This article explores the building often referred to as DAMAC Residenze (sometimes linked conceptually to Ocean Heights 2) within the dynamic urban fabric of Dubai Marina. It describes the location, architectural character, notable facts and available statistics, and places the tower in the broader context of Dubai’s rapid residential high‑rise development. The text combines verified information about the well‑known Ocean Heights tower with contextual discussion about DAMAC’s luxury residential offerings in the Marina area. Wherever an item is less certain or refers to marketing nomenclature rather than a single, officially registered tower name, this article makes that distinction clear.
Location and urban context
Dubai Marina is one of the Emirates’ most recognized waterfront districts: an engineered canal cutting through reclaimed land, lined with promenades, hotels and a high concentration of luxury towers. The cluster is adjacent to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), with quick access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai’s major leisure corridors. The building most people associate with the phrase “Ocean Heights” stands within this cluster and has become a visual anchor for the northern Marina skyline.
The area around the tower is defined by a dense mix of residential, retail and leisure uses. Key characteristics of the location include a pedestrianized Marina Walk, yacht berths, and proximity to large hospitality and retail nodes. This makes residential towers in the Marina especially attractive to buyers and tenants who value a combination of waterfront lifestyle and urban convenience.
- Accessibility: The Marina is connected to Sheikh Zayed Road and public transport (Metro and tram systems in the wider area), enabling commutes to Dubai’s business districts.
- Leisure and retail: Marina Walk, cafes, restaurants, and beaches are within walking distance of most residential towers.
- Yachting and waterfront: Proximity to private marinas and the Persian Gulf is a defining lifestyle draw.
Ocean Heights — the established visual reference
Ocean Heights is one of Dubai Marina’s most distinctive towers and serves as a useful reference when discussing later or adjacent projects that draw inspiration from its form and identity. Designed as a high‑rise residential building, Ocean Heights quickly became notable for its twisting silhouette, bold vertical expression and dramatic rooftop profile.
Key architectural features
- Twisting form: The tower’s subtle rotation along its vertical axis produces a slender, dynamic silhouette that responds to wind and orientation while maximizing panoramic views.
- Tapered profile: A narrower top relative to the base creates a sense of elevation and reduces apparent mass from street level.
- Balconies and terraces: Generous private outdoor spaces feature across many units to take advantage of sea and marina vistas.
- Skyline presence: The combination of height and sculptural form makes the tower a recognizable element of the Marina skyline, especially when viewed from the water or major approach roads.
The architecture is often credited to an internationally recognized practice and to designers who specialize in tall residential buildings; such towers in Dubai were conceived to combine visual drama with high‑value residential programming.
Statistics and recorded data (Ocean Heights)
Some of the better documented, commonly cited figures for Ocean Heights are as follows:
- Height: Approximately 310 metres (around 1,017 feet), placing it among the taller residential towers built during the Marina’s first major construction wave.
- Storeys: Roughly 80–83 floors of residential and amenity space, with a rooftop profile that contributes to its prominence.
- Completion: Construction was carried out in the late 2000s, with practical completion and handovers occurring around 2009–2010, following a multi‑year build period.
- Unit count: The tower contains several hundred residential units (often reported as in the mid‑hundreds), a mixture of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments along with larger penthouses on upper levels.
At the time of its completion, Ocean Heights ranked among the world’s tallest residential buildings and remains an important reference point for developers and buyers interested in Marina‑edge high‑rise living.
DAMAC Residenze (Ocean Heights 2) — concept, branding and what it implies
DAMAC Properties is one of Dubai’s major private developers known for high‑end residential projects and branded luxury partnerships. In the Marina and nearby waterfront neighborhoods, DAMAC has launched numerous towers with premium finishes, concierge services and lifestyle amenities. The label DAMAC Residenze has been used across several markets and projects to connote a particular product line emphasizing luxury finishes, Italian‑style interiors and services targeted at affluent local and international buyers.
When the phrase “Ocean Heights 2” or similar informal descriptors appear in marketing or discussion, they often reference either:
- a conceptual or proposed second tower located near the original Ocean Heights that seeks to emulate its visual impact;
- a DAMAC branded residential product positioned within the Marina or adjacent precincts that leverages the cachet of Ocean Heights’ location and skyline association.
It is important to note that building names and marketing labels change frequently in Dubai’s fast‑moving development market. Sometimes a project will be referred to informally by a comparative name (for example “Ocean Heights 2”) before an official register‑level name is assigned. When preparing content for publication it is advisable to cross‑check the name against developer releases and Dubai Municipality or land registry records to ensure official accuracy.
What DAMAC usually offers in residenze‑type products
- Branded interiors: High‑quality fixtures, premium kitchen appliances and frequently staged interior partnerships with fashion or design brands.
- Concierge and hotel‑style services: Onsite concierge, housekeeping options and valet parking.
- Comprehensive amenities: Pools, fitness centers, spa facilities, children’s play areas and private cinema rooms are common inclusions.
