Dubai Marina Photos

Residences on the Beach

2007-08-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Jumeriah Beache Residences consist of 36 towers, like these shown above.
They straddle the strip of land between the marina canal and the sea.

A Walk on the Beach

It was a blistering, hot day, but then this is Dubai mid-summer.

That didn't keep beachgoers away--well, it did mostly, except for a few who were probably out at the beach for the first and last time.

The more experienced know how to dress for the conditions. Rather than labor in the heat, a hot breeze blown off the sea may be preferable to constuction workers.

One might, instead, seek to rise above it all.

In the Courtyard

Work continues to ready podium establishments at the Residences.

Some store front signage is already in place.

The towers are truly imposing.

In the courtyard, one is immersed in what resembles a canyon--one with classical and Mediterranean features.

The color scheme--overpowering, monotonous, rich, elegant... different people will have different takes on it. It is definitely yellow, especially on a hot, sunny day. It's hard to say if that is good or bad. Once, however, all the Grecian pots are filled with green shrubs and fountains begin to spout, it should appar more luxuriant.

The towers cast shadows and channel wind, which may well be a good thing to have in the harsh desert climate.

Bulding or Block No. 1 is at the center of the complex.

Interior lobbies are very small, consisting of little more than a widened passageway and a reception counter. They are, however, elegantly decorated.

Poolside offers a bit of a respite for one resident in this still quiet complex.

The view toward the sea is defintely Mediterranean.

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Dubai Marina Rocks!

2007-03-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

detail 1

detail 2

click to enlarge
Wonderful work by ChopperShoot.

detail 3

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New Dubai, the City

2007-03-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

Dubai Media and Internet Cities, Dubai Marina & Jumeirah Lake Towers, three districts of new Dubai, are visible in the following images:

The first image, up-close, reveals an interesting urban landscape, which includes the lowrise Internet & Media City complexes and lake, Dubai Marina buildings of varying height and design towering nearby and further afield, and the sea off in the distance. This dense, yet eclectic mix is what gives an urban area character. Hard to imagine is that in a few years the clump of taller towers will be joined by as many towers but up to twice as tall.

Pan out and find added to the landscape a broad expressway with flyovers, feeders and access roads. The Jumeriah Lake Towers development emerges on the other side of the highway, and in the foreground is Intenet City's other half disected by new feeder roads toward the Palm Jumeirah island. In a few years time added to this mix will be the urban-chic Dubai Metro, running on elevated tracks alongside the expressway.

Pan out further and we find a golf course on the opposite side of the expressway, an older villa comunity in the foreground and bare patches of sand. These patches, without a doubt won't be bare for very long. A tall tower project called Dubai Pearl was to be built in the circle bounded by the Sheikh Zayed Road-Palm Jumeirah linkways. That project at present appears to be in limbo, but the Internet & Media City project is expected to be joined by many more buildings--many being highrise towers. Likewise, Jumeirah Lake Towers will be built up almost to the extent that Dubai Marina is today.

Notice the darkened patch of sky beyond Dubai Marina, smoke rising from Dubai's giant electricity and water plant, which at present burns heavy crude oil. The air should clear up a bit when natural gas begins to arrive later this year, via pipeline from Qatar.

Photos (derived from the original) appear courtesy of Skyscrapercity.com' contributor posts. They were taken from one of the Tecom area twin Al Kazim towers--being built to resemble New York's classic Chrysler tower.

The following image shows the incredible Palm Jumeirah island strethcing out into the Gulf.

(Click image for larger or see full-sized original. Detail below.)

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Skyscrapercity.com Showcase

2006-12-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Skyscrapercity.com's Dubai Marina forum is a treasure trove of pics and info on Dubai Marina developments. One frequent poster goes by the moniker Dubai_Steve and the following are his shots:

Grosvenor House

The Builders: Construction workers who earn meagre salaries on the job.

Photos posted by Stephan23 and credited to Slugbelch.

Panoramic iew toward the upper end of the Marina.
Dubai Marina skyline from the Gulf.

A photo with a difference posted by Dubaiflyer.

