Dubai Marina is one of the most popular places to buy an apartment in Dubai, and one of the easiest for foreigners. It is a freehold area, so you can own a unit in your own name without living in the UAE. Resale data for the first half of 2026 put the average apartment price at about AED 2,060 to AED 2,080 per sq ft, and service charges average around AED 22 per sq ft a year. Compare the total yearly cost of a unit, not only its asking price.
This guide explains what apartments cost in Dubai Marina, the extra costs to plan for, and what to check before you sign. To see what is on the market, browse properties for sale in Dubai Marina, with prices in AED, USD or EUR.
Why buyers choose Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is a waterfront district built around a man-made canal, between Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Jumeirah Lake Towers. Most homes are apartments in high-rise towers.
- Waterfront living: many towers face the marina, the sea or Palm Jumeirah, with a long promenade at street level.
- Getting around: the Dubai Metro Red Line runs along the edge of the district and the Dubai Tram serves the Marina and JBR.
- Everything nearby: restaurants, shops, the beach at JBR and Dubai Marina Mall are within walking distance of many towers.
- Choice: from studios to large penthouses, in older and newer buildings.
How much do Dubai Marina apartments cost?
Prices depend on the tower, floor, view, size and condition. These averages come from Dubai Land Department registrations compiled by Property Monitor and published by two agencies in 2026:
| Apartment type | Average resale price (Q1 2026) |
|---|---|
| Studio | About AED 1.19 million |
| 1 bedroom | About AED 1.74 million |
| 2 bedrooms | About AED 2.76 million |
| 3 bedrooms | About AED 4.23 million |
| 4 bedrooms | About AED 6.04 million |
Source: Metropolitan Premium Properties, Dubai Marina Apartments Q1 2026 Resale Report (Property Monitor data). The same report gives an average of AED 2,078 per sq ft and 470 resale transactions in the quarter. A separate Engel & Völkers figure for 1 January to 6 June 2026 is AED 2,058 per sq ft.
Treat these as a starting point, not a valuation. Each listing on our portal is offered by its owner, agent or developer, who confirms today’s price and availability.
Service charges in Dubai Marina
Every owner pays a yearly service charge for the upkeep, security and shared facilities of the building. A 2026 review by Real Estate Club Dubai puts the Dubai Marina average at about AED 22 per sq ft a year, with buildings ranging from roughly AED 14 to AED 35. On a 1,000 sq ft apartment, AED 22 per sq ft means about AED 22,000 a year.
Older towers with large pools, gyms and concierge services can sit at the top of that range. Ask for the exact building’s approved rate, which is recorded in the Dubai Land Department’s Mollak system and can be checked in the Dubai REST app, and ask the seller for recent service charge statements.
Other costs when you buy
- Dubai Land Department fee: about 4% of the price at the time of writing (November 2026).
- Agency commission and registration fees: agree them in writing before you make an offer.
- Mortgage costs, if you borrow: valuation, arrangement and registration fees.
- Moving in: utility connection deposits and any furniture or repairs.
Our step-by-step guide on how to buy property in Dubai as a foreigner explains each stage, from the offer to the title deed.
What to check before you buy in Dubai Marina
- The building’s age and condition. Dubai Marina has towers of very different ages. Ask about lifts, facades, plumbing and planned repairs.
- The view, in writing. A marina or sea view adds value, but new construction nearby can block it. Check the floor and orientation, and what is planned next door.
- Noise and traffic. Units near the main roads, the tram or busy restaurant areas can be noisy. Visit at different times, or ask for a video tour.
- Parking. Confirm how many parking spaces come with the unit.
- Service charge history. Look for unpaid charges and recent increases before you agree a price.
- Ready or off-plan. Most of the Marina is built, so most sales are resales. If you are also looking at new projects, read our guide to off-plan vs ready property in Dubai.
- Who you are dealing with. Confirm the seller’s ownership and the agent’s registration, and have the contract reviewed before you pay a deposit.
Dubai Marina or Business Bay?
Both are central freehold districts with high-rise apartments. Dubai Marina suits buyers who want the beach, the promenade and a resort feel. Business Bay suits people who want to be close to Downtown Dubai and the business districts. Compare them in our Business Bay buyer’s guide and see properties in Downtown Dubai.
We do not promise rental returns or price growth. Results depend on the unit, the market and your costs, so ask for real figures on any unit you are considering.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy an apartment in Dubai Marina?
Yes. Dubai Marina is a freehold area, so foreigners can own an apartment in their own name, including buyers who do not live in the UAE.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina?
Resale data for the first quarter of 2026 show an average of about AED 1.74 million for a one-bedroom apartment. Individual units can cost much more or less depending on the tower, size and view.
What are service charges in Dubai Marina?
A 2026 review puts the average at about AED 22 per sq ft a year, with a range of roughly AED 14 to AED 35. Check the approved rate for the exact building before you buy.
Is Dubai Marina connected to the metro?
Yes. The Dubai Metro Red Line runs along the edge of Dubai Marina and the Dubai Tram runs through the Marina and JBR. Walking times depend on the tower.
Does buying in Dubai Marina give me a residency visa?
Not automatically. Residency rules are set by the UAE authorities and they change. Our team can explain the current rules for your case.
Talk to our team
Tell us your budget, how many bedrooms you need and whether you want to live in the apartment or rent it out, and we will help you shortlist options. CanalMarket Emirate Property is led by an attorney and licensed real estate broker, with offices in Dubai and Panama, and we assist buyers in English, Arabic and Spanish.
- Message us on WhatsApp
- See properties in Dubai Marina
- Or ask Adonai, our AI advisor, using the button at the bottom of this page.
Selling or letting a Dubai Marina apartment? List your property on our portal.
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