Dubai Marina: Celebrating lifestyle on the waterfront

Emaar's premier project that spawned a whole new generation of lifestyle communities in Dubai's new growth corridor, Dubai Marina is the Middle East's answer to the French Riviera, and is amongst the world's largest master-planned waterfront development of its kind.

Alongside the sheer refinement of its features, the development offers every home dramatic views of the sparkling Gulf to the west or the majestic golf course community to the east. It is an urban centre on the water, comparable to the most exclusive waterfront developments in the world's leading cities.

It is located around a 3.6 km man-made water channel and on completion, will cover a total area of more than 50 million sq ft, encompassing more than 200 apartment towers as well as numerous luxury villas and be home to nearly 70,000 people.

"People who are not part of this experience may not be able comprehend the magnitude of what Dubai Marina has to offer," said Amer Belshelat of Emaar Properties.

"The marina is not visible from the Sheikh Zayed road. As such many simply assume Dubai Marina to consist of some high rise towers next to the sea, like hundred other similar developments in Dubai.

"It is only once you step within the community that you realise it is a waterfront city within the city with stores, entertainment, boat club, restaurants, endless amenities, a two-million dollar musical fountain—the only one of its kind in the country-- and much more."

The Marina's lifestyle is a mix that includes the vibrancy of the city alongside the laid back marine culture, and is built around parks boat-berthing facilities. Adding to the line up of amenities is the Marina Walk, an exclusive promenade of multi-cuisine fine dining restaurants, coffee shops, supermarket and retail outlets.

"Dubai Marina is all about lifestyle," Belshalat continued. "This yachters paradise has been designed for luxurious living and relaxing. It is a place where people can refresh themselves after a hard days work.

"Let me try to sum up Dubai Marina: Beautiful promenade, awesome sunsets, incredible ocean-front real estate and super fun restaurants. This place is where charm, variety and convenience truly come together. Everything you need for carefree daily living is near at hand, right within your neighbourhood. It's the urban waterfront lifestyle you've dreamed about.

"This is genuine waterfront living with a splash of Dubai style, it's an authentic, animated marina and the atmosphere spills over into everything: shopping, dining, sailing or merely escaping.

"With the glittering Marina at its heart, Dubai Marina is unlike any other place, in Dubai, the Middle East and even the world. Waterfront living has emerged as a popular choice for investors who prefer the tranquillity of a home overlooking the waters offering picturesque views and away from the hustle and bustle of city life," Belshelat said.