This article will explore the various pros and cons of living on Sheikh Zayed Road to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Living on Sheikh Zayed Road
Deciding to move can be tricky, but weighing the advantages and disadvantages of living on Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) can help you reach a final decision. Known as one of Dubai’s best neighbourhoods for both locals and expats, let’s dig into why living there can be a great idea!
Multiple Investment Opportunities
Fancy enjoying fantastic panoramic views of Dubai?
Owning or renting a flat in the tallest residential towers ever built in the city is a luxury, to say the least. Given its ideal location, the market demand for properties in the area is always high.
Al Barsha Heights and Al Sufouh are some other neighbourhoods that offer plenty of residential and commercial investment opportunities. Living on or near SZR means you’re never far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Leading developers are always trying to outdo their competition by offering beautiful properties with exceptional features.
SZR is especially popular with those looking for rental flats close to the city centre. Available flats for rent on Sheikh Zayed Road include studio apartments to 4-bedroom units. Whether someone wants to move there alone or with their family, they’ll be able to find a suitable flat.
Most flats on SZR feature amenities like rooftop swimming pools, gyms, play areas for kids, dedicated parking, and BBQ areas. Some apartments even offer spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa.
Attractive Returns on Investment
Given the road’s popularity, investing in properties over there can yield high returns. This is a significant advantage of living on Sheikh Zayed Road. It has all the facilities nearby, which adds to the value of both residential and commercial properties.
Mirdif and Al Quoz also offer attractive investment opportunities with slightly lower entry points, making them ideal for diversifying your investment portfolio.
The central location makes SZR one of the hottest spots for local and international investors. This road is a landmark itself and is connected to many more landmarks, making it an interesting spot of investment for business owners as it will enhance their business value.
Day to Day Facilities
All the day to day facilities that one might need are closeby – schools, mosques and hospitals. This is beneficial for the residents as these facilities are important.
Schools:
Having schools in close proximity is a huge plus. Parents and families would agree to this, as having to travel longer distances everyday can get hectic. For this reason, parents often rent out homes near their kids’ school.
That said, these are the schools that residents will find near Sheikh Zayed Road.
School | Location | Timing | Contact |
Emirates International School | Meadows | Monday to Thursday: 07:30 AM to 04:00 PM | Friday: 07:30 AM to 12:00 PM | +971 4 362 9009 |
Kings’ School Dubai | Spotted on 26th Street, towards Umm Suqeim 3, | Monday: 08:00 AM to 03:45 PM | Tuesday to Thursday: 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM Friday: 07:00 AM to 12:00 PM | +971 4 348 3939 |
Horizon International School | ocated on street 9A, routing from Al Wasl Rd, Umm Al Sheif | Monday to Thursday: 07:15 AM to 04:00 PM Friday: 07:15 AM to 12:30 PM | +971 4 348 3314 |
Gems Wellington Primary School, JSS Private School, and Dubai Khaleej School are a few other schools nearby.
Hospitals:
Having good medical facilities in close proximity is a major plus. In case of a health emergency, you don’t have to travel far, reducing the associated risks.
Hospitals | Location | Timing |
Emirates Hospital Jumeirah | Jumeirah Beach Rd, near Dubai Canal, Jumeirah 2, Dubai | Open 24 hours |
Aster Cedars Hospital, Jebel Ali | Street Number 2, Mina Jebel Ali, Dubai | Open 24 hours |
International Modern Hospital | Port Rashid Road, Al Mankhool Area, Dubai | Open 24 hours |
Emirates Hospitals Clinics | Mezzanine Floor, Business Bay, Block B, Bay Avenue, Dubai | Monday to Sunday: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM |
Mosques:
Majority of the population in the neighbourhood comprises of Muslims. To cater to which, there is almost one local mosque at a convenient distance in every area.
Some notable mosques along the road are listed below.
Mosques | Location |
Al Rahim Masjid | Al Seba Street, Al Rahim, Dubai Marina, Dubai |
Masjid Bani Hashim | Fayha Cir, Jumeirah Heights, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai |
Musabbeh Al-Fattan Mosque | Dubai Marina, Dubai |
Mohammad Bin Ahmed Al Mulla Mosque | Dubai Marina, Dubai |
Hamel Al Ghaith Mosque | Barsha Heights, Dubai |
Abundant Public Transport Options
Residents of Sheikh Zayed Road benefit greatly from the availability of public transport. Most stations for the Dubai Metro Red Line are situated alongside.
