Dubai Marina | All you need to know
What is Dubai Marina?
Dubai Marina district is located in the west of the city of Dubai, along the coast, between the areas of Jebel Ali and Al-Soufuh. It is the second smallest district of Dubai which occupies only 4 square kilometers.
Construction of the area started in 2003 and is now almost over. At the end of construction, Dubai Marina should be the largest artificial marina for yachts in the world. All residential complexes will be able to accommodate up to 120,000 residents. There will be also all the necessary infrastructure such as shopping centers, restaurants, shops, and other services.
The Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is the heart of the Dubai Marina. 200 high-rise buildings have been built at JBR, 40 of them are skyscrapers in height from 250 to 516 meters. The tallest of them is the Pentominium skyscraper with a height of 516 meters, but it is still under construction.
Dubai Marina is the perfect place for both active sports lovers and those who just want to relax on the beach. Here you can enjoy water sports, rent a yacht, go shopping or just sunbathe on the 2 km long Jumeirah beach.
Best things to do in Dubai Marina
Shopping in the Dubai Marina Mall
The Marina Mall in Dubai is a modern shopping center located in the Dubai Marina district. It has four floors and occupies a huge area of 390 square meters. The parking of the Mall is huge and can accommodate up to 2100 cars. On the territory of Marina Mall, there are 160 fashion shops and boutiques, where you can find different things to buy from famous brands. There is also a cinema, ice skating rink, bowling, many cafes and restaurants, as well as a variety of entertainment for children.
Take a Boat Cruise
One of the best activities in Dubai Marina is a boat trip along the Marina Coast. You can book a few-hours cruise on a traditional Arab boat with dinner, or just take a quick boat ride along the coast. By the way, there are many yachts clubs in Dubai Marina where you can book a yacht for your private trip or even buy one of them.
Have a delicious dinner
Enjoy the dinner in one of the many restaurants with a beautiful view of the Dubai Marina. Dubai has a lot of excellent restaurants with Italian, French, Asian and other cuisines of the world. Also, you can try very tasty seafood in Dubai. Try the grilled squid in the Mediterranean restaurant or eat the mega-burger in the American The Counter.
Enjoy the sunset in the Sky Lounge
Before twilight comes in the city, go to the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah hotel, which is located nearby, and enjoy the famous Dubai sunset. Located on the 35th floor, the open terrace offers to the visitors a beautiful view of the Bay and Palm Jumeirah.
Visit the JBR beach
The local JBR beach is recognized as one of the best ones in the UAE. If it was situated in Europe, it would definitely get the “blue flag”. Here you will find a clean sea, changing rooms and toilets, numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Camel Ride
Just behind The Beach shopping and entertainment center on the JBR Beach pedestrian zone, you will find drovers who offer you a camel ride along the coastline. This traditionally Arabic activity will cost you 50 dirhams. Take a leisurely camel ride, enjoying beautiful views of the bay and yachts and take beautiful photos with this desert animal.
The best beaches in Dubai Marina
Dubai has many wonderful beaches and every year the coastal infrastructure improves, new beaches are opening. You can relax for free on several Dubai city beaches which are situated not far from the city center and the Dubai Marina district. It is recommended to visit the beaches of Dubai from October to April, as it can be too hot in the metropolis in summer. The temperature on the local beaches often goes up to +45°C.
Barasti beach
Barasti is one of the most popular free club beaches. You can get here for free, but you will not be able to bring food and drinks with you. At the entrance to the beach, the security staff will even take a bottle of water from your bag. You can use the deck chairs for free as well as enjoy the swimming pool. However, without water, you will sooner or later have to buy something at a local bar. There is always playing club music and in the evening DJs organize great pool parties.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach or JBR Beach is also located in the Dubai Marina area. This beach probably has the longest coastline in Dubai. It takes at least 30 minutes to walk along its coastline. This beach also has a variety of entertainments for children. So if you are going to Dubai with your family, this is the best place to spend a great time with your kids.
Dubai Marina Beach Resort & Spa hotel
Another good private beach in Dubai Marina is located at the Dubai Marina Beach Resort & Spa. This is a very comfortable beach, and also here you can rent catamarans, hydro scooters, and “water bananas”.
The best restaurants in Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the most picturesque locations in the city to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. Here you will find restaurants of the Mediterranean, Asian, American, Oriental and other cuisines of the world. Enjoy dining with beautiful views in restaurants with friendly staff and excellent service.
Marina Social
The chef of Marina Social is the famous Jason Atherton’s, Michelin star-wielding British chef. In this modern British and Mediterranean restaurant you can enjoy delicious dishes on the spacious terrace. In addition to classic British cuisine, in Marina Social, you can try the famous English breakfast.
Address: Dubai, Dubai Marina, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud St. Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Marina Social website.
The Blacksmith
This restaurant is perfect for meat lovers. Try here smoked chili-rubbed wings, popper-stuffed meatballs or juicy Texas sandwich. Excellent sauces are served with meat and you can also order alcoholic beverages such as red wine.
Address: Dubai, Dubai Marina, Al Seba Street - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
The Blacksmith website.
Ultra Brasserie
This is probably one of the best vegetarian and healthy food restaurants. There is a very varied menu, from fully vegan dishes to baked fish and salads. The Ultra Brasserie restaurant is open from 7 am to 10 pm, so you can also have breakfast here. It is located very conveniently, right next to the Dubai Marina walk.
Address: Dubai, Dubai Marina, Emaar Square, Building #4 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Ultra Brasserie website.
The best hotels in Dubai Marina
Dubai is known to be the tourist center of the United Arab Emirates. There is a huge selection of hotels, from budget ones to luxury five-star penthouses. Dubai hotels have excellent service and extremely friendly staff. Stay in one of the hotels in Dubai Marina and enjoy incredible views of the artificial bay and skyscrapers.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach 5*
This hotel is located in the heart of Dubai Marina, just a few steps from the JBR tram station, within walking distance of the beach. Thanks to the Jumeirah Lake Towers Metro Station, you can easily reach the city’s main attractions. The Mövenpick rooms have an elegant design and balconies with sea views.
In general, Mövenpick has 294 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a cafe, two bars, 24-hour room service, a beauty salon babysitting services, connecting rooms, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and jacuzzi. This five-star hotel has also a spa center where you can order various types of massages, body and face care.
Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel 5*
This hotel occupies two 45-story twin towers and is easily recognizable among other buildings in Dubai Marina. It is located five minutes from the beach at JBR and within walking distance from the Dubai Marina Mall. This hotel offers luxuriously decorated rooms, equipped according to the latest technologies. The windows offer stunning panoramic views of the area of Dubai Marina.
JA Ocean View Hotel 5*
This five-star hotel is located by the sea and a five-minute walk from the JBR tram station. It has bright rooms with modern furniture and balconies with breathtaking sea views. The hotel is ideal for family holidays.
JA Ocean View Hotel has 342 rooms and suites, four restaurants, few bars, a beauty salon, a club for children from 3 to 12 years old, babysitting services, connecting rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, spa, sauna, and jacuzzi.
