Best Places for Foodies in Dubai

Downtown is Dubai’s crown jewel: it hosts the city’s best tourist attractions, such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It also offers an array of housing, entertainment, and shopping options that never fail to impress. As the name suggests, it’s at the heart of Dubai, located along Sheikh Zayed Road next to Business Bay.

It's easily accessible by the Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall metro station as well as buses and taxis. Downtown Dubai is a hub of activity, with regular shows and festivals, hotels, and fine dining restaurants, there’s never a dull moment. Dubai Opera is also in the area, and it hosts a variety of events such as concerts, theater plays, ballet, opera, conferences, and exhibits.

Key Highlights

• Centrally Located
• Home to Dubai’s most popular attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain
• The beating heart of Dubai
• Vibrant lifestyle filled with events & activities
• Holistic community with all kinds of amenities

Attractions & Things to do in Downtown Dubai:

Whether you want to relax, party, or shop, Downtown is the place to be. It attracts flocks of tourists and residents alike since it has it all. Emaar Properties developed the area to be all-inclusive and attract people from all over the world.

Burj Khalifa tops the list of attractions in Downtown Dubai. You can admire its glittering lights up close or go to the observation deck, ‘At the Top’ to get panoramic views of the city from the 124th floor. But even if you’re not interested in acting like a tourist, you can marvel at the Burj from the many restaurants and hotels that overlook it. 

Speaking of restaurants and hotels, there are countless options to choose from, offering all kinds of cuisines and stunning views. As for hotels, you can pamper yourself at the spas and infinity pools at a number of luxurious hotels, such as Address Skyview, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, and Armani Hotel by the Burj Khalifa.

When it comes to shopping, nothing beats Dubai Mall, with over 1,200 shops from a wide range of brands. However, Dubai Mall is a universe of its own that offers far more than just shopping. It’s home to many attractions such as The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, and KidZania.

If you’re craving a taste of heritage, head to Souk Al Bahar to dine and shop for traditional items such as carpets and handicrafts in an old-souk setting. Meanwhile, if you need to relax or take a walk, Burj Park is a great option. Enjoy walking or cycling with a view of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

Lifestyle & Real Estate in Downtown Dubai

The lifestyle in Downtown Dubai is quite upscale, with a variety of luxurious amenities and leisure options available. People from all nationalities live here, testifying to Dubai’s diverse culture.

Real Estate in Downtown Dubai also tends to be opulent. In fact, the area is among the most popular choices for those looking for luxury apartments for rent in Dubai. However, apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai are also quite popular among investors, thanks to the area’s evergreen value.

While it’s primarily a vertical community offering apartments, penthouses, and hotel apartments, there are a few villas available in Downtown Dubai.

Properties here come in a variety of designs, from contemporary skyscrapers to low-rise Arabesque buildings, appealing to different tastes.

Moreover, Downtown has pretty much everything a community should have. The area brims with cafés, restaurants, and nighttime venues, many with views of the Dubai Fountain.

Meanwhile, parents have the option of several nurseries and kid’s clubs to entertain their children. Another major perk of living in Downtown Dubai is its excellent connectivity to the rest of the city. It’s centrally located and has direct access to public transportation like the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station, as well as buses and taxis.

It doesn’t get better than the Dubai Marina if you want to live in one of the city’s most stylish neighborhoods. It is a high-rise district home to residential and serviced apartments and hotel towers offering an array of entertainment venues and restaurants.

Established in 2003, Dubai Marina is a man-made canal city built along a 3 km stretch of the Arabian Gulf’s shoreline. Developed by the reputable Emaar Properties, it quickly became one of Dubai’s most luxurious neighborhoods.

It lies along a canal dotted with yachts and framed by some of Dubai’s highest skyscrapers. In fact, it’s known as the ‘Tallest Block in the World’, as it’s home to many of the world’s tallest residential buildings. Many of these high-rise buildings feature stunning waterfront views, making Dubai Marina one of the most popular areas for renting and buying luxurious apartments.

The popular leisure and residential district of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is located in Dubai Marina. It was developed by Dubai Properties and contains 40 towers with a capacity of 15,000 people. JBR is known for its beach, restaurants, nightlife, and sand-colored JBR residential complex. 

