I Didn’t Think I’d Fall More in Love With Dubai Marina Until I Saw it at Night
Dubai Marina is, without a doubt, one of my favourite spots in the city, especially when I want to daydream about being a rich lady living in the French Riviera. A girl can dream, right?
But while I’m already head over heels in love with this neighborhood during the day, visiting Dubai Marina at night took my affection to the next level. I mean, I was surprised with all the things that I haven’t discovered yet!
Of course, I’m letting you in on my discovery with this comprehensive guide of everything that you can do in the area after the sun sets.
Take a Stroll Along Dubai Marina Walk
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/marina-walk
Address: Dubai Marina
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $
I’m used to seeing Dubai Marina Walk during the day whenever I do my morning jogs in this area. But I was extra surprised at how this seven-kilometer shines differently at night.
Being near the water, taking a stroll in Dubai Marina Walk makes you feel like you’re in a different country – the French Riviera to be exact – where you see yachts docked in the marina, buildings fully lit up and palm trees just adding to the charm of this place.
But Dubai Marina Walk isn’t just made for walking because this long path is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes and eateries, most of which are open until late at night.
I also love that this promenade is open 24 hours every day, so I can take a walk or just sit in one of the cafes and just enjoy my cup of coffee while dreaming about the good life.
Pro tip:
Dubai Marina Walk is accessible by the Dubai Metro and Tram. Just stop at the Jumeirah Lake Towers or Dubai Marina Station and walk to the promenade for a few minutes.
Dine Like a VIP at Pier 7
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/restaurants/pier-7
Address: Marina Promenade – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai Marina
Contact details: +971 4 436 1020
Operating hours: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily
Price: $$$
I must say, dining at Pier 7 should be on your bucketlist if you want to experience the best views of Dubai Marina at night.
It’s one of the most panoramic dining destinations in all of the city, making it an favorite for people like me who’s a sucker for a good view.
Pier 7 is home to not one but seven restaurants, each with its own level and a balcony where you can enjoy the stunning waterfront and skyline of Dubai Marina.
So if you’re looking for options, you have a lot of that here. Atelier M is one of the most popular culinary residents at Pier 7 with its fine dining ambiance and French dishes with an Asian twist.
I go to Mama Zonia for some authentic Amazonian flavours, Asia Asia for my Asian comfort classics, Abd el Wahab for some Middle Eastern dishes, and of course, Cargo for some street food fix.
Pro tip:
Seven restaurants may be a lot of options, but these dining spots get fully booked quickly. So if you want to eat at your restaurant of choice and secure a spot in the outdoor dining area with the best views, it’s best to pre-book a table at least a few weeks before you dine.
Rent a Yacht at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club
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Website: https://www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com/
Address: Ground Floor – Vida Dubai Marina and Yacht Club – Dubai Marina
Contact details: +971 4 362 7900
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Price: $$$
There’s nothing quite like the magic of experiencing Dubai Marina at night on board a luxury yacht. In fact, I always make sure to treat friends who come over to visit me and the memory has always stuck with them.
Now you might think that renting a yacht in Dubai is very expensive – and it can be – if you don’t know where to look. But rates will actually depend on where you book, the size of the yacht you’re renting and of course, the inclusions that come with the tour.
If you’re on a budget, you can rent a yacht for as low as AED550 per hour. But if you don’t mind the price, you can rent a luxury yacht that includes a tour of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
You can also have your food and drinks catered, and request for other inclusions to really make your experience worthwhile.
Pro tip:
Trying to score a good deal on a yacht tour in Dubai Marina? Check different yacht operators and book your tour on weekdays and at least a few months before to take advantage of lower rates and discounts.
Enjoy a Dhow Cruise Dinner
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Website: https://www.dhowcruiseindubai.com/
Address: ACICO Business Park Building – Office 703-705 – Port Saeed Road – Deira
Contact details: +971 420 87433
Price: $$
If renting a yacht is still out of your budget, you can still enjoy Dubai Marina at night from the water with a dhow cruise.
What is a dhow, you ask? It’s a traditional Arab boat that was used for fishing in the early days of Dubai.
Now, these boats are converted into floating restaurants that take you on a romantic dinner cruise around Dubai Marina. And yes, that includes a red carpet welcome, a feast of Middle Eastern food and even a live band playing in the background.
A dhow cruise is not just a great way to see Dubai Marina at night, but it’s also a homage to Dubai’s culture back when it was still a fishing village.
Pro tip:
Are you trying to impress someone on a first date? Book the sunset cruise in Dubai Marina, a 1 hour and 30-minute cruise that lets you experience golden hour from the marina and watch all the buildings light up along with the stars as you sail by.
Party Until Dawn at The Penthouse in FIVE Palm Jumeirah
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Website: https://thepenthouse.co/dubai/
Address: FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel – No.1 Palm Jumeirah
Contact details: +971 52 900 4868
Operating hours: 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM daily
Price: $$$
Every now and then, I unleash my inner party girl and have a great night out with friends. And when I do, I always go to The Penthouse, the best place to experience Dubai Marina at night.
It’s not called Dubai’s number-one nightlife destination for no reason. Located on the rooftop of the famous FIVE Palm Jumeirah, this bar gives you the best views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah in one frame.
But that’s not all because once you step on the dance floor, you won’t notice that you’ve been dancing for hours, thanks to the bar’s list of international DJs spinning the hottest tunes today.
