The Marina Torch Dubai | Location, Apartments, Facilities and Fire History

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The Marina Torch is a 352-metre residential skyscraper in Dubai Marina, recognised for its curved glass exterior and distinctive flame-inspired crown. Developed by Select Group and completed in 2011, the tower became one of the most recognisable residential buildings in the area. Its position near the waterfront also gives residents access to restaurants, shopping destinations and public transport.

Building Overview

The Marina Torch, officially named The Torch, is a residential skyscraper at the entrance of Dubai Marina. Select Group developed the tower, which was completed in 2011. The Marina Torch rises 352 metres (1,155 feet), including its architectural upper structure. Its height made it a landmark residential development when it opened in 2011.

CTBUH records 86 above-ground floors and four underground floors. Select Group uses a 79-storey description on its official development page

When completed in 2011, The Torch was promoted as the world’s tallest residential development of its time. That record has since been surpassed by taller residential towers.

Where Is The Marina Torch Located in Dubai?

The Marina Torch stands in Dubai Marina, within the Marsa Dubai district. It is situated along King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (D-94), near the waterfront and several prominent residential towers.

For navigation, search for The Torch, Dubai Marina on Google Maps. This helps distinguish the building from other similarly named properties.

Places to Visit Near The Marina Torch

The Marina Torch is surrounded by residential, commercial and waterfront destinations. These places offer shopping, dining, outdoor recreation and access to the wider Dubai Marina community.

Dubai Marina Walk

Dubai Marina Walk is one of the area’s main outdoor attractions. Its pedestrian route follows the waterfront, with cafes, restaurants and places to sit along the way.

Residents can visit for an evening walk, meet friends or enjoy a meal beside the Marina. Its location also makes it a practical leisure option for people living in nearby residential towers.

Dubai Marina Mall

Dubai Marina Mall offers a range of retail stores, dining outlets and entertainment facilities. Residents can use it for shopping, meals and everyday purchases. The mall is also connected to the wider Marina transport network, making it accessible by tram and other transport options.

JBR Beach

JBR Beach offers access to the coastline and a range of seaside restaurants and leisure activities. Visitors can spend time by the water or explore the surrounding dining and entertainment areas.

Dubai Harbour and Princess Tower

Dubai Harbour is a waterfront destination with marina facilities and surrounding leisure developments. Princess Tower, meanwhile, is a prominent residential skyscraper close to The Marina Torch.

These destinations add to the variety of places accessible from the building’s Dubai Marina location.

How to Reach The Marina Torch

You can reach The Marina Torch by car, taxi, Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram or bus. The most suitable option depends on your starting point and how much walking you prefer.

Dubai Marina is served by two Metro stations, several tram stops and bus connections. However, no Metro station is located directly inside The Marina Torch, so passengers need to complete the final part of their journey on foot, by tram or by taxi.

Getting There by Dubai Metro

Sobha Realty and DMCC are the two Metro stations serving the Dubai Marina area. Both are on the Red Line.

Passengers travelling from Downtown Dubai, Business Bay or other Red Line stations can use either station and continue towards The Marina Torch by tram or taxi.

The best station depends on your starting point and the available onward connection. Check the RTA Metro map before travelling, particularly if you are unfamiliar with Dubai Marina.

Nearest Dubai Tram Stations

Marina Towers and Mina Seyahi are useful tram stops for reaching the western part of Dubai Marina, where The Marina Torch is situated.

The tram network connects the Marina with JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Media City and other destinations along its route. It also provides connections with the Metro at Sobha Realty and DMCC.

Before choosing a stop, check the walking route from the station to the tower. The distance can vary depending on the entrance you need to reach.

By Bus or Taxi

Dubai Marina has bus connections serving different parts of the neighbourhood. Visit Dubai identifies routes 8 and 84 among the services operating in the wider area.

Route 8 connects Deira with Dubai Marina through Jumeirah Beach Road, while route 84 runs between Al Quoz and Dubai Marina.

A taxi or ride-hailing service provides a more direct option, particularly for visitors carrying luggage or travelling with children. Give the driver the building’s name and confirm the correct entrance.

Driving Directions and Parking

Drivers can approach Dubai Marina through the main road network and follow navigation directions to The Marina Torch on King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street.

Traffic may increase during morning and evening commuting periods, particularly around busy junctions and residential entrances. The tower has secure underground parking, according to Select Group. Residents should confirm their allocated spaces, while visitors should ask the person they are visiting or building management about guest parking.

Do not assume that every apartment includes the same number of spaces or that visitors can use resident parking without permission.