Another prestigious development in Dubai Marina is Dubai Harbour, a seafront district developed by Meraas with a 120,000 sqm cruise facility that can berth up to 700 boats and yachts. It lies at the intersection of Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island and contains a variety of residential buildings, dining and leisure facilities. 

Dubai Marina is located on Interchange 5 between Jebel Ali Port and the area that contains Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and the American University in Dubai. It’s also close to Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai Internet City, and Palm Jumeirah.

Key Highlights:

• One of the most iconic areas in Dubai
• Popular Tourist Destination
• Waterfront Community
• Home to JBR and Dubai Harbour
• Highly attractive to investors 
• Efficient Public Transportation with access to 2 metro stations and a tram
• Known as the ‘Tallest Block in the World’ as it contains some of the world’s tallest residential buildings
• Key Locations: Dubai Marina Walk, Pier 7, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Yacht Club
• Offers some of the most luxurious apartments in Dubai

Lifestyle & Things to Do in Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a major tourist destination since it epitomizes what Dubai is best known for, the tallest buildings, and a lifestyle of luxury. Some of the tallest buildings in Dubai Marina include Cayan Tower, Princess Tower, Elite Residence, Ocean Heights, and Marina 101, all of which are part and parcel of Dubai’s skyline.

Moreover, Dubai Marina is home to upscale alfresco dining spots, mostly present on the Dubai Marina Walk and Pier 7. 

Visitors and residents can shop, dine, and watch movies at the Dubai Marina Mall, or pamper themselves at the many spas and hotels available. 

Swimming and watersports are also popular activities in JBR, a subcommunity in Dubai Marina. Yacht cruises and watersports are also available at the well-known Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

Thrill seekers can head to Xline Dubai Marina, the world’s longest urban zipline. Expect to whoosh through the skyscrapers at a speed of 80 km/h and 170 meters high on a 1 km long zipline that gives you a bird’s eye view of Dubai Marina. 

If that’s not enough for those who love to fly, then Skydive Dubai would be an excellent option. It offers an unparalleled skydiving experience with an iconic view of Palm Jumeirah.

Those who like to stay active can jog or cycle along the Dubai Marina Walk, or head to the countless fitness centers available.

Dubai Marina is also popular for water cruises. You can rent a luxurious yacht or a traditional Dhow boat to explore the glitzy neighborhood by water.

The area is a playground for social butterflies who love living life to the fullest. Marina residents love the water views from the buildings’ balconies, whether of the marina itself or the open sea poised by some of Dubai’s most recognizable skyscrapers. The apartments for rent in Dubai Marina are constantly in high demand, as are the apartments for sale in Dubai Marina, thanks to the area’s timeless value.

Jumeirah Lake Towers, also known as JLT, is among the most vibrant and popular communities in Dubai. It’s characterised by man-made lakes that are surrounded by skyscrapers, enabling its residents to enjoy waterfront living.

JLT has a prime location on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Heights, Jebel Ali and Al Sufouh. It’s also close to the business districts of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City.

JLT consists of 26 clusters named from A to Z, and each cluster is made up of 3 towers. The towers here have 35 to 45 floors, with the exception of Almas Tower which stands 68 storeys high, making it the tallest tower in JLT.

Jumeirah Lake Towers is home to the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the largest free trade zone in the UAE, which is located in Almas Tower. Thus, JLT is a mixed-use community that houses many offices, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. This makes it a unique place where you can live, work and play all in one place.

The area is a popular option among those who work in it or in neighbouring areas like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. Its proximity to Dubai Marina while being slightly more affordable and less crowded is also a strong selling point of the area. It’s ideal for those who like the high-rise lifestyle that Dubai is known for, while being surrounded by restaurants and leisure activities, with less crowds from tourists and more affordable properties.

Perks of Living in JLT, Dubai

JLT attracts a wide array of people thanks to the vibrant, all-inclusive lifestyle it offers. It’s one of the few areas where you can work, play, and live all in one place. Since it’s home to many offices, restaurants, hotels, and services, you can do anything here without straying far from home.

