Dubai Marina, Dubai

Dubai Marina, also called Marsa Dubai, is an outstanding achievement in urban design and construction. Located in Dubai, this man-made canal district extends over 3 kilometers along the Persian Gulf coast. Its design, influenced by Vancouver's Concord Pacific Place, aims to establish a notable area for living and leisure.

The goal of Dubai Marina is substantial. It's projected to accommodate more than 120,000 residents in various apartments and houses upon its full completion. It's conveniently situated near Jebel Ali Port, and close to major centers like Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and the American University in Dubai.

Building the marina was a significant engineering accomplishment, involving rerouting Gulf waters into the desert to create a vast central water channel that spans the entire site. This has resulted in marine life, such as whales and sharks, occasionally swimming into the marina from the sea.

More than 12% of Dubai Marina's area is devoted to public spaces, including the marina water body and around 8 kilometers of public walkways. These spaces offer a picturesque and relaxing setting for both locals and tourists.

The development of Dubai Marina was led by Emaar Properties, a real estate firm from the UAE, in partnership with HOK Canada. Their ambition is to make it the largest man-made marina in the world, surpassing Marina del Rey in California. Dubai Marina is more than just a residential area; it's a center for leisure, featuring a walkable shoreline, some parts of which provide views of the famous Palm Jumeirah. The Jumeirah Beach Residence is a key part of the project.

Dubai Marina also includes two mosques, Masjid Al Rahim and Mohammed Bin Ahmed Almulla Mosque, contributing to its cultural and communal essence. The completion of the first phase of this project marks a notable step in turning this area into a premier waterfront destination.