Apartments at The Marina Torch

The Marina Torch offers different residential layouts, making it relevant to individuals, couples and families looking for a home in Dubai Marina.

Published property listings describe one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, along with duplex residences. Select Group confirms the overall residential unit count, while individual apartment sizes and internal arrangements should be checked against current property listings.

One-Bedroom Apartments

One-bedroom apartments generally have a separate bedroom, living area, kitchen and bathroom. Some units also include balconies and additional storage.

This layout can suit individuals or couples who want a home in Dubai Marina without needing the extra space of a larger apartment.

When comparing available units, check the bedroom dimensions, kitchen fittings, storage and natural light. A balcony and its orientation can also affect the overall appeal of the apartment.

Two-Bedroom Apartments

Two-bedroom apartments provide an additional room that can serve as a child’s bedroom, guest room or home office. The internal layout may vary between properties. Some units may offer larger living areas or different bathroom arrangements, so compare the floor plan instead of relying only on the bedroom count.

Check the apartment’s total area, storage and balcony size before deciding whether it suits your household.

Three-Bedroom Apartments

Three-bedroom apartments offer more room for families or residents who need separate work and sleeping spaces. Depending on the individual property, these layouts may include additional bathrooms, larger living areas and separate utility areas.

Ask the agent for the exact floor plan and inspect the property in person. This helps you assess the usable space and the condition of the kitchen, bathrooms and other fittings.

Duplex Apartments

Duplex homes have two internal levels connected by a staircase. This arrangement can separate living areas from bedrooms and create a different residential layout from a standard apartment.

Before choosing a duplex, consider the staircase, room distribution and storage space. The two-level arrangement may be less convenient for people who prefer to avoid stairs.

Apartment Views and Balconies

Views depend on the apartment’s floor, orientation and surrounding buildings. Some units may overlook Dubai Marina or coastal areas, while others face neighbouring towers.

Balconies provide additional outdoor space, but their size and condition differ between apartments. During an inspection, examine the balcony flooring, drainage, railings and doors. Check the windows and seals as well, particularly for signs of water entry, dust or excessive outside noise.

Facilities and Amenities at The Marina Torch

Select Group lists several shared amenities at The Marina Torch, including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam rooms, private changing rooms, 24-hour security, concierge services and underground parking.

These facilities support everyday residential needs and provide leisure options within the building. However, a published amenity list does not guarantee that every facility is currently available or accessible under the same conditions. Residents and prospective tenants should confirm operating hours, access rules and maintenance arrangements with building management.

Swimming Pool

The development features an outdoor swimming pool on a private deck overlooking Dubai Marina. The pool area provides residents with a place to swim and relax without leaving the building. Its deck also offers outdoor space for spending time away from the apartment.

Ask management about current pool access, maintenance schedules, guest policies and operating hours before relying on the facility.

Gym and Fitness Centre

The Marina Torch has a fully equipped gym listed among its residential amenities. Having an on-site fitness centre can make exercise more convenient for residents who prefer to work out close to home.

During an apartment viewing, ask whether gym access is included in the building’s arrangements or whether a separate subscription is required. Check the equipment and access conditions as well.

Sauna and Steam Rooms

The building also provides sauna and steam room facilities, with private changing rooms listed by Select Group. These amenities give residents additional options for relaxation and recovery after exercise.

Their current availability should be confirmed directly with building management, especially if access to these facilities is an important part of your apartment decision.

Security and Concierge Services

Select Group lists 24-hour security and concierge services as part of The Marina Torch’s facilities.

These services support building access and general resident assistance. The reception area also provides a point of contact for visitors and residents.

If you are considering a move, inspect the entrance, lobby and shared areas. Ask about visitor registration, access cards and the process for reporting maintenance issues.

Elevators and Underground Parking

The tower has elevators serving its residential floors and shared facilities. Bayut’s building profile reports eight elevators and electricity backup.

Lift performance is particularly important in a high-rise building. During a viewing, ask about routine maintenance and how management handles lift outages.

Underground parking is another important facility. Confirm the parking allocation linked to the specific apartment rather than assuming that all properties have identical arrangements.

Construction and Architectural Design

The Marina Torch became part of Dubai Marina’s growing skyline during the development period leading up to its 2011 completion.

Select Group identifies Khatib & Alami as the architectural and planning firm behind the project. The completed tower combines a concrete structural system with a blue and white glass exterior.

Who Developed The Marina Torch?

Select Group developed The Marina Torch as a residential skyscraper. The company lists the project as completed and identifies its location at the entrance of Dubai Marina.