Jumeirah Lake Towers also has a 55,000 sqm park with play areas for kids, a basketball court, an outdoor gym, restaurants, and a green space to relax or play sports as you please. Lots of events are hosted in the JLT Park as well, such as outdoor movie nights, market days, and cultural celebrations.

Coupled with lake-side promenades where people jog, cycle, and walk their pets, JLT offers a lifestyle that promotes leisure and outdoorsy living. For that reason, it attracts a wide range of people. Outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, families, foodies, and nightlife lovers all have a place here.

Furthermore, there are countless amenities in JLT, Dubai. The area is teeming with authentic restaurants from all over the globe thanks to the diversity of its residents. There are also plenty of supermarkets, hotels, laundromats, beauty salons and barbershops, vets, nurseries, clinics, laundries, sports courts, and gyms, putting everything within reach.

Moreover, JLT’s prime location next to Dubai Marina and Emirates Hills gives residents access to even more leisure options and essential services.

Transportation is also very convenient here, as there are 2 metro stations in JLT: DMCC and Sobha Realty. People can cross them to reach Dubai Marina on the opposite side.

Properties in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Properties in JLT, Dubai include studios to 1 - 4 bedroom apartments and 4 - 5 bedroom penthouses. Jumeirah Lake Towers apartments and penthouses are available for sale and rent, and many of these units have waterfront views of the lakes and impressive views of skyscrapers especially at night. Because of that, JLT is a popular choice among those who want to rent or buy luxury apartments in Dubai.

Since the area is very pet-friendly, most residential buildings in JLT allow pets. Buildings here often come with facilities like swimming pools and gyms, enhancing the luxury of the area.

Furthermore, JLT apartments for sale are freehold for all nationalities, making it a great investment spot. Meanwhile, JLT apartments for rent are popular among many nationalities as well, contributing to the area’s refreshing diversity.

One of Dubai’s most iconic neighborhoods, Business Bay is where work and play cross paths. It’s a commercial, residential, and business community consisting mainly of skyscrapers.

Located next to Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, and DIFC, It’s a stone’s throw away from the city’s most happening areas.

Business Bay, Dubai is home to jaw-dropping architecture, the stunning Dubai Canal, and endless entertainment and nightlife options like rooftop restaurants, lounges, and world-class hotels. It also houses a multitude of businesses and commercial buildings, hence its name.

The area boasts over 240 buildings and is one of the most sought-after communities in Dubai. It covers 46,900,000 sq. ft. with 18.5% of the area dedicated to commercial developments, 59.4% to mixed-use developments, and 22.1% to residential developments.

If you want to live close to Downtown Dubai at a more manageable housing price, Business Bay is a great option. This glitzy community is a key part of Dubai’s skyline and is one of the best places for renting and buying luxury apartments in Dubai.

Highlights of Business Bay, Dubai

• Central Business Hub in Dubai
• Close to Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall
• Located along the Dubai Canal
• Mixed-use community with residential and commercial towers
• Location of La Perle by Dragone
• Home to JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
• Highly desirable area because of its many amenities, dining and leisure facilities

Lifestyle & Things to Do in Business Bay

The lifestyle in Business Bay is vibrant and buzzing with activities. From entertainment and waterfront strolls to restaurants and hotels, there’s always something to do here.

One of the most popular attractions in Business Bay is La Perle by Dragone, Dubai’s permanent show. The mastermind behind it was Franco Dragone, the theatre director who worked with Cirque du Soleil.

La Perle is located in V Hotel at Al Habtoor City. It’s inspired by Dubai’s pearl-diving history and displays impressive acrobatics, stunts, and choreography with a cast of 65 performers.

Another iconic attraction in Business Bay is the Dubai Canal. This man made project features a 3.2 km promenade that overlooks Dubai’s stunning skyscrapers and has restaurants, hotels, luxury homes, and walking and cycling paths.

For more leisure options, visitors and residents can head to Bay Square. It is a mixed-use complex with waterfront promenades, shops, and restaurants where residents and visitors can shop, dine, and stroll to their heart’s contentment.

