Renting Accommodation in Dubai Marina: Prices and Features

Prices, the best towers, hidden fees, and everything you need to know so that your canal-view apartment doesn’t cost as much as the yacht itself. Two hundred skyscrapers on just four square kilometers. Yachts at the foot of the buildings, each worth as much as the budget of a small country. No, this isn’t the set for a new “Blade Runner” movie, it’s just a typical Tuesday in Dubai Marina. This district is a unique Dubai cocktail where the frenetic energy of a megacity blends with the laid-back relaxation of a seaside resort, and it’s precisely this vibe that draws people here from all over the world. This guide will be your reliable navigator through the world of renting accommodation in Dubai Marina. Whether you’re looking for an apartment for an unforgettable vacation, choosing a base for working as a digital nomad for several months, or searching for long-term rental housing to become a resident, we’ll break down real prices, take a look at the most famous skyscrapers, reveal all potential “hidden” fees, and provide practical tips that will save you time and money.

What lies behind the panoramic windows: Types of housing in Dubai Marina

Studios and one-bedroom apartments: your personal suite in a skyscraper

This is the most popular and affordable way to live in Dubai Marina. Don’t expect palatial living spaces, but be prepared for a space that’s meticulously designed down to the last centimeter. Here, the living area flows seamlessly into the bedroom, and a compact yet fully equipped kitchen lets you prepare not only morning coffee but also a full dinner. And the main protagonist here is almost always the balcony—a personal box offering a view of the theater of skyscrapers, yachts, and the lights of the big city.

Price range:

• Short-term rental (per night):
  • Low season (May–September): from $100–150
  • High season (October–April): from $200–350
• Long-term rental (per year): from 80,000–120,000 AED (payment usually in 2–4 installments). Prices are indicative and are subject to change. A view of the Marina or the sea may add 15–25% to the cost.

2–3 bedroom apartments: the choice for families and groups

The perfect choice for those traveling with family or friends who don’t want to sacrifice personal space. The key here is spaciousness: a large living room for cozy evenings together, a fully equipped kitchen where you can easily prepare dinner for the whole group, and multiple bathrooms that eliminate morning queues. The infrastructure of residential complexes is entirely designed for family comfort: you’ll have access to children’s playgrounds, swimming pools with separate areas for young children, and well-equipped barbecue areas where you can spend a relaxing weekend.

Price guide:

• Short-term rental (per day):
  • Low season (May–September): from $200–300
  • High season (October–April): from $400–650
• Long-term rental (per year): from 150,000–250,000 AED. Prices are indicative and may vary. The presence of a large terrace and the floor level significantly affect the price.

Penthouses and duplexes: luxury at bird’s-eye height

This is a realm of uncompromising luxury for those seeking seclusion at the pinnacle of the metropolis. Penthouses in Dubai Marina are not just homes—they are works of art. Spaces span hundreds of square meters, with private infinity pools or jacuzzis on the terraces, dedicated elevators, and living rooms with ceilings as high as two stories. Only premium materials are used in the finishes, and the kitchens feature appliances from Miele or Gaggenau. But the main highlight is the view: a 360-degree panorama that encompasses Palm Jumeirah Island, the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, and the endless horizon of the bay.

Price guide:

The rental cost of such properties is almost always negotiated individually and rarely appears in public listings. Annual rent can start from 500,000 AED and easily reach several million dirhams.

Skyscrapers with a name: Where is the best place to stay in Dubai Marina?

Each tower in Dubai Marina has its own character. To help you choose, we’ll take a look at several iconic buildings, each offering a unique living experience.

Cayan Tower, the "dancing" skyscraper

Who it suits: Architecture enthusiasts, Instagram bloggers, and anyone who wants to live not just in an apartment, but in a true landmark.

What’s inside: Behind the iconic façade, twisted by 90 degrees, are apartments with interesting, yet sometimes impractical layouts. Be prepared for sloping walls or oddly shaped rooms. However, the level of privacy is truly higher, and the views from the windows are often unobstructed by neighboring buildings.

Insider tip: Due to its unique shape, some apartments may be noisy from wind during inclement weather—this is the price of living in an architectural masterpiece.

