Things to do in Marina, Dubai

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Ian Packham
Dubai Marina by night

A city within a city, Dubai Marina lies to the southwest of the Palm. Built around an entirely artificial three kilometer waterway and eight kilometer promenade, the marina is just a couple of decades old, yet already around 50,000 people reside in its waterside apartments.

But visitors will find plenty of things to do in Marina, Dubai too. The long stretch of sand at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a favorite haunt of beachgoers, Dubai Marina Mall has 140 stores for all day shopping and the marina’s waterways are similarly inviting.

Here’s our guide to the attractions of Dubai Marina!

Take your pick of the views

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Lined with stunning glass and steel towers to one side and gleaming private yachts bobbing on the gentle swell of this inlet of the Persian Gulf on the other, there’s so much to look at it can leave your head in a bit of a spin.

Arrive by metro, tram or taxi and one of the best things to do first is get a feel for the neighborhood’s elegance by strolling a stretch of the marina promenade, lining its entire length. You don’t need to be an ardent hiker to get a feel for the marina though, since even the shortest walk between cafés will give you a good sense of what the marina is all about.

Should you want to save your shoe leather completely, it’s also very easy to explore Dubai Marina from the water. Hop aboard a traditionally-built dhow on a marina cruise and as you take in the cityscape you’ll learn all about how the marina was turned from empty desert to what you see today.

To get the adrenaline flowing there are at least two further options to consider. Head to Amwaj Towers, the departure point for the XLine zipline, and you’ll get a thrilling ride across the marina to the mall, and a video for prosperity. If even that’s not a big enough adrenaline rush, Skydive Dubai has to be the place for you, operating parachute jumps over the Palm.

For views without the need of a parachute, Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel could be the answer, rising to twice the height of the London Eye.

Get on the water

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Marina cruises aren’t the only way to get on or near the water. The clean sands of the marina’s two main beaches – The Beach and JBR Beach – are an alternative to the main channel. Broad expanses of gold running for more than a kilometer, even on the busiest of days it’s not usually hard to find a spot to throw down a towel with views of the Burj Al Arab.

Family-friendly, behind the beach there’s a selection of places to grab a bite to eat, with many turning into much-loved bars and nightclubs as the sun sets behind Ain Dubai. One of the hottest spots of the moment is Zero Gravity, nestled within the landing ground for SkyDive Dubai. Beach club by day and sophisticated night club come evening, sip a cocktail before dancing till dawn to sets from the best DJs around.

Before that there’s ample opportunity to experience life from the viewpoint of a jet ski or try your hand at flyboarding, wakeboarding and kayaking at Water Adventure.

Relax with some retail therapy

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Looking to take advantage of Dubai’s reputation as a magnet for shopping? Look no further than Dubai Marina Mall. Occupying four floors and with a total area of 36,000 square meters, choice is not going to be an issue whatever you’re searching for.

Its dome is a great place to grab a coffee whilst deciding whether it’s high fashion or simply some window shopping that’s your main objective. In the cooler months, the exterior also hosts a number of kiosks serving up tasty takeaway treats. Reel Cinemas also has all the latest movie releases across its six screens.

Art lovers, both collectors and gallery goers, aren’t short of things to do in Marina, Dubai either. Although there’s no state backed collection in the neighborhood, there are more than enough private and independently run art spaces welcoming browsers.

What unites them is a focus on contemporary works from artists yet to make their name worldwide, but within that vast spectrum of delights you’ll discover everything from pop art to sculpture inspired by Asia.

Enjoy a round of golf

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Sports fans are also well catered for by what to see and do at Dubai Marina. In addition to the raft – excuse the pun – of water sports, other reasons Dubai Marina is worth visiting are the golf courses that lie close at hand and club.

On the less serious side of swinging a golf club there’s not just minigolf but 3D blacklight minigolf. The marina’s indoor course has been decorated with hand-painted three dimensional art from some of the best artists around and promises to be the world’s largest blacklight golf adventure. There are three different themed rooms in all, totaling 18 bending, obstacle-ridden holes.

For the real thing you’ll have to step outside of the official boundaries of Dubai Marina, but only by 200 meters or so until you reach the Emirates Golf Club. The region’s original golf club, it has three different courses blending desert scrub with perfectly manicured greens – and all with views of the skyscrapers which have made Dubai such a must-visit destination.