On top of that, Business Bay boasts a vibrant nightlife, with a large variety of clubs, lounges and pubs, such as BLU Dubai and 1OAK, while JW Marriott Marquis Hotel includes a variety of nightlife options.

Simply unmatched in leisure and lifestyle, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a waterfront haven in the heart of the bustling Dubai Marina. The developer Dubai Properties launched JBR in August 2002, and completed it in 2010. The 6-billion dirham project is 1.7 kilometres long and has a gross floor area of 2 square kilometres, making it a wonder in Dubai's skyline.

Key Highlights

• Beachfront community in Dubai Marina
• Popular for luxurious waterfront apartments
• Tourist Destination
• Main attractions include 'The Beach' and 'The Walk'
• Connected to Bluewaters Island with a bridge
• Offers rental as well as freehold apartments in high rise towers

Properties in JBR, Dubai

JBR contains 40 towers, 35 of which are residential, and 5 hotel buildings. The apartments and hotel rooms in JBR can accommodate around 15,000 people. There's a total of 6,917 apartments, ranging from 900 sq ft studios to 5,500 sq ft penthouses.

Jumeirah Beach Residence consists of six residential blocks, namely Shams, Amwaj, Rimal, Bahar, Sadaf, and Murjan, ordered from west to east.

Each cluster comprises multiple buildings offering a wide range of studios, 1-4-bedroom apartments, and 4 - 6-bedroom penthouses.

JBR's skyscrapers lie along a golden beach and stand out with their sandy hues and impressive city and sea views, making them highly coveted residential destinations. The apartments in JBR are available for rent and sale, and the area remains one of the most desirable ones in Dubai.

The most popular clusters for renting apartments in JBR are Sadaf, Murjan, and Rimal. Sadaf is an 8-tower residential complex completed in 2007 with a whole host of modern amenities such as a gym, sauna, swimming pool, and high-speed elevators.

Murjan consists of 6 towers adjacent to the Dubai Marina Canal. They also feature state-of-the-art amenities that are common to most JBR towers, such as covered parking, a CCTV system, a pool, a gym, and a children's play area.

Rimal is another 6-tower cluster that offers waterfront apartments in Dubai Marina. It has amenities similar to those in other towers.

All of these buildings were completed in 2007 by Dubai Properties and TECOM Group, and have freehold ownership status.

Lifestyle & Things to Do in JBR

JBR is a bustling community with a vibrant lifestyle that appeals to bachelors and young families. The lifestyle here revolves around the beach, dining, and nightlife, making it great for those looking for the best that Dubai has to offer.

Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai boasts an irresistible array of leisure activities. 'The Beach, JBR' is famous for beachfront fun, including sun beds, and watersports like jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and banana boating. It's home to 'AquaFun', an inflatable waterpark with plenty of games. There's also a plethora of beachfront restaurants and shops, as well as a branch of Roxy Cinemas where you can watch the latest blockbusters.

Further, 'The Walk' opens avenues to an outdoor shopping and dining waterfront promenade stretching across 1.5 km, with an array of boutiques, art galleries, alfresco restaurants, and street entertainment.

The dynamism continues into the night with a buzzing nightlife. JBR is home to several nightclubs, such as Bla Bla and Lock Stock & Barrel, ensuring there's never a dull moment for the nocturnals.

Want more? Head to Bluewaters Island, connected to JBR by a pedestrian bridge, and offers plenty of leisure options such as Brass Monkey and Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Amenities

Amenities in JBR ensure that residents have nothing to worry about. Healthcare facilities like Medcare Medical Centre and Dentcare JBR Medical Center provide quality medical services.

Supermarkets like Carrefour Market and Beach Waves supermarket cater to all grocery needs. There's also a variety of nurseries and mosques in the area, as well as schools, churches, and temples in nearby areas.

Fitness enthusiasts have access to gyms and health clubs within their building. There are also world-class swimming pools for relaxation after a long day of work. Furthermore, many restaurants offer various global cuisines, while retail outlets meet all shopping desires, with the large Dubai Marina Mall just a few minutes away.

Transportation in JBR

You'll never have to worry about public transportation in JBR as it has 2 tram stations connecting it with 2 metro stations in Dubai Marina, namely the Sobha Realty and DMCC metro stations. Taxis are usually available too. Given its great connectivity, JBR is great for those who don't drive.

