The Ultimate Insider Guide to Living in Dubai Marina   

Considering its reputation as the busiest and liveliest area in Dubai, it might surprise you to learn that the Dubai Marina is home to its own close-knit community. Spanning a mix of professionals, singles, couples, and families, many residents have lived here for a decade or more, and they just can’t bring themselves to leave.

The Marina has far more to offer than just yachts and trendy bars. From five-dirham water taxis to its own dancing fountain, it’s home to a treasure trove of hidden gems. Perfect for fitness lovers and those who want to live car-free, let’s walk you through what it’s really like to live in this iconic area.  

Incredible Public Transport  

There’s no escaping the fact that the Marina has some of the worst traffic problems of anywhere in Dubai. Getting in and out during peak times can be a lengthy and frustrating process, while public holidays are a no-go zone. 

However, with such incredible public transport systems connecting it to the rest of the city, the traffic isn’t as big of an issue as you’d expect.

Few other communities in the city are better connected. You can jump on the Metro and whizz as far as Downtown or the airport, or take the tram to the beach, restaurants, and the lively promenade of JBR.  

Arina Malinovskaya, 35, has lived in the Marina for two and a half years without a car. 

“The DMCC metro station is extremely close, and I can easily get to downtown, Dubai Mall, or even the airport from here. It’s way better than having to wait in traffic in the car,” she says.  

A Growing Fitness Scene   

The Marina is renowned for being a hotspot for fitness enthusiasts. 

Featuring a seven-kilometre-long, palm-tree-lined waterside footpath, the Marina Walk is always filled with joggers, walkers, and cyclists.   

Several running clubs meet at Dubai Marina, and The Dubai Harbour Run Race is one of the highlights of the calendar. Taking in the best views of the area, it’s an event that no Marina jogger can afford to miss.  

There’s also a choice of amazing gyms and fitness studios. Ranging from therapeutic hot yoga to high-octane CrossFit and circuit training, and modern dance, working out at the Marina is a social occasion rather than a chore.     

Restaurants, Supermarkets, and More at Your Doorstep

Whether you want fine dining, casual bites, or family-friendly cafes, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Dubai Marina. There’s no less than three huge supermarkets, countless pharmacies, and a medical centre.

Founder of the Tigrus restaurant holding company, launched Osteria Mario, a popular restaurant in Dubai Marina, in July 2023. He’s noticed that many residents prefer to eat locally.  

“The Marina and JBR community are very loyal to the area, and we are fortunate to have built a strong following among regular guests who make Osteria Mario a part of their daily routine,” he says. 

Meanwhile, Caroline Dickin, 39, works primarily from home, and she doesn’t have a car. She loves living in the Marina because she has everything she wants on her doorstep. 

“There are so many shops, cafes, and restaurants around, and I can even walk to the beach at JBR. It makes me feel like I’m on holiday, and it has a whole different vibe. Most of all, I love walking at night time when the canals are all lit up. It’s absolutely stunning.”   

Hidden Gems in Dubai Marina  

AED 5 Boat Rides

One of the most unique things about Dubai Marina is the water taxis. Forget splashing out on fancy boat cruises, savvy residents know that you can experience the best of the Marina’s waters for just AED 5 per crossing. A fun activity for visitors and a practical way of getting from the Dubai Marina Mall all the way to Marina Walk, nothing embodies the cool and quirky spirit of the area more than the severely underrated water taxis. 

The Secret Dancing fountain

Another little-known fact is that the Marina has its own dancing fountain. 

Although not quite as big or famous as the one at the Dubai Mall, the Marina Dancing Fountain by Emaar is still a beautiful display of colour and music. Performed at 20-minute intervals between 6 pm and 10 pm, it lets you beat the crowds of Dubai Mall and be back home in a matter of minutes.  

JLT Walking Routes

While the Marina Walk is one of the best things about life in this vibrant area, the crowds of tourists and day-trippers can become a bit much at times.  

For pet owners, it’s also worth noting that dogs are strictly not allowed on the promenades of either the Marina or JBR. However, pet owners don’t have to go far to walk their four-legged friends. 

“If ever I want to escape the crowds, I hop over the metro bridge to JLT. The walking paths are much quieter over there, and it has loads of green spaces. It’s pet-friendly as well,” Arina adds. 

During the summer months, you can move your daily stroll inside to the air-conditioned cool walkways that connect many of the shops and cafes or lap the four floors of the enormous Dubai Marina Mall. 

Pro-Tips to Make the Most out of the Marina

10-year resident Caroline shares her top tips for getting the most out of life in this amazing area.

Avoid the Tourist Hotspots 

“A lot of people misguidedly accuse the Marina of being packed with tourists. But all you need to do is learn what the hotspots are. For instance, if you’re heading for an evening run or walk, minimise your time outside the mall, and you’ll find huge areas of calm free from the chaos.” 

Be Smart with Your Departure Times 

“The biggest downside to the Marina is the traffic. However it can be manageable if you are smart with scheduling your travel times to avoid rush hour. If you live somewhere with easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road, that helps as well.” 

Do Your Research  

“Finally, as a well-established area, there are big discrepancies in maintenance and quality from building to building. Make time to do your research, read reviews, and do detailed viewings to avoid any surprises down the road.”

Dubai Marina: Where Community, Activity, and Convenience Collide

As you can see, the Dubai Marina is home to a community of loyal, long-term residents who love their local area with a passion.

With everything from the practical amenities to running tracks and family-friendly attractions right on your doorstep, it’s an immensely livable community that offers far more than first meets the eye. 

If you are looking for a picturesque community that makes it easy to lead an active lifestyle and live car-free, you need not look any further than the gorgeous Dubai Marina. 

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