I’m Convinced That Dubai Marina is the Best Spot to Watch Sunrise in Dubai
Did I just tell you that Dubai Marina is one of my favourite spots in the city? Oh, and I also just raved about how I love Dubai Marina at night.
Call me biased but hey, you can’t deny that Dubai Marina isn’t just beautiful at night but also during sunrise.
I have very high standards for sunrise views and believe me, Dubai Marina ticked all the right boxes. So of course, I’ve got some insider tips on where you can enjoy the gorgeous Dubai Marina sunrise and do some fun things while you’re at it.
The Best Spots in Dubai Marina to Watch the Sunrise
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Why is it worthwhile to wake up early to catch the sunrise in Dubai Marina? Simple, you won’t see sunrise painting the entire marina in an unmistakable golden glow.
And did I talk about how peaceful Dubai Marina is in the early hours of the morning? There’s just something magical about the city when it’s just starting to wake up and these are the best spots in Dubai Marina to catch that beautiful sunrise.
Dubai Marina Walk
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Address: Dubai Marina
Operating hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
Dubai Marina Walk tops my list of the best spots to watch the sunrise in Dubai Marina simply because of the magic of seeing the sun slowly rise and show its reflection in the water.
It really feels like you’re seeing the sun rise through a massive glass as the light slowly awakens the modern buildings and the yachts docked on the marina.
Dubai Marina Walk is definitely made for quiet morning walks where you have a seven-kilometer path lined with beautiful palm trees to make you feel like you’re in the French Riviera.
And there’s also something really beautiful about being at Dubai Marina Walk before it’s filled with tourists, which is why I love to spend my early morning walks here, especially if I want to start the day with a clear mind.
Pro tip:
If you want a more magical sunrise experience – and you’re willing to pay for it – you can charter a private yacht for an early morning cruise on the marina as the sun rises.
Jumeirah Beach Residence
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Website: https://jbr.ae/en/
Address: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Operating hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
Let’s face it, nothing beats seeing the sunrise from the beach and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is the best spot in Dubai Marina for a little sunrise beach session.
With the beach and horizon in full view, you get to see the Dubai sunrise in all its glory as it slowly lights up the city and shows its majestic reflection on the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Jumeirah Beach is also free to use, so you just have to pick your spot, bring your towel and enjoy the free show at sunrise before taking a dip on the water.
Just make sure to check the sunrise time the day before and come extra early, so you can secure the best spot with unobstructed views of the sunrise.
And after the city wakes up, you can enjoy the rest of the morning trying different activities like paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking or even shopping at The Walk nearby.
Pro tip:
Wondering how to reach JBR in the early hours of the morning? The Dubai Metro operates as early as 5:00 AM, just enough time for you to reach JBR to catch the sunrise.
Bluewaters Island
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Website: https://bluewatersdubai.ae/en/
Address: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Contact details: 800 738245
Operating hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
Bluewaters Island is another one of those spots where you can catch the perfect sunrise in Dubai, especially if you want to take gorgeous photos with the majestic Ain Dubai in the background.
If you’re wondering where this is, just look for the big ferris wheel off Dubai Marina and you’ll see the beautiful Bluewaters Island, which is also a popular tourist attraction.
You can access the island through its private road bridge and enjoy its many amenities including some pools, basketball courts, shops and restaurants.
And since there’s a lot to do and explore in Bluewaters Island, including Madame Tussauds, you can actually book a staycation on the island to enjoy the sunrise from your hotel room.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss riding Ain Dubai, especially as the sun sets to end a magical day of seeing both the sunrise and sunset in this part of the city.
Dubai Marina Yacht Club
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Website: https://www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com/
Address: JW Marriott Hotel Marina – Vida Dubai Marina and Yacht Club – Dubai Marina
Contact details: +971 4 362 7900
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Price: Free
In my opinion, there’s no better way to see the sunrise in Dubai Marina than on the water. And yes, you may have to shell out a bit to experience it – but promise, it’s all going to be worth it.
The Dubai Marina Yacht Club is like Dubai meets Monaco with its long stretch of marina filled with yachts of all shapes and sizes.
It’s also become a community for boaters, yacht owners and boating enthusiasts looking to live the luxurious boat life.
But you don’t actually need to own a million-dollar yacht to experience this kind of lifestyle because many boat owners offer charter services.
Here, you can rent a yacht from sunrise ‘til sunset for a day on the water. It could be a small yacht for two or a massive one for a party. The choice is yours as long as you have the budget for it.
Pro tip:
If you’re on a budget but still want to see the views of the marina from the water, you can book a dhow cruise instead, which is a lot cheaper and includes a meal and drinks.
The Best Dubai Marina Activities to Enjoy at Sunrise
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While the sunrise is already enough reason to get up extra early and head to Dubai Marina, there are also a lot of things that you can do while you’re in the neighborhood.
Go On a Morning Jog
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Dubai Marina is my go-to place for a good morning jog or run. There’s just something tranquil about going on a run on the promenade as the marina wakes up during sunrise.
The yachts parked on the marina, the buildings coming alive and just the beautiful scenery make Dubai Marina the perfect location to get some steps on.
The Dubai Marina Walk is also designed to be a safe space for runners and joggers with its dedicated pedestrian path, so you can take the entire family with you.
And what I love about doing a morning run here is that I can take different routes depending on how long I want to run. There are shorter loops for quick runs and the seven-kilometer length of the promenade for longer runs.
Pro tip:
If you don’t have time to do a morning run, you can still enjoy a jog at night since the path along the marina is well-illuminated and safe even at night.
Join a Sunrise Yoga Class
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Yoga is one of my favourite activities to de-stress and doing it during sunrise in Dubai Marina makes everything a lot better.
The marina has several spots where you can bring a mat and do your asanas as the sun rises. But you can also join one of the many yoga classes done in the marina, especially during holidays and weekends.
Pro tip:
If you have some extra budget and would like to experience yoga 50 floors high, book a one-hour yoga session at the Aura Skypool in The Palm Tower in Palm Jumeirah.
Enjoy Breakfast with a View
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Of course, you can’t just enjoy the sunrise in Dubai Marina. You also need to treat yourself to a hearty breakfast with a view. Luckily, Dubai Marina has a lot of great options for you.
If you’re after the views, The Scene by Simon Rimmer is the best place for that since it’s located on Pier 7, which is one of the most picturesque buildings in the marina.
If you’re craving for good food on a budget, check out Red Pepper or Grill Spot Restaurant and Cafe for their sumptuous options.
But if you don’t mind spending more for a great meal, I would recommend Breaking Bread and the breakfast buffet at the InterContinental Dubai Marina.
Pro tip:
If you want a more exclusive breakfast experience, travel further to Emirates Golf Club to experience what Carine, a classic French restaurant, has to offer.
How to Enjoy the Best Sunrise in Dubai Marina
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Now that you know the best spots in Dubai Marina to witness the majestic sunrise, of course, I have to give you some insider tips to make the most of your experience:
- Go there extra early. Sunrise in Dubai usually happens at 5:30 AM, although this can vary depending on the season. So if you want to pick the best spot and get settled before the sun rises, it’s best to head to the marina earlier.
- Dress comfortably. The beautiful scenery and the clean and well-maintained promenade will surely encourage you to go on a walk or stroll around the marina. So it’s best to dress comfortably to make sure you get to enjoy this experience to the fullest.
- Be mindful of your noise. Although Dubai Marina is open to the public 24/7, you need to remember that most of the buildings here are residences. So if you’re visiting as a group, it’s very important to be mindful of your noise, especially in the early morning when most people are still sleeping.