Princess Tower, life in the clouds

Who it suits: Those who dream of waking up and falling asleep while gazing at the city from a breathtaking height. Perfect for lovers of stunning panoramic views.

What’s inside: As one of the tallest residential buildings in the world, the tower offers truly “postcard-perfect” views. The infrastructure matches the scale: several pools (indoor and outdoor), gyms on the upper floors with panoramic windows, and even a private observation deck for residents.

Insider tip: During peak hours, waiting for the elevator can take a long time. Additionally, living on the 80th floor may feel somewhat detached from the bustling life below on the promenade.

Emaar 6 Towers, the gold standard of the district

Who it suits: Families and long-term residents who value build quality, spaciousness, greenery, and a more tranquil, respectable atmosphere.

What’s inside: This complex, known as “The Original Six,” set the quality standard for the entire area. The floor plans here are generally more spacious than those in newer developments, and the well-maintained green grounds with direct access to the Marina Walk promenade create the feeling of an oasis in the heart of the metropolis.

Insider tip: The buildings are not new, so the interior design may seem more classic and less avant-garde compared to the latest projects. For some, this is a drawback; for others, it’s an advantage.

Dubai Marina rental checklist: From booking to check-in

Where to look and how to book?

• Short-term rental (from 1 day to 6 months): The main platforms are Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. It's also worth checking offers from local property management companies (holiday homes), which often provide exclusive options and better service.
• Long-term rental (from 1 year onward): For finding accommodation for a year or more, use local portals such as Bayut and Property Finder. It is strongly recommended to work with a certified RERA real estate agent here—it will save you both nerves and money.

Hidden fees in short-term rentals (for tourists)

When booking for a short period, the final amount may be 15–20% higher than the nightly rate. Keep these fees in mind:

• Tourism Tax (Tourism Dirham Fee): An unavoidable fee charged per night. Its amount is fixed and depends on the number of bedrooms. Expect approximately 15 AED per night for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment and 30 AED per night for a 2-bedroom apartment.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): The standard VAT rate in the UAE is 5% and applies to the rental cost and services.
• Security deposit: A refundable amount (usually $300–1000) that is blocked on your card in case of potential property damage.
• Cleaning fee: Often charged separately as a one-time payment for the final cleaning after your departure.

Additional costs for long-term rentals (for residents)

Renting for a year involves several one-time payments at the start:

• Agent’s commission: The standard rate is 5% of the annual rental cost.
• Security deposit: Typically amounts to 5% (for unfurnished apartments) or 10% (for furnished apartments) of the annual rent.
• Ejari contract registration: A mandatory government fee (about 220 AED) for registering your lease agreement in the system. Without it, you will not be able to connect utilities.
• Utility connection (DEWA): A refundable deposit (about 2,130 AED) must be paid to connect water and electricity.

Best time to rent

• High season (October–April): Ideal weather, but peak prices. Tip: Book short-term accommodation at least 3–4 months in advance to secure the best selection and reasonable rates.
• Low season (May–September): It’s very hot, but this is the time for the best deals. Tip: This is an ideal option for those who aren’t afraid of the heat and plan to spend a lot of time in air-conditioned spaces. Rental discounts can reach up to 40%.

Getting around the area

Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s most walkable districts. The modern Dubai Tram covers the entire area and connects to two metro stations. Water taxis operate along the canal. But the main advantage is that everything is within a pleasant walking distance along the scenic Marina Walk promenade: hundreds of restaurants, shops, JBR Beach, and the Dubai Marina Mall.

Dubai Marina: An investment in the view from your window or in a lifestyle?

So what is renting in Dubai Marina, a investment in the view from your window or in a lifestyle? The answer is simple: both. It’s an opportunity to step into the life of the future, whether for a week or a year, where one of the world’s most ambitious projects unfolds outside your window, and right at your doorstep you’ll find a beach, a promenade, and hundreds of restaurants.

Yes, this district isn’t for everyone, it’s bustling, dynamic, and sometimes overwhelming. But if you’re looking for exactly this concentrated dose of modern life, then your perfect view from the window is definitely waiting for you here. And I hope this guide will help you avoid making the wrong choice of floor.