Marina Bay in Dubai is one of the most popular places to stay for visitors and with good reason! From watersports and adventure to delicious cuisine and towering skyscrapers, this premier location has plenty of attractions. 
In fact, an address here is quite prestigious, going by the area’s inclusion in the list of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world as per Time Out. From beach walks and mall hopping to clubs, restaurants and shopping, there’s everything you need.

Guide to Dubai Marina

You’ll also come across plenty of delightful and centrally connected serviced apartments in Dubai Marina, which offer proximity to the waterfront and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) nearby. 

The best time to visit is ideally from November to February to enjoy the pleasant Dubai Marina weather. The late evening hours are also great when you’re here, to get a feel of the place, have a sumptuous dinner at a rooftop restaurant and enjoy the local vibe. 

Top Attractions in Dubai Marina

If you’re wondering what to do in Dubai Marina, then there are plenty of attractions worth checking out here. Let’s take a closer look: 

• Xline Zipline:

It is one of the most thrilling adventure activities that you’ll find in Dubai Marina. Zip through the sky at 170 metres while looking onto the spectacular bay beneath you (at almost 60 mph in less than three seconds). Some other highlights include expert coaching and video recordings of the whole experience for some lifetime memories. 

• SkyDive Dubai:

One of thing things to do in Dubai Marina which simply cannot be skipped is sky Dive Dubai! There are several dives available, including the Tandem Skydive, which lets you freefall at 200 mph and more, while being harnessed with an experienced instructor. This gives you fabulous views of several landmarks in Dubai, including the Palm Jumeirah. 

• Dubai Marina Mall:

A tour of the Dubai Marina neighbourhood is incomplete without checking out this amazing mall with 140+ outlets across four levels. You’ll find something for every budget here, right from art and crafts to lifestyle, fashion and a lot more. There’s also an entertainment centre for kids along with a movie theatre, restaurants, a supermarket and more. 

• Dubai Marina Walk:

Take a pleasant walk along this lovely promenade which covers 7 kms in total, with its beautiful Arabian Gulf views. You’ll find several palm fronds lining the promenade, with multiple restaurants and diners to check out as well. Visit the Covent Garden market with its handmade wares, while there are regular performances taking place here as well. 

• Marina Dubai Beach:

JBR is the gateway to the beach for those living in the Dubai Marina area. You’ll find plenty of attractions here, including hotels, restaurants, lounges, a running track that covers 600ms, a movie complex and even watersports activities like wakeboarding and parasailing. The Marina Beach Dubai timings are usually throughout the day, although it is best to avoid venturing after night. 

Where to Eat in Dubai Marina

If you are a foodie, then Dubai Marina is the place for you. From casual and fine dining to lovely cafes, you will find everything. 
In fact, you shouldn’t miss a trip to Pier 7, which is one of the top places to visit in Dubai Marina, with its seven stories and lovely waterfront views. This is a great place to try authentic Lebanese cuisine at the iconic Abd el Wahab eatery. 
Also, check out modern European delights at The Scene by Simon Rimmer. You’ll also find Arabic and Asian culinary delights galore here across the seven piers or floors. 
Al-fresco seating is also available along with outdoor dining and the circular shape of the building deserves a special mention as well. 

Some other top picks include the Grosvenor House Hotel, where you’ll find popular restaurants like Indego by Vineet, Rhodes W1, City Social by Jason Atherton and more. 

La Carnita at the InterContinental Dubai Marina is also known for its fascinating interiors and lip-smacking tacos. 
While Buddha Bar is the undisputed king of the nightlife circuit. Enjoy Pan-Asian delicacies along with exquisite beverages and top-class live shows. Situated within Grosvenor House, it is one of the world’s biggest Buddha Bar lounges with two levels.

Things to Do in Dubai Marina

There are several things to do if you’re in the Marina Bay Dubai area, including the following: 

Dhow Cruise:

Embark on a relaxing cruise on the water, taking in the gorgeous Dubai skyline and landmarks like the Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Yacht Club and Giant Ain Dubai along the way. Some cruises even offer fabulous food and beverages, while you can enjoy romantic evening cruises with live performances as well. 

JBR Beach:

This stands out for its amazing watersports facilities like parasailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and boating. You’ll love the lovely walk along the beach while checking out several happening clubs and lounges alongside. There are several stores, resorts and restaurants here along with street food stalls 

AquaFun:

The biggest inflatable water park in Dubai, it offers thrilling adventures for the whole family. The park extends into the sea and comes with more than 110 obstacles that will blow your mind. You can also take gorgeous pictures of the whole floating park, with Dubai spelt out from above. If you’re hungry, there are numerous al-fresco dining choices at hand too. 

Dubai Marina Yacht Club:

The Yacht Club showcases stunning architecture with multiple stops across the whole Marina. You can rent super yachts and sports boats from various outlets here to spend a day on the water. Multiple diners and bars also dot the area. 

Seasonal Events in Dubai Marina

If you’re planning your trip to the Dubai Marina location, you can consider visiting during major events/celebrations here. 

New Year’s Eve:

You can choose to spend your New Year’s Eve with great food and beverages along with great music at Dubai Marina. Top spots include Asia Asia, The Showhouse, Lock, Stock & Barrel JBR and more. 

Yacht Parties:

There are several yacht parties held during the peak tourist season, allowing you to meet and interact with like-minded people, complete with fabulous music, food and beverages while you sail on the water. 

Dubai Shopping Festival:

The dates for the DSF are between the 6th of December, 2024 to the 12th of January, 2025 (30th edition). This event is known for its thrilling live music and entertainment performances (including acts by top global superstars) and of course, fabulous deals and discounts from leading shopping destinations and brands across Dubai. To know more about DSF this year, then check out our blog.

Where to Stay in Dubai Marina

If you’re considering accommodation in Dubai Marina, Serviced Apartments in Dubai Marina are a practical and comfortable choice. They cater to both short and long-term stays, offering amenities like fully-equipped kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi, televisions, and cosy furnishings, making them a home away from home for both business and leisure travelers.
In fact, these units are located near major transportation, entertainment and business landmarks, including the Dubai Marina metro station, Marina Mall, Marina Walk and many others. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to Dubai Marina? 

You can easily access the Dubai Marina area through two metro stations along with RTA bus routes, the Dubai Ferry and Dubai Tram.

The stations are the DMCC and Sobha Realty stations, which are both connected to the Dubai Tram (looping around the marina). The number 8 bus also goes to the area from Deira through the JBR (Jumeirah Beach Road), while number 84 comes here from Al Quoz.

The Dubai Ferry also runs between the Marina Mall, Al Shindagha and the Dubai Water Canal, while the Dubai Water Bus plays within the marina and also goes to Bluewaters Island.

The main connecting road is Sheikh Zayed Road (Interchange 5 or Exit 29). The metro timings are between 5 AM and 12 AM (1 AM on Friday). 

What is the best time to visit Dubai Marina? 

The best time to visit is in the period between November and February for outdoor activities, sightseeing and pleasant weather conditions. 

What can families enjoy in Dubai Marina? 

Families can enjoy visiting the Dubai Marina Mall and Marina Walk here, along with the nearby JBR Beach and Reel Cinemas for watching movies. 

Conclusion 

As you can see, the Dubai Marina is one of the best locations to stay while you’re in the city. It offers great transportation and connectivity, along with access to excellent shopping, dining and entertainment options. Just remember to book your Serviced Apartments in Dubai Marina in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. 

So when are you planning the trip to Dubai Marina, let us know in the comment section!