9 Things to Do in Dubai Marina That Made Us Feel Rich (Even If We’re Not)
The first time I visited Dubai Marina, I thought it was only for rich people. Everywhere I looked, there were yachts, fancy cars, and tall buildings that screamed luxury. I honestly didn’t think I could do much there without spending a lot. But I was wrong.
As I walked around and explored more, I found plenty of things to do in Dubai Marina that made me feel like I was living the high life—without the high price.
If you want to enjoy the Marina without going broke, here are 9 things to do in Dubai Marina that made me feel rich (even if I’m not).
1. Go on the world’s longest urban zipline at XLine Dubai Marina
Media Credit: x_line
Website: https://xdubai.com/en/xline/experience
Address: Dubai Marina Mall – Dubai Marina – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 56 507 6366
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:45 AM to 12:20 PM, 1:45 to 5 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 699 for 1 person
For adrenaline junkies, a visit to the Xline Dubai Marina zipline is a must-do while you’re in the area! This is the world’s longest urban zipline, so you’re in for a treat!
Our adventure started at Dubai Marina Mall, where we checked in before hopping on a minibus to the launch site. It was just a 5-10 minute drive, giving us a chance to calm our nerves. Once we arrived, we had some time to take photos and enjoy the view before getting suited up.
Trust us, you’ll definitely want to snap a few pictures–the scenery is breathtaking!
When we took off, the excitement hit us right away. Flying over the marina with the wind in our faces was an amazing experience. Plus, the staff was friendly and made sure everything was safe, so we felt relaxed the whole time.
The best part? We got photos and videos of the ride to keep. And if we come back, we’ll get a discount. What’s not to love?
Pro Tip:
Check in is at the Dubai Marina Mall’s second-floor parking lot, opposite Waitrose. Make sure to arrive a bit early to give you time to find the spot and get ready for the short ride!
2. Challenge yourself at AquaFun Water Park
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Website: https://www.aquafun.ae/
Address: Marina Beach – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 54 522 6663
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Admission Costs: Solo passes start at AED 176.97; Duo passes start at AED 311.52 (good for 2); Family passes start at AED 622.02 (good for 4 people); VIP passes start at AED 311.52
AquaFun Dubai isn’t just a water park—it’s a massive inflatable playground floating right off the beach at JBR, and yes, it’s officially the biggest one in the world. Dubai doesn’t do anything small!
There are over 100 obstacles, and they’re no joke. We climbed, bounced, slipped, and slid our way through the course and felt like a gym workout in disguise, especially when we had to pull ourselves back up after falling (again) into the water.
The good news is, you get a life vest and grippy socks with your ticket, which help more than you’d think—especially when your balance is as questionable as ours!
The ticket lasts all day. We could jump in, bounce around, then head back to the beach for a breather before going in for round two. Or three. Or, let’s be honest, five.
The staff were super friendly and kept an eye on everyone to make sure things stayed safe but still fun!
Pro Tip:
Some younger children may get cold or feel overwhelmed quickly, especially if it’s their first time. Let them dip into the water and get used to it before heading out onto the floating course.
3. Shop and dine at Dubai Marina Mall
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Website: https://www.dubaimarinamall.com/
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai Marina – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 436 1020
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
With 140 stores spread over four spacious levels, there’s plenty to do in Dubai Marina Mall!
It has everything you’d want–air-conditioning, coffee, high-street fashion, and Marina views all rolled into one building. And since it’s right by the water, it’s got that “I’m-on-vacation-and-everything-is-beautiful” kind of feel.
The food court surprised us with rooftop views. That’s right—views. Of the Marina. For free. We grabbed lunch with the kind of backdrop that makes you forget your fries are getting cold. There are also waterfront restaurants downstairs if you’re feeling fancy or just want to impress your Instagram!
There’s also a play area for kids so parents can find some peace during the visit. The whole place is family-friendly, well-organized, and nicely chilled inside. A real win when you’ve been melting in the Dubai sun!
Pro Tip:
Visit around sunset for the best views of the Marina and cooler weather. The sky changes to beautiful colors, and the temperature drops, making it a great time for a relaxed dinner or a walk by the water.
4. Dine with a view at Pier 7
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Website: http://www.pier7.ae/
Address: Marina Promenade – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai Marina – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 436 1020
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$$
If you find yourself in Dubai Marina, Pier 7 is definitely a place worth checking out. You get a perfect view of the Marina and the city skyline, so even grabbing a casual bite feels like a special occasion!
This gem has seven restaurants, and each one offers something totally unique. There’s Atelier M, where French and Asian flavors combined to create a fine-dining experience that made us feel pretty fancy. Asia Asia is another spot we loved, serving up some seriously good pan-Asian food.
We couldn’t resist Abd el Wahab for seafood—the Middle Eastern flavors were fresh and delicious. If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, check out Mama Zonia for some Amazonian dishes.
And if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, Cargo has awesome street food-inspired dishes that are perfect for a laid-back meal!
The real highlight, though, is the outdoor terrace. We settled outside, enjoyed the cool breeze, and soaked in the stunning videos of the Marina. It felt like we were on top of the world (or at least, the Marina)!
Pro Tip:
It’s a good idea to book a table ahead of time, especially on weekends or during busy hours. Pier 7 gets crowded, and having a reservation means you won’t have to wait and can get a nice seat with a view.
