Dubai Marina continues to rank among the most sought-after residential communities in Dubai. Its waterfront setting, iconic skyline, marina promenade, beach access, dining scene, and close proximity to key business hubs such as Media City and JLT make it especially attractive to professionals, couples, and families seeking a central, lifestyle-driven address.
From a rental perspective, Dubai Marina stands out for the depth, liquidity, and consistency of its market. Every year, thousands of rental contracts are registered across a wide range of apartment types—from compact studios to spacious luxury residences—making it one of the most transparent and active rental markets in the city.
The figures below are based on actual registered rental contracts, offering a realistic picture of what tenants are truly paying in Dubai Marina, rather than advertised or asking prices.
Overall Rental Landscape in Dubai Marina
The scale of rental activity in Dubai Marina highlights its importance within Dubai’s residential market.
- Total rental contracts: 14,551
- Total annual rental value: AED 1.855 billion
- Average annual rent (all properties): AED 127,483
- Average apartment size: ~1,203 sq ft
- Average rent per sq ft: AED 115
Dubai Marina is overwhelmingly apartment-driven. Out of more than 14,500 contracts, 14,537 are apartments, while villas account for just 14 transactions, underlining how strongly the area is geared toward high-rise living.
For apartments alone:
- Average annual rent: AED 127,202
- Average rent per sq ft: AED 115
These figures place Dubai Marina firmly in the upper tier of Dubai’s rental market, with pricing influenced heavily by unit size, layout, view, and building quality.
Rent by Apartment Type in Dubai Marina
Rental values vary significantly depending on the number of bedrooms. Below is a breakdown based on actual transaction data.
Studio Apartments
Studios are popular with single professionals and couples looking for a premium waterfront location.
- Contracts: 1,130
- Average annual rent: AED 68,806
- Average rent per sq ft: AED 150
Studios command the highest rent per square foot, reflecting strong demand for smaller, entry-level units in a prime location.
1-Bedroom Apartments
This is the largest and most active segment of the rental market.
- Contracts: 6,589
- Average annual rent: AED 95,512
- Average rent per sq ft: AED 118
One-bedroom apartments offer a strong balance between space and affordability, making them highly attractive to young professionals and couples.
2-Bedroom Apartments
A preferred option for small families and shared households.
- Contracts: 5,020
- Average annual rent: AED 143,211
- Average rent per sq ft: AED 107
While total rents are higher, the cost per square foot is lower than smaller units, offering better space efficiency.
3-Bedroom Apartments
Designed for families seeking more space without sacrificing location.
- Contracts: 1,520
- Average annual rent: AED 216,936
- Average rent per sq ft: AED 105
These units appeal to tenants prioritising space, amenities, and community living.
4- and 5-Bedroom Apartments
Large luxury residences are relatively rare in Dubai Marina.
4-bedroom apartments
- Average annual rent: AED 328,582
- Rent per sq ft: AED 106
- Contracts: 253
5-bedroom apartments
- Average annual rent: AED 518,478
- Rent per sq ft: AED 84
- Contracts: 28
Although total rents are high, larger units offer some of the lowest rent per square foot, especially in the 5-bedroom category.
Best Value per Square Foot: What the Data Shows
A clear pricing pattern emerges when comparing rent per square foot:
- Studios: Highest AED/sq ft
- 1- and 2-bedroom units: Mid-range AED/sq ft
- Larger apartments: Lower AED/sq ft
Smaller units command a premium due to affordability and strong demand, while larger apartments provide better value for tenants who prioritise space and comfort over entry-level pricing.
Average Apartment Sizes in Dubai Marina
Apartment sizes vary by building and layout, but transaction data provides a clear benchmark.
- Average apartment size (all units): ~1,203 sq ft
This figure reflects the dominance of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments in the rental market. Studios pull the average down, while larger family units push it upward.
In practical terms:
- Smaller units prioritise location and lifestyle over space.
- Larger units offer better space efficiency, but require a higher total rental budget.
Understanding this trade-off is key when choosing the right home in Dubai Marina.
Apartment vs Villa Rentals in Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is fundamentally an apartment community, with villas being extremely limited.
- Apartment contracts: 14,537
- Villa contracts: 14
Apartments
- Average rent: AED 127,202 per year
- Average size: ~1,203 sq ft
- Rent per sq ft: AED 115
Villas
- Average rent: AED 418,943 per year
- Average size: ~3,874 sq ft
- Rent per sq ft: AED 126
Villas sit in a completely different price bracket, driven by scarcity and size. Their higher rent per square foot reflects the premium attached to private living within a predominantly high-rise environment.
What Rental Demand Looks Like in Dubai Marina
Rental demand is heavily concentrated in:
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
Together, these segments account for the majority of all rental contracts, indicating a tenant profile dominated by:
- Young professionals
- Couples
- Small families
Studios also see strong demand, while larger apartments serve a more niche audience.
Is Dubai Marina Expensive Compared to Other Areas?
Dubai Marina is widely considered a premium rental destination, but the pricing reflects more than just size.
At an average of AED 115 per sq ft, tenants are paying for:
- Waterfront living
- Walkable lifestyle amenities
- Proximity to major employment hubs
- Strong transport and connectivity
While other areas may offer more space for less, Dubai Marina continues to command a premium due to its unique combination of location, infrastructure, and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways for Renters
- Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s most active rental markets.
- Average apartment rents are around AED 127,000 per year.
- Smaller units have higher rent per sq ft.
- 1- and 2-bedroom apartments dominate demand.
- Villas are rare and command a significant premium.
Renters should focus on value per square foot, not just headline rent, when comparing options.