Dubai Marina Price per SqFt 2026 — DLD Data

Dubai Marina median PSF: AED 2,482/sqft — a typical figure for a waterfront area. But one segment stands out: Studios trade at PSF 4,100 — nearly twice the 1BR rate of AED 2,255. This gap of AED 1,845 per sqft between Studio and 1BR is the largest PSF spread between segments among all Dubai areas reviewed. Prices grew +4.6% over the year.

Key metrics (июль 2026)

Source: DLD area_roi_summary, июль 2026. Weighted medians by transaction count.

PSF by unit type

What drives PSF here

The Studio anomaly in Marina is explained by two factors. First: Canal View micro-units. Marina Studios are often 28–40 sqm units on the Canal with exceptional views. Buyers (STR investors) pay a premium for Marina Walk access directly from the building. Second: STR factor. Marina is one of Dubai's most active STR areas. Daily rates for Studio units in Canal towers reach AED 450–700 in season; investors buy a unit at AED 1.24M for Airbnb/DTCM-operator rental. At AED 500/night × 250 days occupancy = AED 125K/yr = ~10% gross. This explains the willingness to pay PSF 4,100.

Price dynamics

+4.6% YoY across 6,921 transactions — sustained growth. PSF by segment follows a non-standard order: Studio 4,100 → 1BR 2,255 → 2BR 2,301 → 3BR 2,453. The slight increase from 2BR to 3BR (2,301 → 2,453) reflects premium on 3BR units with Marina and bay views. For context: Marina PSF exceeds Business Bay in the Studio segment (4,100 vs 2,656) but is lower for 1BR (2,255 vs 2,336).

Risks

PSF risks in Marina. First: Studio premium depends on STR regulation. If STR licensing tightens in Marina (some HOAs are already imposing restrictions), Studio PSF could fall toward AED 2,500–3,000. Second: aging stock weighs on the median. Some transactions are in 2003–2008 towers at the lower end of the price range. New projects like Marina Gate or Emaar Beachfront trade significantly above the median and are gradually pulling it upward. Third: service charge. AED 14–28/sqft is a wide range. Without checking the SC for a specific building, net yield can differ substantially from gross.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a Dubai Marina Studio cost AED 4,100/sqft while 1BR is only AED 2,255?

Marina Studios are investment assets for short-term rental. A Canal-view studio (28–40 sqm) earns AED 400–700/night with proper management. Gross yield on a Studio via STR is 10–12%, versus 6–7% for a 1BR on a long-term contract. Investors pay a PSF premium for high yield capacity despite the small absolute size.

What is the median PSF in Marina per DLD?

From 6,921 transactions over 12 months: median 2,482 AED/sqft. Studio: 4,100; 1BR: 2,255; 2BR: 2,301; 3BR: 2,453.

How much more expensive is Marina vs Business Bay on PSF?

Overall, Marina (2,482) and Business Bay (2,526) trade at nearly the same PSF. But by segment: Marina Studio (4,100) is far above BB Studio (2,656), while Marina 1BR (2,255) is below BB 1BR (2,336). The Marina distinction is the micro-unit waterfront premium.

How does PSF differ between old and new Marina towers?

Towers from 2003–2010 (Dubai Marina Tower, Ocean Heights): PSF in the AED 1,800–2,200 range, below median. New projects (Marina Gate, Emaar Beachfront): PSF AED 2,800–3,500+. Buying an older tower gives a lower entry point but also lower resale liquidity.

Is buying a Marina Studio as an investment worthwhile?

Yes, if the horizon is STR and a management company is available. A Canal-tower Marina Studio for AED 1.1–1.4M at 60–70% STR occupancy yields AED 100–130K/yr gross. On long-term rental, yield drops to only 6–7%. Key factor: DTCM licence availability and HOA permission for STR in the specific building.