Source : WAM
Community-focused entertainment destinations have emerged as a central pillar of Dubai’s tourism landscape, as the emirate continues to develop and enhance modern spaces across the city.
Highly popular with families during the UAE’s distinctive winter season, these destinations blend contemporary entertainment with artistic experiences while serving as open-air hubs that foster community engagement.
They draw thousands of visitors locally and internationally, offering distinctive atmospheres that reflect Dubai’s commitment to quality of life, psychological well-being, and community safety.
Notable examples include Marsa Boulevard, a vibrant lifestyle destination along Dubai Creek, and The Square, a new community-driven venue located in Nad Al Sheba parks.
Both destinations bring families together through a wide range of activities, captivating environments, and diverse local and international dining options, strengthening their position as preferred winter leisure spots.
These community venues play a key role in the strategy of the Dubai Civility Committee, which seeks to preserve Dubai’s global reputation for urban beauty and visual harmony. This aligns with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, aiming to enhance the city’s appearance and ensure cohesive architectural and planning standards that support Dubai’s ambition to be among the world’s most beautiful and liveable cities.
The ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, launched under the theme ‘Our winter is entrepreneurial’ by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with national tourism, culture, and heritage authorities, continues to highlight the important community role of these destinations and their contribution to improving quality of life across the UAE.
Situated along Dubai Creek, Marsa Boulevard delivers a distinctive leisure and tourism experience that seamlessly combines artistic creativity, cultural expression, and exceptional dining.
Reflecting Dubai’s local and global identity, the destination features striking waterfront views, open-air promenades, and panoramic creek vistas, allowing visitors to explore the area’s cultural heritage in an inviting outdoor environment.
Now in its second season, Marsa Boulevard has expanded across an upgraded waterfront area, with the marina’s development team presenting a strong example of private sector involvement in enhancing urban destinations.
The venue hosts a dynamic mix of pop-up food concepts, fashion showcases, live entertainment, interactive workshops, and a packed schedule of events.
Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of innovative, heritage-inspired, and contemporary cuisine curated by leading local and international chefs.
Marsa Boulevard also offers a diverse lineup of local and global restaurants, renowned cafés, and immersive creative installations, including mirror and fabric displays, light shows, and engaging artistic performances ranging from workshops to exhibitions.
In addition, the destination features weekend events, temporary art installations, and live entertainment experiences.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Marsa Boulevard will present specially curated iftar and suhoor menus, complemented by unique indoor and outdoor settings.
Since opening at Nad Al Sheba parks, The Square has attracted strong interest from residents and tourists from within the UAE and abroad.
Covering 21,000 square metres, the open-air destination combines premium dining and entertainment offerings, redefining community spaces through a modern lifestyle concept.
The Square brings together a curated selection of prominent local restaurants, offering diverse culinary experiences in a single location.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy multiple padel tennis courts with professional facilities and online booking, along with a fully equipped studio designed for yoga and other fitness activities.
Since its launch in November 2024, The Square has grown into a vibrant cultural destination, recognised for its lively social atmosphere and its hosting of some of the UAE’s most prominent local dining brands.
This year, the destination’s creative direction focuses on expanding celebrations and activities while enhancing the depth, quality, and diversity of visitor experiences.
It reflects broader lifestyle shifts in Dubai and embodies the emirate’s modern, globally connected character.
Recent renovations at The Square have been carefully planned to elevate visitor experiences and nurture an inclusive entertainment community.
Upgrades include expanded parking, new aesthetic elements such as water features that create a resort-style ambiance, and an evolving programme of live performances, cultural activities, and family-friendly events.
