Living in Dubai Marina: 2025 Guide to the Waterfront Hub

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Dubai Districts: Where To Live. Dubai Marina

3 Jul 2025

What is the best way to get a feel for a neighbourhood you are thinking of moving to? Well… the best way is simply to live there. The next best thing is to talk to the people who already do. The real insiders — the ones who know where to get the best coffee in the morning, where to squeeze in a 5 5-kilometre run, and where to hang out on a Friday night.

So far, we have explored Al Barari, Creek Harbour, Downtown, JVC, DIFC, and Sobha Hartland. Not many left to tick off — but this one you definitely know.

Welcome to Dubai Marina. What is it really like to live here?

Dubai Marina: General information

Dubai Marina is all about energy, especially in the evenings, when the whole area comes to life. The streets fill with people, and there is this great buzz in the air. A big part of that is the walkability — Dubai Marina has a beautiful promenade that stretches over seven kilometres along the water, making it one of the most pedestrian-friendly spots in the city.

But it is not all fast-paced. Between the lively bars and trendy restaurants, you will find quiet corners too — leafy little cafés, terraces, and bike stations every 500 metres (or maybe even less!).

That mix of high energy and laid-back charm is what really makes it special. It is one of those places where you can soak in the city vibe but still find your own peaceful moment whenever you need it.

I love this place — love the views of the night-time skyscrapers and the little boats drifting by. I love that I can walk 10 km every evening and still enjoy it like it is the first time. And of course, the beach — just a 30-minute walk away.— Elena, Chief Marketing Officer

Everything is so well set up — the beach is nearby, the Ferris wheel is just around the corner, and the promenade is full of cafés and bike rentals. It’s also a great place to live with a child.— Juliette, Head of ORM

Photo: Adam Le Sommer

When it comes to rent, Dubai Marina is one of the most varied areas in the city — and for good reason. In Dubai, the age of your building can make a big difference when it comes to pricing. And Marina, being one of the city’s earlier developed neighbourhoods (especially compared to places like Business Bay or Dubai Hills), offers a wide range of building options — so you can prioritise what matters most to you: the building itself, the view, the space or the price.

Here is a look at average rental prices based on 2025 data.

Studio: 55,000 AED–140,000 AED per year

1-bedroom: 80,000 AED–150,000 AED per year

2-bedroom: 120,00 AED–220,000 AED per year

Transportation

Dubai Marina might seem a bit out of the way — especially since it is on the opposite side of Dubai’s central areas like Downtown and DIFC (though let’s be honest, what even is the “city centre” in Dubai?). But in reality, it is surprisingly well connected — and that is mostly thanks to two major advantages.

First: the Metro. With Sobha Realty and DMCC stations serving different parts of the area, getting in and out is pretty easy.

Second: Sheikh Zayed Road. Yes, it is a toll road ( around 6 AED via Salik if you are driving or taking a taxi), but honestly, those few dirhams are worth every minute you save. Even during peak hours, traffic rarely comes to a complete standstill.

On top of that, Dubai Marina is also served by the tram, buses, and even the Dubai Marina Water Bus (which — yes — actually exists!).

Still, even with all these smart ways to spread out foot traffic and make moving around easier, congestion isn’t completely avoidable. So if you don’t have a car and rely on taxis, be ready to pay a little more during peak hours — as driving time does go up.

Even though there are buses and the metro here, I have a child, so I prefer taking taxis. But honestly, it is hard without a car. I really want one — just to be more mobile.— Juliette

It really comes down to your building and where it is located. If you are near a metro station — there is no problem at all. But if you are further out, you will probably need to hop on the tram or walk a bit.— Elena

How you experience traffic in Dubai Marina really depends on exactly where your building is. While the area is well connected to the rest of the city, it can still get a bit congested within the Marina itself — especially during peak hours.

If you are in the mood for something a bit fancy:

Row on 45 — A must for anyone collecting Michelin-starred dinners — and the bonus? One of the most stunning views in all of Dubai.
OSH Dubai — Located in the Address Hotel, this is the place to go whenever you are in the mood for seafood.

Here is what typical drive times look like during peak traffic, around 6 pm:

From Dubai Mall: 25 minutes
From Dubai Hills Mall: 20 minutes
From Jumeirah Beach: 27 minutes
From DIFC: 40 minutes (though let’s be honest — that delay is more about DIFC being packed at 6 pm!)

Food

Marina is a place full of contrasts — and the food scene sums that up perfectly.

Here you will find everything from laid-back pizza joints where you are eating with your hands off a cardboard plate, mayo dripping down your fingers — to elegant restaurants where heels aren’t exactly required, but let’s be honest, they wouldn’t go amiss.

And then there is Bluewaters, just next door — only about five minutes away by car — a home to a mix of stylish, buzzy spots that proper foodies will love.

So… where should you start? I asked Elena — and called in our go-to food insider, Ariza, for a few favourites.

If you are looking for something off the beaten path:

Kooya — Ever tried Filipino food? If not, this is the place to start. Go for the beef kaldereta, chicken inasal, and pancit palabok.
Roll and Boil — A hidden gem for all things dumpling. From sweet cherry-filled to cheesy (for those who believe cheese belongs everywhere).

Instagram: @oshdubai

If you are looking for something off the beaten path:

Kooya — Ever tried Filipino food? If not, this is the place to start. Go for the beef kaldereta, chicken inasal, and pancit palabok.
Roll and Boil — A hidden gem for all things dumpling. From sweet cherry-filled to cheesy (for those who believe cheese belongs everywhere).

Instagram: @kooyafilipinoeatery

Abd El Wahab — Think you have had Lebanese food? Not really — not until you have been here. This is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with it, whether all over again or for the very first time.

Little Lamb Mongolian Hot Pot — For those who aren’t just after great food, but the full experience. Yes, it might sound cliché, but here you really can boil just about everything you get — and somehow it works.

Instagram: @abdelwahabuae

Hidden Gems & Public Facilities

When I asked our insiders about cool spots and facilities in Dubai Marina, they actually paused — not because there aren’t any, but because they didn’t know where to begin. Parks, cycling tracks, spas, workshops, dance studios, gyms… there is so much happening here.

But here are a few personal favourites that are definitely worth checking out:

If you need a bit of self-care:

Face Room — If you love massages, this place is a dream. And if you have never had a proper face massage — trust me, try it. You will walk out glowing, even without makeup.
Brilliance — A sleek, feel-good beauty salon that does it all — from nails to hair and facials. Bright, stylish, and just a great spot to treat yourself.
Banya Forrest — Technically in Bluewaters (only a 7-minute drive from Marina), but totally worth the trip if you are into saunas.

If you are looking to move a bit:

Balance Studio — The perfect place if you are deep in your "Clean girl pilates era". Exactly the right energy for a good session!

The Marina Gym — A solid gym with proper equipment — not the "come pose in front of the mirror" kind of place. Just a really good spot to actually work out.