"No, when it gets dark there's nothing to see." "It's better to have some greenery and nature than stare out to sea" "Does it really matter? It's foggy most mornings anyway." If you live in or around Dubai and want to start a debate among family members, friends or colleagues at work, just ask them where the best views in the city are from. A straw poll in <em>The National</em>'s engine room led to an instant exchange of views, searches of property portals and talk of a mystery island. Thankfully, it didn't get too heated. There's two obvious go-to locations if you are seeking a home with view – Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) on the south side of the city overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and further uptown inside the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa. Plenty of others come into consideration: the multitude of towers with watery views in Dubai Marina, apartments in Downtown Dubai looking back at the Burj Khalifa, the new development at Dubai Creek Harbour which has views of Downtown, or how about the scenery when looking back at the mainland from one of the Palm Jumeirah fronds, or overlooking the green and pleasant land of the fairways at Emirates Golf Club? For those seeking the ocean view, the opportunity to have a panorama worth Instagramming over and over again has presented itself in the form of a penthouse in JBR, which has come on the market with <a href="https://www.luxuryproperty.com/">LuxuryProperty.com</a> for Dh9.95 million. Despite the plethora of new developments springing up around the city, JBR remains a favourite due to its abundant offering of sun, sea and sand. And among its shoreline towers is Murjan 3, where this five-bedroom property has uninterrupted views of Bluewaters Island with its Ain Dubai ferris wheel, Palm Jumeirah and the ever-popular JBR beach. The view would be slightly wasted without somewhere to enjoy it from, and that's the big selling point of this unit - it comes with a large sea-facing terrace complete with private swimming pool and enough space for a small-sided football match. While the beach is alluring, the two-minute walk in the summer months can be a bit much, so being able to take a dip in your own home is a touch. Set across 5,000 sq ft, the minimalist interior makes an impact too, having been upgraded with hardwood flooring throughout and an exceptional kitchen with top-spec Miele touch appliances. Although classed as on the older-side of Dubai's property stock, those who like their technological gizmos would be pleased to find motion-sensor controlled backlighting in the bathrooms. It all looks so smooth with its premium Italian concrete wall finishes that you just want to run your fingers across them and challenge yourself to find a groove in the surface. For some, it may all be on the plain side and dwellers used to a more traditional Arabic style may even find it bland. However, there is no denying it has a fantastic location, no shortage of space and quite possibly the best view in Dubai. <strong>If a client asks for the best view in Dubai where would you take them aside from the beachfront at JBR?</strong> Of course you have JBR, with its stunning views of the sea, the Palm and the gorgeous Bluewaters Island. There is also Bluewaters Island itself, which offers a unique perspective of Dubai's beachfront as well as a close-up view of the stunning Ain Dubai wheel, or there is Palm Jumeirah that gives you sweeping views over the sea and the Burj Al Arab. For a different waterfront view, you have Business Bay with several towers that overlook the Dubai Canal. Then there is the vibrant Downtown district, where you have an amazing view of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Opera, and if you live inside the Burj Khalifa itself then you get to enjoy one of the most dramatic views of Dubai you could possibly ask for. <strong>What the is the advantage of living in JBR over Dubai Marina?</strong> The advantage is the fact that it sits right along the beach and features a stunning boardwalk with plenty of boutique retail and gourmet restaurants and cafes, such as The Cheesecake Factory and Godiva. Truth be told, those last two points are probably good enough! Bluewaters Island is a short walk or drive away, where you can experience one of the city's most exciting new destinations. JBR also adjoins the Marina, so it effectively offers all of the amenities that the Marina has, in addition to direct beach access. <strong>What new properties are coming up in Dubai which offer buyers a fresh alternative?</strong> Dubai Creek Harbour is without a doubt one of the most exciting waterfront projects coming up in the city. This mega project features its own marina and boardwalk, a park, five-star hotels, an urban beach in the heart of the city, the Middle East's largest Chinatown, a massive retail development known as Dubai Square and what will soon be the world's new tallest tower - Dubai Creek Tower. La Mer is another fantastic option that embodies the concept of barefoot luxury. You can choose from beachfront plots, a Riviera-style community known as Port de La Mer (offering yet another marina for yachting enthusiasts), and a gorgeous beachfront residential community known as Sur La Mer. <strong>Prices in the JBR / Marina area have fallen in the past year … </strong> Prices certainly have softened in the past year, but JBR is very much an established market in Dubai that is known for its exceptional beachfront lifestyle. In more recent months, there has been a stabilisation in home prices and we might even expect a marginal uptick in the short term. For the discerning investor, this would be an ideal time to enter the market.