If that’s not enough, there’s also the Montgomerie Golf Club at Emirates Hills, designed by none other than eight time holder of the European Tour Order of Merit Colin Montgomerie with the help of the late Gordon Desmond Muirhead, full time course creator.

Discovering what there is to do in Dubai Marina

It forms only a small part of Dubai, yet the marina has plenty to keep visitors entertained. Just a short trip from the Burj Khalifa and other top sights, it now forms an unmissable part of most people’s vacations.

Hit the neighborhood with Go City and you’ll be able to discover all the things to do in Marina, Dubai for yourself. And you’ll make big savings on admission to many major attractions at the same time!

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Dubai When it Rains - Wet/Rainy Activities

Rain - the bane of many a made-up mane, falling water is something many of us would rather avoid entirely. In a desert oasis like Dubai, you may think you're safe from the sprinkly pestilence. But you'd be wrong. Dead wrong. See, it turns out Dubai does experience rain. But don't let a little rain spoil your vacation. Instead, seek shelter from the storm, and fun undercover. Below, we've detailed the best things to do in Dubai when it rains. You don't even have to lift a finger. Now, prepare your eyes for an onslaught of useful information. Including: Ski Dubai IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Wavehouse VR Park Dubai and more! Ski with the roof up Even at its coldest or wettest, Dubai's temperature never really dips below 65-70°F. So even when it's raining sideways, you might be looking to chill out those warm bones. Well, if it's chill you want, look no further than Ski Dubai - the world's biggest indoor ski center. Featuring slopes, ski lifts, and even penguins, stepping inside this icy park is like being transported to another country entirely. You're free to ski, snowboard, or toboggan to your heart's content. You can even descend in a giant snowball, if that's your sort of thing. With all your equipment provided and instructors on hand for newbies, it's the perfect place to try out winter sports if you've never partaken. If you're a seasoned vet, feel free to go ahead and tear it up however you like. Themed park "Theme parks? But they're outside!" We hear your cries, but they are in vain. Stifle your screams into your nearest pillow and listen up. IMG Worlds of Adventure isn't just your average, weather-friendly theme park. It's not only an inside theme park; it's the biggest indoor theme park on the planet. With thrilling rides themed around beloved characters from pop culture, including Cartoon NetworkTM and MARVEL, you'll spend hours exploring and enjoying each of its five zones. Will you survive a night in the Haunted Motel? Can you help the Avengers stop Ultron? Are your legs strong enough to outrun a velociraptor? Only time, and a visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure, will tell. Who says the rain has to keep you away from the rollercoasters? Not Dubai, that's for sure. Beneath the waves With all the rain tumbling down outside, the last thing you might want to do is surround yourself with water. But you'd be wrong, rain avoider! There's a whole world to explore under the ocean, so go check out Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and see it for yourself. The bulk of the experience takes place in a massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be able to see all sorts of aquatic species going about their day all around you. Perfect for photo ops, as well as a strangely serene stroll, it's a one-of-a-kind experience in Dubai, and well worth a visit. After you've wandered along the tunnel, you'll reach the Underwater Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with tons of exotic fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic wonders. You'll meet spider crabs, otters, piranhas, penguins, and other colorful characters. Despite its watery nature, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is easily one of the best things to do in Dubai when it rains. Wave for the camera Even the oldest of us like to pretend we're young again every once in a while. For some, that can mean buying modern clothes to help us look young. For others, it can be doing silly things our bodies aren't capable of achieving anymore. But what if there was a way to relive your youth without any unnecessary embarrassment? Just head to Wavehouse in the Atlantis Hotel and transport yourself back to the good old days of 80s arcades! They've got bowling alleys, arcade games, and even a surfing simulator to embarrass yourself on. Plus, you can pair all that fun with a host of delicious American diner-esque dishes, from succulent burgers to mouthwatering pizzas. Just make sure you surf those calories off; your metabolism isn't getting any younger, either. Explore worlds without rain If you want to avoid the rain, why not travel to another world entirely? It may sound farfetched, but thanks to the state-of-the-art technology on offer at VR Park Dubai, your dreams of a rain-free world can become a reality. For four hours, you'll have the opportunity to choose 7 from 25 games and enter virtual reality. Simply slip the headset on, pick your poison, and play away. Can you make your way out of the VR Maze? Can you stop the robot uprising in Robocom? You can even challenge your friends or family to competitive games, including sports, platforming, and puzzle-solving genres. And who knows, maybe when your four hours are up, the rain will have passed, and you'll be free to roam the sunny streets once more? Find a way out Of course, escaping the rain is your top priority. But what if your rain escape leads you into a trap?! Imprisoned in a room that demands all your wits and grit to escape? An...escape room, if you will. Well, lucky for you, all your nightmares can come true thanks to No Way Out escape rooms! With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 prisoners - sorry, friends - will battle the clock, devious traps, and puzzles, and contend with creepy actors playing their parts as they try and scare you senseless. And if that wasn't enough, you can even stay after your game and sit down for a bit of interactive horror cinema. Each showing features wind, water, and other special effects that will assault your senses as you watch. But, be careful. You never know when one of the actors will be creeping right behind your seat. If you have the stomach for it, No Way Out is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubai when it rains! And those were our picks for the best things to do in Dubai when it rains! Looking for some sunny activities when the weather finally clears up? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
dubai at night
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Things to do in Dubai at Night - Evening Activities

