How Much Is the Rent in Dubai Marina?

Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s most sought-after residential districts, known for its waterfront lifestyle, high-rise skyline, and vibrant urban atmosphere. Popular with professionals, couples, and families, the area combines beach access, a lively promenade, restaurants, cafés, and direct connectivity to major business hubs such as Dubai Media City, JLT, and Sheikh Zayed Road.

From a rental market perspective, Dubai Marina stands out for its depth, liquidity, and consistency. Thousands of rental contracts are registered every year, covering everything from compact studios to luxury multi-bedroom apartments, with a very limited number of villas.

Importantly, the figures in this guide are based on actual registered rental contracts, not advertised prices. This provides a more accurate view of what tenants are really paying in Dubai Marina.

Average Rent in Dubai Marina (Overall Market)

Dubai Marina is one of the largest and most active rental markets in Dubai.

Market overview:

• 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

Apartments dominate the area almost entirely:

• Apartment contracts: 14,537
• Villa contracts: 14

This clearly shows that Dubai Marina is a high-density, apartment-focused community, with villas representing less than 0.1% of all rental activity.

Apartments only:

• Average apartment rent: AED 127,202 per year
• Average rent per sq ft: AED 115

These figures place Dubai Marina firmly in the upper tier of Dubai’s rental market, though pricing varies significantly depending on unit size, layout, and configuration.

Rent Prices by Apartment Type in Dubai Marina

Rental prices in Dubai Marina differ widely by bedroom count. Below is a breakdown based on real transaction data.

Studio Apartments in Dubai Marina

Studios are popular among single professionals and couples seeking a premium location at a lower entry price.

• Number of 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 compact units in a waterfront location.

1-Bedroom Apartments

This is the most liquid and in-demand segment in Dubai Marina.

• Number of contracts: 6,589
• Average annual rent: AED 95,512
• Average rent per sq ft: AED 118

1-bedroom apartments offer a strong balance between price, space, and location, making them ideal for young professionals and couples.

2-Bedroom Apartments

A common choice for small families and shared living.

• Number of contracts: 5,020
• Average annual rent: AED 143,211
• Average rent per sq ft: AED 107

While total rent is higher, tenants benefit from better space efficiency compared to smaller units.

3-Bedroom Apartments

Designed mainly for families who need more space without leaving a central location.

• Number of contracts: 1,520
• Average annual rent: AED 216,936
• Average rent per sq ft: AED 105

These units appeal to tenants prioritizing space, lifestyle amenities, and proximity to schools and services.

4- and 5-Bedroom Apartments

Luxury apartments are rare and serve a niche tenant segment.

4-Bedroom Apartments

• Average rent: AED 328,582
• Rent per sq ft: AED 106
• Contracts: 253

5-Bedroom Apartments

• Average rent: AED 518,478
• Rent per sq ft: AED 84
• Contracts: 28

Despite high total rents, larger apartments offer the lowest rent per square foot, especially at the 5-bedroom level.

Best Value per Square Foot in Dubai Marina

A clear pricing pattern emerges when comparing rent per square foot:

• Studios: Highest AED/sq ft
• 1- & 2-bedroom units: Mid-range AED/sq ft
• Larger apartments: Lowest AED/sq ft

Smaller units carry a premium due to affordability and high demand. Larger apartments provide better value per square foot but require a significantly higher overall budget.

Average Apartment Sizes in Dubai Marina

Based on rental transactions:

• Average apartment size (all types): ~1,203 sq ft

This average reflects the dominance of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. Studios pull the average down, while larger family units push it up.

In practical terms:

• Smaller units prioritize location and lifestyle over space.
• Larger units deliver better space efficiency, but at a higher total cost.

Understanding this trade-off is essential when budgeting for rent in Dubai Marina.

Apartment vs Villa Rentals in Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is overwhelmingly an apartment community.

Rental distribution:

• Apartments: 14,537 contracts
• Villas: 14 contracts

Apartments

• Average rent: AED 127,202
• Average size: ~1,203 sq ft
• Rent per sq ft: AED 115

Villas

• Average rent: AED 418,943
• Average size: ~3,874 sq ft
• Rent per sq ft: AED 126

Villas are extremely rare and command a premium due to size, privacy, and scarcity. For most tenants, villas are not a realistic option in Dubai Marina.

Rental Demand Trends in Dubai Marina

Tenant demand is heavily concentrated in:

• 1-bedroom apartments
• 2-bedroom apartments

These two segments account for the majority of all rental contracts, indicating a tenant base dominated by:

• Young professionals
• Couples
• Small families

Studios also show strong demand, while larger apartments cater to a smaller, niche audience.

Is Dubai Marina Expensive Compared to Other Areas?

With an average rent of AED 115 per sq ft, Dubai Marina is considered a premium rental location. However, tenants are paying for more than just space:

• Waterfront living
• Walkability and lifestyle amenities
• Beach access
• Proximity to major employment hubs
• Strong transport connectivity

While other areas may offer larger homes at lower prices, Dubai Marina continues to command a premium due to its location, infrastructure, and lifestyle offering.

Key Takeaways for Renting in Dubai Marina

• Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s most active rental markets.
• Average apartment rent is around AED 127,000 per year.
• Smaller units have higher rent per square foot.
• 1- and 2-bedroom apartments dominate demand.
• Villas are extremely limited and expensive.
• Tenants should compare rent per square foot, not just headline rent.

Should You Rent in Dubai Marina?

Dubai Marina remains one of Dubai’s most desirable residential areas. The rental data confirms that it is a mature, competitive, and highly liquid market.

For tenants who value location, views, and lifestyle, Dubai Marina offers strong long-term appeal—provided the rental budget aligns with its premium positioning.

Using real transaction data rather than advertised prices allows renters to set realistic expectations and make smarter decisions in one of Dubai’s most dynamic communities.