However, the area is known for heavy traffic jams during rush hours and weekends, so it's advisable to use public transportation at these times due to the lack of parking spaces.

JBR Location

JBR is within walking distance from Dubai Marina and is very close to Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT). It's connected to Bluewaters Island and is also near business hubs like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, making it great for working professionals.

Bur Dubai is the cradle of heritage in Dubai. It was the first original settlement in the emirate before it transformed into the modern metropolis that it is today.

Located on the western side of Dubai Creek, ‘Bur Dubai’ translates to ‘Mainland Dubai’, referring to Bur Dubai’s separation from Deira by the Dubai Creek. In the past, people had to use an abra (a traditional wooden boat) to go from Bur Dubai to Deira and vice versa. Today, they use the Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Shindagha Tunnel, which connect both neighbourhoods.

Bur Dubai is like a time capsule, where Dhows (traditional boats) loaded with everything from textiles to technology dominate the Dubai Creek. They invoke the spirit of Dubai’s original trading roots, which shaped it into the trade hub that it is today.

In contrast to Dubai’s modern architecture and new ports for massive ships, Bur Dubai displays its rich history unapologetically. It brims with bustling squares and narrow streets that hold both residential corners and commercial hubs together like beads on a string. For those reasons, it’s a popular spot for those who want to experience Old Dubai.

A Closer Look at Bur Dubai

Adding to its importance is the fact that it houses many consulates, temples, and the Ruler’s Court. Not only that, but it’s also the site of many tourist hotspots, including renovated historic buildings and museums.

Popular landmarks include the Al Fahidi Historical District, also known as Al Bastakiya, Al Shindagha Historical District, the Dubai Museum, the Textile Souk, the blue-tiled Iranian Mosque, and the Grand Mosque which features the city’s tallest minaret. Shopping streets and dinner cruises on dhow boats also abound in the area.

Bur Dubai even has a Hindu temple that dates back to the 1960s, which made it a home base for many expat Indian families. As a result, there are many Indian restaurants and shops in the area.

Moreover, Bur Dubai contains many subcommunities such as Oud Metha, Al Mankhool, Al Jaddaf, Culture Village, Al Karama, Al Raffa, and Umm Hurair, making it a very popular place to rent apartments in Dubai.

The plethora of amenities in the area boosts its popularity, as there are many schools, parks, clinics, cafes, and restaurants in Bur Dubai.

Properties in Bur Dubai

There’s a wide variety of properties available in Bur Dubai thanks to the many districts it includes. Here you’ll find modern mid-rise apartment buildings, older ones with vintage apartments, hotel apartments, and even villas.

Generally speaking, Bur Dubai is known for offering cheap apartments for rent in Dubai, although prices vary by area and building. Areas like Al Fahidi and Al Raffa are quite affordable, while Jaddaf, Oud Metha, and Al Mankhool are on the pricier side. 

You will find studios, 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments, as well as villas that go up to 6 bedrooms and more. The majority of apartment buildings are located in Oud Metha, Al Jaddaf, Al Hamriyah, and Al Raffa. These are mostly low and mid-rise buildings that get rented out quickly thanks to their affordable prices and amenities close by. Moreover, since some of the buildings are quite old, most of the apartments are unfurnished. 

Those looking for villas in Bur Dubai will find them in Mankhool, Al Hamriya, and Al Kifaf. These units are quite spacious and come with a whole host of amenities.

Given its buzzing commercial scene, it makes sense for Bur Dubai to have commercial properties. Here you’ll find offices, business centres, showrooms, retail spaces, and shops for rent in Bur Dubai. Popular locations for shops include Mankhool, Oud Metha, Al Raffa and Al Souk Al Kabeer, while the offices for rent in Bur Dubai are available in those areas as well as Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road and Al Ghubaiba Area.

Transportation in Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai is extremely well connected by public transport, with metro, bus stations, and even water transport all available.

