Bluewaters Island Dubai is among the popular waterfront locations near Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Dubai Marina. It’s renowned for its restaurants and cafés, entertainment areas, shopping areas, sea views and the iconic Ain Dubai observation wheel. With a family outing, a dinner by the water or an evening walk, Bluewaters Island has several ways to enjoy your time in Dubai.
The island is accessible to motor vehicles, public transit and a footbridge to JBR. They can see its waterfront promenade, taste a variety of cuisines and indulge in indoor attractions, as well as avail of the available parking facilities.
What Is Bluewaters Island Dubai Famous For?
Bluewaters Island is a lifestyle waterfront destination where dining, shopping, leisure and entertainment are all consolidated in one place. It is a popular area for residents and tourists, with its modern buildings and pedestrian-friendly walkways.
Ain Dubai Observation Wheel
Ain Dubai is the most iconic building on the island. The giant observation wheel will provide high levels of views into Dubai’s coastline, JBR and the surrounding skyline. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, you can book a ride for a special occasion or add it to a day of sightseeing.
Please refer to the official Ain Dubai website for up-to-date ticket costs, hours and availability prior to visiting.
Waterfront Restaurants and Cafés
There are restaurants and cafés on Bluewaters Island that offer various cuisines including seafood, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine and casual café meals. The island is also a popular place for lunch, dinner and evening entertainment, as some venues have outdoor seating or views of the Arabian Gulf.
Shopping and Entertainment
The island has retail outlets, leisure activities and indoor attractions. They can enjoy shopping, and shopping souvenirs or strolling at the family entertainment centre, Madame Tussauds Dubai or other attractions mentioned in the current list of island shopping centres.
Bluewaters Island Location
Bluewaters Island is situated off the shores of Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai near Dubai Marina. It is linked to the mainland through a road and a pedestrian bridge from the JBR area.
Its ease of access allows visitors to combine a stroll on the water, dining out and a sight seeing tour in the same trip.
Bluewaters Island Location on Map
Google Maps is available for locating the island, plotting your route and directions to any parking lots.
Google maps: Bluewaters Island Dubai
If you’re in a car, head for Bluewaters Island marked by turn-by-turn directions and traffic updates on your navigation system.
Nearby Places to Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island is close to several popular Dubai destinations.
| Nearby place | Why visit |
| Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) | Beachfront walks, cafés, restaurants, and shopping |
| The Beach, JBR | Seaside dining and leisure activities |
| Dubai Marina | Waterfront promenades, dining, and boat trips |
| Dubai Marina Mall | Shopping, cafés, and everyday essentials |
The pedestrian link between JBR is particularly convenient for visitors that wish to visit both locations without the need to drive between them.
Bluewaters Island Timings
Bluewaters Island has general timings for retail outlets and food and beverage venues. Each restaurant, store or attraction may have different hours of operation.
The current general timings are listed on the official Bluewaters web page:
| Day | Retail timings | Food and beverage timings |
| Monday–Thursday | 10 AM–11 PM | 10 AM–12 AM |
| Friday–Sunday | 10 AM–12 AM | 10 AM–12 AM |
These are general destination times and will not be an indication of when any individual business is open or closed. Please call a venue to confirm its hours and days of operation or review the official directory before attending, especially if visiting a particular attraction.
Things to Do on Bluewaters Island
Visiting Bluewaters Island with family, friends, or in solitude is filled with things to do, from family outings to a quiet evening by the water.
Visit Ain Dubai
One of the key things that people have to experience while they are on Ain Dubai is riding on one of the bike sets. The observation wheel offers a view of the surrounding coastline and Dubai skyline. It may be a great option when there is a tourist who likes to take pictures and sightsee.
Please check the current visitor information on the official website as ticket prices, days and times of service can change.
Explore Madame Tussauds Dubai
An attraction in Dubai, Madame Tussauds is a wax museum with statues related to celebrities and famous personalities. People can snap photos with the exhibits and explore various themed sections of the museum.
Be sure to verify ticket availability and hours at the attraction prior to scheduling it in your trip.