Night shot from a Phase 1 fountain.

Photos by frequent Skyscrapercity.com poster Krazy.

Marina and JLT towers rising from early morning fog.

Additions

A Gotham city-esque view of the Marina from 2-Dec-06, as rains hit the UAE, by Josau:

The most incredible Dubai Marina construction site: the Marina mall, taken by Alt-Tab on 5 Dec. 2006.

Good catch by Dubai_Steve--something every building site should have (and which the government should mandate):

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Dubai Marina & Vicinity, p3

2006-11-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

Some residents in Dubai Marina will be able to enjoy views such as these of Nakheel's Jumeirah Palm.

It is Nakheel's flagship Dubai development but questions linger over delays. The elegant formation of the trunk and palms are jam packed with properties.

The palm fronds house spacious villas with minuscule lawns, the outer crescent will have hotel and resort properties, and the trunk will feature low-rise condominium and hotel units.

Access to the island will be via a 10-lane expressway and monorail.

Beyond the Palm the coast view offers views along Al Surouh Rd. to the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. In the foreground lies Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa.

The Burj Al Arab lies about 5 kilometers toward central Dubai.

The ruler's palace lies along the beautiful coast with it's excellent beaches.

Al Sufouh Rd. is the main thoroughfare leading into Dubai Marina from Dubai, apart from the Sheikh Zayed Road expressway. The road is a present being widened to offer up to 8 lanes with interchanges and flyovers leading to the Palm, SZR, Media City and other points.

A tram is planned that will link with the Metro and Palm island monorail along with a luxury commuter bus line. Beyond the Burj Al Arab the road is referred to as the Jumeirah Beach Rd.

Marina Crown is one of the 10 residential towers that will will eventually line Al Sufouh Rd. with views over-looking the Arabian Gulf. At 53 floors the Marina Crown will be less than half the height of some of the other towers being constructed.

Famously the Marina Crown is in fact lacking its crown, which had been designed in the shape of a green-colored angular roof. It would have provided an attractive accent to the otherwise attractively designed tower.

Most towers being constructed will include a distinctive roof feature, like the pyramid that sits atop the Al Seef tower, set back behind the Al Sufouh Rd. towers. The two blocks of the Marina which front Al Sufouh Rd. will eventually house up to 25 towering residential buildings, with as many as 4 rising over 100 storeys.

The new Dubai International Marine Club Luxury Beach Resort is currently under construction.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa appear in the foreground with its excellent beach facilities. Just beyond it is the elevated expressway leading to the Palm Jumeirah.

The DIMC (Dubai International Marine Club) lies at the mouth of the Dubai Marina, with near proximity to the Jumeirah Palm. It offers berths for private yachts and is the venue of the annual Dubai International Boat Show.

The Emirates Marina Serviced Residences rise to 59 floors, making it currently the tallest tower in the Marina. It stands at the head of the 3.5 kilometer long central canal of the Marina that bends and trails off in the distance.

The Emirates Crown tower, rising beside it in the image foreground, will rise to 64 floors when complete.

Towers , mostly under construction at present will line both sides of the Marina canal. Sheikh Zayed Roads along the upper image separates the Marina from the Jumeirah Lake Towers development. It will consist of up to 79 high-rise towers when completed which, similar to the Marina, will ring a man made lake.

The head of the Marina canal is wide providing berthing for small boats and yachts.

Phase 1 of the Dubai Marina development consists of the boat dock and a restaurant and shopping mall constructed within a podium structure. The podium also houses villas on top and parking for over 1000 cars below, in addition to six condominium towers.

At the head of the Marina, offering the best views is the 54-storey Marina Heights tower. Its penthouse apartments look over the full length of the Marina canal.

See photos from Dubai Marina & Vicinity, p2. Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Dubai Marina & Vicinity, p2

2006-10-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

Dubai Marina and Jumeriah Lake Towers after sunrise, 18 Oct 2006.

Morning Light

The morning sun rises over the distant desert and quickly illuminates the towers looming over the landscape. By 7 a.m. construction crews are already at work. The October morning air is comfortable, neither chilli nor warm. Towers take on golden and silver hues.

