Dubai Marina, formerly named Westside Marina, has been referred to as the world's largest man-made marina and is amongst the world's largest master planned waterfront development. The development project was started in 1998 and will cover an area of 53 million square feet (4.9 million square meters). It was carved along a 3.34km (2 mile) stretch of Dubai's shoreline and is a mixed-use canal-city inspired in the Venetian tradition. It will accommodate over 120 thousand people in their luxury apartment towers and villas, with a unique waterfront view.
The first phase of Dubai Marina's development covers 10 hectares (25 acres) and was built from 1999 to 2003 at a cost of AED 730 million (US$ 200 million). Included in the phase are six freehold waterfront apartment towers (Dubai Marina Towers) and 64 luxury villas connected by a spectacular network of rooftop gardens. Underground parking for 2,000 cars, six swimming pools, 2,800 square meters of sports facilities, 2,000 square meters of themed restaurants, 4,000 square meters of retail space and a 200 square meter prayer hall that surround the apartment towers and villas.
The second phase of Dubai Marina's development will include the development of the five Al Majara Towers that offer 1 to 3 bedroom units, along with the development of the Al Sahab twin tower that is also offering 1 to 3 bedroom units.
Dubai Marina is located in Dubai's new growth corridor and was designed to create an awe-inspiring city-within-a-city. Dubai Marina is located near Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to the Dubai Media City and opposite to the Jumeirah Lake Towers.