Enjoy a Waterfront Walk
Pedestrian-friendly walkways offer views of the sea, modern architecture and surrounding skyline at Bluewaters Island. Walking is the easiest method of touring the island without having to take a ticket to a specific attraction.
The waterfront is particularly beautiful at dusk and during the evening, when people can walk along with a bite to eat or a coffee break at a café.
Walk Across the Pedestrian Bridge to JBR
The pedestrian bridge connects Bluewaters Island to the JBR. It provides the ability to walk between the two and see their restaurants, shops and water attractions on the same day.
It’s helpful if you are staying in JBR or visiting The Beach before dinner on Bluewaters Island.
Visit Family Entertainment Venues
Listed in the current directory of the island, you can find indoor entertainment. Some establishments like TR88HOUSE and even Madame Tussauds Dubai have been linked with the destination, but activities and availability are subject to change.
Before travelling with kids, please verify the age limits, ticket prices and current operating hours.
Explore The Wharf
One of the principle shopping and food districts on Bluewaters Island is the Wharf. Within the pedestrian atmosphere of the destination, visitors can find restaurants, cafes and a few shops.
If you are looking to eat, shop, or take some time to wander the island without an agenda then this is a helpful place to visit.
Take Photos Around the Island
Bluewaters Island Photo Opportunities include around the waterfront and pedestrian bridge, modern buildings and views of Ain Dubai. The walkways that look out onto the sea are good spots to take photos, particularly late in the afternoon and evening.
When taking photos of the venue, guests are asked to comply with the rules and respect private dining areas of the venue.
Plan an Evening Out
Multiple activities can be done in one trip: Late afternoon arrival, walk along the waterfront, retail shopping, dinner at one of the many restaurants on the island. If you wish to go to a ticketed attraction, go to the schedule first to schedule the remaining part of your evening around it.
Bluewaters Island Restaurants
There are various restaurants and cafés on Bluewaters Island that offer international cuisine. Eating at these locations can consist of casual dining, Asian cuisine, seafood, Mediterranean dishes and coffee or dessert in a café.
Restaurant menus and availability may be subject to change, please check with the official restaurants directory of Bluewaters.
Best Restaurants on Bluewaters Island
These are just some examples of restaurants featured on the official website of the island.
| Restaurant | Cuisine or experience | Best for |
| Alici | Southern Italian and seafood-inspired dining | Seafood and Mediterranean meals |
| The Pods | Pan-Asian cuisine in a distinctive dining setting | A special meal with friends or family |
| Din Tai Fung | Chinese cuisine, including dumplings and noodles | Asian food |
| The Spaniel | British-inspired brasserie dining | A sit-down meal |
| Al Beiruti Café | Lebanese café-style dining | Casual meals and refreshments |
Check the hours, menu and reservation policies of restaurants before visiting.
Cafés and Dessert Places on Bluewaters Island
Visitors can also visit cafés or dessert spots on the island for some coffee or pastries, or something sweet. Some of the establishments in the official list are L’ETO Caffe, Starbucks, and Gelateria La Romana.
Availability and hours may vary from outlet to outlet, so be sure to consult the directory if you’re visiting a specific café.
Bluewaters Island Restaurants with Sea Views
There are waterfront or outdoor restaurants with a view of the Arabian gulf and nearby skylines. The settings can be appropriate for a casual lunch, sunset meal, or special occasion.
When you’re placing your orders, have the restaurant go over their outside seating options if that’s a priority. Not all tables are on the waterfront and do not enjoy an uninterrupted sea view.
Family-Friendly Dining Options
There are various cafes and restaurants available to choose from ranging from casual to restaurant. Check the menu, seating and venue age restrictions before visiting with children.
If the waterfront is the destination, a meal can be paired with a walk, a boat ride and a meal; or if an indoor attraction, it can be paired with a meal, the same hour, depending on opening hours and ticket availability.
Are Bluewaters Island Restaurants Expensive?
The prices of meals depend on the restaurant. Depending on the type of guests, casual cafés and quick meals can be the right choice, while seafood restaurants and top-notch restaurants can be a bit more expensive.
Before selecting a restaurant, review the current menu, if you have a specific budget. Prices can also change depending on the dishes that are ordered and indoor or outdoor dining location.
