Wondering exactly what living in Dubai Marina is like? The vibrant waterfront area is a major attraction in the emirate. Here, we explore this urban hub of luxury living and vibrant nightlife — with an in-depth analysis on the area’s pros and cons.
Pros of living in Dubai Marina
According to Bayut & dubizzle’s Dubai rental market report for H1 2023, Dubai Marina is the preferred location for renting luxury apartments in the city.
Dubai Marina has always been one of Dubai’s most popular areas, thanks to the upscale marina lifestyle it offers. Among the many residential towers here is Cayan Tower, which is instantly recognisable by its unique design.
To start our guide, we look at the many benefits of living in Dubai Marina – which make it one of the city’s most popular areas to live and visit.
EXCITING ATTRACTIONS IN DUBAI MARINA
Life in the area is always interesting because of the long list of places to visit in Dubai Marina! It’s not surprising that things to do in Dubai Marina appeal to everyone. The nearby Beach, JBR offers activities like jet skiing and paddle boarding. Meanwhile, all daredevils can try their hand at skydiving with Skydive Dubai!
There are plenty of family-friendly venues in Dubai Marina, including the stunning Dubai Marina Walk – an excellent shopping, leisure and dining destination. The trendy Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah are a short drive away from the community, offering fantastic entertainment options.
So, if you are the kind of person who likes to stay in the middle of the action, the bustling district is one of the best areas to live in Dubai!
NO SHORTAGE OF MALLS, RESTAURANTS, BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS
Looking for quality retail options in Dubai Marina? The shops in Marina Mall feature local and international brands to suit an upscale lifestyle.
On the other hand, this waterfront retail, leisure and entertainment destination offers everything from trendy cafes to casual eateries for the foodies.
The fine-dining restaurants in Dubai Marina offer the ultimate gastronomical experiences. The beach and nightclubs in Dubai Marina are great for party-goers, while the bars in Dubai Marina are perfect for hanging out with friends.
TOP CLASS APARTMENTS
Dubai Marina’s massive portfolio of rental apartments has options for everyone, from single professionals to couples and families. This neighbourhood is the epitome of luxury living, with over 200 residential towers.
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- 1509 SQFT
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- 1509 SQFT
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- 1301 SQFT
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- 1230 SQFT
Almost all residential buildings and complexes have fully equipped gyms, swimming pools, BBQ areas, children’s playgrounds, sports courts and saunas. Depending on your budget, you can find studios to 3-bedroom apartments in Dubai Marina with high-quality interiors and finishing. These properties also have airy and bright living spaces and balconies offering mesmerising views of the marina and the glorious Dubai skyline.
- 1-bed flats for rent in Dubai Marina are available in the range of AED 60k to AED 233k.
- You can get 2-bed apartments for rent in Dubai Marina for AED 84k to AED 1.9M.
- Spacious 3-bedroom flats for rent in Dubai Marina are available for AED 110k to AED 550k.
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- 1524 SQFT
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- 1178 SQFT
The price of apartments in the luxury community varies depending on the layouts and amenities. Here are the details of the buying costs.
- Investors can expect to pay around AED 700k to AED 3.9M to buy 1-bedroom units in Dubai Marina.
- The starting price to buy a Dubai Marina 2-bedroom apartment is AED 1M.
- Buying 3-bed flats in Dubai Marina would cost you anywhere from AED 1.45M to AED 21.1M.
Some Dubai Marina towers also have an interesting selection of duplexes, lofts and penthouses. Fitness enthusiasts will be happy to know that most apartments are close to the popular gyms in Dubai Marina.
CLOSE TO THE BEACH
Dubai Marina is the perfect place for those who like to top up their tan, take a refreshing dip in the ocean or enjoy an impromptu camel ride at the beach!
While other parts of Dubai are a car or taxi ride away from the beach, those living in Dubai Marina can walk or take a tram to the JBR public beach in a matter of minutes.
MULTIPLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIONS
One of the biggest advantages of living in Dubai Marina is the neighbourhood’s strategic location. It offers easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), the city’s arterial highway, and is a short drive from hubs like Dubai Internet City, JLT and Barsha Heights.
