23 Marina is a distinctive residential skyscraper located in the heart of Dubai Marina, one of the city’s most iconic waterfront districts. Since its completion it has been recognized for its striking vertical silhouette, luxurious apartments and commanding views over the marina, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. The tower embodies the rapid high-rise development that has defined Dubai in the 21st century and remains a prominent feature in the cluster of supertall residential buildings along the marina promenade.
Location and urban context
Situated within the planned waterfront community of Dubai Marina, 23 Marina occupies a privileged position on a man-made canal system carved from the Persian Gulf shoreline. Dubai Marina was conceived as a mixed-use district combining residential towers, retail promenades, hotels and leisure facilities. The area is known for its lively public spaces such as the Marina Walk, beach access at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and easy connections to major transport routes.
The building benefits from proximity to several notable urban elements:
- Waterfront promenade and marina berths that create a maritime atmosphere and a popular leisure destination for residents and visitors.
- Access to the Dubai Tram and Metro networks nearby, improving connectivity across the city without relying solely on private vehicles.
- Adjacency to other supertall residential towers including Princess Tower, The Torch and Marina 101, which together form a dense skyline cluster visible from many vantage points across Dubai.
Architecture, form and design
23 Marina’s design reflects the modern high-rise residential typology that Dubai embraced during the late 2000s and early 2010s. The tower displays a slender, elegant form with setbacks and tapering elements that reduce wind loads and create terraces and panoramic corners on upper floors. Facade treatments emphasize glazing and reflective surfaces to maximize natural light and views while giving the building a contemporary, crystalline appearance.
Notable architectural features
- Vertical articulation and setbacks that create a stepped silhouette, contributing to a dynamic skyline presence.
- Floor-to-ceiling glazing in many apartments, designed to enhance natural daylight and emphasize panoramic vistas across the marina and Gulf.
- Multiple high-level terraces and sky gardens in select units and podium levels that provide outdoor amenity space and vantage points.
Statistics and rankings
23 Marina is often cited in lists of the world’s tallest residential buildings. While exact figures can vary slightly depending on measurement conventions, commonly referenced statistics include:
- Height: reported to be approximately 392.8 metres (about 1,289 feet).
- Floors: around 90 storeys above ground, making it one of the more prominent residential towers by vertical extent.
- Completion: the building was completed and handed over in the early 2010s, after several years of construction during Dubai’s major building boom.
- Function: predominantly residential, with a mix of apartments including luxury units and penthouses.
Upon completion, 23 Marina featured among the top-tier residential towers globally and within Dubai, although rankings have evolved as new supertall residential projects have been completed. The tower’s combination of height, slenderness and residential layout made it emblematic of the era when Dubai’s skyline was rapidly rising.
Interior layout, apartments and amenities
23 Marina was developed with a focus on upscale urban living. Apartments range in size and configuration, and many are designed to take advantage of sweeping marina and sea views. The interior planning typically emphasizes open-plan living, premium finishes and large glazed façades.
Common amenities and lifestyle offerings
- Multiple swimming pools, some positioned to capture views over the marina.
- State-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, including gyms and spa spaces.
- Concierge and reception services to cater to residents’ daily needs.
- Secure parking and service areas integrated into the podium levels.
- Luxury penthouses and duplex units with private terraces and enhanced privacy.
The building’s amenity program reflects a luxury residential positioning, offering services and communal spaces intended to appeal to high-net-worth residents, international buyers, and those seeking a premium urban lifestyle in Dubai.
Construction and developer background
The construction of 23 Marina took place during a period of intense development across Dubai. Large residential towers like 23 Marina required careful coordination of structural engineering, façade installation, mechanical systems and vertical transportation to ensure efficient delivery and operation.
Key considerations during construction included:
- Advanced structural systems to support the tower’s height and slenderness, taking into account wind and seismic factors common to tall buildings.
- Installation of high-performance curtain walls designed to reduce heat gain while maintaining extensive glazing for views.
- Integration of mechanical, electrical and plumbing services stacked efficiently through the core to maximize usable apartment space.
Developers in Dubai often work with international architects, engineers and contractors to deliver such projects. 23 Marina’s successful completion contributed to the maturity of construction expertise in the region and showcased Dubai’s capacity to deliver tall residential towers at scale.
Impact on Dubai’s skyline and urban identity
23 Marina has contributed significantly to the visual identity of Dubai Marina. Its vertical profile is part of an ensemble of towers that form a dense, dramatic skyline along the waterfront. This assemblage of high-rise buildings has become an internationally recognized image of Dubai’s modernity and ambition.
Some ways 23 Marina influences the urban scene:
- It reinforces Dubai Marina’s reputation as a desirable residential hub for both expatriates and local residents.
- As part of a skyline cluster, it helps create compelling vistas that attract tourism, photography and real estate interest.
- Its presence supports local retail and hospitality economies by concentrating population and demand for services along the waterfront.
Practical information and accessibility
For residents and visitors, 23 Marina is accessible by a range of transportation options. The surrounding district is serviced by:
- Public transit including metro stations within easy reach and the Dubai Tram running along the waterfront, connecting to nearby neighborhoods.
- Road access to Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s principal arteries that links the marina to central business districts and leisure destinations.
- Marine access for small craft and leisure boats moored within the marina berths, offering a unique water-based entry and recreation option.
The area around the tower features numerous dining options, cafes, shopping venues and public spaces, making it a walkable and vibrant environment day and night. This integration of residential towers with active waterfront amenities is part of what makes Dubai Marina a popular address.
Interesting facts and cultural notes
Beyond its measurable statistics, 23 Marina holds a place in Dubai’s growth narrative. A few notable points of interest include:
- The tower was completed during a period when Dubai’s real estate had global attention, and properties in the marina were sought by international investors and expatriates.
- Its lofty observation points and high-floor penthouses offer unobstructed panoramas that showcase Dubai’s rapid urban transformation, from the marina and Palm Jumeirah out to the distant Burj Khalifa cluster.
- As part of the marina’s skyline, the tower features in numerous photographic compositions, marketing campaigns and cityscape representations used by tourism and real estate stakeholders.
Contemporary relevance and market perception
In the years since its completion, 23 Marina—like many luxury high-rises in Dubai—has experienced the typical dynamics of a global real estate market: periods of strong demand, phases of correction, and ongoing interest from both investors and residents seeking high-end urban living. The building’s stature, location and amenities help sustain its appeal.
Market observers often point to several reasons why towers like 23 Marina remain significant:
- Prime waterfront location in a globally visible neighborhood.
- Architectural prominence and the symbolic value of owning property in a recognizable skyline.
- Comprehensive amenity packages that align with contemporary expectations for luxury living.
Summary and perspective
23 Marina stands as a representative example of Dubai’s era of vertical residential expansion. With its impressive height, elegant exterior and emphasis on luxury living, it contributes both to the physical skyline and to the lifestyle fabric of Dubai Marina. While exact numerical rankings may shift as new projects rise, the tower remains an important marker of the marina district’s development and an enduring example of modern high-rise residential architecture.
Key highlights: prime marina location, reported height of approximately 392.8 m, around 90 storeys, luxury amenities, and status as a notable residential skyscraper within Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline.
