Dubai Marina

The Basics

Built during the 2000s, Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s busiest leisure districts; visitors head here to relax, shop, sightsee, and eat. While strolling along the palm-dotted 4.3-mile (7-kilometer) Marina Walk, you’ll see skyscrapers, million-dollar yachts, and traditional dhows. Top attractions include the Dubai Marina Mall, the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, sightseeing cruises, and the nearby Walk at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), a beachfront shopping and dining promenade.

Many people visit the marina as part of a Dubai city tour, stopping to see the waterway with the benefit of a guide and without the hassle of having to arrange transport. Others join a dinner cruise or hop aboard a luxury yacht.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Dubai Marina is a must-visit for sightseers, shoppers, and sailing and architecture buffs.

• Bring sunglasses and suncrean if you plan to stroll along Dubai Marina Walk—there’s not much shade.

• Most Dubai city tours include a brief stop at the marina so you can take in the skyscrapers and yachts.

How to Get There

The easiest way to Dubai Marina is to step off the metro at the DAMAC or Jumeirah Lakes Tower stations. You can wander to the marina from either or catch a metro shuttle bus to the waterside. Otherwise, jump in a cab or a number 8 Dubai public bus.

When to Get There

Dubai Marina’s mix of outdoor and indoor attractions make it perfect year-round. It’s popular in the evenings, when many people stroll the Marina Walk to see the illuminated towers and boats and absorb the relaxed vibe over drinks and dinner. For daytime walks or shopping, avoid the crowds and hottest sun by arriving early.

Other Attractions at Dubai Marina

Visitors tend to make a beeline for the 140 stores and restaurants at Dubai Marina Mall or spend their time watching the yachts from a waterside café. Many also head to the north end to take in the super-high, twisted Cayan Tower, while adventure-lovers book rides on the zipline, swooshing along the cable high above the waterway.

Ways to explore

Visitors are free to explore Dubai Marina independently: There’s no entry fee, and its outdoor spaces never close. Stroll the Marina Walk past yachts and skyscrapers such as the twisting Cayan Tower before hitting Marina Mall and a waterside eatery.

While many Dubai tours showcase the marina, enjoying its sights is easiest aboard one of the many yacht or dhow cruises that ply its waters. Most continue into the open gulf and include lunch, dinner, or drinks, depending on departure time. Alternatively, up the thrills with an aerial zipline ride or exciting Jet Ski or speedboat trip.

Accessibility

With wide and smooth walkways, Dubai Marina and Marina Walk are largely wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, camera, bug spray, bottled water

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants for smart restaurants

Not allowed

Swimming in the marina, drinking alcohol unless at licensed venues

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, free and paid car parking at Marina Walk and Marina Mall

Address

Dubai Marina sits in west Dubai, just inland from the beachfront JBR neighborhood. While it’s accessible by car and public transportation, one of the most convenient ways to visit is on a Dubai city tour or a marina cruise.

Driving

If you’re driving to Dubai Marina, head for the Marina Mall, which has parking, or the street/public parking zones alongside Marina Walk. Follow the Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) from Downtown, and take Interchange 5 to get to either.

Public transportation

Dubai Metro’s Red Line is a major route to the marina: Disembark at Sobha Realty or DMCC before riding the Dubai Tram to the Marina Mall, which joins Marina Walk. Regular buses also come here, including the RTA 84.

Best times to visit

Arrive ahead of the often-busy lunchtime period and enjoy the beautiful morning light on the water. Evenings here bring crowds—but also more-than-worthwhile sunset and nighttime skyscraper views.

Best days to visit

To swerve the crowds, avoid Dubai’s weekend (Friday and Saturday) afternoons and evenings, when people flock here for sightseeing cruises and to shop, stroll, and eat out.

Best months to visit

Dubai Marina is best during the cooler November–April period. While summer visits are fine, daytime temps can hit 110°F (43.3°C), especially on the shade-free Marina Walk.

Special events

Dubai Marina buzzes during the Dubai International Boat Show every spring. Crowds also come here on New Year’s Eve to watch Dubai’s fireworks from its restaurants and boats.