A crane lowers a beam at the Iris Blue site, before the sand-colored facade of Jumeirah Beach Residences.

The construction crew in the foreground works at the former site of the Emaar Sales office.

From left, Emaar's Marina Tower, Damac's Marina Terrace and the Grosvenor Hotel.

Emirates Marina Serviced Residences (right) near to the excavated Torch tower plot in the foreground.

The photogenic Grosvenor Hotel.

The elevator shaft of the Marina Pinnacle quckly rising.

Number One Dubai Marina (center) and Al Seef tower (right) overlook the building site.

The crane, the mighty workhorse of the Dubai Marina.

More photos in the works for Dubai Marina & Vicinity, p3. See also DM & Vicinity, p1.

Go to Dubai Marina Communities.

Dubai Marina & Vicinity (October 2006), p1

2006-10-30T01:04:00.000-08:00

Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) towers and the Al Fattan twins, 13-Oct.

Dubai Marina is noteworthy perhaps more for its buildings than anything else. It may even be the sheer quantity of buildings more than their architecture or design that fascinate some. For me, Dubai Marina inspires on both levels.

JBR towers complex (at left) with the rounded Horizon and other towers rising on both sides of the Marina channel.

Although a newly constructed masterplanned community, there is a striking amount of variety in building styles and layout. This results in an interesting and eclectic look and feel.

The JBR towers, however, represent a monolithic presence in the Marina today that will change as more towers are built.

The colors, lines and motif of the complex suggest classical elements.

Some, however, will disparage the monotony of block tower repetitiveness.

JBR towers still under construction.

With an end of 2006 target for handover of residential units to owners, it is more likely that construction will continue into 2007, especially interior work not apparent from the outside.

The Sheraton Resort hotel, an early beachside landmark, is flanked by the JBR development.

In the recent past the Jumeirah and Jebel Ali coast of Dubai was home to a few quiet hotel resort properties. Construction of the Marina has transformed the coast of Dubai.

Too Many Towers?

It is easy to make a case that the JBR development is overdone.

But the JBR towers do not stand alone. 50-60 storey towers that rise up today will be joined by 80, 90 and 100+ storey towers in the coming years.

The Marina Heights tower in the background while other towers rise before it.

Ongoing construction is a hallmark of the Marina and Dubai.

Jumeirah Lake Towers development, a 70+ tower development surrounding a man-made lake, also rises in the background.

As one drives along Sheikh Zayed Road, the towers of Dubai Marina on the one side and Jumeirah Lake Towers on the other line the highway.

Emaar, master-developer of Dubai Marina, has several tower projects in the development.

Emaar's Al Sahab Towers 1 & 2 rise up along the Marina canal.

Emaar's Nuran complex at Bridge 2.

Evening Sun

Every evening as the late afternoon sun begins to descend over the Gulf, it casts its golden rays against the towers of Dubai Marina. The interplay of sunlight and shadow accents the rich colors that begin to emerge.

The Jumeirah Beach Residences bathed in sunlight.

In order to maximize views, the JBR towers rise to varying heights. They also stand at slightly varying angles.

Al Fattan Tower is camoflaged against the blue sky, while the JBR's facade glows.

Emaar's Nuran Al Majara 1 tower (below) takes on a golden hue.

The predominate design theme, with slightly receding balconies and green tinted windows, is smart and contemporary. Meanwhile, the larger protruding balconies provide a geometric contrast.

The nearby La Riviera tower (below) makes a more dynamic statement.

It has sharper geometric features. Balconies protrude dramatically while large duplex suites display picture frame windows. Translucent shades extend from the rooftop. The overall effect is that of a poolside deck.

The Azure is an attractive low-rise property (below) whose roof overhang compliments that of La Riviera.

Unusual in the Marina, it features bold color contrasts.

The circular Horizon tower rises in the background.

A simple and perhaps less pricey property, the Azure's simple geometry and bold colors add an interesting element to this section of the Marina.

Emaar's Al Sahab 1 tower (above) glows in the sunlight with its sleek contemporary style.

