Top Things to Do in Dubai Marina (2026)

Discover Dubai Marina

Before diving into a detailed list of things to do in Dubai Marina, it helps to understand the layout and character of the district. Built around a 3-kilometre-long man-made canal, Dubai Marina is a mixed-use waterfront community combining residential towers, hotels, retail, marinas, and leisure attractions.

The area is popular with both residents and visitors, thanks to landmarks such as Dubai Marina Walk and Dubai Marina Mall, as well as its proximity to JBR Beach. With amenities, dining, and recreational options clustered closely together, Dubai Marina offers a lifestyle that is both convenient and visually striking.

4 Best Things to Do in Dubai Marina

Whether you are visiting for the day or staying longer, these experiences define the Dubai Marina lifestyle.

Dhow Cruise

A dhow cruise along the Marina promenade offers a relaxed way to experience the district from the water. Traditional wooden boats glide through the canal, providing views of the illuminated skyline, waterfront residences, and bridges. Many cruises include dinner and live entertainment, making this a popular evening activity.

Marina Beach and JBR Beach

Dubai Marina sits within walking distance of JBR Beach, which many visitors naturally include as part of their Marina experience. The beachfront offers swimming, beach clubs, cafés, watersports, and a lively promenade, making it a natural extension of a day spent in the Marina.

Skydive Dubai

For thrill-seekers, Skydive Dubai offers one of the most iconic experiences in the city. Tandem skydives provide aerial views over the Palm Jumeirah and Marina skyline, combining adrenaline with unforgettable scenery under professional supervision.

Dubai Marina Yacht Club

The Dubai Marina Yacht Club reflects the district’s nautical character. Home to a wide range of private and chartered yachts, it is a focal point for boating, social events, and waterfront leisure. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding promenade, dine nearby, or book yacht experiences directly from the Marina.

Top Attractions in Dubai Marina

Beyond the headline experiences, Dubai Marina offers several attractions that showcase its scale and lifestyle appeal.

Dubai Marina XLine

The Dubai Marina XLine is the world’s longest urban zipline, allowing riders to soar between towers at high speed while taking in views of the marina below. Operating during the day and evening, it remains one of the area’s most distinctive attractions.

Yacht and Speedboat Tours

Yacht and speedboat tours offer a flexible way to explore Dubai’s coastline from the water, ranging from relaxed cruising to faster, more energetic experiences. Departing from Dubai Marina, these tours provide scenic views of the waterfront skyline and nearby landmarks, making them a popular option for visitors looking to experience the city from a different perspective.

Yacht Cruises and Water Activities in Dubai Marina

Water-based activities are central to the Marina experience. A wide range of operators offer shared and private yacht charters, as well as watersports such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing.

Yacht cruises are available throughout the day and evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the Marina from the water or venture further along the coast. Options range from casual group experiences to fully private charters, depending on preference and budget.

Top Restaurants & Cafés in Dubai Marina

Dining is one of Dubai Marina’s strongest lifestyle features, with options spread across waterfront promenades, dedicated dining destinations, and shopping centres.

Pier 7

Pier 7 is not a single restaurant but a multi-level dining destination, with seven different venues spread across seven floors. Each floor offers a distinct concept and cuisine, many with panoramic Marina views. The mix of restaurants and lounges, including popular sports and social venues, makes Pier 7 a central part of Marina nightlife and dining.

Bistro Des Arts

Located along the Marina promenade, Bistro Des Arts offers classic French cuisine in a relaxed, waterside setting. From breakfasts to evening dining, it is a long-standing favourite among residents.

Iran Zamin

Iran Zamin is known for its authentic Persian cuisine, offering a varied menu of traditional dishes in a casual yet refined environment. It remains one of the Marina’s most popular options for Middle Eastern dining.

Dining at Dubai Marina Mall

Dubai Marina Mall serves as a casual dining hub, with a wide selection of cafés and restaurants suitable for everyday meals, family outings, and relaxed evenings. Combined with waterfront seating and easy access to the promenade, it plays an important role in the area’s dining scene.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is well suited to families, offering a balance of outdoor space and accessible entertainment.

• Walk or cycle along the Dubai Marina Walk, a flat, well-maintained promenade that circles the canal.

• Spend time at Dubai Marina Mall, which combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in one location.

• Visit nearby JBR Beach for open space, play areas, and casual dining.

• Take a ferry or boat ride through the Marina for a relaxed way to see the district from the water.

Shopping and Entertainment in Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina Mall is the area’s main retail and leisure destination, housing over 140 retail outlets alongside a broad selection of cafés and restaurants. The mall brings together fashion, lifestyle brands, casual dining, and everyday conveniences in a compact, waterfront setting that is easy to navigate.

Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy a cinema and family-friendly entertainment venues, making Dubai Marina Mall a practical stop for both daytime activities and evening outings within the Marina.

Retail outlets, cafés, and restaurants are also spread along Dubai Marina Walk, reinforcing the district’s walkable, lifestyle-driven layout and allowing residents and visitors to move seamlessly between shopping, dining, and waterfront leisure.

How to Reach Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is easily accessible via several transport options.

• Bus: Routes such as 8, 84, and N55 serve the area.

• Metro: The nearest stations are Sobha Realty and DMCC on the Red Line, located at the edge of the district.

• Tram: The Dubai Tram connects key points across Marina and JBR, including Marina Mall and beach access.

• Car or Taxi: Sheikh Zayed Road provides direct access, with Uber and Careem widely available.

Living in Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s most established waterfront residential communities. The area offers high-rise apartments, penthouses, and marina-facing residences, attracting both end-users and investors.

Strong rental demand, proximity to business districts, and lifestyle amenities continue to support its appeal. Engel & Völkers provides expert guidance for those looking to buy or invest in Dubai Marina, supported by over 45 years of experience and a global network of advisors.

Contact us: +971 4 422 3500