The developer’s official project information records 682 residential units and describes the tower as a 79-storey development. CTBUH provides a separate technical building record, including its architectural height and above-ground and below-ground floor counts.

What Makes Its Design Different?

The tower’s curved profile, glass exterior and sculptural upper section make it visually distinct. Its crown has a twisting form that resembles a flame, providing the architectural reference for the name The Torch.

The building’s 352-metre height also makes it a prominent feature of the Dubai Marina skyline. Its design combines residential space with shared leisure facilities in the podium and upper residential sections.

The Marina Torch Fire Incidents

The Marina Torch has experienced four widely reported fire incidents between 2015 and 2024. The two major incidents occurred in February 2015 and August 2017, while smaller fires were reported in January 2019 and March 2024.

These events are part of the tower’s documented history. They should be considered separately from its current condition, which requires up-to-date information from building management and relevant authorities.

February 2015 Fire

A major fire broke out at The Marina Torch during the early hours of 21 February 2015. Dubai Civil Defence reported that the fire began in an apartment on the 51st floor and spread upwards to the 83rd floor. Strong winds contributed to the spread along the exterior.

Emergency services evacuated residents while firefighters worked to control the incident. Khaleej Times reported seven cases of minor smoke inhalation, with those affected receiving treatment at the scene.The incident caused significant exterior damage and required extensive repair work.

August 2017 Fire

Another major fire occurred on 4 August 2017. Flames spread along the exterior of the tower, and residents were evacuated. The National reported that the incident damaged 38 apartments across 64 floors. The fire also disrupted residents’ lives, with many having to find alternative accommodation.

The event renewed attention on high-rise fire safety and the building’s exterior cladding. Repair work connected with the earlier incident had also been part of the tower’s recent history.

January 2019 Fire

A smaller fire broke out in the sauna area of the gym on the fifth floor during the night of 5 January 2019. The building was evacuated as a precaution while Dubai Civil Defence and building security responded. Gulf News reported that residents were allowed to return after the authorities cleared the building.

Building management subsequently confirmed that repair work on the sauna had started and that the building’s systems had returned to normal operation.

March 2024 Restaurant Fire

A fire occurred at a restaurant on the ground floor of The Marina Torch on 14 March 2024. According to The National, emergency services attended the scene and extinguished the fire by approximately 9pm. Residents were not affected, and the building was not evacuated.

The incident was contained within the restaurant area and did not spread to other parts of the tower.

Fire Safety: What Should Residents Check?

The history of previous fires does not establish whether a building currently meets every safety requirement. Anyone considering renting or buying an apartment should assess the latest available safety information.

During a property visit, ask management about the building’s fire protection systems and inspection records.

Important points include:

• Fire alarms: Ask when the alarm system was last tested and inspected.
• Emergency exits: Check whether staircases and evacuation routes are accessible and unobstructed.
• Sprinkler systems: Ask about inspection and maintenance records for installed fire protection equipment.
• Emergency procedures: Find out how residents receive instructions during an evacuation.
• Exterior maintenance: Ask whether any fire-related repair or cladding work remains outstanding.
• Building documentation: Request available safety and maintenance information before committing to a purchase.

Residents should also familiarise themselves with their designated escape routes and follow instructions issued by building management and Dubai Civil Defence during an emergency.

Living Near The Marina Torch

Dubai Marina offers a residential environment with waterfront attractions, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping facilities and access to public transport.

The Marina Torch may suit people who want to live close to these services. However, the convenience of the address depends on the location of the apartment entrance, workplace, children’s school and other regular destinations.

Restaurants, Cafes and Supermarkets

The neighbourhood has a variety of restaurants and cafes, including dining options beside the waterfront. Dubai Marina Mall provides access to retail stores, food outlets and entertainment. Supermarkets and smaller convenience shops also serve the surrounding residential towers.

Before choosing an apartment, identify the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies and other everyday services. A short walking distance on a map does not always mean an equally convenient route from the building entrance.

Dubai Marina Walk and JBR Beach

Dubai Marina Walk offers a pedestrian route beside the water, with cafes and restaurants along the Marina. JBR Beach provides access to the coastline and outdoor leisure activities. Visitors can enjoy the beach, explore nearby restaurants or spend time along the waterfront.

These destinations add to the area’s recreational options and are useful for residents who enjoy spending time outdoors.

Healthcare and Schools

Residents can access healthcare services through clinics, pharmacies and medical facilities in Dubai Marina and nearby communities. Families should research school locations and admission arrangements before choosing a property.

Check the actual route from The Marina Torch to the school, including expected travel time during busy periods. People working in Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City should also evaluate their daily commute.