The collection of towers in the Dubai Marina make it one of the most dynamic and vibrant communities in Dubai. Still a work in progress, it offers the potential of an exciting place of residence and leisure.

See more photos at
Dubai Marina & Vicinity, p2.
See also Dubai Marina Communities.

Best Marina Aerial Shots Ever!

2006-10-25T01:09:00.000-07:00

Aerial Photography by: www.choppershoot.com

Pardon the exuberance, but I believe it is warranted. Chopper Shoot (Aerial Photography) based in Dubai specializes in flyover photo shoots. On its website it features photography over Dubai Marina.

One of over two dozen aerial shots over the Marina offering excellent perspective and up-to-date views.

The image above highlights the prominence of the Jumeirah Beach Residence towers and other towers in the upper Marina. Also visible in the distance is a portion of the Palm Jumeirah stretching out into the Gulf.

Chopper Shoot arranges aerial photo shoots on hire.

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Upper Marina Views, 22 Sep 2006

2006-09-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Marina Heights Tower is coming along toward opening up to residents within the next couple of months.

The tower occupies an enviable position at the head of the Marina. Word is, however, that Emaar will build a new tower in front of it.

The always photogenic Dubai Marina Phase 1 towers and villas.

The development is provided a tropical accent.

2N Tower is coming up beside the Dubai Marina Phase 1 develoment.

Marina Crown (center) is one of the several attractive new towers nearing completion--albeit minus its crown--see story.

Number One Dubai Marina tower (right of Marina Crown) is another of the new towers nearing completion.

Presumptuously named Number One is a 54-story residential tower.

Upper Marina towers--(from left) The Emirates Marina Serviced Apartments, Emirates Crown (u/c), Le Rêve, Marina Crown, Number One Dubai Marina, Marina Heights and Al Seef Tower.

The Emirates Marina Serviced Apartments (formerly Al Marsa) tower is at 59 floors the tallest building at present in the Dubai Marina.

Several towers under-consruction just beyond Dubai Marina Phase 1 towers.

New towers cast shadows on the Marina in late afternoon. (Roshana Tower u/c at center.)

Jumeirah Beach Residence towers inch toward completion, scheduled for year end.

Workers pose for a photo before the construction site.

They hail from India's Uttar Pradesh and Rajistan states.

Upper Marina area seen from bridge no. 1.

Dubai Marina Phase 1 towers and villas seen from beyond the bridge.

From left to right: Grosvenor House, Emirates Marina Serviced Apartments, Le Rêve (receeded), Marina Terrace, Marina Tower (partially hidden), Roshana Tower and DM Phase 1 towers.

The evening sun bathes the Upper Marina with its golden rays.

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Condo Towers on the Waterfront

2006-09-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Dubai Marina residences consist of high class skyscrapers boasting excellent amenities and breathtaking views of the marina, Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah Island. Residential towers feature modern architectural design, glazed windows and world class fixtures. Key features of the developments in Dubai Marina include high-speed internet, closed-circuit TV, digital and satellite television, resort and spa fitness centers, swimming pools, outdoor terraces, Hollywood-style movie cinema, game rooms, business center, lounge room and guest suites.
Gowealthy.com

I love the buildings. Start with the patterns and the colors, then add the water and reflections.

(Dubai Marina Phase 1 vicinity, 02 Sept 06. Click on photos to enlarge.)

What you get is the Dubai Marina, an up and coming waterfront and condominium community.

The lucky few already have boats docked at the only quay. More docks are planned, but the Marina is more a waterfront community than a boat harbor.

The Marina waterway was constructed before any of the towers, started in 1998. The area surrounding the 3.5 km long waterway is being steadily filled in with towers.

The channel appears deep, has some debris, but is reasonably clean with no smell of petrol. It creates deep, dark reflections.

The Emirates Marina Serviced Apartments tower at the edge of the Marina is nearing completion.

Its iconic domed roof will provides a new attractive landmark for the Marina.

A cascading fountain will adorn its base.

The tower is especially beautiful when framed by clouds.