The Penthouse’s energy is also so electric that you won’t mind staying until the wee hours of the morning to party here.
Pro tip:
Here’s a little secret: The Penthouse isn’t just for partying and drinks. The bar also serves award-winning Japanese-inspired food that can rival those of other Japanese restaurants in the city.
Dance the Night Away at Buddha Bar
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Website: https://www.buddhabar-dubai.com/
Address: Grosvenor House – Al Emreef Street – Dubai Marina
Contact details: +971 4 317 6000
Operating hours:
- 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday
- 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM every Friday
- 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM every Saturday
Price: $$$
Good Asian food, live entertainment and an eclectic atmosphere that separates it from other bars – these are some of the reasons I love Buddha Bar.
Everything about this restaurant is an experience, which makes it one of the best spots to visit if you want to enjoy Dubai Marina at night.
What I love about Buddha Bar is that you can already dine and party in one place, so you won’t have to move to another location after dinner. And the Pan-Asian menu here is one of the best in Dubai.
Their plates are works of art that you just want to stare at their food. But of course, you have to dig in because everything here is just so delicious.
Their sushi bar is to die for and their prawn red curry and roasted duck are worth trying. Once you’re done with dinner, you can move into the bar menu with all the cocktails that you know and love with an Asian twist, of course.
Pro tip:
Do you want to sample a bit of everything on the menu? Go for their Tanoshii Platter with 20 kinds of nigiri and the Royal Platter with 30 kinds to choose from.
But if you want a more sophisticated experience, go for their Omakase meal instead.
Shop ‘Til You Drop at the Dubai Marina Mall
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Website: https://www.dubaimarinamall.com/
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai Marina
Contact details: +971 4 436 1020
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 Pm from Friday to Saturday
Price: $$
I don’t know about you, but I love to shop at night and Dubai Marina Mall is one of my go-to shopping centres for some retail therapy.
With more than 140 stores inside the mall, I have more than enough options for clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and whatnot.
But what I love about shopping at the Dubai Marina Mall is its promenade where I can just chill at one of the cafes or eat dinner at one of the restaurants after all that walking and shopping.
Pro tip:
Do you want to have easy access to the Dubai Marina Mall? Stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Marina that’s attached to the mall or the Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina that’s just a few minutes away.
Let Loose at Zero Gravity Beach Club
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Website: https://www.0-gravity.ae/
Address: Skydive Dubai Drop Zone – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud STreet – Dubai Marina
Contact details: +971 4 399 0009
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM every Tuesday and Thursday
- 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM every Wednesday
- 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM from Friday to Monday
Price: $$$
The Zero Gravity Beach Club is already a bustling destination during the day where you get to lounge by the beach, enjoy some drinks and watch people landing on the ground after skydiving.
But if you haven’t been to this club at night, you’re missing out on a lot. As the sun sets, Zero Gravity becomes a party mecca with its pool lit up, its bar serving flowing drinks and its DJs spinning beat after beat.
I love that I can dance, take a dip in the pool, or just chill on a great Friday night while being surrounded by the massive buildings in Dubai Marina.
The club also serves great food and even better cocktails, which is why it’s been a favourite for me and my friends whenever we want to treat ourselves to some partying after a busy week at work.
Just make sure to book a table ahead or risk not getting inside because of how many people visit the club, especially during the weekends.
Pro tip:
Zero Gravity Beach Club hosts a lot of events throughout the year. So make sure to follow their social media platforms to be updated on the happenings at the club during your visit.
Dine with a View at The Observatory
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Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dxbhr-dubai-marriott-harbour-hotel-and-suites/dining/dubai-harbour-restaurants/observatory-lounge/
Address: Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites – 52nd Floor King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street – Dubai Marina
Contact details: +971 4 319 4795
Operating hours: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM daily
Price: $$$
The Observatory is everything its name says – a stunning restaurant offering the most panoramic views of Dubai Marina at night. Located 52 floors high, you don’t get any better views than this, that’s for sure.
But more than the views, it’s the food that really draws people to this restaurant, especially its unique combination of Asian and Latin American cuisines that produces such a strong explosion of flavours.
Just imagine being able to taste ceviche and sushi in one restaurant. And let’s not get started on the drinks menu where you get to enjoy some of the most stunning cocktails while looking at the views.
Pro tip:
Are you on a tight budget? Check out The Observatory’s 52 on 52 offer where you get to enjoy dishes and cocktails starting at just AED52. How’s that for a great deal?
Experience Dinner in the Sky
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Website: https://dinnerinthesky.ae/
Address: Skydive Dubai – Al Sufouh – Al Seyahi Street
Contact details: +971 58 819 3296
Operating hours: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily
Price: $$
It’s one of the ten most unusual restaurants in the world, and in my opinion, there’s no better experience than eating dinner and enjoying Dubai Marina at night while being suspended 50 meters high on the ground.
Dinner in the Sky is literally everything its name suggests. You get a seat at the massive dining table that’s then suspended high up in the sky.
But this isn’t just about being high up there and enjoying the views. You’re also getting served a special chef’s menu with your choice of starters, mains and dessert.
At first, you’ll feel a little overwhelmed, especially if you have a fear of heights. But once you get settled in, you’ll surely have the best time of your life just like I did.
Pro tip:
Are you celebrating a special occasion at Dinner in the Sky? Let the team know ahead so they can prepare a special surprise for you.