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Sights & Attractions

Walking tour of Dubai Marina

Mon 24 August 2020

Shop, dine and mingle alongside lit-up walkways and urban cityscapes at Dubai Marina.

Shop, dine and mingle alongside lit-up walkways and urban cityscapes at Dubai Marina.

Walk along the pristine promenade of Dubai’s most glamorous district on this walking tour, which takes in sparkling stops, architectural gems and top attractions.

Start point: Dubai Marina Mall
End point: The Beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residences

Time: Two to four hours
Directions to starting point: The easiest way to get to Dubai Marina is to use public transport. If you take the Dubai Metro, alight at Jumeirah Lake Towers Metro Station and walk across the overpass to get to Dubai Marina Mall. Alternatively, the Dubai Marina RTA Metro Shuttle Bus (F37) stops directly in front of the mall for drop-offs and pick-ups – buses are available every 10 to 15 minutes.
Best time to walk: Afternoon and early evening
Major landmarks: Dubai Marina Mall, Address Dubai Marina, Pier 7, Dubai Marina Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Beach

Top tips:

  • Bring a bottle of water and don’t forget your camera
  • Purchase a 1-Day Nol Pass for easy unlimited travel on Dubai Metro, public buses and Dubai Tram for 24 hours
  • Ask your hotel concierge to book a dhow or yacht cruise along Dubai Marina in advance

dubai-marina-mall

Shop and awe at Dubai Marina Mall

Kick off your walking tour at Dubai Marina Mall. First opened in 2008, the waterside shopping district boasts over 100 restaurants, stores and services over four floors. The main entrance hall is nothing short of spectacular, with the towering domed ceiling sparkling with thousands of fairy lights.

If you have the time, browse the latest collections from fashion brands including Boggi, Ted Baker, BCBG Max Azria, Sephora and Karen Millen. Otherwise, we recommend taking an escalator to the second floor of the mall and follow a passageway on the right marked ‘To Address’. It will guide you into the lobby of Address Dubai Marina, a five-star hotel with a chic urban feel. Take the elevator up to the fourth floor and pick out your own sun-lounger at Wane by SoMiya, one of the neighbourhood's best-kept secrets for a snooze under the sun. Open from 8am till late, the elegant infinity pool makes a great photo stop, with its waters reflecting the surrounding towers. 

The Scene by Simmon Rimmer

Meals with a view at Pier 7

Retracing your steps to the left side of Marina Mall, follow the esplanade’s curve around to Pier 7. Rising from the water on its own jetty, Pier 7 is an unmistakable landmark. The venue hosts an eclectic mix of eateries across seven different restaurants – Atelier M, Asia Asia, Abd El Wahab, Cargo, Mama Zonia and Fumé. Savour variety from Arabian mainstays and British bistro bites, to pan-Asian sharing plates and after-sunset drinks. Each venue makes use of the cylinder-shaped building’s ceiling-to-floor glass walls, and ample outdoor balcony space.

After sunset, the fine dining restaurant, Atelier M, really shines. Take the elevator to the seventh floor and step out into an exquisite Art Deco-inspired entryway, before following the wide mirrored staircase up to the rooftop terrace. Here, you can discover spectacular sweeping 360-degree views of the Marina and Arabian Gulf. 

Cayan

Admire waterside skyscrapers

Returning back to the Marina Mall, exit the centre through the promenade level to reach the Marina itself. In front of you is the waterfront; you are about mid-way down the 7km stretch of paved footpaths that run the length of the vicinity. Directly ahead of you are the gently lapping waters where luxury yachts and cruise down the wide seawater canal. The Marina Mall Water Taxi stop also lies here. To your right are local restaurants, shops and a Byky Station – a bike hire rack with both adult-sized bicycles and children’s scooters available. 

While enjoying the expansive views, cast your gaze to the east, to admire the twisting-turning Cayan Tower, a true feat of modern architecture. Designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill – the same group behind the Burj Khalifa – the 306m-high, 75-storey building twists 90 degrees as it ascends, making it a show-stopping sight on the Marina skyline. Be sure to return to this spot just before evening falls to enjoy a drink while watching the sun sink behind the city’s canopy of skyscrapers. 

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A Walk to remember

From Pier 7, enjoy a gentle pace along the meandering promenade of the Dubai Marina Walk. Hugging the water and on a flat incline, it’s an easy route to follow. The promenade takes you past locally-owned seafood and Arabian grill restaurants, as you make your way to the western end of the Marina. Here you’ll cross paths with Dubai’s residents jogging, running errands and going about their own daily routine.

Continue towards Al Sayorah Street Bridge. If you have the time along the way, hop on one of the many traditional dhow cruises or luxe yacht experiences. Packages vary depending on the company you pick, with ‘floating restaurant’ dinner boats popular among groups. 

Beachy vibes abound

The Al Sayorah Street Bridge connects one side of the Dubai Marina Walk to Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). Cross over using the pedestrian footpath, and make sure to stop at the highest point of the bridge to take in the sights of the Marina stretching back the way you came. With a clear view of the winding waterway fenced in by the impeccable surrounding towers, all against a backdrop of blue sky, it’s a popular spot for a happy snap.

From here on, you’re free to explore the exciting JBR district that presents a lively beachfront, with many restaurants, shopping and relaxation offerings. From The Beach mall nearby, it's a short walk to the exclusive Bluewaters Island too, home of the Ain Dubai observation wheel and the Banyan Tree Dubai resort. Or you can catch a ride from the JBR tram station, which will connect you directly to the Dubai Metro.

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