The variety of towers reveal interesting geometric patterns.

Some would call it a concrete jungle or even a future urban slum. Units in these towers, however, are sold at high prices and promise luxury.

Although most are being built as condominiums, a few of the towers (like the one pictured here) will serve as hotel accommodation.

A simple painted facade aims to make this tower distinctive.

Towers include a mix of residential units--studios, 1-3 bedrooms, penthouses, etc.

Waterfront views are the most sought after.

A yacht is a less-attainable luxury.

Boat dock and tower views complement each other.

Project developer Emaar promises over 700 boat slips.

Towers shimmer in the still water.

This colorful mix of styles will provide attractive daytime views.

Residents will take in views from balconies or through postcard windows.

New towers both short and tall continually rise.

Most available boat slips have been reserved.

Boats, if not frequently used, are well-maintained.

More towers rise inland, beyond the Marina.

Each has its own distinctive style.

Dubai Marina Phase 1 towers maintain their prominence. See Marina Skies P2 (Geometry).

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Less Common Views

2006-06-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes referred to as the lower Marina, the towers shown here are generally not as tall as those in the upper Marina. They, however, provide nice views being positioned right at water's edge. The cream-colored Jumeirah Beach Residences towering in the background are not in fact on the Marina, but across a road. Eventually other towers will be built along the waterway.

The Marina promenade runs at water's edge, giving the residential towers some set-back while allowing space for pedestrians. The promenade will run the entire perimeter of the Marina, said to cover a distance of 11 kilometers. As such residents will have a supurb venue for exercise and recreation.

There is more to the Marina than water vistas. This might be described as a rear-end view along one of the interior roads that provide access to the towers. It looks like a typical city view. But one must keep in mind that most of the buildings pictured are still at various stages of constuction, while landscaping has yet to be done. The Marina is still very much a work-in-progress but should begin to provide more finished views in a year or two.

These photos are a few from a selection posted by Malster at skyscrapercity.com.

Go to Dubai Marina Communities for info on towers or DM Blog (Dubai Marina) for general discussion and commentary.

Night Shots

2006-06-30T02:35:00.000-07:00

The website Dubai.mconet.biz offers some night time Marina views along with other shots from Dubai's developments.

Emaar's Phase 1 towers and villas.

50-storey towers in the upper Marina.

Jumeirah Beach Residences with Emaar's newer developments on either side of the marina.

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Request for Photos

2006-06-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

A computer-enhanced image of the Marina (17-March-06).

Anyone with interesting or nice photos from Dubai Marina are invited to share them at this website. Either email your photos to me or if already posted to the web submit the URL of the photo or web page. Your contributions will be duly credited.

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

How to Build a City

2006-06-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

In Dubai they are building the pyramids--well, a modern version of them. Looming in the background are the towering Jumeirah Beach Residences. In the foreground the Marina Mall, Hotel and Residences under construction.

The Al Fattan towers are surrounded on two sides by the Jumeirah Beach Residences.

Excavation and laying of the foundation for the mall, hotel and residences in progress.

It's hard work at 40 degrees Celsius. (Conditions for laborers accross Dubai is a worrying issue.)

And what exactly is it going to look like?

The local ALEC has won the estimated AED 1,420 million ($385 million) contract to build a new shopping mall complex in Dubai Marina. The 27-month contract entails construction of a mixed-use development comprising an eight-level shopping mall with 150 retail units, a 38-storey tower with 200 hotel rooms and 400 serviced apartments, a car park and an eight-level tower for restaurants on an island in the marina. The local Middle East Foundations (MEF) has completed the foundations package. Singapore’s DP Architects is the consultant. US-based Hill International is the project manager (MEED 25:11:05).

A possible render:

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Jumeirah Beach Residences Coming Along

2006-06-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

From skyscrapercity.com post by Toofif. Visit link for more photos.

One of the highlights of the Dubai Marina are the Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). It's bold, audacious, for some classy and others tacky. It is a collection of 40 some towers mostly in the 35-45 storey range. It is billed as luxurious property in the mold of a beachside resort. Apartments are also pricey, with one-bedroom units starting around Dhs 900,000 (US$ 245,000).