You know what they say about the nighttime - it's when the sun sets, and things get dark. Do you know what else they say about the night? It's when the real fun starts. That is what they say, check the dictionary. So, if you're in Dubai, make the most of your evenings by checking out the best things to do at night! We've taken the pain out of it, and put all the best bits down below. Enjoy! Including: Ain Dubai evening boat tour Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner Dubai Magical Night Tour Dubai Ice Rink VR Park Dubai and more! Flashing, reflecting, refracting lights There's nothing quite as stunning as seeing the bright lights of a burgeoning city beaming off of the sea. Well, maybe there are, but in this instance, we'll pretend otherwise. That's because one of the best things to do in Dubai at night is an evening boat tour of the city's coast! For an entire 60 minutes, you'll explore Dubai Marina, enjoy stunning views of the city's skyscraping 5-star hotels and the luxury yachts docked here, and cruise past Jumeirah Beach and get a chance to ogle at the opulent high-rise residences here and on Bluewaters Island. But the best sightseeing on this tour is undoubtedly the Ain Dubai. At 250 meters, it's the tallest observation wheel on the planet, dwarfing the likes of The London Eye and the High Roller in Las Vegas. BBQ in the barrens Deserts can be unforgiving beasts. Miles upon miles with no water, shade, and the delirious mirages of water fountains and freshwater streams are all things we'd rather avoid. However, a curated trip to the desert can actually be a blast, and that's what you'll experience on this desert safari and bbq dinner. You'll start proceedings by being driven from the city into the desert in a 4x4, where you can watch the beautiful scenery of the setting sun. Then, you'll reach a camp, where you and many others can enjoy a delicious bbq meal of grilled meats and other Arabic delights. Then, settle in for the evening's entertainment. Belly dancing, shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, and more are all available to partake in, should you feel up for it after the epic feast. After all that, you'll be taken straight back to your hotel. Epic nights don't get much better than that, and you never have to worry about dying of thirst. Brilliant! Tour the night While touring the Dubai coast and seeing the city's lights dance off the water is one thing, seeing them up close on dry land is quite another! So why not go explore the city's nightlife on a magical evening tour of Dubai? Highlights include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, and more. And believe us, all of these are truly spectacular to see at night. And, while you're cruising in luxury, air-conditioned comfort, your guide will fill you in on the history of each landmark, as well as the city's near-future plans. If you want to learn a little more about the city you're visiting, as well as snap some of the fluorescent delights on full display, do yourself a favor and take a curated tour! It was a cold and icy night How does carving some sweet powder on solid ice sound for an evening? Is that what people call it? Carving powder? Who cares, because you can carve whatever you want when you take a PM trip to Dubai Ice Rink! Head to the Dubai Mall, put on your best icing skates, and get ready for some pirouette action as you dazzle the crowds with your ice skating moves. Or, crawl around the edge of the rink holding on for dear life as your feet betray you. Whatever floats your boat. That wasn't an iceberg pun, simply a happy accident. Suitable for both skating enthusiasts and newbies, the rink has ice marshals on hand to ensure you don't hurt anyone else, let alone yourself with your long, gangly dancers' legs. Still, if you can brave the embarrassment, or you're somehow an 'expert' ice skater, you'll have tons of fun doing the business. Reality, but not as you know it Sometimes, reality doesn't quite cut it. Even if you're in Dubai, you might be looking for some alternatives to the beautiful city, the mesmerizing desert, and the wonderful waters. You might be looking for something a little more out of this world. Well, put your search to rest, because Dubai's own VR Park has just the ticket, a ticket to the extraordinary. With 25 games to choose from, pick seven to play and enter the virtual space. Then, whichever mind-blowing experiences and adventures you like! Play a few rounds of VR sports, hop across platforms in mythical, uncharted worlds, and even face off against your friends in competitive modes. Try your hand at the likes of Dubai Drop, Dune Bash, Robocom, Arena, and many more! Eat, drink, and be merry And finally, let's end this exploration of the best things to do in Dubai at night with everyone's favorite evening pastime - dinner. Nothing quite beats an epic meal to end the day, and you'll be pleased to hear that Dubai has a massive amount of amazing restaurants within its opulent walls. Whatever you desire is sure to be on offer in the city. Even the fussiest eaters will find plenty of delightful places to sit down for a plate or three. In fact, there are so many that we wrote an entire article talking about them. If you don't feel like reading all that, don't worry, we'll break the best one down here. If all-day brunch is your jam, check out Bubbalicious at the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. It's all you can eat, and covers every Earthly cuisine imaginable, so you're bound to find some treats to enjoy. Looking for something a little more lively? Try the French restaurant Bagatelle, which happily combines a delicious yet unique menu with live music and refreshing drinks in the evening. Many people even head there after dark to make the most of the festivities! Or, for a classy Italian spot, seek out Armani/Ristorante, and indulge in the likes of foie gras, lobster, and all the other good things on this Earth. And those are our picks for the best things to do in Dubai at night! Looking for some daytime ideas too? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
Family in Dubai
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Weekend In Dubai Itinerary - Two Days In Dubai