Metro Stations in Bur Dubai

There are numerous metro stations in Bur Dubai on both the red and green lines to serve the different communities in the area. These include: 

Metro Stations on the Green Line:

• Al Ghubaiba
• Dubai Healthcare City
• Al Jadaf Metro Station
• Oud Metha

Metro Stations on the Red Line

• ADCB Metro Station
• BurJuman: this is a transit station serving both the red and green lines

How to Reach Bur Dubai by Ferry

If you want to take the scenic route, catch The Dubai Ferry to and from Bur Dubai. It departs from Al Ghubaiba. For a shorter trip, take the traditional abra which crosses the creek from Bur Dubai to Deira and vice versa.

Bur Dubai Tourist Attractions & Things to Do

• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: travel back to life in Old Dubai in the 19th century at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya. Walk down narrow winding lanes between old buildings and wind towers to discover plenty of cultural activities, art galleries, museums, events, and local food. The Dubai Museum and The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) are located here.


• Al Seef: this waterfront destination by the Dubai Creek offers contemporary dining experiences in the traditional setting of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.


• Textile Souk: dazzle your eyes with a feast of colours at Textile Souk, a prominent market offering vibrant fabrics such as raw silk, cotton, and embroidered materials. There’s no limit to the colours and prints you can find there. You can also find skilled tailors to customise any clothing of your choice.


• Meena Bazaar: known as Dubai’s ‘Little India’, Meena Bazaar offers all kinds of products from South Asia such as perfumes, fashion, food, and spices.


• Museum of Illusions: travel from the past to the future at the Museum of Illusions, located in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Trick your mind with creative optical illusions and take social media-worthy shots.


• Zabeel Park: with a size equivalent to 45 football fields, Zabeel Park is one of the biggest parks in Dubai. It’s also home to a popular attraction, Dubai Frame, from which people can look at both old and new Dubai. Zabeel Park also has jogging and walking tracks, barbecue, and picnic areas.


• Zabeel Palace: served as the home of The Late HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum from 1965 to 1990. It’s an architectural masterpiece that once stood alone in the desert and is now surrounded by Dubai’s modern skyline.


• WAFI City: this unique Ancient Egyptian-themed mall was among the first large malls in Dubai since it opened in the early 1990s. It’s home to the iconic AYA Universe.


• AYA Universe: lose yourself in a surreal world of celestial bodies, illuminated gardens, and colourful rivers with 12 zones of interactive installations and experiences. Aya Universe is located in WAFI City.


• Abra Tours: Take an Abra from Bur Dubai to Deira on the other side of the Dubai Creek. It’s an unmissable experience in Bur Dubai.

Possible Challenges

Traffic, parking, and noise are issues that people tend to complain about since Bur Dubai is a bustling area. It also gets quite congested during peak hours so you’ll have to plan your commute to avoid these times.

With that being said, some residential buildings are located on quieter streets where you can avoid the bustle.

Al Barsha is a residential community in the west of Dubai, south of Al Sufouh. It’s bound by E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) and E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road). The area is divided into 5 sub-communities: Al Barsha 1, 2, 3, Al Barsha South, and Barsha Heights.

Al Barsha 1 is the busiest of all the districts, as it’s home to the popular Mall of the Emirates and is dotted with restaurants, hotels, and apartment buildings. It also has easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Metro.

Thanks to its plethora of commercial and residential options and reasonable prices, Al Barsha has become one of the most popular areas among those looking for affordable properties in Dubai.

All amenities are within reach here, including schools, malls, restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities. Moreover, it’s home to many expats and people from different backgrounds. The diversity, variety of amenities, and good location attract numerous people to Al Barsha.

Key Highlights

• Mall of the Emirates is located in Al Barsha 1
• Dubai Miracle Garden and Butterfly Garden are located in Al Barsha South
• Offers apartments and villas
• Divided into Al Barsha 1, 2, 3, Al Barsha South, and Barsha Heights
• Directly connected to Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Metro

Properties in Al Barsha:

Al Barsha is a safe and quiet area that offers something for everyone: be it singles looking for wallet-friendly apartments for rent in Al Barsha with metro connectivity or families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There are apartments and villas available in Al Barsha for rent and sale. Apartments are mostly concentrated in Al Barsha 1, Barsha Heights, and some in Al Barsha South. There are studio apartments, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments in Al Barsha.

