Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a district of skyscrapers around a man-made harbour about 3 km long, with yachts at the berths and a promenade that runs all the way round the water. Next door, JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) faces the open sea: together they are one of Dubai's liveliest areas in the evening, with a beach, restaurants and a walking street.

Why go

The classic walk follows the Marina promenade and The Walk along JBR Beach — a free city beach with lifeguards and cafés and shops a step away. Across the water, on Bluewaters Island, stands the 250 m Ain Dubai wheel, open again since December 2024 after almost three years of repairs.

For shopping there is Dubai Marina Mall; for music by the water, the beach clubs Barasti, Bla Bla and COVEBEACH. Yacht and boat trips leave from the Marina berths — a good way to see the skyscrapers and Palm Jumeirah from the water.

Where to stay and who it suits

Dubai Marina and JBR suit those who want to stay by the sea but still in the city, with the beach, restaurants and transport close by. There are plenty of apartments and mid-range to upscale hotels, including some right on JBR Beach. The downsides: old Dubai and Downtown are 25–40 minutes away, and The Walk gets crowded in the evening.

How to get there

The Dubai Tram runs along the Marina and JBR, with the Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 and 2 stops right by the promenade. You change to the tram from the metro Red Line at Sobha Realty (formerly Dubai Marina) and DMCC stations. From DXB airport, a taxi takes about 30–40 minutes.