A beautiful desert oasis that was once centred on a humble creek, Dubai has revamped itself into one of the world’s most exciting waterfront destinations. Homes by the water, once a part of the city’s residential history, now represent the apex of its modern urban lifestyle. From the natural beauty of the Creek to man-made lakes and lagoons, there is no shortage of waterways around the city that are complemented by high-end residential and commercial neighbourhoods. Here are five standouts amongst Dubai’s best waterfront communities.
1. Business Bay
A key part of Dubai’s central business district alongside DIFC and Downtown Dubai, Business Bay is better known for its lifestyle attractions nowadays than for its shining commercial towers. This shift began in 2013 with the ambitious plan to dig a canal that would bisect the district and create another outlet from the Dubai Creek to the Arabian Sea.
Officially inaugurated 3 years after its launch, the canal has become a key waterfront landmark in the city, providing a picturesque leisure destination for residents and those who work in the area. The Canal is surrounded by a promenade known as Dubai Water Canal Walk, covering a length of 6.4 km on each side, which features waterfront restaurants and cafes as well as notable hotels such as the JW Marriott Marquis and V Hotel.
The Canal has also become Business Bay’s luxury residential hub, featuring projects such as Ritz-Carlton Residences Business Bay, Lana The Dorchester Collection, Volante, and the Marasi Floating Homes, a unique collection of high-end villas that float along the Canal and are located just off its main pier.
2. Jumeirah Bay Island
Ever since the completion of Palm Jumeirah in the early 2000’s, Dubai has developed a flair for crafting unique man-made islands that offer exceptional lifestyles. Jumeirah Bay Island takes the exclusivity of Palm Jumeirah to a new level, as it is a completely private space that is only accessible to residents and authorised visitors. It has become such a magnet for high-net-worth individuals that it has been nicknamed the “Billionaire's Island”.
Designed in the shape of a gigantic seahorse, Jumeirah Bay Island is a truly unique sight along Dubai’s coastline. It can only be accessed from a single main road which leads to the centre of the island. From here, visitors can access three main areas. Set at the far end of Jumeirah Bay, the Island Villas enclave is made up of bespoke villas and mansions built on large residential plots. Towards the heart of the island is Villa Amalfi, a modern townhouse community that draws aesthetic inspiration from the Amalfi Coast.
The curling ‘tail’ of the seahorse is occupied by Bulgari Resort & Residences, which is as exclusive as the island itself. The Bulgari Resort contains just 101 rooms and less than 200 residences, with views over the Arabian Gulf on one end and the Downtown skyline on the other. The resort also features the Bulgari Yacht Club and a private marina, as well as Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, one of only 4 restaurants in Dubai to be awarded two Michelin stars. Bulgari Lighthouse, a branded apartment tower located close to the resort, boasts some of the most expensive real estate in Dubai and has broken several records for penthouse sales in the city.
3. District One
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, more commonly known as MBR City, is one of the largest projects launched in Dubai. Spanning multiple communities and spread across 54 million square feet, this mega project was envisioned as a ‘city within a city’ that would transform Dubai’s suburban quarters and elevate the standard of living. District One was the flagship community to lead that transformation, comprising a premium selection of apartments, villas, and mansions built around the man-made Crystal Lagoon.
Since its conception in 2014, District One has become a very exclusive high-end residential community. It has a very high level of occupancy, and it is rare for properties to come back on the resale market as most of its residents have made it their long-term home.
The Crystal Lagoon was the first project of its kind in Dubai, offering a waterfront lifestyle akin to the city’s coastline within an inland community. Only accessible to residents, it covers an area of 100 acres and is ringed by a 9.7 km boardwalk that offers a variety of activities, including play areas and outdoor fitness facilities. The lagoon also has an urban beach, sections reserved for swimming, and facilities for watersports.
4. Tilal Al Ghaf
Following the success of District One, Dubai has plans to develop more residential communities centred on man-made water bodies. Chief among them is Tiilal Al Ghaf, a master-planned project announced in 2019 that began to welcome its first residents at the end of 2023. Tilal Al Ghaf, named after the Ghaf trees that are native to the region, is a haven of greenery that is divided into townhouse and villa communities set around the Lagoon Al Ghaf.
Spanning a total area of 27 acres, the lagoon is the main recreational hub of the community. It features swimmable areas, water-based activities, and its own private beach – Hive Beach. The lagoon also has a residential space in the form of Lanai Islands, two purpose-built islands featuring a limited collection of mansions. Each island is accessible by a gated road.
As the community is still being further developed, Tilal Al Ghaf will continue to add new amenities and facilities, many of which will no doubt be tied to Lagoon Al Ghaf and will add to its status as a premium waterfront destination.
5. Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina was one of the first freehold communities in the city and a cornerstone of the urban expansion project that was informally known as ‘new Dubai’ in the early 2000’s. It was the only district in the city that contained waterfront luxury residences at that time and was known for having the ‘tallest block in the world’, a cluster of 20 supertall skyscrapers that stood over 300 metres high. Dubai Marina became forerunner to many of today’s popular waterfront communities such as Dubai Creek Harbour and Marasi Bay, and is still a highly-sought after area in its own right.
At the heart of the community is a beautiful waterway known for its shimmering emerald hue, ringed by a 7-kilometre promenade known as Marina Walk. This is a very popular place for fitness enthusiasts who want to enjoy a jog or a workout by the water, as well as those who want a pleasant stroll in a vibrant district. Marina Walk also contains many waterfront restaurants and shops, as well as a yacht marina where boats can be rented for short cruises and events.
Although newer communities have come up that offer a similar lifestyle, such as the nearby Emaar Beachfront, Dubai Marina has a truly unique atmosphere that sets it apart. It is also the site of Six Senses Dubai Marina, which is set to be the tallest residential building in the world.
Final Take
Dubai is a waterfront destination beyond compare, featuring a wide range of communities with their own distinct lifestyle and attractions. Whether you want to set up business in a booming commercial district that overlooks the Canal or you want to reap the benefits of living on a private island, Dubai provides prime choices for waterfront living.
