The Best Things to Do in Dubai Marina

The main things to do in Dubai Marina are walking the Marina Walk promenade, taking a boat, dhow dinner cruise or the RTA water taxi around the marina, trying water sports, spending a day on JBR beach next door, shopping and eating at Dubai Marina Mall, and skydiving over Palm Jumeirah from the nearby Palm Dropzone.

Most of these sit within walking distance of each other, and the Dubai Tram and the water taxi connect the rest. This guide takes each activity in turn, explains how to get around without a car, and ends with what the area costs if you are thinking of living here rather than visiting.

What can you do on Dubai Marina Walk?

Marina Walk is the promenade that runs along the water, lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, with the towers on one side and moored boats on the other. It is the easiest thing to do in the area: walk it in the early evening, when it is cooler and the lights come on, and stop wherever looks good. It is busy on weekend evenings and much quieter on weekday mornings.

Can you take a boat or water taxi around the marina?

Yes, in three ways.

• Dhow dinner cruise. Traditional wooden dhows run evening cruises around the marina with a buffet on board. Prices depend on the operator and the package, so compare what is included (food, drinks, timing) before you book.
• Private yacht charter. Several companies rent yachts by the hour from the marina for a sightseeing trip along the coast, often at sunset. Check the operator's licence and what the hourly rate includes.
• RTA water taxi. The public option. According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the air-conditioned Dubai Marina water taxi is hop-on, hop-off between four stops: Marina Terrace, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina Mall and Marina Promenade. It is a cheap way to see the marina from the water.

Which water sports can you try in Dubai Marina?

Operators around the marina and JBR offer paddleboarding, jet skiing, flyboarding and parasailing. Most rent equipment and give lessons, so beginners can take part. Ask whether a lesson or a guide is included, and check that life jackets are provided.

Where is the nearest beach to Dubai Marina?

The beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is right next to the marina. It has sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, food outlets behind the sand, and calm water for swimming. It is popular with residents and visitors alike, so arrive early at weekends if you want a spot near the water.

Where can you shop and eat in Dubai Marina?

• Dubai Marina Mall sits on the waterfront, with international brands, a supermarket, cafes and restaurants, and one of the water taxi stops outside.
• Pier 7 is a building of restaurants beside the mall, serving a range of cuisines with views over the marina.
• Marina Walk and the JBR beachfront add dozens of casual cafes and restaurants, from coffee to late dinners.

Can you skydive over Palm Jumeirah from Dubai Marina?

Yes. Skydive Dubai runs tandem skydives from its Palm Dropzone, beside Dubai Marina. The jump gives you a view over Palm Jumeirah, the marina and the coastline. Book ahead, and check the operator's age, weight and health requirements before you go.

What is there to do at Dubai Marina Yacht Club?

Dubai Marina Yacht Club runs the marina's berths and has restaurants and lounges open to the public. Even without a boat, you can eat or have a drink there with a view of the yachts. The club states that it holds a 5 Gold Anchor award, a rating scheme for marinas.

Is Dubai Marina good for cycling and running?

Yes. The promenade is flat, and dedicated cycle paths run through the area and towards JBR. You can hire a bike locally and ride the loop around the marina or along the beachfront. In summer, go early in the morning or after sunset, because the heat makes midday exercise hard work.

How do you get around Dubai Marina without a car?

The Dubai Tram runs along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road and, as the RTA describes it, links Dubai Metro with the Palm Monorail, so you can reach the marina, JBR and the Palm by public transport. Inside the marina, the water taxi and walking cover most trips. Parking is limited at busy times, which is worth knowing if you plan to drive in.

What does all this mean if you want to live in Dubai Marina?

Everything above is on the doorstep for residents, which is why the area stays in demand. It also has costs: crowds and traffic at weekends, and some of the older towers carry higher service charges. Our guide to the pros and cons of living in Dubai Marina covers this in detail, and Dubai Marina vs JBR compares it with its neighbour.

For a sense of prices, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) transaction data recorded 1,472 home sales in Dubai Marina between 2 January and 27 October 2026, at a median of AED 1,893 per sq ft. Median prices for ready (finished) homes over the same period were:

New Ejari rent contracts registered with the DLD between 3 August and 9 November 2026 came to a median of about AED 99 per sq ft a year. We currently have 6 Dubai Marina homes to rent from AED 90,000 a year. If you are only visiting, our guide to hotels and places to stay in Dubai Marina is the place to start.