Living in Dubai Marina also appeals because of the ease of commuting via public transport. This is also why it is among the best places to live in Dubai. Residents have access to two Dubai Metro stations, Sobha Realty and DMCC. Both stations are connected to the Dubai Tram, so you can reach JBR and Al Sufouh quickly. RTA bus stations are dotted around the neighbourhood. Plus, Dubai Marina is one of the few places in Dubai where you can travel via water taxis.
Life in Dubai Marina is pedestrian-friendly, which allows for relaxing walks, especially during cooler months.
EVERY CONVENIENCE AT YOUR DOORSTEP
Living in Dubai Marina is a dream in terms of convenience. You will spot everything from small grocery stores to well-known supermarkets in Dubai Marina. Residents can also find banks, pharmacies, medical centres, gyms and salons throughout the district.
Cons of living in Dubai Marina
While living in Dubai Marina has many advantages, there are things to consider before moving to this popular area.
HEAVY TRAFFIC DURING PEAK HOURS
Dubai Marina is a popular leisure destination with residents and tourists. This means that the area faces some traffic issues, especially during public holidays and weekends. You will likely need to set aside extra time to get in and out of the area during peak hours.
NOT TOO PET-FRIENDLY
Living in Dubai Marina may not suit you if you have a furry buddy. Due to building and landlord regulations, many residential towers don’t allow pets. However, some towers have a relaxed policy. So, always check with your landlord or agent to avoid potential hassles.
LIMITED PUBLIC PARKING
While residents find covered parking in their towers, visitors can face difficulty finding public parking in Dubai Marina.
There are some paid public parking areas; however, these tend to fill up fast. This could be one of the disadvantages of living in Dubai Marina, especially if you plan to have guests over frequently.
Some residential towers in Dubai Marina have dedicated visitor parking spaces. You can confirm the details with the building management before making a decision.
LACK OF SCHOOLS
One of the biggest disadvantages for families in the neighbourhood, particularly, is the lack of schools in Dubai Marina. However, there are several schooling options near Dubai Marina in areas such as Al Sufouh, Umm Suqeim and Al Barsha, which offer IB, Indian, British and American curriculums. For older children, the Dubai Metro is a quick and convenient option for the daily commute to school.
On the other hand, parents with younger kids will be happy to know that there are many nurseries in Dubai Marina and nearby areas, including branches of well-reputed nursery chains.
THE NOISE CAN BE OVERWHELMING
Residents can expect to hear some noise from vehicles, particularly supercars and sports models, zooming down Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), especially during the day. Car horns can be bothersome during peak hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE THERE THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI MARINA WITH KIDS?
Yep! JBR Beach has loads of family-friendly activities for children and adults. Little ones would love to spend time at the inflatable waterparks and enjoy camel rides. There are also many outdoor activities in Dubai Marina to look forward to like watersports and ziplining.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO IN DUBAI MARINA FOR TOURISTS?
The luxury hotels in Dubai Marina are great places to unwind over the weekends, with amazing spas, high-end restaurants and state-of-the-art facilities. The area is home to the famed Pier 7 restaurants, particularly popular with visitors.
You can also book yacht cruises in Dubai Marina to experience the iconic sights of the city’s major landmarks.
WHAT PLACES TO SEE IN DUBAI MARINA SHOULD BE ON MY LIST?
Dubai Marina Walk are broad, scenic walkways ideal for a stroll or jog. Admire the stunning views of the marina and appreciate the modern architecture of the district known as Dubai’s Tallest Block! Did you know Dubai Marina has the largest collection of supertall skyscrapers in the city?
WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN DUBAI MARINA?
Check out the popular buildings for renting flats in Dubai Marina, which include Marina Diamonds, Marina Gate etc. Alternatively, if you like to invest in the city, you can consider our list of the top buildings to buy apartments in Dubai Marina.
And that concludes our guide to the pros and cons of living in Dubai Marina! We hope you got the answer to the question ‘is Dubai Marina a good place to live?’ As you can see, this swanky neighbourhood has a lot to offer residents, whether it’s the variety of properties, amenities or attractions nearby.
Want to know how the area fares against others? A look at Dubai Marina vs Downtown Dubai can help.
Do you have any other questions about life in Dubai Marina? Let us know in the comments below!