Additionally, there are numerous bus stops on and near SZR. RTA taxis, Uber, and Careem services are also readily available 24/7. When public transport is readily available, the daily commute becomes a breeze.
Plenty of Restaurants Nearby
One of the major perks of living on Sheikh Zayed Road is the abundance of dining options. DIFC, located nearby, boasts high-end restaurants which are perfect for fancy dinners. Many top-notch eateries in DIFC are a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Sheikh Zayed Road also offers international cuisine from around the globe. It’s an ideal spot for those who love to dine out regularly. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway are conveniently located along this bustling thoroughfare.
For a great hangout with friends and family, explore the best cafes and restaurants on SZR. You won’t be disappointed!
The Crossing and Anása, for instance, are a couple of the best fine dining restaurants in Dubai, located on SZR.
Malls in Proximity
The road has some of the international standard malls where the residents can go for shopping, dining or other entertainment.
1. Ibn Batuta Mall:
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, towards Jebel Ali Village, the Ibn Batuta Mall houses several multinational brand outlets, departmental stores, restaurants and travel-themed cinemas.
2. Mall of the Emirates:
Another prominent mall located on Sheikh Zayed Road, towards Al Barsha, is Mall of the Emirates. National, multinational, and international brand outlets, fast food cafes, fine dining restaurants, and entertainment options, including an immersive cinema, bowling alley, and Ski Dubai, can all be found.
3. Dubai Marina Mall:
This is another popular mall in Dubai, housing international brand stores, dining, as well as entertainment options. Shop at the stores, eat out at the cafes or restaurants, watch a movie, or get amused at the bowling alley. A whole day full of fun is sorted!
Other popular malls in proximity include the Dubai Mall, Oasis Mall, Al Barsha Mall, Al Qouz Mall and City Centre Me’aisem.
Connected to the Neighbouring Cities
- Sheikh Zayed Road is a major UAE highway connecting residents to other emirates. For frequent intercity travellers, this is the distance from Dubai;
- Abu Dhabi is just over an hour away by car.
- Ras Al Khaimah can be reached in about an hour and a half, depending on traffic.
- Ajman or Umm Al Quwain takes under an hour.
So, whether for work or family visits, long and stressful journeys are rare.
Perfect for Working Expats
Sheikh Zayed Road is ideal for single professionals and families seeking housing near their workplaces. Living on or near the road puts residents close to Dubai’s major business hubs like DIFC and Business Bay. This is a significant advantage for expatriates who value short commutes to their workplaces.
Disadvantages of Sheikh Zayed Road
There are many attractions in this place. However, before investing, it is best to know about the cons of being close to this thoroughfare too. Let us discuss a few:
Traffic, Traffic and Traffic
Sheikh Zayed Road is one of the primary highways linking all the emirates, so it’s no surprise that traffic can be quite challenging, especially during peak hours. While living here offers good value for money, dealing with heavy traffic after a long day at work can be frustrating. This is one of the significant downsides of residing on or near Sheikh Zayed Road.
Parking for Visitors is Hard to Find
While most buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road have dedicated parking for the residents, finding parking for visitors can be a challenge. Limited visitor parking spaces often lead to inconvenience, making it difficult for guests to find a place to park. This is a notable drawback for residents expecting frequent visitors.
FAQs
Yes, Sheikh Zayed Road is indeed one of the longest roads in Dubai, stretching approximately 55 kilometres.
Yes, there are several hospitals and clinics located along Sheikh Zayed Road and in the surrounding areas, offering a range of medical services.
Yes, there are numerous schools situated close to Sheikh Zayed Road, catering to the educational needs of residents and families in the area.
All things considered, living close to Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) puts you close to several facilities and makes your daily commute easier. Everything you need is nearby – shopping malls, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and tons of tourist attractions to explore.
Dubai offers several other popular neighbourhoods to suit your needs. You can check out our guides to living in Business Bay or Dubai Marina, both key business districts.
Stay tuned to learn more about the pros and cons of different areas of Dubai and which area suits you best with Property Finder.