There is nothing more stunning than Dubai, a city full of contradictions and surprises, a nation fully rooted in tradition and Middle Eastern history, which has embraced modernity and innovation. In the historic district of Dubai Creek, there are classical courtyards and wooden dhow boats, to the gilded boulevards and sparkling Burj Khalifa of Downtown Dubai, and the aqua blue water of Palm Jumeirah. A pearl in the desert, the Emirate offers a variety of attractions and activities to entice visitors of all ages. You can also explore Dubai Marina, a thriving residential and entertainment district in the Emirate, for even more fun. With its impressive man-made canals and Arabian Gulf location, this picturesque neighborhood provides a perfect combination of cosmopolitan life and beach vibes. In this region, you will discover high-rise luxury apartment blocks, five-star beaches, dozens of restaurants, boutiques, and shops from across the globe, as well as running and walking paths to walk and run on. We’ve compiled a list of the top local activities and attractions in Dubai Marina.
RIB Speedboat Sightseeing Tour
Experience the area around Dubai Marina like never before with a speedboat tour by Xclusive Yachts. The 90-minute tour will take you from the Burj Al Arab to the Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm, and to the royal palace. This will allow you to see the rising skyline of Dubai Marina and the distinctive tower blocks. Admire the grand international yachts moored in Dubai Marina from where you will board your own speedboat tour. On your cruise, your knowledgeable tour guide will tell you all about the sights and landmarks you pass by. Be sure to take those amazing cruise pictures — they’ll be Instagram-worthy without any filters.
Sunset Dinner Cruise at Dubai Marina
The sunset dinner cruise with Xclusive Yachts is a wonderful way to spend an evening in Dubai Marina. This two-hour luxury dinner cruise will make you feel like royalty. There will also be an unlimited soft drink bar and water, coffee, and tea served at the Address Hotel (a premier luxury hotel in Dubai Marina) during your catered buffet experience. Take in spectacular nighttime views of Dubai Marina from the boat’s air-conditioned lower deck or open-air upper deck as you relax. A romantic cruise is a perfect way to spend time with your loved one, or a fun way to spend time with your family.
Also, it’s a great opportunity to taste authentic Arabic and Levantine food.
The Walk and The Beach at JBR
Once you’ve viewed the Marina from the sea, take a closer look from the ground while walking along with Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Walk. You will find something to delight you in any of The Walk’s numerous shops and restaurants, from local flavors and shisha terraces to international brands and outlets. A short distance from The Walk lies The Beach. A newly built entertainment, shopping, and dining complex directly on the Arabian Gulf offer breathtaking views of the clear turquoise water from its alfresco restaurant terraces. There is nothing like the Beach in terms of combining urban design with a coastal flair. Besides shopping to your heart’s content, you can enjoy a wide range of foods, including Turkish, Thai, Indian, Italian, British, French, and American. Take advantage of Dubai’s sunny days with a day at the beach attached to the hotel; you can lounge under a private umbrella, take a banana boat ride, or soak in the giant ocean water playground.
Zero Gravity Beach Club
Zero Gravity Beach Club should also be included in your Dubai Marina visit. One of the area’s hottest attractions is this massive beach club and entertainment complex. Zero Gravity is a place of enjoyment and relaxation by day, where you can lounge under an umbrella at the beach or take a dip in the club’s glass-walled infinity pool. Restaurants and bars are available on-site. You can watch skydivers getting ready to jump at Skydive Dubai from a viewing area on the beach, where you can observe them coming in over the beach. As the day turns into night, the club hosts some of the best live music and top international acts in the city.
Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates (located near Dubai Marina)
Located just a few minutes from Dubai Marina is Dubai’s first megamall, Mall of the Emirates. Dubai’s Dubai Mall includes hundreds of stores from Prada to Topshop, along with the first Apple Store in the UAE and the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East: Ski Dubai. Ski Dubai is a 600-square-foot (filled with real snow!) winter wonderland for all ages.
There are plenty of thrills for thrill-seekers, whether it is the world’s first indoor black diamond run or rolling down the hills on a giant padded snowball. If you prefer to relax, head to the Snow Cavern. It is filled with interactive exhibits and games, making it a great alternative to skiing, especially for those with mobility concerns. Experience the sweeping view of freshly fallen snow by riding up the chairlift. Don’t miss the daily parade by Ski Dubai’s penguins, who are the resort’s most famous residents.