Planning a weekend in Dubai for the first time, but don’t know where to begin? We’ve compiled a wonderful two-day itinerary for Dubai that will showcase the best that this global city has to offer in just one weekend! This weekend in Dubai itinerary includes the following attractions: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Ski Dubai Mall Of The Emirates Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountains Dubai Festival City Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Sunset Dinner Cruise in Dubai Marina 🗓️ We’ve also put together one-day, three-day, and seven-day itineraries for planning the ultimate vacation in the Emirates. 💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on Dubai attractions You can gain admission to many of Dubai’s top attractions with the Go City Dubai passes, which include entrance to some of the most popular attractions and activities. Check out the passes, attractions, and prices Please note that some of the attractions included in this itinerary are not included with Go City® passes. Day One in Dubai, Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai tour  Enjoy the energy and excitement of the city from a bird’s eye perch on the Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour, as it rolls down Dubai’s main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road (or SZR, as it’s affectionately called by locals). This is the best way to begin your introduction to Dubai, as many of the important landmarks branch out directly from SZR and you can explore at your leisure by hopping off whenever you like. You’ll have the chance to see more than 40 different points of interest on the bus tour, and an onboard guide will give you context, history, and entertaining anecdotes for each site. The most popular tour highlights include Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, The Palm, Dubai Marina, and much more. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with all Dubai passes. Stop #2: Mall Of The Emirates (free, unless you do some shopping, of course)  Next, plan to stop at one of the world’s largest and most elite malls: Mall of the Emirates. Just down SZR, this incredible shopping destination features hundreds of shops of all tastes and price points, world-class restaurants and cafes, a 4D movie multiplex, and more. Shop until you drop and even pick up a few souvenirs of your trip to take back home from the mall’s selection of local specialty stores. Now is also a good time to enjoy a hearty meal from one of the mall's restaurants or in the food court. From Italian to Arabic, to Mexican, to Chinese, to American food, you’ll find a taste for whatever you’re craving. Getting In: It's free to explore the Mall of the Emirates.  Ski Dubai Attached to the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s biggest indoor ski resort, and the world’s first indoor black diamond run. The venue houses multiple areas for adventure and excitement. Check out "Mountain Thriller," a bobsled course the whole family will love. Play in a snow cavern and practice your snowball-making (and throwing!) skills. Don't forget to watch real Gentoo and king penguins walk across the slopes at periodic intervals. Ski Dubai offers lessons and rentals for every skillset, from beginners to pros. Kids will enjoy a session in the penguin zone or on the icy playground. Getting In: Ski Dubai Polar Pass tickets are included on Dubai passes. Stop #4: Dubai Fountains at Dubai Mall (free!)  Dubai Mall once held the title of the biggest and most state-of-the-art mall in the world. Today it’s hardly fallen from glory with an amazing array of shops, dining options, KidZania children’s club, a mega multiplex movie theater, and an indoor ice skating rink. Not to be missed amongst Dubai Mall’s offerings are the famous dancing Dubai Fountains. The world’s largest choreographed fountain system is located just outside the mall, spread out over Downtown Dubai. The fountains spring to life every day with performances set to both Arabic and world music and a light show. They are a wonderful place to watch the desert sunset. Getting In: It's free to explore the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains.  