Dubai Festival City’s creek-side waterfront at night, the area that is home to Marsa Boulevard. Photo: Titoni Thomas, Wikimedia Commons, “Festival City Dubai”, CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized).
Every Dubai winter has a moment when the city steps back outside. Terraces fill again, windows open, and suddenly everyone wants dinner by the water. This year, one of the clearest signs came on Friday evening, when Marsa Boulevard reopened on the banks of Dubai Creek and its walkways were busy within the hour.
Gulf News reported this morning that the waterfront destination opened at 5pm on 30 October for its third season. Visitors arrived for matcha, food and the sunset, while several traders said the turnout had beaten their expectations. So, if you are planning an evening out this weekend, here is what is new, where to find it and how to make the most of a visit.
What Is Marsa Boulevard?
Marsa Boulevard is a seasonal, open-air dining and lifestyle promenade on the Dubai Creek waterfront. It sits in Al Kheeran, part of the Dubai Festival City area, and it runs through the cooler months. In fact, Dubai Festival City’s own social account features Marsa Boulevard among its recognisable spots, alongside Al Badia Living and Al Badia Hillside Village.
The format is simple. Small restaurants, coffee bars and kiosks line the water, with seating outdoors, art along the paths and pop-ups that change through the season. Unlike a mall food court, the setting is the point. You come for the breeze, the creek views and a slow evening with friends or family.
What Happened on Opening Night?
According to Gulf News, the crowds came quickly. Two friends told the paper they had come “for the matcha and the food vibes”, and they called the evening “totally worth” the trip. Hesham Ratagedara told the paper he had not expected so many people on the first day.
Not everything was ready, however. Gulf News noted that some outlets were still setting up while others were already serving customers. Akel Dhaywi, who manages one of the food units, said it was his business’s first season at Marsa and predicted it would be one of the most visited places in Dubai this winter. In other words, expect a fuller line-up as the first week goes on.
What’s New for Season 3
The theme for the new season is “My heart is happiest with you”. Gulf News, in its season preview on 26 October, said the destination has grown, with new spaces stretching further along the water. These are the main changes:
- A reimagined Botanical Garden: a greener corner with open-fire dining and speciality coffee.
- More wellness: Matcha Club Creek now adds Pilates and a dedicated yoga studio to its padel courts.
- Commissioned art: works by artists from the UAE, the region and beyond, inspired by wind, water and the creek’s stories of trade and migration.
- Fashion and beauty pop-ups: Loewe, Jean Paul Gaultier and a Rare Beauty bus with Sephora featured on opening night, and Studio 152 returns with exhibitions and cultural events.
- Seasonal programming: family activities, wellness sessions and cultural moments planned for Eid Al Etihad, New Year’s Eve and Ramadan.
The Food Line-Up
Food is the main draw, and the line-up mixes new arrivals with familiar names. For example, Time Out Dubai reports that French bistro NAC, New York-style pizza from CRST, ramen from Slrp and date specialists Nuwa are joining for the first time. Coffee comes from newcomers For a While and Badu, while Marmellata adds Italian flavours.
Returning favourites include Home Bakery, Trio, Lune and Sadeem, and Gulf News also spotted Fynd back for another season. Time Out adds that Sharjah restaurant Murmur is making its Dubai debut with Emirati-inspired fusion dishes. As a result, you can try something new and still order your usual.
Here is a simple way to plan a food crawl:
- Start with coffee or matcha just before sunset, when the light over the creek is at its best.
- Walk the full promenade once before ordering, because the newer units stretch further along the water this season.
- Share several small plates rather than committing to one big meal.
- Finish with something sweet from one of the bakeries or dessert counters.
Where It Is and How to Get There
Marsa Boulevard lies on the Dubai Festival City side of Dubai Creek, in Al Kheeran. Be careful with your map app, though. It is not the same as Marsa Al Arab in Jumeirah, nor is it Dubai Creek Harbour, which sits on the opposite bank. Search for the exact name “Marsa Boulevard” and check the pin before you set off.
There is no metro station on the doorstep, so most visitors arrive by taxi, ride-hailing car or private car. If you drive, Dubai Festival City Mall’s car parks are nearby, and the walk to the waterfront is short. Since weekend evenings can be busy, arrive early or allow extra time to park. Meanwhile, if you enjoy travelling by water, check the RTA’s marine transport timetable for services that stop at the Festival City marine station before you plan around a boat.
Opening Hours and Entry
The destination opens in the late afternoon and runs into the evening. On opening night, Gulf News reported a 5pm start. Opening times can vary by day and by outlet, so check Marsa Boulevard’s official Instagram account for the latest hours before you go.
Entry to the promenade is free, according to the 971TODAY news account, and you simply pay for what you eat and drink. The same account says the season will run until mid-April 2027. However, individual workshops, wellness classes or special events may need booking or a fee.
Tips for Your Visit
- Go on a weekday evening if you prefer shorter queues and easier parking.
- Bring a light layer, because the breeze off the creek can feel cool after dark in December and January.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk more than you expect.
- Carry a card and a little cash, as payment options can differ between small outlets.
- Respect the setting: dress modestly, keep noise reasonable and use the bins provided.
- Combine your evening with a stroll around Dubai Festival City or a meal at Al Badia if you want to make a night of it.
If you enjoy outdoor food markets, our guide to the Al Rigga Night Market covers another lively winter option in Deira. For a bigger night out, see our report on Global Village’s opening night. And if you are building a first-time itinerary, start with our 12 things to do in Dubai.
What Gulf News, Khaleej Times and Arabian Business Reported
Gulf News led the coverage. Its report, published at 7am today, described a busy opening night with matcha runs, food stops and a few unfinished corners. Its preview on 26 October set out the new Botanical Garden, the wellness additions, the art programme and the restaurant line-up.
By contrast, Khaleej Times and Arabian Business had not reported on the reopening by early this afternoon. Their weekend coverage focused on other Dubai stories, including the Dubai Fitness Challenge and Sunday’s Dubai Ride. We will update this guide if either paper adds details on hours or events.
Conclusion
In short, Marsa Boulevard has returned bigger and greener for its third season. It offers new restaurants, a refreshed garden, wellness classes and art along one of Dubai’s most atmospheric stretches of water. Opening night showed that residents were ready for it. If you want a relaxed, open-air evening this winter, it deserves a place on your list, ideally with an empty stomach and a sunset to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Marsa Boulevard reopen?
It reopened for its third season on Friday 30 October 2026, with doors opening at 5pm on the first evening.
Where is Marsa Boulevard?
It is on the Dubai Creek waterfront in Al Kheeran, in the Dubai Festival City area. It is not the same place as Marsa Al Arab in Jumeirah.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry to the promenade is free, and you pay only for food, drinks and any ticketed activities.
Which restaurants are new this season?
Newcomers include NAC, CRST, Slrp, Nuwa, Marmellata, For a While and Badu. Returning names include Home Bakery, Trio, Lune, Sadeem and Fynd.
How long does the season last?
The season runs through the cooler months. According to the 971TODAY news account, it continues until mid-April 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Marsa Boulevard reopened on the Dubai Creek waterfront on Friday 30 October 2026 for its third season.
- Gulf News reported busy crowds on opening night, although some outlets were still setting up.
- New food names include NAC, CRST, Slrp, Nuwa and Marmellata, alongside favourites such as Home Bakery and Trio.
- Season 3 adds a Botanical Garden, Pilates and yoga, commissioned art and fashion pop-ups.
- Entry is free, and the venue is in Al Kheeran near Dubai Festival City, not Marsa Al Arab or Dubai Creek Harbour.
