Inside Marasi Bay, the waterfront destination driving Dubai’s next chapter of luxury living

Along the edge of Dubai Canal, a new waterfront district has been steadily taking shape. It is not a master plan defined by a single building or a singular architectural moment, but by an interconnected ecosystem of residences, hospitality, design and public spaces that together reflect a different chapter in Dubai’s evolution. This place is Marasi Bay, OMNIYAT’s flagship waterfront destination, and one of the most closely watched luxury districts in the city today.

Marasi Bay sits at the intersection of refinement, urban convenience and architectural ambition. The district, anchored by Marasi Bay Marina on its southern edge, has emerged as a community built around water, design and exclusivity. It is home to a collection of developments that have already set new benchmarks in the market, including The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, VELA, VELA Viento and ENARA by OMNIYAT, along with new cultural and lifestyle concepts that are still unfolding.

While Dubai has no shortage of premium districts, Marasi Bay is distinct in its intent. The planning centres on creating a cohesive waterfront experience, anchored by ultra-luxury residences, a growing hospitality presence and activated public spaces that aim to encourage walking, social life and a relationship with the water. It has been designed as a district with long-term value creation in mind.

A design-first destination

The architectural language of Marasi Bay is shaped by some of the most recognised names in the world. Foster + Partners led the design of both The Lana and VELA Viento, while interiors for the towers draw on the work of Gilles & Boissier and Banda Studio. The result is a district where the buildings share a coherent design philosophy while remaining individually distinctive.

The Lana, which opened in early 2024 as part of Dorchester Collection, was the first completed landmark in the area. It introduced a new level of hospitality to the Burj Khalifa District and set the tone for Marasi Bay’s positioning. Its residences recorded strong demand, with the developer reporting that prices doubled from launch to 2024, rising from an average of AED 4,000 to AED 8,375 per square foot.

Adjacent to The Lana is VELA, another sculptural tower managed by Dorchester Collection. VELA saw similar momentum, recording an increase in average sales prices from AED 6,785 to AED 8,235 per square foot by mid-2025. These numbers serve as an indicator of confidence not only in OMNIYAT’s product but in the broader trajectory of Marasi Bay as a long-term asset class.

VELA Viento: a new focal point for investors

VELA Viento represents the next major residential release in the district. Rising more than 100 metres, the tower offers 29 simplex and duplex residences shaped by expansive terraces and views across some of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks. The design prioritises space, sightlines and the feeling of elevation through its use of open layouts and fluid interior geometry.

Amenities within the tower reflect the district’s emphasis on curated living. Residents will have access to a full-floor sky deck with an infinity-edge pool, a double-height fitness and yoga space and a series of lounges designed for privacy and social use. The podium level features a spa, Zen garden, cinema, indoor pools and dedicated areas for children. Access to the facilities at VELA and The Lana further widens the lifestyle offering.

For investors, the appeal of VELA Viento sits within this ecosystem. With The Lana, VELA and ENARA approaching full sell-out, VELA Viento stands as one of the last opportunities to enter the district during its early development cycle. Properties in master-planned luxury districts often attract sustained interest once the area matures, and Marasi Bay is positioned to follow a similar path.

A growing network of destinations

Beyond being a cluster of luxurious residential towers, Marasi Bay is evolving into a wider waterfront neighbourhood, with each new component adding depth to the district’s character.

To the north, Marasi Bay Island is set to introduce the Burj Khalifa District’s only urban beach club. The addition is expected to broaden the appeal of the district, offering a coastal experience within a central urban setting. To the south, Sunset Park, OMNIYAT’s private floating island, provides a contrast through greenery, wellness spaces, picnic lawns and pet-friendly zones.

A landscaped promenade will soon link The Lana, VELA, VELA Viento and the Marina, creating a walkable waterfront route that ties the entire area together. This approach aligns Marasi Bay with global city-making trends that prioritise activated outdoor spaces, mixed-use environments and seamless connectivity.

One of Marasi Bay’s strengths is its placement within the wider Dubai landscape. It sits minutes from Downtown Dubai, DIFC and Dubai Design District, and offers straightforward connectivity to Dubai International Airport. For end users, this proximity to business and leisure districts carries value. For investors, it reinforces liquidity and long-term resilience.

OMNIYAT’s focus on creating a design-led district, backed by established hospitality brands and a growing set of amenities, signals an ambition to turn Marasi Bay into a global reference point for waterfront living. The company projects that the district will continue to attract high-net-worth buyers seeking rare waterfront assets in central Dubai.

A district with momentum

Marasi Bay has reached a pivotal moment. Early flagship assets are complete, new residential releases are advancing and the public realm is taking shape. With strong price appreciation recorded across the first phases and limited remaining inventory, the district has already proven its market appeal.

As VELA Viento becomes the next major milestone in the area’s evolution, Marasi Bay stands out as one of the most compelling waterfront investment stories in Dubai today. It is a district that combines architectural pedigree, hospitality brands, scarcity of supply and long-term potential in a way that speaks directly to investors looking for a blend of luxury, location and asset durability.