Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is an artificial canal about three kilometres long, cut inland from the Gulf and filled with seawater, with a dense wall of residential towers built along both banks from the early 2000s. A continuous promenade runs the length of it past cafes and moorings, dhow cruises and speedboat trips leave from the quays, and the Marina Walk connects at the seaward end to the beach at JBR. The Ain Dubai observation wheel stands on Bluewaters Island opposite.

Background

Also known as Marsa Dubai, the district dates from 2003 and covers 4.9 km2. Its design took its cue from Concord Pacific Place on False Creek, Vancouver. The central waterway was excavated from the desert, and more than 12% of the land is given over to public space. The first phase, on 25 acres, produced six towers: three take their names from precious stones (Al Mass, Fairooz, Murjan) and three from Arabic scents (Mesk, Anbar, Al Yass). Most of the later skyscrapers stand between 250 metres and 300 metres, and Ciel Dubai Marina reaches 366 metres. In 2024 the population was 70,550, and whales and sharks have entered the marina many times.

Source: Wikipedia, "Dubai Marina"

The main sights

• The promenade - a continuous walk of about seven kilometres along both banks.
• The tower canyon - one of the densest concentrations of high-rise towers anywhere.
• The boat trips - dhow dinner cruises and speedboat tours leaving from the quays.
• The JBR beach end - where the marina meets the open sea and the public beach.

When to go

November to April for walking; evenings are the liveliest all year. Weekend nights are extremely busy. Summer humidity makes the promenade unpleasant before dark.

What to expect

It is entirely modern and has no historic interest whatever. Restaurant prices on the promenade are high and touts for boat trips are persistent. Traffic and parking in the district are difficult.

Nearby

Palm Jumeirah is northeast, and Kite Beach is beyond it.

Key facts