Home to the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai offers a concentration of iconic attractions, drawing visitors from all around the globe. The district was purpose-built by EMAAR real estate developers to make Dubai the centre of global tourism. But what does living in Downtown Dubai looks like?
It’s a perfect place to visit, but is it a good place to live? Let’s explore the pros and cons of living here.
Pros of Living in Downtown Dubai
The Dubai Experience
Downtown Dubai embodies its bold tagline, “The centre of now.” It offers a quintessential Dubai experience, perfectly suited for those seeking a vibrant and modern lifestyle. Soaring skyscrapers pierce the sky, reflecting the city’s futuristic spirit. Unparalleled extravagance and a seemingly endless array of attractions create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Residents have the unique opportunity to meet people from all corners of the globe, both business travellers and vacationers. Moreover, let’s not forget the possibility of calling the tallest building in the world your home.
At night, the iconic Dubai Fountain presents a mesmerising dance of water, music and light. The Burj Khalifa often erupts in colourful LED displays. The palm trees are also illuminated, adding a touch of tropical charm to the cityscape.
What’s more, the area also includes the ‘Old Town’ sub-community. The Old Town offers beautifully designed apartment complexes designed with a modern spin on traditional Arabian architecture. This quiet residential area is your retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Prime Location
Downtown Dubai is the beating heart of Dubai. The district bridges the gap between the city’s historic core (Bur Dubai and Deira) and the modern extensions (Dubai Marina, Dubai Hills Estate, etc.).
It’s located along Sheikh Zayed Road, conveniently placed between the bustling business districts of DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and Business Bay. Hence, the working residents have a 10-minute commute to both major financial centers in Dubai.
You can head east for a short drive to Nad Al Sheba, home to the famed Meydan Racecourse. Moving towards the west, you will find the luxurious Jumeirah 1 neighbourhood.
Dubai Downtown has easy access to public transportation as well. Residents have easy access to the Red Line of Dubai Metro through the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. The area also has multiple bus stops:
- The Dubai Mall
- Burj View Central Tower 1
- Burj View Central Tower 2
- Burj Khalifa, The Palace Hotel
- 8 Boulevard Walk Tower 1
- Lake Central Tower 1
- Lake Central Tower 2
For people planning to move to Downtown Dubai, we also recommend reading our overview of the Downtown area.
Endless Entertainment
Downtown Dubai stands out as a premier leisure destination. Only a handful of other places in the world can hope to rival the array of high-end experiences and entertainment options.
Shopping
The shopping experience in Downtown Dubai is second to none. You have the largest mall in Dubai to visit at a walking distance. The massive complex features over 1,200 stores selling everything imaginable.
International retail stores and other budget options are readily available. But those in the mood for splurge can head to Fashion Avenue in Dubai Mall to explore over 200 highly sought-after luxury brands.
Apart from the numerous retail outlets in the downtown, you can also visit Souk Al Bahar for a more Arab experience. The mall is fashioned as a modern take on traditional extravagance. Their offerings include handicrafts, antiques, carpets, perfumes and garments.
Not to mention the stunning views from the entrance. You enter through a water walkway with the Dubai Fountain by its side.
Attractions
Downtown Dubai is the centre of most tourism in the UAE. Needless to say, you can spend days going through fun activities that offer enjoyment for the whole family.
For the purposes of this blog, let’s briefly count down some of the main attractions.
- Visiting The Top of Burj Khalifa
- Enjoying Dubai Opera Shows
- Exploring Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
- Soaking in the views of the Dubai Fountain
- Skating at Dubai Ice Rink
- Relaxing picnic at Burj Park
To get a picture of all the amusement opportunities waiting for you, please go through our list of things to do in Downtown Dubai.
The district is also known for hosting multiple parades and festivals throughout the year that include:
- The New Year’s Gala
- Dubai Shopping Festival
- DPA Annual Show
- Emirates Classic Car Festival
Night Life
Downtown has perhaps the most vibrant night scenes in all of Dubai. Usually, the nightlife starts at around 11:00 pm to 3:00 am, with some clubs opening till sunrise. For an enjoyable evening, Downtown Dubai has a wide variety of clubs and bars to choose from:
- Cabana
- Armani/Prive
- DARK ROOM
- Above 2.0 Lounge
- Nezesaussi Grill
Always remember! You can only drink alcohol in licensed restaurants and lounges in Dubai. Public drinking is strictly prohibited.
Pedestrian & Cyclist Friendly
Walkability is perhaps the most unique advantage of living in Downtown Dubai. Due to the strong car culture and hot temperature, it’s rare to see an area that caters for pedestrians.
The wide marble sidewalks lined with absolutely breathtaking sculptures keep your eyes engaged throughout your stroll. Runners and cyclists would appreciate the 272-meter boardwalk near the Dubai Fountain, connected by tracks around the Burj Khalifa Lake.
Nearby, the wonderfully landscaped Burj Park offers a running track amidst lush greenery. Apart from this, you can access Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa by foot anywhere from Downtown.
Arts & Culture
Downtown Dubai’s Opera District is a vibrant hub for heritage and modern art. The centrepiece, Dubai Opera, stages international performances – theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, musicals, comedy – and seasonal events.