Whatever one's take, it is a massive project, the most prominent in the Dubai Marina. In due course, however, it will be joined with over 100 more towers, with one end of the Marina promising several towers at heights of 80, 90 and 100+ floors. For more on this impressive development visit Skyscrapercity.com's JBR forum link.

How many residents will actually be able to fit on the beach fronting the towers at any one time? The towers may offer luxury, but the beachside experience may be more of a challenge.

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Two Shots Which Define the Marina Community

2006-03-29T12:25:00.000-08:00

Photo (circa. Dec. '05) from Skyscrapercity.com, original source unknown.

Sometimes referred to as the upper Marina, the photo above presents the original Phase 1 towers of the Dubai Marina (right of center) joined by newer towers still under construction. Phase 3 will have these towers joined by others up to double the height of those pictured--ranging from 66 to 100+ floors. Expected completion date, early 2009.

Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Palm (circa. Nov. '05) from Skyscrapercity.com, original source unknown.

This is the Dubai Marina! (See enlarged image.)

Dubai Marina will be a mosty residential and holiday-let district with numerous boutique-style shopping and dining outlets to complement the marine or waterside theme which will epitomize Dubai Marina living. The man-made canal at its heart constricts and expands like a stream of water allowed to flow naturally over a flat surface. The promenade which rings the Marina canal will be the focal point of the community, offering pleasant walks and panoramic views of the skyline.

At present about 1/3 of the roughly 200 towers that will ring the canal are either built or under-construction. Only one of eventually three berthing zones is set up at present. The densly posited Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) towers fill a large swath along the Arabian (or Persian) Gulf coast.

Any info on original photo sources appreciated.

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Photos by Others

2006-03-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

Posted here are photos found online. Where possible credits and links are provided back to source. (Click photos to enlarge.)

Brian McMorrow's Dubai Marina & Freehold Developments

Top of Dubai Marina, towers lining Al Sufouh Rd and at marina's edge.

Two images from an extensive (high quality) collection of Brian McMorrow photos, hosted at PBase Gallery. Included are aerial photos taken 22 February 2006 and 20 March 2005.

Brian McMorrow is an avid photographer with "502 galleries and 40006 images online".

Center of Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residences tower at left.

Beautiful Night Shot

The Grosvenor Hotel (right), Maina Terrace (center), JBR towers (background)

Took this pic the other night..wonderful view.

Taken 17 Feb 2006, by Jumanji.

Evening View...

Horizon Tower

View from JLT side of Sheikh Zayed Road

A few impressions from today during sunset.

Taken 10 Feb 2006 by Dubai-Lover.

Spectacular Aerial Shots

The following photo set (from late 2005) is credited to "Volker" at the Skyscrapercity.com Dubai Marina Plots forum, courtesy Dubai-Lover:

A HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE
thank you to volker for providing me with these awesome photos

Dubai Marina in the distance from above Jumeirah Palm.

From top of the Palm, toward Dubai Int'l Marine Club (DIMC) and Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) towers.

Dubai Marina from the "tallest block" onward.

From left (foreground) Dubai Media City, Al Sufouh Rd. and Dubai Sheikh palace.

Dubai Media City lake and Dubai Marina towers.

Le Meridien Al Mina Seyahi resort and DIFC (foreground), Dubai Marina towers (middle).

Le Reve and Emirates Airlines residential tower (foreground), Marina Heights and DM Phase 1 towers (background).

Dubai Marina Phase 1 towers.

Le Reve, Marina Crown and Dubai Marina Number One towers.

The marina channel with Al Fattan (twin) towers flanked by JBR towers.

Sheikh Zayed Road (foreground) and Dubai Marina central section.

SZR, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Palm island (background).

From right, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) development (u/c), SZR, Dubai Marina and the Palm. Burj Al Arab hotel (top right).

JLT, Dubai Marina and the Palm.

DM Phase 1 towers (right), "tallest block" towers and Jumeirah Palm island.

Dubai Marina Phase 1 and the "tallest block."