Meanwhile, those looking for villas will find plenty of options in Al Barsha 2, 3 and Al Barsha South. Those villa communities are also quieter, making them great for families looking for a suburban lifestyle. The villas in Al Barsha are quite spacious and come with plenty of amenities, such as private pools and gardens and a maid’s room.

Families with kids will love the neighborhood's twin advantages: it's a good school district and the availability of affordable villas. The streets in Al Barsha are wide, and many villa plots are large. There is also easy access to parking on the street.

Attractions & Things to Do in Al Barsha:

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Al Barsha. The Mall of the Emirates is located in Al Barsha 1. It’s home to Ski Dubai, Dreamscape VR Park, VOX Cinemas, over 630 retail outlets, and over 100 cafes and restaurants.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Miracle Garden and Butterfly Garden are located in Al Barsha South. If you’re craving a heavy dose of nature, these are the places to visit.

While not a major attraction, Al Barsha Pond Park is a favorite among residents. It’s built around a large lake, with a running track, fitness equipment, sports courts, and children’s playgrounds available.

Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) is the main arterial road in Dubai, and the longest road in the UAE, which connects the seven emirates. It’s commonly known as the E11 highway and measures 558.4 km long. SZR is home to various high-rise buildings that are characteristic of Dubai's skyline.

Given its central location, it’s the busiest road in the emirate, with a wealth of leisure facilities and proximity to numerous business hubs such as Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and DIFC. Thus, the community on Sheikh Zayed Road is a vibrant and diverse one that offers something for everyone.

Sheikh Zayed Road provides access to some of the area's premier attractions and entertainment options. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly environment or an exciting nightlife, SZR has it all.

A Closer Look at Sheikh Zayed Road

Construction of Sheikh Zayed Road began in 1971 and was completed in 1980. It’s named after the founder and former president of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The highway starts in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi on the Saudi-UAE Border and ends at the Oman-UAE border in Al-Jeer, Ras al-Khaimah. 

In Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road starts near Oud Metha and ends at Jebel Ali close to the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border. It runs parallel to the coastline and across key areas and landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers, Dubai World Trade Center, and Business Bay. When looking at properties on Sheikh Zayed Road, look for those that are located along the road from the World Trade Center area to Business Bay.

It’s the main artery in a lot of main cities and has different names in different emirates, such as Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road in Abu Dhabi, Al Ittihad Road in Sharjah and Ajman, and Sheikh Muhammad bin Salem Road in Ras Al-Khaimah. 

Properties on Sheikh Zayed Road

Many commercial and residential communities lie along Sheikh Zayed Road and provide a plethora of luxurious properties to go with it. There are primarily skyscrapers offering apartments with panoramic views of the city, and many even overlook Burj Khalifa.

Some of the iconic residential buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road include Maze Tower, Park Place Towers, and the supertall Blue Tower, also called HHHR Tower, which was the world’s second-tallest residential building at the time of its completion in 2010.

Apartments for rent in Sheikh Zayed Road tend to be the most popular housing option, although there are some units for sale. Properties on SZR include studios, 1 - 4-bedroom apartments, penthouses, and serviced hotel apartments. Prices vary as there are many developments along Sheikh Zayed Road. 

Luxurious properties are quite common here, and many buildings offer modern amenities such as central air conditioning, private parking, gyms, swimming pools, and kids’ play areas. 

A lot of prominent developers have left their mark on Sheikh Zayed Road, giving potential renters and buyers many high-quality options to choose from. 

As there are many commercial buildings in the area, there are also many commercial properties available. Offices for rent in Sheikh Zayed Road are very common, and there are some shops, retail spaces, and showrooms available as well. Businesses can even rent full floors on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road

Since it’s in the heart of the city, Sheikh Zayed Road attracts many tourists and business travelers, so there are plenty of hotels to accommodate them. Some popular hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road include: 

• Conrad Dubai (5-stars)
• Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel (5-stars)
• Jumeirah Emirates Towers (5-stars)
• JW Marriott Marquis (5-stars)
• Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre (4-stars)
• Four Points by Sheraton (4-stars)

Attractions & Things to Do on Sheikh Zayed Road

Many of Dubai’s most popular attractions are located on or close to Sheikh Zayed Road. Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Museum of the Future, and Zabeel Park with the Dubai Frame are all easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road. 