Renting or Buying an Apartment 

The Marina Torch offers several apartment configurations in an established residential district. Prospective tenants and buyers should compare individual properties, rather than assuming that all apartments in the building have the same features or condition.

Rental and sale prices depend on the apartment’s size, floor level, view, furnishings, renovation quality and parking allocation.

What Affects Apartment Rental and Sale Prices?

Two apartments with the same bedroom count can have different asking prices because of their layout, condition and outlook.

A renovated apartment with updated fittings may be priced differently from an older property that needs maintenance. A higher floor or a particular view can also influence the asking price.

Compare the following details when reviewing properties:

• Number of bedrooms and internal floor area.
• Floor level and window orientation.
• Marina, coastal or neighbouring-building views.
• Furnished or unfurnished condition.
• Kitchen and bathroom fittings.
• Balcony size and condition.
• Parking allocation.
• Current advertised rental or sale price.

Review multiple current listings before making a decision. Buyers should also check recent completed transactions through reliable Dubai property records instead of relying solely on asking prices.

Service Charges and Other Costs

Apartment owners may have to pay annual service charges to cover the maintenance of common areas and shared facilities. Other expenses may include electricity, water, cooling, insurance and repairs inside the apartment. The actual costs depend on the property and ownership arrangements. Buyers should request the latest service charge information and review the relevant property records before completing a purchase. Tenants should read their tenancy agreement carefully to understand which utility bills, maintenance responsibilities and other costs they must cover.

What to Check Before Renting or Buying

An in-person inspection can reveal problems that property photographs do not show. Check the apartment’s condition before signing a rental or purchase agreement.

Use this checklist during your viewing:

Buyers should also review ownership documents and service charge information. Tenants should photograph any existing damage before moving in and retain a signed copy of their tenancy agreement.

The Marina Torch vs Princess Tower

Princess Tower is another prominent residential skyscraper in Dubai Marina. Both buildings are part of the area’s high-rise residential market, but their apartment layouts, facilities, property conditions and prices may differ.

The Marina Torch is recognised for its flame-inspired crown and 352-metre height. Select Group lists 682 residential units in the tower.

Rather than choosing between the buildings based only on their height or appearance, compare the individual apartments and their associated costs.

What Should You Compare?

Consider these factors before choosing between The Marina Torch and Princess Tower:

• Annual rent or purchase price.
• Apartment size and bedroom arrangement.
• Floor level and available views.
• Parking allocation and access.
• Service charges and other expenses.
• Elevator condition and maintenance.
• Distance from work and public transport.
• Current condition and availability of shared facilities.

Arrange property viewings where possible. Comparing actual apartments gives a more useful understanding of value than relying on general building descriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Marina Torch located?

The Marina Torch is located in Dubai Marina, within the Marsa Dubai district. It stands near King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and is close to waterfront attractions, residential towers and restaurants.

How tall is The Marina Torch Dubai?

The Marina Torch has an architectural height of 352 metres (1,155 feet). CTBUH records 86 floors above ground and four underground floors.

How many apartments are in The Marina Torch?

Select Group lists 682 residential units in The Marina Torch. CTBUH’s building record lists 676 apartments, so the published figures differ between the two sources.

Which Metro station serves The Marina Torch?

Sobha Realty and DMCC are the two Metro stations serving Dubai Marina. From either station, passengers can continue by tram or taxi, depending on their destination and preferred route.

Which tram station should I use for The Marina Torch?

Marina Towers and Mina Seyahi are useful tram stops for reaching this part of Dubai Marina. Check the walking route from your chosen stop to the correct tower entrance.

Does The Marina Torch have a swimming pool and gym?

Yes. Select Group lists a swimming pool and fully equipped gym among the building’s facilities. Sauna, steam rooms and private changing rooms are also included in its published amenity information. Confirm current availability with building management.

When did The Marina Torch catch fire?

The building experienced major fires in February 2015 and August 2017. Further incidents were reported in the gym sauna in January 2019 and at a ground-floor restaurant in March 2024.

Is The Marina Torch suitable for families?

The building has different apartment layouts, including three-bedroom residences. Families should assess the actual apartment size, bedroom arrangement, parking, nearby schools and access to healthcare before moving.

Is parking available at The Marina Torch?

Yes. Select Group lists secure underground parking as a building facility. Residents should confirm their allocated space, while visitors should check guest parking arrangements with building management or the person they are visiting.

Who developed The Marina Torch?

Select Group developed The Marina Torch, with Khatib & Alami identified by the developer as the architectural and planning firm. The building was completed in 2011.