Bluewaters Island Parking
There are parking facilities for visitors at both The Wharf and The Boulevard on Bluewaters Island. There are Basement Levels 1 and 2 with underground parking and ground level parking areas.
There is an official parking lot open 24 hours a day, but conditions and prices should be confirmed prior to use.
Bluewaters Island Parking Fees
The official Bluewaters parking page shows the following rates:
| Parking detail | Current published information |
| Standard parking fee | AED 20 per hour |
| Maximum fee for 24 hours | AED 200 |
| Complimentary parking | Up to 3 hours after a qualifying purchase and validation |
| Parking operating hours | 24 hours |
| Payment | Cash and credit cards at pay stations |
If the free-parking period or the paid-parking period is exceeded, extra parking fees are to be paid. Please refer to the official Bluewaters parking page for the most up-to-date prices and guidelines.
Is Bluewaters Island Parking Free?
Parking is complimentary for up to three hours when visitors spend a minimum of AED 100 at any participating Bluewaters store and stake their parking.
The purchase must comply with the official conditions and there is a participating retailer to validate the purchase. Be sure to have a receipt and inquire with the merchant about procedures for parking validation before leaving the premises.
Note that a qualifying purchase does not imply automatic free parking and the validation needs to be completed.
Best Parking Areas for Different Attractions
Bluewaters has various parking zones to facilitate visitors to get closer to their destination. The following are some general recommendations in the official parking guide:
| Parking zone | Suitable destinations |
| Orange | Boardwalk retailers and restaurants |
| Turquoise | Madame Tussauds, CLAY, TR88HOUSE, and HIVE Food Court |
| Purple | The Wharf, DRVN by Porsche, Mado, and Atelier Optics |
| Blue | Brass Monkey, VAGA, and L’ETO |
Parking is available, but not always; the best parking is determined by where you want to go. Use the official parking map for choosing a parking zone, following instructions on site.
Bluewaters Island Valet Parking
Valet parking is available on Bluewaters Island at designated areas. Valet parking is available at the designated spots with a standard charge of AED 55 and VIP parking of AED 110. Standard valet is also available at a number of spots along The Boulevard.
Valet parking is subject to change and location and prices can vary – please check the official parking page for the most current information prior to your visit.
Parking Tips for Visitors
Look at the parking area before you reach it, to avoid walking longer than you need. If you want to park for free, check if your retailer is involved and validate prior to departing.
Be prepared to provide more time to find a place on busy evenings and weekends. When exiting from parking machines, pay and follow the instructions to exit and leave within the allotted time.
How to Get to Bluewaters Island
There are car, bus, water taxi and on foot links from JBR to Bluewaters Island. This depends on the region from where you’re coming from and your preference for travelling by public transport or by car.
How to Get to Bluewaters Island by Car
If you are driving, use Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and follow the signs for Bluewaters Island. The path winds in the main direction through areas like Downtown Dubai, then Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali before the signpost to the Island.
Peak times and weekends are busy times of the day, so please use a navigation system before departing. Upon arrival follow signs to The Wharf or The Boulevard parking depending on destination.
Bluewaters Island by Metro and Bus
There is no Dubai Metro station on Bluewaters Island. Alternatively, it is possible to travel from the airport to Jebel Ali Metro station by the Metro Red Line and take the bus F57 to Bluewaters Island.
Routes, stop names and timings are subject to change. Before travelling, please use RTA Journey Planner to see which is the best route from your starting point.
Bluewaters Island by Water Taxi
Dubai’s water taxi service might also be available for visitors. As per the official Visit Dubai guide, a trip through DMCC Metro Station, then a stroll to the marine transport station at Dubai Marina Mall and finally a stroll to the Bluewaters Marine Transport Station by water taxi BM3.
Please check current marine transport routes, hours of operation and cost before using this as your only mode of transport as services may be different.
Can You Walk from JBR to Bluewaters Island?
Yes. The JBR area can be walked between with a pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters Island. This is handy if you’re already at The Beach or staying in JBR.
Wear comfortable shoes and take time to take in the views along the way.
