Dubai Marina vs Downtown Dubai: Where should you live?
- Buying Property in Dubai Marina vs Downtown Dubai
- Renting Property in Downtown Dubai vs Dubai Marina
- Living in Dubai Marina vs Living in Downtown Dubai
- What to Expect?
- FAQs
Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai are two popular residential neighbourhoods in Dubai, offering an exciting variety of properties with state-of-the-art amenities. If you are unsure about investing or renting in Dubai Marina vs Downtown Dubai, here’s an in-depth comparison.
We will look at these trendy communities’ properties, amenities and lifestyles. Also, you can learn more about properties’ average sales and rental prices, expected ROI and the choice of bed types in these two areas.
Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai: Where Should You Buy Property?
As stated earlier, Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai draw significant attention from buyers and investors. Downtown Dubai is the flagship development of Emaar Properties, the name behind popular master developments such as The Lakes, The Meadows, The Springs and Arabian Ranches. Dubai Marina also is predominantly developed by Emaar, but there are residential towers by other well-known developers.
When comparing Dubai Marina vs Downtown Dubai, the location of both areas is considered ideal. These neighbourhoods are situated off Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), a key highway. Properties in Dubai Marina are close to Jebel Ali, while properties in Downtown Dubai are closer to Jumeirah.
Buying Apartments in Dubai Marina vs Downtown Dubai
There is an extensive portfolio of apartments for sale in Dubai, including ready and off-plan units. Those looking at apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai will be spoilt for choice, with properties ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units. You would also find luxury penthouses and duplexes here.
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- 737 SQFT
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- 1311 SQFT
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- 791 SQFT
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- 1800 SQFT
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- 1225 SQFT
The sheer number of apartments means you can choose from various architectural styles and floor plans in Downtown Dubai. These flats have stunning views of the city’s skyline and the Dubai Canal.
Similarly, Dubai Marina is home to more than 200 residential towers. Dubai Marina apartments for sale include studios to 3-bedroom flats, upscale penthouses and duplexes. Buyers can check out the detailed apartment floor plans in Dubai Marina, which have views of the artificial marina, the Arabian Gulf and the skyline.
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- 707 SQFT
When comparing apartments in Dubai Marina vs Downtown Dubai, both communities offer units of similar sizes, with 1-bedroom apartments ranging from 570 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft. However, Downtown Dubai flats tend to have larger layouts, although this mainly depends on the building.
- Buying studio apartments in Downtown Dubai costs around AED 1.47M.
- The 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom flats have average sales prices of AED 2.2M and AED 4.1M, respectively.
- On average, a 3-bedroom apartment for sale in Downtown Dubai costs AED 6.9M.
If you prefer enjoying scenic views of the marina, here’s an overview of the sales trends in Dubai Marina.
- The average price to buy studios in Dubai Marina stands at AED 1.3M.
- The 1-bedroom flats for sale in Dubai Marina average at AED 1.7M.
- The 2-bedroom flats average at AED 2.7M.
- A 3-bedroom flat for sale in Dubai Marina is priced at AED 4.5M on average.
Buying Villas in Downtown Dubai vs Dubai Marina
Both communities have a limited, exclusive collection of podium villas for those who want larger homes. You can find villas for sale in Dubai Marina, comprising 1 to 3-bedroom units.
- The sales prices for Dubai Marina villas average at AED 7.2M for 3-bedroom homes.
- You can buy 4-bed villas in Dubai Marina at an average price of AED 18.4M.
You can also buy podium villas in Downtown Dubai.
Downtown Dubai vs Dubai Marina: Where Should You Rent Property?
Looking for apartments for rent in Dubai? These two neighbourhoods rank amongst the top areas to rent apartments in Dubai. Tenants prefer the areas due to their proximity to amenities and attractions, ideal location and upscale lifestyle. If you are wondering: ‘should I live in Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai,’ here’s a comparison of the rental prices.
Renting apartments in Dubai Marina vs Downtown Dubai
Prospective tenants can expect a similar choice of apartments in Downtown and Dubai Marina, ranging from compact and cosy studio flats to 3-bedroom apartments and larger penthouses.
- On average, studios for rent in Downtown Dubai are available for AED 80k.
- For 1-bedroom apartments, the asking rent goes up to AED 131k.
- The average rents for 2 and 3-bed flats are AED 223k and AED 364k, respectively.
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- 1231 SQFT
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- 862 SQFT
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- 1257 SQFT
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- 1335 SQFT
Here’s what you can expect to pay for apartments for rent in Dubai Marina.