5. Relax and party at Zero Gravity Dubai
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Website: https://www.0-gravity.ae/
Address: Dubai Marina, Skydive Dubai Drop Zone – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 399 0009
Operating Hours: Monday – 10 AM to 9 PM; Tuesday – 9 AM to 9 PM; Wednesday – Closed; Thursday – 9 AM to 9 PM; Friday – 10 AM to 3 AM; Saturday – 10 AM to 3 AM, Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $$
For a relaxed but luxurious experience in Dubai Marina, Zero Gravity is a solid pick. This popular beach club and restaurant sits right next to Skydive Dubai and gives off major vacation vibes—without draining your bank account.
We stopped by for breakfast and ended up staying way longer than planned. The food is impressive! Salmon bagels, eggs Benedict, açai bowls, fresh fruit, and pastries that somehow made it to our mouths faster than our cameras could react.
We made ourselves at home—meaning, we barely moved from the sunbeds. The vibe is laid-back, with just enough music to feel fun but not enough to make you shout across the table. The staff was attentive and always made sure everyone was happy!
(Eventually, we did manage to make it to the infinity pool, floated around a bit, and wandered down to the beach–just when the energy started picking up and the DJs started setting up for the nighttime parties!)
Pro Tip:
Wear swimwear during the day, but remember to bring a change of clothes for the evening. After dark, beachwear isn’t allowed, so pack something casual and chic to keep the party going.
6. Watch the latest blockbusters at Reel Cinemas
Media Credit: reelcinemas
Website: https://reelcinemas.com/en-ae/
Address: Level 2, Dubai Marina Mall, Al Marsha St – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 449 1903
For movie lovers, wind down at the Reel Cinemas at Dubai Marina Mall! This boutique movie theater offers a luxury experience far beyond the average cinema outing. With only six screens, the atmosphere feels more personal—and the service reflects that!
This place is all about comfort. The double reclining seats are a game-changer. We practically melted into them, with plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the movie like we were lounging on a sofa at home!
What makes it even better is the in-seat waiter service. Yep, we didn’t have to lift a finger for food or drinks. It felt a little too fancy for us, but we weren’t complaining. The staff were all so friendly and helpful, and their attention to detail really made the experience of watching a movie special.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a U by Emaar member, you can use your points to get free food and drinks at the cinema. Just check how many points you have before you go, so you’re ready when it’s time to order.
7. Stroll along The Walk at JBR
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/the-walk-at-jbr
Address: Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Contact Details:
Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 7:30 AM to 10 PM; Sunday – 7:30 to 10 PM
If you’re visiting Dubai Marina and want a fun beachside spot, try The Walk at JBR. This 1.7-kilometer promenade along Jumeirah Beach Residence gives a relaxed coastal feel without losing city energy. It’s a great place for shopping, eating, or just enjoying the view!
This place is especially nice in the evening when the lights come on and the breeze cools things down. We found plenty of shops—from souvenir stores like I Love Dubai to fashion boutiques like Manzari.
On weekends, small outdoor markets often pop up, selling handmade goods, snacks, and more. Sometimes there are street performers, too!
There are also lots of places to eat. We recommend trying the seafood at The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill or enjoy a steak at STK Dubai JBR. For a more casual meal with beach views, check out Tamoka or Bla Bla.
Besides eating and shopping, there’s more to do nearby! You can watch a movie at the outdoor cinema, Or try water sports like parasailing and flyboarding with Water Adventure Dubai. Families with young kids can head to the Splash Pad, a water area that’s always a hit with the little ones!
Pro Tip:
The easiest way to reach The Walk at JBR is by public transport. You can take the Red Line metro to DMCC Station or Sobha Realty Station, then walk or transfer to the Dubai Tram, which stops directly at Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 or 2!
8. Relax at The Beach at JBR
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Website: https://www.thebeach.ae/en
Address: The Beach – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 590 5090
Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Friday, Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM; Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
For a place to relax by the water, The Beach at JBR is the perfect spot. This popular place in Dubai Marina has sun, sand, and a nice view of the Ain Dubai, making it one of the best places in the city for a fun day out!
The promenade is lined with shops and restaurants, making it impossible to resist grabbing a snack (or ten). If you’re up for some action, there’s parasailing, banana boats, and even camel rides (we didn’t try the camels, but we were very tempted).
For a slower pace, there’s a splash pad for kids and a running track if you’re feeling like working off the calories from all that food.
Speaking of food, the Pavilion at The Beach is where you’ll want to be when hunger strikes. For those craving Italian food, Eataly at the Beach is a great choice. Seafood lovers will love CLAW BBQ, and steak fans may appreciate Hurricane’s Grill & Bar.
Pro Tip:
If you plan on swimming or trying out watersports, make sure to bring swimwear and sunscreen. It’s easy to forget about the sun, so you can also pack a change of clothes to stay comfortable afterward.
Media Credit: bedrockdxb
Website: https://bedrockdxb.ae/
Address: 1st floor , Pier 7 Marina – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 578 1668
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$
Bedrock at Pier 7 is a top choice for a fun activity in Dubai Marina. This golf and darts sports bar has a lively and social atmosphere, making it perfect for a night out with friends.
Sports fans will appreciate the chance to watch games from around the world on multiple screens, while those looking for some friendly competition can try their hand at darts or golf.
The venue also serves delicious food and refreshing drinks. The mushroom risotto and Bedrock burger come highly recommended, along with “The Barbie,” a sweet cocktail that’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!
The atmosphere is one of the best parts of Bedrock. In true sports bar stylee, it’s an inviting space with a friendly, upbeat vibe, making it easy to relax and enjoy the night. The staff also adds to the experience with their attentive service!
Pro Tip:
Plan you visit accordingly because Bedrock is designed for the adult crowd only, so only those aged 21 above can enter.