View latest posts in Dubai Marina Photos. Go to Dubai Marina Communities or DM Blog.

A Few Recent Shots

2006-03-01T00:42:00.000-08:00

Tower Row

Towers Detail 1

Al Fattan Towers

Towers Detail 2

Jumeirah Beach Residences

(Photos by Venkatesh)
More images at MAG 218 Gallery.

Return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Marina Skies, p2 (Geometry)

2005-12-23T04:34:00.000-08:00

Click on images to enlarge. (Photos taken 21 December 2005.)

What excites some people about Dubai are not the 5-star hotels, the shopping, the sunny beaches, the sporting or business events, etc. but the architecture--the distinctive design and features that go into many of its new structures. What is happening today in the Dubai Marina is no exception. The original Phase 1 development consists of 6 towers, the two tallest (twin structures) each features a central spire framed by arching steel butresses.

The central towers have 37 floors each. At their base are rows of villas, running the length of the complex. The towers are bordered on one side by the new Marina Ring Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, and on the other by the Marina promenade and the Marina waterway.

The set of 6 towers is completed with complementary 28- and 24-storey towers at either end and shorter 20- and 16-storey towers in between.

The 2nd Stage

The completion by master-developer Emaar of the initial 6 towers of the Dubai Marina in late 2003 ushered in the second phase of building. Still going on, it is in fact a massive construction project including not only towers but road-works as well.

The current building phase is being carried out by Emaar and a number of other, mostly private, developers, large and small.

The result is an explosion of projects and towers of various heights and designs.

There is a concentration of new towers at the northeast end of the Marina, each rising 50+ storeys.

These include (pictured below from left) Marina Heights, Le Reve, Marina Crown, Number One Dubai Marina and Al Seef towers.

Unlike the buildings of Phase 1, each new tower is of unique design. These often include unique top features and building trunks ranging from square or rectangular to spherical or inclusive of a variety of styles.

Number One Dubai Marina (54 floors, 210m) features a circular trunk, crowned by a circular steel rim. The Marina Crown will be 53 floors (207m), with a flat, slightly stylized top--it recently lost a very distinctive, angular green crown in a re-design.

Marina Phase 1

At present the centerpiece of the Dubai Marina is the Phase 1 district with its towers, villas, Marina Walk shopping plazza and wharf.

The two central towers of Phase 1 are named Murjan--after a precious stone (left), and Mesk--after an Arabic scent (right).

The two towers stand majestically flanked by four smaller towers--two on each side.

From left are precious stones, Al Mass (28 storeys) and Fairooz (20 stories). From right (not pictured) are Arabic scents, Yass (24 storeys) and Anbar (16 storeys).

The smaller towers each have distinctive motifs at their crests.

Al Mass & Fairooz--precious stones.

Anbar & Yass--Arabic scents.

Classic Lines & Colors

The geometry in Phase 1 designs are elegant and the soft Mediterranean colors are beautifully accented by dark turquoise window panes and clear blue skies.

Balconies are a central feature in both villas and towers.

Palm trees and the shadows of overhangs create geometric patterns.

Like an Italian piazza, the public square at the base of the towers is a place for people.

Geometric sculpture and water elements accent the space.

Nothing does more however to define the character of the Marina Phase 1 development than the metallic arches that crown its central towers.

To be continued.

Go to Marina Skies, p1, see the latest DM Photos posts or return to Dubai Marina Communities.

Marina Skies, p1

2005-12-22T23:15:00.000-08:00

Photos taken 21 Dec. 2005. Click on images to enlarge.

View of Dubai Marina from opposite side of SZR.

"All year round sunny blue skies," is a phrase often mentioned when speaking about the UAE, but this is not really the case. Whether due to construction work, vehicle and other pollutants, fog or sandstorms there are quite a number of days through the year when skies are neither very blue nor very clear. In Dubai, more than in other parts of the Emirates, a bright blue sunny day is something to take notice of, not for granted.

Marina villas surrounded by towers.

There are, however, times of the the year when clearer skies are more common. The cooler months, from mid-November to mid-March, are among such times. Dubai Marina skies were especially clear on 21 December 2005.