Stop #5: At The Top - Burj Khalifa  Now is your chance to travel up more than 140 floors of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. You’ll get a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Dubai from "At The Top - Burj Khalifa", one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. You can fully appreciate the dynamic architecture of the city from a prime viewing position and snap photos to commemorate your trip. This isn't one for those who have a fear of heights, that's for sure! Getting In: At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets are included on all Dubai passes. Stop #6: Dinner In Dubai Festival City  A short journey from the Burj Khalifa lies Dubai Festival City where you can indulge in three-course, authentic meals and family favorites in a fun, whimsical venue. The perfect spot to relive your favorite moments from your first day in Dubai.  Day Two in Dubai, Stop #1: Mattel Play! Town (for families with kids)  Get an early and fun start to your second day in Dubai with a stop at Mattel Play! Town in the City Walk area of the city. This popular, urban residential and entertainment district offers a variety of places to explore. Kids will enjoy the educational play experiences, entertaining live shows, and hands-on activities and crafts at Mattel Play! Town. They’ll be challenged to use their teamwork and problem-solving skills to increase their creativity and socialization. Their favorite characters come to life as they join in on adventures from their favorite franchises like Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney, and more. Getting In: Mattel Play! Town Dubai is separately ticketed. Stop #2: Aquaventure Waterpark  Make a splash at Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm. Offering fun for all ages, you can splash down on water slides, relax in the lazy river, or enjoy the pristine beach of the hotel’s tropical landscape. Feeling adventurous? Take the plunge at the Leap of Faith slide that rockets you through a shark-filled lagoon at top speed. Or you can ride the maze of the Aquaventure River Rides connected waterways to discover the Tower of Neptune or the surging Torrent River. The kids will love playing at the Splasher’s Children’s Play Area complete with climbing frames, water slides, rope bridges, water cannons, and a giant tipping water bucket. Sit back and relax under an umbrella at the Aquaventure private beach. Getting In: Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai tickets are included on all Dubai passes. Stop #3: Lost Chambers Aquarium  There's more watery fun to be found at the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Learn about the lost civilization of Atlantis as you wind your way through the city’s underwater ruins, filled with all sorts of sea creatures. The aquarium contains 10 different chambers where you can see a variety of marine life up close, such as piranhas, jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, and an array of fish. A myth tour (hourly, included with admission) will give you further background on the lost city and the sea creatures. If you visit during the afternoon, you might even catch a glimpse of the Lost Chambers’ scuba divers as they check on all the animals in the tanks and put on a live feeding show. Getting In: Lost Chambers Aquarium Dubai tickets are included on all Dubai passes.  Stop #4: Sunset Dinner Cruise, Dubai Marina  Cap off a thrilling weekend of adventure with a sendoff sunset dinner cruise around Dubai Marina. Step into luxury as you board the yacht to cruise around one of Dubai's most beautiful areas. Enjoy the glittering lights of the Marina as you cruise past the Burj Al Arab, an iconic seven-star hotel. Hang around on air-conditioned or open-air decks, depending on the weather and your preference. Enjoy a luxury buffet catered by the Address Hotel Marina along with unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee as you reflect on a wonderful getaway. Culinary options include a lively selection of international fare (including local Arabic cuisine), pasta stations, and sumptuous desserts. Getting In: Dubai Sunset Dinner Cruise tickets are included on the Dubai Explorer Pass. Save up to 50% on Dubai attractions Discover our full line-up of Dubai attractions from At the Top - Burj Khalifa to Aquaventure Waterpark. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Lindsay Eagan

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