Dubai is full of vibrant souks and skyscrapers but that is not all. The city also has areas that preserve the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. One such old, sub-community of Deira is Al Ras. With a majestic charm and bustling souks, living in Al Ras is truly worth it. But, there are a few challenges of living here as well.
If you are in a dilemma of relocating to Al Ras, scroll down to learn about the pros and cons of living here.
- Al Ras – How Is Life Here Like
- Pros of Living in Al Ras
- Cons of Living in Al Ras
- Summing Up Life at Al Ras in Dubai!
- FAQs
Al Ras – How Is Life Here Like
Located in the vibrant Deira community, Al Ras is a sub-community popular for its bustling souks and traditional lifestyle. From affordable apartments to rental offices in Al Ras, there is something for every consumer.
This place is preferred for its simple lifestyle. However, residents face some challenges. Continue reading to explore more!
Pros of Living in Al Ras
Living in Al Ras offers multiple benefits, from affordable properties to historical charm. Let’s explore the benefits of living here:
1. Affordable Properties
The best part about Al Ras is you can rent or own a property at relatively lower costs. Whether you prefer a small studio apartment or a spacious home, you can find properties at competitive prices here.
2. Cultural Heritage
The community is popular for its rich cultural heritage evident by its museums and souks. Living here gives you the old Dubai vibe with a historical charm. Additionally, the area is one of the bustling parts of Deira. People from all over the city come here to learn about the history.
Two popular museums in Al Ras are:
- Women Museum
- Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
3. Vibrant Shopping Scene
Al Ras has a vibrant shopping scene with souks and malls. People come to explore the traditional markets here. Gold Souk and Dubai Spice Souk are located near the residences.
Some other nearby shopping destinations include:
- Al Mignas Jewellery: 3-minute drive
- Al Ghurair Centre: 14-minute drive
- Deira City Centre: 16-minute drive
4. Accessibility and Public Transportation
Travelling to other parts of Dubai is convenient, with metro stops in Al Ras. The community has its metro station on Baniyas Road. Some nearby metro stations include:
- Gold Souq Metro Station 2: 7-minute drive (5 minutes via Al Ras metro station)
- Baniyas Square Station: 12-minute drive (7 minutes via Al Ras metro station)
- Al Ghubaiba Metro Station: 17-minute drive (12 minutes via Al Ras metro station)
Additionally, residents can access nearby Dubai bus stations, such as Al Ghubabiba bus station, which is a 15-minute drive away. Moreover, Deira Old Souq Abra station is also a 6-minute drive away, facilitating convenient travel.
The area is close to Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and The Walk JBR. This strategic location makes it preferable for families.
5. Nearby Schools
High-quality education builds an individual’s character and paves the way for a bright future. Al Ras is an ideal community for families with kids, as it is close to the best schools in Deira. Here are some schools you can find near the community:
- Green Leaves Early Childhood Centre: 7-minute drive
- Amna Bint Wahab Secondary Girls School: 11-minute drive
- Tiny Tots Nursery: 14-minute drive
- New Academy School: 17-minute drive
- The Apple International Community School: 17-minute drive
- Deira International School: 29-minute drive
6. Dining Options
Whether you are craving traditional Arabic or authentic Chinese, there is an array of culinary options near Al Ras. Here are some popular restaurants in Deira and surrounding communities:
- Shabestan Restaurant: 10-minute drive | Persian cuisine
- Star Grills (Today Views Restaurant): 15-minute drive | Indo-Chinese delights
- Chef Wong Restaurant: 15-minute drive | Chinese cuisine
- Bait Al Jeyran Restaurant: 16-minute drive | Arabic and Seafood
- Taj Mahal Palace Restaurant: 20-minute drive | Indian cuisine
Cons of Living in Al Ras
Before finalising the decision, consider the other side of the coin. Living in Al Ras comes with some challenges, as discussed below:
1. Crowded Streets
Al Ras is often crowded with people as it boasts some bustling soaks. Additionally, high foot traffic is common during peak tourist season due to the community’s traditional narrow streets. This also results in traffic congestion, noise pollution and parking issues.
2. Non-Freehold Community
As a non-freehold community, Al Ras is not open to foreign ownership. Expats cannot own a property in this area. However, foreigners looking for a traditional lifestyle can rent an apartment in Al Ras.
3. Cultural Backdrop
Al Ras is more inclined towards a traditional majestic charm with its souks and museums. Buyers or tenants who are in search of ultra-modern facilities may not find the area very interesting to settle in.
Summing Up Life at Al Ras in Dubai!
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable Properties | Crowded Streets |
| Cultural Heritage | Non-Freehold Community |
| Vibrant Shopping Scene | Cultural Backdrop |
| Accessibility and Public Transportation | |
| Nearby Schools | |
| Dining Options |
FAQs
Al Ras is a bustling community in the centre of old Dubai, Deira. The area is 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, which makes it a top choice due to its strategic location.
Al Ras is one of the oldest communities in Deira. It is known for its cultural heritage with its bustling souks and museums.
That was all about the pros and cons of living in Al Ras in Dubai. The community is a treasure trove of culture and is ideal for families. If you are ready to explore the properties for sale in Al Ras, check out our listings.
If you want to buy a property in Dubai, consider important factors such as property value appreciation and return on investment, among others.
