular Buddha Bar. Then you have Iris Blue, Marina Terrace, and so on.
Marina Walk is over 7km long and great for casual strolling, running, cycling, and just hanging out. Walking around the Marina, you will find many restaurants with a huge range of cuisines and price ranges. There is genuinely something for all, so explore and try different food.
Below is a partial walkthrough of the complex that I did on 19/04/2023.
Restaurants
Dubai Marina is a culinary paradise, offering various dining options that cater to every palate. The community is home to some of the finest restaurants in Dubai, serving everything from traditional Emirati cuisine to international fare.
One of the most popular restaurants in the Marina is the Buddha Bar, which offers a unique dining experience with its Asian-inspired decor and music. The restaurant serves a fusion of Asian and French cuisine and is famous for its sushi and cocktails.
Another popular restaurant in Dubai Marina is Pier 7, a seven-story building that houses seven restaurants. Each floor is dedicated to a different cuisine, from Mediterranean to Latin American.
Activities in the Marina
The Marina is an activity hub, offering visitors various entertainment options. One of the most popular activities is a dhow cruise, which takes visitors on a marina tour and offers stunning views of the Dubai skyline.
The dhow cruise also includes a dinner and live entertainment, making it a memorable experience. It’s a great way to spend the evening, and I highly recommend it. It’s a great date night as well.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Dubai Marina offers a range of water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. Several private yacht charters are also available for those who want to explore the marina at their own pace. There is even the Dubai Xline, the world’s longest urban zipline.
Dubai Marina is also home to the Marina Mall, a shopping destination with more than 140 retail outlets, including high-end fashion brands and electronics stores. The mall also has a cinema and a variety of restaurants, making it a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists. This mall is nice and not as busy as others, so if you prefer fewer crowds, head here and enjoy the complex afterward.
Transportation
Metro: The Dubai Metro is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get to Dubai Marina. The Red Line of the metro runs past the Marina, and there are two stations in the area: Sobha Realty Station and DMCC Station.
The metro is air-conditioned and offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel around Dubai.
Tram: The Dubai Tram is another convenient way to get to Dubai Marina, as it runs along the length of the marina. The tram connects the Marina to other areas of Dubai, such as Jumeirah Beach Residences, Palm Jumeirah, and Al Sufouh.
The Tram is fully air-conditioned and offers stunning views of the marina and the surrounding areas.
Bus: Dubai Marina is also well-served by a number of bus routes, which connect the area to other parts of Dubai. The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) operates several bus routes that pass through Dubai Marina, including routes 8, 84, F55, and X28.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available in the Marina and are a convenient way to travel. Dubai taxis are metered, and fares are reasonable compared to other major cities. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through a taxi app.
Private Car: If you prefer the convenience of your own car, several car rental companies in the Marina offer a range of vehicles. However, driving in Dubai can be challenging, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the city’s roads and traffic rules.
Water Taxi: Another unique transportation option in Dubai Marina is the water taxi. Visitors can book a water taxi to travel around the marina and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding buildings and landmarks. The RTA operates water taxis which can be booked through their website or mobile app.
Summary
Dubai Marina has become a hugely popular place to live in Dubai due to its location near the beach, restaurants, activities, and a wide range of accommodations.
It is ideal for young people and those who are beginning a family, although traffic and access can be a problem sometimes. Still, a wide range of entertainment exists, including cinemas, nightclubs, bars, and much more. I would recommend it as a great location to stay in Dubai for the holidays.
Useful Links
- Check out our overview of Dubai HERE
- If you want to know about visas for visiting Dubai, then check HERE
- More information about Dubai Marina can be found HERE
- Check out The Beach JBR, which is next to Dubai Marina, HERE
- If you like water then check out Dubai Creek for a visit
- Looking for somewhere to eat in Dubai Marina?
- Dubai Marina is a great place to rent / buy a home. Check out our article about Dubai Homes.
- Looking to go parting after your visit to Dubai Marina? Take a look at this article.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai Marina is a massive complex of residential, hotels, commercial, and entertainment venues.
- The area is very congested in the morning and evening as people commute to try to travel there at other times.
- It is easy to visit the Marina by public transport.
- The beach is accessible from Dubai Marina by walking through the Jumeirah Beach Residences.
- There are a wide variety of locations to support all budgets and tastes.