- The average prices for renting flats in Dubai Marina stand at AED 63k for studio apartments and AED 103k for 1-bedroom apartments.
- The average rent for 2-bedroom flats in Dubai Marina is 158k.
- The average rent rises to AED 201k for 3-bed flats.
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- 1587 SQFT
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- 595 SQFT
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- 707 SQFT
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- 596 SQFT
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- 403 SQFT
Villas for rent in Downtown Dubai vs Dubai Marina
Looking for a unit that blends the spaciousness of a villa and the convenience of apartment living? You can consider podium villas in these high-end neighbourhoods. There is an extensive portfolio of rental villas in Dubai Marina, with available layouts ranging from 2-bedroom to 5-bedroom homes.
- The average rent for a 3-bed villa is AED 327K.
- You can rent a 4-bed villa in Dubai Marina for AED 698k.
- The average rent rises to AED 997k for 5-bed houses.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for villas for rent in Downtown Dubai.
- The average rent for a 3-bed villa is AED 457K.
- You can rent a 5-bed villa in Dubai Marina for AED 1M.
Rental podium villas in Downtown Dubai are also popular.
Living in Dubai Marina vs Living in Downtown Dubai
Deciding whether to live in Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai? Learn more about the lifestyle these neighbourhoods offer.
- Life in Dubai Marina means residing in a family-friendly waterfront community with easy access to the beach.
- There are several clinics, supermarkets and nurseries in Dubai Marina, ensuring a convenient and comfortable lifestyle.
- Most apartment towers also have state-of-the-art amenities such as gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools.
- Those who enjoy watersports will love life in Dubai Marina. You can try thrilling outdoor activities, including skydiving, cycling and zip-lining!
- Dubai Marina residents will face no shortage of shopping and entertainment opportunities! There are plenty of well-known retail outlets in Dubai Marina Mall and a cinema. The community is also known for its upscale restaurants and clubs.
How’s life in Downtown Dubai?
- Those living in Downtown Dubai are at the heart of the action, as the area is home to impressive landmarks and upscale hotels.
- Downtown Dubai boasts a pet-friendly park known as Burj Park, which is ideal for those with furry friends.
- Downtown Dubai matches Dubai Marina in terms of leisure attractions and activities.
- One of the area’s biggest highlights, Dubai Mall, has flagship stores, drive-in cinemas, musical fountains, ice rinks and more!
- The nearby Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is also home to some of the city’s most exclusive restaurants.
- Dubai Opera is perfect for art enthusiasts.
- Similarly, there are many nightclubs in Downtown Dubai for those who love a night out.
Downtown Dubai has a metro station and a few public bus stops for those who rely on Dubai’s public transport network. On the other hand, Dubai Marina is serviced by the public bus, Dubai Tram and the Dubai Metro, making it easy for residents to get around without a car.
What to expect from these areas
While both areas are established communities, there are still many exciting developments to look forward to! Downtown Dubai has several upcoming residential projects, including famous off-plan projects like St. Regis Residences.
Aside from the fantastic hotels in Downtown Dubai, more luxury hotels are set to open in the coming years, adding to residents’ dining and entertainment opportunities.
Similarly, Dubai Marina is home to some highly anticipated off-plan projects, including the prominent Cavalli Tower. Moreover, residents can enjoy the nearby Bluewaters Island Meraas attractions, such as upscale resorts and celebrity chef restaurants!
Dubai Marina is also a short distance from Dubai Harbour – Dubai’s most advanced marina, cruise terminal and unparalleled waterfront destination.
FAQS ABOUT LIVING IN DUBAI MARINA VS DOWNTOWN DUBAI
WHAT ARE THE POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI?
Downtown Dubai attractions worth visiting include Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera. These venues offer many things to do in Downtown Dubai.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI MARINA?
Dubai Marina is known for its scintillating nightlife and plenty of other attractions. You can dine at Pier 7, shop at the Dubai Marina Mall and visit X-Line, where multiple adventures and watersports await!
That concludes our comparison between Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai. We hope this guide will help you make an informed choice when buying or renting a property in these areas. Buyers can choose between the top buildings for buying apartments in Downtown Dubai and the popular towers for buying flats in Dubai Marina.
Also, Bayut’s Dubai Rent Transactions page offers a detailed index of real estate transaction data from the Dubai Land Department, including property rent history, annual rental volume and values of area-specific rental transactions. This resource enables you to make informed decisions by comparing advertised prices with actual transactional prices for properties of interest.
For more insights on Dubai’s top residential communities, stay tuned to MyBayut!