Dubai Marina Phase 1 towers and the Marina Walk

Snapshot by the fountain at Marina Walk.

The signatory spire of Phase 1's Murjan tower.

The Al Fattan towers of Jumeirah Beach Residences (first pic). The Grosvenor Hotel (far left) and Marina Heights (far right) and other towers under construction (2nd pic).

Al Fattan towers with new plot being readied for construction in the foreground.

The Marina's tallest towers are being built at the NE (Dubai end) of the Marina. Some will exceed 100 storeys. At present the tallest are 50+ floors.

Pictured at left are the Le Reve, Marina Crown and Dubai Marina Number One towers, under construction.

...Al Seef and Marina Heights towers, at right.

Le Reve, Marina Crown, DM No. One, Al Seef & Marina Heights.

Dubai Marina Phase 1 towers, villas and the marina quay.

Al Mass, Fairooz & Murjan. Mesk, Anbar & Al Yass--the 6 perfume named towers of DM Phase 1.

The piers in the Marina are labelled A, B, C, D, etc. with 20 to 30 slips each.

An unlocked gate at pier's entrance allows easy access for anyone wanting to head to waters edge or wishing to take photos.

Pier attendants are at hand to keep a watch on things.

Though not for swimming, the Marina's water is kept clean and free of petrol.

Evening casts its golden hues on Marina towers.

Marina Skies, p2 (Geometry)

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Towers Rising

2005-12-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

(All photos taken 15-Dec-05. Click to enlarge.)
At center the Emirates Marina (formerly Al Marsa) rising toward 59 floors. To its left the Le Reve (50 floors), Marina Crown (53) and Number One Dubai Marina (50). Right of center is the Marina Heights (54) and Al Mass (31) of Dubai Marina Phase 1. These towers mark the entry way to the Dubai Marina. Their number will double or triple in the next few years with the newer towers rising to 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100+ floors.

Two years ago there was nothing to be seen here except for the Dubai Marina Phase 1 towers at far right. From Ibn Batuta Mall across Sheikh Zayed road, one sees what looks like a jungle of towers. Most are part of the Jumeirah Beach Residences development, adjacent to Dubai Marina, running some 1.7 kilometers.

The JBR towers rise to completion across the marina (unseen) as viewed from Dubai Marina Ring Road. The blue colored Al Fattan towers will be the tallest in the JBR.

The Le Reve, Marina Crown and Marina Heights towers under construction. Al Seef tower (in the distance) and Al Mass completed.

Views of the tallest block on the planet, emerging.

The Le Reve--three in a row.

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Lights Out?

2005-08-11T04:14:00.000-07:00

Night shots from 01 August 2005

One topic of conversation about the Marina is the question of how many units sold are actually occupied. Are most buyers non-resident looking to make profit in the re-sale market? The photos below contrast the bright lights in towers still under construction with those already completed.

The 6 towers of Dubai Marina Phase 1 (at right) completed in late 2003, compared with one tower (at left) under construction.

The Grosvenor House hotel and residences (far left) opened in July 2005, compared with the same tower (at right) under construction.

The brightly lit up Jumeirah Beach Residences in the heat of construction.

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Glimpse of the Future

2005-07-01T02:30:00.000-07:00

What will views across the Marina be like as more towers are completed. A foreign visitor posted the following images.

See full-sized image.

A view of the beach with Jumeirah Beach Towers rising in the background.

See full-sized image.

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Latest on the JBR

2005-06-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

This photograph depicts the incredible activity taking place day and night to complete the Jumeirah Beach Residence towers which form a part of the Dubai Marina district.

See full-sized image.

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Dubai Marina Early Stage Construction

2005-06-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

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Community Under Construction

2005-06-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

A Mix of Real Photo and Artist Impressions

Jumeirah Beach Towers fill the foreground, obscuring sea views for Dubai Marina towers along the road between the two developments. Dubai Marina Phase I towers, already completed, appear at the top right end of the photograph. The MAG 218 tower will rise in this vicinity.

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