- Investment positioning: Strong marketing towards short‑term rental potential and capital appreciation within a high demand tourist and expatriate market.
Design and engineering considerations for tall residential towers in the Marina
High‑rise residential towers along the Marina face a specific set of design drivers that influence massing, floorplates and amenity distribution. These drivers can be seen in Ocean Heights and in subsequent towers by other developers such as DAMAC.
- Wind and microclimate: The Marina’s corridor geometry channels winds; twisted or tapered forms help manage wind loads and reduce uncomfortable downdraughts at podium level.
- Views and aspect: Designers prioritize uninterrupted sea, marina and skyline views. Many towers use elongated slabs or corner glazing to frame vistas.
- Privacy and shading: Balconies, screens and rotated floorplates are used to create shading and privacy between adjacent towers.
- Vertical circulation: Efficient lift cores and floorplate planning mitigate wait times in towers with large resident counts.
In engineering terms, a twisting tower typically requires a robust core and strategically located outriggers or shear walls; foundation design must account for high uplift and lateral demands, particularly in reclaimed coastal soils common to Marina developments.
Amenities, lifestyle and the resident experience
One of the primary selling points for Marina towers is the lifestyle offered: a mixture of private amenity suites and immediate access to public waterfront facilities. Whether in Ocean Heights or in DAMAC‑branded residences, typical resident offerings emphasize convenience, leisure and exclusivity.
- Rooftop and sky amenities: Sky lounges and terraces that provide panoramic views of the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah.
- Wellness and recreation: Indoor gyms, yoga studios, spa treatment rooms and temperature‑controlled pools.
- Social spaces: Residents’ lounges, BBQ terraces, business centers and private dining rooms for events.
- Security and privacy: 24/7 security, controlled access and private drop‑off zones.
These amenities reflect a market expectation in Dubai for towers to function as self‑contained lifestyle environments as much as residences. Developers invest heavily in communal spaces because they directly affect both sales velocity and secondary market values.
Market position and investment considerations
Properties in Dubai Marina often attract a mix of owner‑occupiers and investors seeking rental yield tied to tourism and expatriate housing demand. Several factors determine value and investment performance:
- Location premium: Marina waterfront position and immediate access to leisure and dining increase desirability.
- Quality and branding: Branded residences—those associated with luxury designers or developers—tend to retain higher per‑square‑foot values.
- Supply dynamics: Dubai’s construction pipeline affects pricing; towers completed during supply bulges may face pressure on rates until absorption occurs.
- Regulatory and financing environment: Residency rules, mortgage availability and short‑term rental regulations shape investor returns.
For someone comparing Ocean Heights (an established landmark) with a DAMAC Residenze product or a building marketed as “Ocean Heights 2”, attention should focus on floorplans, finish levels, service offerings and management regime—these have the largest impact on day‑to‑day living and long‑term returns.
Notable events, records and cultural significance
Ocean Heights and similar Marina towers contributed to Dubai’s global reputation as a city where ambitious high‑rise living meets luxury lifestyle. Notable points include:
- Record‑setting stature: Upon completion, Ocean Heights was among the tallest residential towers in the world and helped define the Marina’s skyline identity.
- Visual iconography: The tower frequently appears in photography, promotional material and film footage that seeks to convey Dubai’s modern waterfront aesthetic.
- Urban catalyst: High‑profile towers spurred retail and leisure development along Marina Walk, increasing local footfall and tourism usage.
Developers and designers of subsequent towers often reference Ocean Heights’ success when briefing new projects—either by echoing aspects of its silhouette or by deliberately contrasting with new formal languages to stand out in a dense skyline.
Practical advice for buyers and tenants
If you are considering purchasing or renting in a Marina tower marketed under a DAMAC Residenze label or in a building directly comparable to Ocean Heights, consider the following practical tips:
- Request full disclosure of the unit layout, including the net usable area vs. super built‑up area; marketing floor area can be optimistic.
- Inspect community fees and understand what amenities they cover; higher service charges can materially affect monthly costs.
- Check the developer’s track record for on‑time delivery and post‑handover management quality.
- Confirm residency and rental rules if you plan to offer short‑term lettings—regulations can change and municipal registration may be required.
- Assess sun orientation and wind exposure for balcony comfort and energy use in summer months.
Conclusions
Ocean Heights stands as a benchmark for the kind of sculptural high‑rise that came to define Dubai Marina’s character. The use of terms like DAMAC Residenze and informal labels such as “Ocean Heights 2” reflect marketing strategies and comparative positioning rather than single, universally registered building names. Whether a buyer or an observer, it’s useful to separate verified building data (height, floors, completion date) from promotional language used by developers.
In the Marina, the combination of waterfront location, premium amenities, distinctive architecture and strong market demand continues to support interest in both established towers like Ocean Heights and new high‑end offerings by private developers such as DAMAC. For editorial or sales use, always verify the latest developer documents and municipal records for official names, completion status and recorded statistics before publishing.