Bluewaters Island Entry Fee
The islands are generally accessible to the public without any fees. Visitors are allowed to walk around the destination, and enjoy its public walkways and visit the retail areas which participate without having to purchase an overall admission ticket for the island.
Some attractions, however, may need tickets and restaurants, shopping, etc. have their own fees. Look at the terms of any particular attraction you wish to visit.
Best Time to Visit Bluewaters Island
It all depends on what you want to do, but the best time to visit is during the autumn. Visits can be arranged for the day to explore shops and attractions and for the evening to stroll along the waterfront and for evening meals.
Visiting During the Day
During the day you can explore the shops, have lunch and visit the indoor attractions. If you are going to visit a ticketed venue such as Ain Dubai, please confirm the venue’s opening time and give sufficient time for admission.
Try to spend more time inside and earlier or later in the day during hotter times in the year.
Visiting at Sunset and at Night
The late afternoon and evening hours are ideal for visitors who want views of the water, photos and dinner. Its restaurants and lighted environment can make it a nice spot to go out for dinner.
The time of the sunset changes with the seasons, so please see the forecast if you wish to arrive at a specific time.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
The weekdays can be ideal for those who like a more relaxed day, but the presence of crowds varies by season and other events. Some of the weekends may be busier especially around popular restaurants and attractions.
Consider booking in a restaurant or a ticketed attraction, if this is the case, then check the parking conditions and book in advance.
Facilities Available at Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island has visitor facilities designed to make it easier to explore. They may be accessible routes, washrooms, infant changing facilities, prayer rooms, visitor assistance and/or other services available depending on location and availability.
For specific facilities, the visitor information or the information team will be able to tell you during your visit where to find them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to experience sightseeing, waterfront dining, shopping and entertainment in one place, consider Bluewaters Island Dubai. The pedestrian bridge will allow visitors to walk by the sea, visit restaurants, attractions, and connect to JBR.
Find out the latest opening/closing times of attractions, restaurant opening times, public transport routes, and parking fees before heading out. In advance, you can plan these elements so that you get the most out of your visit.
FAQs About Bluewaters Island Dubai
Where is Bluewaters Island in Dubai?
Bluewaters Island is situated off the JBR coastline close to Dubai Marina. It is linked to the mainland via a road and a footpath from the JBR area.
Is Bluewaters Island free to enter?
Most of the public areas are open to general admission. Admission to the attractions, meals, shopping, and other events are charged separately in the ticketed sections.
What is Bluewaters Island famous for?
Ain Dubai, waterfront restaurants and cafes, shopping, and entertainment are what Bluewaters Island is famous for, along with beautiful pedestrian walkways.
What are the opening hours of Bluewaters Island?
Official website hours of general retail are 10 AM to 11 PM Monday to Thursday and 10 AM to midnight Friday to Sunday. Food and beverage establishments are usually open from 10 o’clock in the morning to midnight, but some establishments may have different hours.
Is parking free at Bluewaters Island?
There will be complimentary parking for up to 3 hours, subject to official terms after spending AED100 or more at participating retailers and validating the parking.
How much does Bluewaters Island parking cost?
The standard parking fee is AED 20 per hour up to a max of AED 200 for 24 hours. Under the qualifying purchase and validation scheme, free parking may be offered for your qualifying purchase.
How do you get to Bluewaters Island by Metro?
Get on the Dubai Metro Red Line and go to Jebel Ali Metro Station, and check if F57 bus is the best option for you. Verify the updated route and timetable on the RTA Journey Planner.
Can you walk from JBR to Bluewaters Island?
Yes. A pedestrian bridge is used to cross from Bluewaters Island to JBR.
What are the best things to do on Bluewaters Island?
Common things to do on the waterfront are walking, visiting Ain Dubai (if in operation), watching entertainment, eating at the restaurants on the island, and taking pictures of the waterfront and the skyline of the island.
Are there restaurants on Bluewaters Island?
Yes. There are various restaurants and cafes serving a variety of cuisines on Bluewaters Island, from Italian, Asian, Mediterranean to casual café cuisine. Please refer to the official directory for venues’ current operating hours and dates.
