Living in... Dubai Marina


Kelly Clarke
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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Few places in the UAE offer a generation fixated on snapping the perfect Instagram-worthy picture as Dubai Marina.

From its impressive sprawling skylines, winding boardwalk and quirky cafes, this is one place where you can capture photos that you will want to share with everyone.

Fun fact - this bustling neighbourhood was one of the top five most Instagrammable spots in the city, according to property portal Bayut.com in 2018.

While Dubai Marina plays host to some of the city's most magnificent architecture, there is more to the area than pretty exteriors. It has become a UAE institution.

Home to more than 45,000 residents, the waterfront promenade is unofficially considered the "end" of Dubai.

For the city's long haulers, they will remember it took that distinction from the old Hard Rock Café in 2003, when the marina began sprouting from the sand.

The towering residential blocks are one of the last landmarks along Sheikh Zayed Road as motorists head south to Abu Dhabi.

"Dubai Marina is a lively hive of activity and with its famous skyline that is recognisable worldwide,” said Lewis Allsopp, chief executive of Allsopp & Allsopp.

"The community is an ideal location for people who enjoy being in the heart of an electric city and it is no surprise it is a favourite among residents.

“It is one of only a few beachside living developments in the city with shops, cafes and restaurants by the canal and the beach, all only a short walk away.”

Emaar designed and built the development along 3.6 kilometres of canal leading to the sea at either end.

Flats in Dubai Marina vary from studios, one, two, three and four-bedrooms.

Those who want something bigger and better can choose from an array of penthouses with five or more bedrooms.

"The majority of residential towers in Dubai Marina offer incredible views, have swimming pools, gyms, parks and sometimes BBQ areas for residents to enjoy," said Mr Allsopp.

Although at less than 20 years old it may still be considered a new kid on the block, Dubai Marina is an established property hotspot.

It has become a second home for many expatriates over the years and offers the perfect mix of metropolis living. Those who tend to flock to the area include singles, couples and young families.

The winding marina, which snakes 3.6km through a landscape of residential and commercial towers, is home to more than 600 boats and yachts – many of them with multimillion dollar price tags.

The area is one of few walkable districts in Dubai, too. The total length of the promenade is just short of 8km and there are plenty of stopping points along the way, from coffee shops to cafes and more.

Public transport options from Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of the best connected neighbourhoods in the city. If you are putting together a check list of areas that boast good public transport options, this place has it all. Dubai Metro - check. Dubai Tram - check. Dubai bus - check.

Residents can catch the Dubai Metro or Dubai Tram from the marina. RTA
Residents can catch the Dubai Metro or Dubai Tram from the marina. RTA

Several metro stations sit along the front of the marina, just a stone’s throw from Sheikh Zayed Road. They include Dubai Marina Metro and Jumeirah Lakes Towers Metro.

And if travelling by road or rail does not take your fancy, an impressive cruise awaits you aboard the Dubai Marina water bus. Visitors and residents in the hub of Dubai can hop on and hop off between four scenic stops, including Marina Terrace, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina Mall and Marina Promenade.

In 2014, the neighbourhood welcomed an addition to the city's public transport network.

Beams of white light shot into the night sky, fireworks exploded and the wheels began to roll on the Dubai Tram in November that year.

This service stretches more than 14km and allows passengers to travel between 11 stations along the marina.

Dubai Marina has been named one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. Jaime Puebla / The National
Dubai Marina has been named one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. Jaime Puebla / The National

Rent prices in Dubai Marina

The cost of renting a home in Dubai fell this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. That has led to greater choice and more space for tenants.

A report by property company Core said rental prices in Dubai Marina dropped by 12 per cent between July and September this year compared to the same period in 2019.

Studios now average at Dh44,000 per year. That is about Dh10,000 less compared to rental values a few years ago.

One-bedroom flats cost about Dh60,000 on average and that rises to Dh89,500 for a two-bedroom property and Dh135,000 for a three-bedroom.

For those with a larger budget and desire for more living space, there are villas in the marina. A four-bedroom duplex, although not abundant, would set tenants back about Dh175,000. And for the privilege of an extra room, be prepared to spend about Dh350,000 per year for a five-bedroom luxury flat or villa.

There is lots to do in Dubai Marina including a visit to Skydive Dubai. Getty Images
There is lots to do in Dubai Marina including a visit to Skydive Dubai. Getty Images

Dubai Marina's location and landmarks

For retail, the Marina Mall shopping centre is spread across four floors and covers more than 390,000 square feet.

It is hard to pinpoint one particular landmark in the district, unless you count the skyline. More than 300 towers - 152 of which are owned by the developer Emaar - are dotted throughout the marina, including 23 hotels, a seven-storey dining complex and 170 shops. It is also home to the Cayan Tower, an impressive 306-metre-tall skyscraper which rotates a full 90 degrees from base to top.

There really is no reason to leave the area as it also has nine clinics and medical centres to cater to residents living in more than 30,000 flats.

Facilities in Dubai Marina

The man-made marina offers a variety of shops and restaurants. The neighbourhood also boasts banks, pharmacies and supermarkets, all within easy reach of the apartments but mostly found towards the east end of the marina.

