Jumeirah Living Marina Gate is a landmark residential and serviced apartment project situated at the heart of Dubai Marina, one of the city’s most coveted and vibrant waterfront neighborhoods. Developed by the well-established Select Group and managed by the prestigious Jumeirah Group, the project epitomizes luxury living, combining world-class hospitality with sophisticated urban residence. Completed in 2020, it features 508 units spread across 55 floors, including 104 serviced apartments, 389 branded residences, 15 exclusive villas, and an executive penthouse, all designed to offer stunning views of the marina and city skyline.​
Project Introduction and Background
The project commenced construction in July 2017, with an official opening date on September 1, 2020. It was conceptualized and brought to life by Select Group, a major real estate developer in Dubai noted for blending technical expertise and financial acumen to deliver high-quality properties across the emirate. The CEO of Select Group, Rahail Aslam, leads the company, which manages a development portfolio exceeding 20 million square feet of residential space with a gross development value exceeding AED 17 billion. Prior landmark projects include The Torch and Six Senses Residences, establishing Select Group as a formidable player in Dubai’s luxury real estate market.​
Jumeirah Group, part of the Emirate’s Dubai Holding conglomerate, was appointed in 2016 to manage the branded residences at Marina Gate III, later renamed as Jumeirah Living Marina Gate. This partnership harnesses Jumeirah’s luxury hospitality expertise to provide residents exclusive services akin to a five-star hotel, including concierge, valet, housekeeping, and security. The dual focus on luxury design and hospitality creates a unique living experience unmatched in Dubai Marina.​
Facility and Amenities
The amenities at Jumeirah Living Marina Gate reflect its reputation for luxury and comfort. Residents have access to a temperature-controlled infinity pool overlooking the marina, a state-of-the-art dual-level gymnasium complete with steam and sauna rooms, a residents’ lounge spanning 370 square meters, and a children’s play area. Separate lobbies and elevator banks serve the serviced and branded residences, ensuring privacy and convenience. Additional services include dedicated guest relations, security, housekeeping, and valet services, all designed to enhance the lifestyle of its exclusive community.​
The strategic location, near Marina Walk and close to shopping malls, restaurants, and beaches, makes the project highly attractive. Easy transportation links via the Dubai Metro and Sheikh Zayed Road further enhance resident convenience. The address situates the property on Marina al Khayay Street, a well-known area within Dubai Marina, noted for its lifestyle appeal and dynamic real estate market.​
Ownership, Financials, and Market Position
Jumeirah Living Marina Gate properties are owned by a combination of private individuals and corporate entities, many of which use offshore companies or nominee ownership structures—a common practice in Dubai’s real estate sector noted for its opacity. The exact beneficial ownership remains non-transparent, raising concerns about beneficial ownership transparency in line with international AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards.​
Investment in the project typically involves cash purchases and offshore financing, with reported rental yields between 6% and 8%, unusually high for the Dubai market. This high return attracts both genuine investors and entities seeking to leverage the property market for asset concealment or layering within money laundering schemes. The property has also appeared in investigations highlighting the UAE’s weak AML compliance and regulatory gaps in verifying source of funds and client identities.​
Money Laundering Concerns and Regulatory Context
Dubai’s real estate, including residences like Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, has been widely cited in global reports as a hotspot for money laundering through real estate. Techniques identified include overvaluation or undervaluation of units, use of fake or nominee buyers, layered ownership through shell companies, and rapid resales to disguise fund origins. Properties in high-demand, luxury sectors provide fertile grounds for these activities, with Marina Gate’s high-value properties matching this pattern.​
Regulators such as the UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have highlighted the high-risk nature of Dubai’s property market. However, enforcement actions remain limited due to political and economic interests intertwining with the development sector. Publicly reported regulatory actions specifically targeting Jumeirah Living Marina Gate are absent, but broader market scrutiny and new regulations aiming to strengthen AML compliance are underway.​
International Links and Beneficiaries
The project aligns with Dubai’s internationalized property market, attracting foreign investors from across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Offshore accounts and cross-border ownership structures are commonly utilized to facilitate foreign investment. Benefiting countries include jurisdictions with opaque banking systems and lax regulatory oversight, allowing funds to be transferred and integrated through Dubai real estate. While specific countries tied directly to Jumeirah Living Marina Gate are not publicly confirmed due to ownership secrecy, the UAE’s broader role as a regional financial hub implicates many international actors.​
Controversies and Market Impact
While the Jumeirah Living Marina Gate project itself is celebrated for architectural elegance and premium lifestyle, it is not entirely free from controversy. Dubai’s real estate market has faced sustained criticism in investigative reports for enabling illicit financial flows. The combination of high rental returns, ownership opacity, and insufficient client verification raises red flags. Market analysts point to shifts in buyer confidence and price volatility in parts of Dubai Marina as linked to broader concerns about transparency and AML enforcement.​
Nevertheless, the property remains popular among international and regional investors drawn by luxury living combined with Dubai’s stable economic climate and tax-free status. Its location, promising amenities, and the backing of reputable developers and managers continue to support high demand.​
As of 2025, Jumeirah Living Marina Gate is fully operational, with most units sold and inhabited or rented. It stands as a benchmark in Dubai Marina’s luxury residential sector. While regulatory oversight has intensified, risks associated with money laundering persist due to inherent market characteristics. Experts suggest that enhanced transparency and AML compliance frameworks will be crucial in safeguarding the reputation and financial integrity of projects like Marina Gate going forward.