The building itself is elegantly designed to resemble the traditional Arabian dhow, a subtle homage to Dubai’s maritime heritage. The main hall can seat up to 2000 audience members at a time. In addition, the district also features a growing number of art galleries, design studios, museums and other cultural centres.
For those residents seeking a more private experience, the Foundry is the place to be. It’s the latest advancement in the evolving cultural landscape. Interestingly it’s a hybrid art space that has a co-working space, library, cafe and even a podcastroom.
The space also includes a modern art gallery that showcases art exhibitions. More than that, Foundry holds educational workshops and talks to engage the local community. Moreover, the access is free for everyone.
Freehold Estate
Downtown Dubai falls under the freehold areas. This simply means that the law allows expats and foreign investors to purchase the property. This provides an exciting opportunity for non-locals to secure real estate assets in a high-performing market.
Meticulously Planned & Well-maintained
Downtown Dubai is the flagship project of Emaar Properties following the ultra-modern practices of urban planning. Reliable supermarket chains like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Lulu are strategically placed to provide convenient access to residents all over the Downtown area.
Despite the major tourist traffic, the streets and sidewalks are always impeccably clean. The maintenance of infrastructure like roads, power supplies and buildings is diligent to keep them in top condition.
Luxury Lifestyle
Downtown Dubai is more exclusive than other parts of Dubai. For people yet to visit, this is the very place featured in the press showcasing the extravagant lifestyle. Think of the amazing Instagram photos of famous lifestyle bloggers featuring fancy cars, elaborate dinners, and awe-inspiring views over the clouds.
High fashion stores like Christian Louboutin, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Sandro are littered throughout the Dubai Mall.
The wider area is also home to some of the finest Michelin-star restaurants in Downtown Dubai like Armani/Ristorante and Hashi. Nevertheless, it’s possible to make your shopping and dining expenses more budget-friendly due to the sheer number of options available.
Downtown Dubai is perfect for those with more sophisticated tastes in entertainment. Dubai Opera House is a world-class 2000-seat multi-format venue holding operas and ballets to concerts and musicals.
Cons of Living in Downtown Dubai
Fast-paced Environment
Downtown Dubai is one of the most vibrant and bustling areas of the world. It’s a dream come true for people who crave a thriving metropolis to live in. However, families or individuals more attracted to a suburban lifestyle or living in villas would prefer areas like Al-Furjan, Al-Rashidiya, or Arabian Ranches.
That’s not the only aspect to consider. From 8-9 am and 5-7 pm, there is regular traffic congestion, which can be a deal breaker for some prospective residents. During these rush hours, Downtown Dubai is frequently noisy and crowded, mostly near tourist hotspots.
Limited Schooling Options
While Downtown Dubai doesn’t have dedicated public schools, families with school-aged children have access to a variety of options. For younger children, the area does offer some nurseries that offer the British curriculum (EYFS framework), including:
- Toddler Town British Nursery
- Blossom Nursery
- Jumeirah International Nurseries
If you are living in Downtown Dubai, many excellent public and private schools in Dubai are located within a short distance. Besides, convenient school bus stops are available throughout the district.
Fewer Villas
Compared to other upscale areas of Dubai, the Downtown has fairly tight options for villas. There are some dedicated villas situated at the base of these apartment complexes:
- The Residence Villas
- Podium Villas
- Opera Grand Dubai
- Manzil
The lack of villas due to the nature of the planning as a downtown area. Nonetheless, there is good news for families. Downtown Dubai is known for its family-friendly apartment complexes.
These projects offer luxurious amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, children’s play areas, concierge services and even spas. Moreover, duplexes and penthouses provide effective and spacious alternatives to villas.
High Living Costs
That’s to be expected from an area designed for an extravagant lifestyle. The essential living expenses for healthcare, groceries and regular maintenance are substantially increased to cater to an upscale social bracket. Similarly, the rent in downtown Dubai far exceeds the average, increasing your living costs in Dubai. Here are the latest numbers from the Data Guru by Property Finder:
| One Bed Room | AED 130,000/year. |
| Two Bedrooms | AED 255,000/year. |
| Three Bedrooms | AED 360,000/year. |
However, individuals can find some smaller apartments that offer a good deal. Hence, young professionals can live in Downtown Dubai with a manageable budget, but families should be prepared to spend a pretty penny.
FAQs
The short answer is yes. Families would be required to align their budgets in advance. The average cost for a three-bedroom apartment is hovering at AED 30,000/month. However, bachelors can find comfortable and affordable living arrangements that fit their budgets, with a bit of research.
Dubai’s real estate market is currently experiencing a boom, particularly in the luxury segment, which is the majority of Downtown Dubai. Moreover, Dubai’s lack of property taxes can be a significant advantage for long-term investors.
Excluding other fees associated with residential property ownership, there is one recurring tax that’s 5% of the estimated rental value. However, it mostly falls under the tenant, making Dubai an attractive option for buyers.
Downtown Dubai is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, catering to tourists. However, on a hot summer day, it’s not advisable to take long walks due to the risk of heatstroke. But you can go all year round at night. That’s when Downtown Dubai comes alive even more.
Living in Downtown Dubai offers a dynamic and luxurious lifestyle characterised by its prime location, world-class amenities, and vibrant atmosphere. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the challenges.
We hope this guide has helped you decide if Downtown Dubai is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. For more information, keep reading the Property Finder Blog.