Dubai World Trade Centre welcomes thousands of visitors every year with massive events, conferences, and exhibits like GITEX, Comic-Con, WETEX, Dubai Solar Show, Dubai Muscle Show, and much more.

Moreover, the abundance of hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road provides a plethora of spas, dining, and nightlife options, so there’s never a shortage of things to do.

If you’re craving the outdoors, head to Zabeel Park, which is home to Dubai Garden Glow and Dubai Frame. It also has picnic and barbecue areas as well as various amenities for kids and adults.

Nearby Beaches

Many beaches are close to Sheikh Zayed Road such as Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach, and JBR Beach. These beaches are popular among residents and tourists and have scenic promenades, waterfront restaurants, and fitness facilities.

Amenities on Sheikh Zayed Road

In addition to its abundant selection of property types, this community also provides access to amenities like gyms, schools, shopping malls, and much more. With its diverse offerings and convenient location close to attractions throughout Dubai, it’s easy to see why so many people choose Sheikh Zayed Road as their home.

Malls on Sheikh Zayed Road

There’s certainly no shortage of malls on Sheikh Zayed Road. Times Square Center Dubai, Oasis Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall, and Ibn Battuta Mall are all located on Sheikh Zayed Road.

All of these malls offer a wide selection of high street and luxury brands, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options. Some even have unique entertainment facilities like Ski Dubai and Dreamscape VR Park in the Mall of the Emirates.

Who Should Live Here?

People who want to live in a bustling area and a central location would find Sheikh Zayed Road ideal. It’s well connected by public transportation since it has access to many metro links and bus stations and provides all kinds of amenities. It’s especially great for those who like the high-rise lifestyle of Dubai and looking for luxurious properties.

Transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)

Using public transportation is effortless here as much of the Dubai Metro’s red line has stops along Sheikh Zayed Road. Likewise, there are many bus stops along SZR. 

It’s worth noting that Sheikh Zayed Road gets congested during rush hours, which are 8 am - 9 am and 5 pm - 7 pm. This makes commuting by cars and taxis difficult during that time. 

Schools & Nurseries 

There are plenty of educational institutions that can easily be accessed from Sheikh Zayed Road. 

Schools: 

• GEMS Wellington International School 
• Horizon International School
• The English College
• Dubai American Academy

Nurseries: 

• Odyssey Nursery
• Little Feet Early Learning Center
• Orange Tree Children's Nursery
• Willow Children’s Nursery 

Those looking for higher education institutions will find the Canadian University of Dubai nearby at City Walk.

Clinics & Hospitals on Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road has an abundance of hospitals and clinics. 

Clinics: 

• Aster Clinic Emirates Towers
• Prime Medical Center
• MAG Health Clinic
• House of Wellness Poly Clinic

Hospitals on Sheikh Zayed Road

• Medcare Women & Children Hospital
• Burjeel Hospital
• Al Zahra Hospital
• Medcare Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital

Gyms on Sheikh Zayed Road

Gyms abound on Sheikh Zayed Road, they include METROFITT City Tower 2, StudioRepublik, Gymtown Body Building, In Shape Ladies Fitness Club, and more.

Supermarkets

Being the vibrant area that it is, it’s extremely easy to find a supermarket on Sheikh Zayed Road. Some supermarkets on Sheikh Zayed Road include Freshmart Supermarket, New Delma Supermarket, Carrefour Market in Duja Tower, Prime Towers Supermarket, and many more.

Restaurants on Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR)

There are all kinds of restaurants available on Sheikh Zayed Road, from fast food joints and casual dining restaurants to fine dining ones.

Casual dining and fast food restaurants include Zaatar w Zeit, Zaroob Restaurant, Denny's Diner, Wendy’s, Nando’s, and Hardee’s, among many others.

Fine dining restaurants are widespread as well with some options being Teatro, Aamara Restaurant, The Crossing Indian Fine Dining, Bagatelle, and much more.