Dubai Waterfront, Dubai Overview

The Dubai Waterfront, locally referred to as the Waterfront, is one of the most ambitious projects commissioned in the world. Although the area is yet to be developed fully, visitors can find several entertainment areas offering leisure activities as well as several iconic landmarks of Dubai nearby.

The Dubai Waterfront was designed to include a number of canals as well as several man-made islands spanning the entire coastline of Dubai reaching into the Persian Gulf. Construction work on the project had been on hold since 2009 due to financial causes but work on Phase 1 of the project has been initiated once again with the developers expecting it to complete by 2020. The entire project is expected to take more than 8 to 10 years for completion with the real estate developers hoping to link the neighborhoods of Marina, Madinat Al Soor, the Resorts and the Boulevard to 8 distinct artificial islands.

Dubai Waterfront Attractions

1. The Outlet Village: Styled as an old European-style market, this shopping mall offers designer wear at heavily discounted rates. The scenic view of the Persian Gulf beyond the gate adds to its attraction with many tourists visiting the mall looking for affordable gift items and souvenirs.

2. Lux Crawl: Situated just 0.2 kilometres off the waterfront, this night club serves as an excellent venue for hosting stag and hen parties at present. Limousine rides, drinks and a sumptuous dinner along with visiting a host of Dubai attractions have made it a fast favourite of the young generation.

3. Burj Khalifa: Deemed to be the tallest building of the world, visitors are often seen staring up at the towering structure with the ones being eager to get the view from the top.

4. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: This is a must-visit for families. A visit to this unique zoo promises hours of fun with the children learning about marine life and their significance in maintaining the ecology.

5. Al Bastakiya: This is an ancient heritage site in Bur Dubai within a 1-kilometre radius of the waterfront. Visitors are amazed to find the entire area renovated to regain the lost glory of the 19th-century trading city.

6. Dubai Opera: Art lovers make a beeline for the opera that is renowned for staging a variety of performances that include operas, concerts and theatres. Situated in the vicinity of Burj Khalifa, visitors have not too much trouble locating it and immersing themselves in the vibrant cultural depictions.

7. Jumeirah Beach: Although the Persian Gulf situates the entire waterfront, most of the visitors head for the local beaches particularly the famous Jumeirah Beach that offers the most stunning views of Burj Al Arab along with a host of water-based activities.

8. Dubai Parks and Resorts: This is a collection of theme parks that is easily accessible from the waterfront. Visitors, especially families with young children, are thrilled to keep the kids occupied with exciting rides and a wide range of activities.

Dubai Waterfront Market

This is a huge market sporting an air-conditioned retail space and hygienic products. Known as the biggest fish market in Dubai, this is also the place to shop for fresh fruits, green vegetables and choicest meats. It is one of the best areas to go apparel shopping with clothes and trinkets being offered at bargain prices.

Restaurants near Dubai Waterfront

Al Badiyah Restaurant
Manoushe Street
Zabeel Restaurant
Seafarers Bar and Kitchen in Jebel Ali
Shooters

How To Reach Dubai Waterfront

Located near Al Maktoum International Airport, the Dubai Waterfront is easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road and Abu Dhabi. Tourists are advised to hire private cars to the waterfront that is yet to be developed fully developed.

The local visitors prefer to drive down to the area with the only means of public transport being the UAE Exchange Metro Station that can be reached by walking for 20–25 minutes from the residential communities.