Access to the beach a few minutes' walk away in Jumeirah Beach Residence is free. The sands stretch for 1.7km. Playgrounds are dotted throughout the district and offer the perfect haven for families looking to entertain the children on a budget.

Skydive Dubai is located nearby and is open four days a week for those in need of an adrenaline rush.

For dog lovers, Dubai Marina is also a pet-friendly area, but bear in mind that you are not allowed to walk your dog along Marina Walk. There is one area in the marina, a substantial strip of grass on the way to Zero Gravity beach club, where you can walk dogs on a leash.

Dubai Marina has some areas where owners can walk their pets. Jaime Puebla / The National
Dubai Marina has some areas where owners can walk their pets. Jaime Puebla / The National

Schools and nurseries in Dubai Marina

A popular first-time rental spot for young families starting out in the city, Dubai Marina does not have schools but a good selection of campuses can be found nearby.

Less than 2.5km away in The Meadows district is Emirates International School. It offers an IB curriculum and has been rated as Very Good by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. EIS Meadows has an EY1 to Year 13 grading structure.

A 4km drive away is the International School of Choueifat Dubai in Al Sufouh.

It offers a UK and US curriculum and has been rated Acceptable in its latest inspection report. It also takes on children from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

In Jumeirah Park, opposite Dubai Marina, is the Dubai British School run by Taaleem education group. The UK curriculum campus has been rated Very Good and has a roll of more than 1,100 pupils.

What makes Dubai Marina a good community?

Dubai Marina is regarded as a party haven for singles and couples, and Natalie Brogan has called it home for the past six years.

Ms Brogan, who is from the UK, she said the area fits perfectly with her lifestyle. As a DJ at one of the local beach clubs, she said convenience is one of its biggest attractions.

“I love living in the marina for many reasons,” she said.

“The quick access to the beach, the fact I can walk to work, or in fact, walk anywhere.

“There are plenty of choices of restaurants, bars, cinemas and shopping so it’s perfect when friends and family come to visit, too,” she said.

Home is a two-bedroom flat with a sea view, and Ms Brogan said rents have come down since she arrived in 2014.

Scottish resident Kevin McFerren said he would not live anywhere else.

"I've been in Dubai for two years now and I did a lot of research about where to live," he said.

“I’m 28 and was looking for somewhere lively with the potential to upgrade to a bigger place if I start a family.

“For my first year I didn’t drive because I could either walk everywhere, jump on the metro or grab a taxi.

"I call the marina its own mini city as I really never have to leave it - everything is on my doorstep."

When he arrived in 2018, he paid Dh66,000 for his small one-bedroom flat. In April this year, his rent was Dh54,000.

A version of this article was first published on November 10, 2020.

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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Fixtures and results:

Wed, Aug 29:

  • Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
  • Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
  • UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs

Thu, Aug 30: UAE v Nepal; Hong Kong v Singapore; Malaysia v Oman

Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal

Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore

Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong

Thu, Sep 6: Final

TO A LAND UNKNOWN

Director: Mahdi Fleifel

Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa

Rating: 4.5/5

Company%20profile
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Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Scotland v Ireland:

Scotland (15-1): Stuart Hogg; Tommy Seymour, Huw Jones, Sam Johnson, Sean Maitland; Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (capt); Josh Strauss, James Ritchie, Ryan Wilson; Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Simon Berghan, Stuart McInally, Allan Dell

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti, D'arcy Rae, Ben Toolis, Rob Harley, Ali Price, Pete Horne, Blair Kinghorn

Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)

Ireland (15-1): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack Conan, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; James Ryan, Quinn Roux; Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (capt), Cian Healy

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour

Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)

Zakat definitions

Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.

Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.

Zakat Al Mal: the ‘cleansing’ of wealth, as one of the five pillars of Islam; a spiritual duty for all Muslims meeting the ‘nisab’ wealth criteria in a lunar year, to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth in alms to the deserving and needy.

Zakat Al Fitr: a donation to charity given during Ramadan, before Eid Al Fitr, in the form of food. Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of the needs of themselves and their family must pay two qadahs (an old measure just over 2 kilograms) of flour, wheat, barley or rice from each person in a household, as a minimum.

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Have you been targeted?

Tuan Phan of SimplyFI.org lists five signs you have been mis-sold to:

1. Your pension fund has been placed inside an offshore insurance wrapper with a hefty upfront commission.

2. The money has been transferred into a structured note. These products have high upfront, recurring commission and should never be in a pension account.

3. You have also been sold investment funds with an upfront initial charge of around 5 per cent. ETFs, for example, have no upfront charges.

4. The adviser charges a 1 per cent charge for managing your assets. They are being paid for doing nothing. They have already claimed massive amounts in hidden upfront commission.

5. Total annual management cost for your pension account is 2 per cent or more, including platform, underlying fund and advice charges.

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh122,745

On sale: now

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Museum of the Future in numbers
  •  78 metres is the height of the museum
  •  30,000 square metres is its total area
  •  17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
  •  14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
  •  1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior 
  •  7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
  •  2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
  •  100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
  •  Dh145 is the price of a ticket