Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates

The developers may have promised a glamorous waterfront lifestyle, but the reality of living in Dubai Marina is a bit more complicated. With a population capped at 120,000, the area can feel crowded and congested, especially given the 3-kilometer stretch of artificial canal. And bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the 2006 protest where workers damaged property and vehicles over issues at a construction site. That said, the district does offer some unique amenities, like a 3.5-kilometer marina serviced by a yacht club and a zipline connecting the marina to the shopping mall. Overall, Dubai Marina caters to a specific type of resident - one seeking a high-end, amenity-filled urban lifestyle, and willing to put up with the area's downsides.