Best Areas to Stay in Dubai For Shopping

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.

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.

Deira is one of the oldest areas in Dubai, with origins dating back to the 1700s. Thus, it’s home to many historical sites and traditional markets that showcase Dubai’s heritage. Located on the Dubai Creek close to Bur Dubai, it offers a culturally rich waterfront lifestyle and serves as a testament to Dubai’s history as a trading hub in the region.

Moreover, it’s the site of government buildings, embassies, historic buildings such as Heritage House and Al Ahmadiya School, and Dubai’s oldest mall, Al Ghurair Centre. Deira is where old and new cross paths, with historical markets and buildings nestled among newer developments.

All of this lies against a backdrop of traditional Dhow boats sailing along the Dubai Creek. In fact, the Dubai Creek is part of what made Deira a major commercial hub, as it facilitated sea trade.

The area was in its heydays during Dubai’s pearl fishing era, and declined as the city became more industrialized and developed newer areas.

However, Deira remains a major commercial hub for traditional goods such as spices, textiles, and gold. In fact, that’s what attracts many people to it.

Popular Attractions & Things to Do in Deira, Dubai

Deira is known for its numerous souks - or traditional markets - most notably the Gold Souk and the Dubai Spice Souk. Other popular souks include Naif Souk, Perfume Souk, and Grand Souk Deira. If you want to delve into Dubai’s history, then Deira is the place to be.

Discover the various museums in Deira such as the Women’s Museum, Pearl Museum, and Naif Museum. Even just walking down the old streets will immerse you in Dubai’s history. You can also snap a picture of the Deira Clocktower, an iconic landmark dating back to 1963. In May 2023, renovations of the the tower by the Dubai Municipality were announced.

Getting hungry? Feed your appetite at the massive range of eateries available in Deira, Dubai from budget-friendly street food to fine dining restaurants. If you’re tired of walking, explore the area by a Dhow tour along the Dubai Creek, which will also take you to another historical hotsport, Bur Dubai.

Once you’re done exploring and want to unwind with a game of golf, head to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in Port Saeed. This stunning golf course boasts impressive views of Dubai’s skyline along the creek.

Why Live in Deira, Dubai?

Move here if you want to take in the charm and history of Old Dubai and pay competitive housing prices. The apartments for rent in Deira are popular for their affordability and access to public transportation such as buses, metro stations, and taxis.

Deira, Dubai, is also a great place to live in because you will find all the services and amenities required for your satisfaction and comfort. That and the fact that you get to live close to landmarks such as the Clock Tower, Dubai Creek, and Gold Souk.

Popular areas for renting apartments in Deira include Al Riqqa, Al Muteena, Al Muraqqabat and Naif. While most of the properties in Deira are apartments, there are some villas in a few communities like Abu Hail and Hor Al Anz.

Dubai Hills Estate is an exclusive residential community located in Dubai, UAE. The area is renowned for its scenic beauty, and offers a unique combination of lush green spaces and contemporary living.

With numerous amenities and convenient access to the city centre, it’s no wonder why this luxury development has become one of the most desirable areas in Dubai.

The community consists of homes that are both modern and luxurious, with apartments, villas, townhouses, and mansions available for sale or rent. All these properties benefit from modern architecture that follows international standards as well as having a range of sizes to best fit their needs.

In addition to this, there are also multiple communal facilities, such as gyms, parks, and schools providing residents with plenty of activities to choose from; all available around them within their own neighbourhood.

Furthermore, what makes the area so special is its range of family-friendly attractions such as entertainment centres centred around golf courses or shopping centres which help bring life into the neighbourhood. Thus, it has a vibrant yet relaxed vibe at the same time, which offers something for everyone whether they want a peaceful afternoon or an energising night out.

Developed by one of Dubai’s top developers - Emaar Properties PJSC - you can be sure that Dubai Hills Estate provides exceptional living standards where all your needs are being met. Therefore, whether you decide to rent or buy property in Dubai Hills Estate, you can be certain that there will always be something here for anyone looking for the finer things in life.

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.

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.

Al Barari is an upscale eco-friendly residential area in Dubai renowned for its lush natural gardens, serene ponds, and picturesque scenic views. It is a luxurious family-friendly community that offers an idyllic life away from the hustle of the city yet is still near major areas thanks to its location in Dubailand. One of the greenest and most sustainable communities in Dubai, Al Barari stretches over 15.3 million square feet, 60% of which are green spaces.

The development consists of both villas and apartments that are designed with modern architecture in mind to create comfortable living spaces. Many properties have access to private gardens or terraces to enjoy outdoor living with stunning views of nearby lakes and green spaces. Al Barari is divided into six subcommunities: Seventh Heaven, The Nest, Ashjar, The Reserve, The Residences, and The Neighbourhood.

The unique highlights of Al Barari include its famously beautiful landscape set and a botanical garden called 'Greenworks' that features 500 types of plants, as well as lakes and fresh water streams. "Al Barari" literally means "wilderness" in Arabic, a testament to the unique ecological vision behind its development. It's a paradise that offers an escape from city life while still providing easy access to amenities such as deluxe restaurants, cafes, shops, and hospitals.

Some of the key amenities in Al Barari include award-winning alfresco restaurants such as The Farm, Mez Me, Commune, and Ondas. Meanwhile, residents can keep active at Body Language health club, which offers various fitness classes. There's also a long cycling track surrounded by lakes and greenery, so that residents can truly enjoy outdoor fitness. Furthermore, Al Barari features a spa called Heart & Soul, where residents can truly get pampered.

Families will appreciate this peaceful environment where children can explore quality outdoor recreation activities at various play parks around the neighborhood, while adults can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere in the nearby cafés or take leisurely walks through nature trails throughout this stunning community.

Overall, Al Barari provides tranquil surroundings with a sustainable lifestyle within close proximity to all necessary amenities and key areas in Dubai. Thus, it is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a suburban lifestyle away from the crowd, but still close enough to everything they need. The convenience of the area coupled with the greenery and luxurious properties, make Al Barari one of Dubai's most desirable places to live.

The Lakes is an exclusive residential community in Dubai that offers a unique lifestyle and a range of amenities to residents and visitors. Set amongst a picturesque landscape between two world-class golf courses, Montgomerie Golf Club and the Emirates Golf Course, The Lakes is home to luxury villas and townhouses with stunning views, as well as an exciting blend of leisure and entertainment options.

The atmosphere at The Lakes is perfect for families, with plenty of open spaces, lush green parks, cycling paths and designated play areas for children. There are also plenty of options when it comes to nightlife, as the community is located in close proximity to many popular nightlife spots in Dubai. For those looking for something more active or adventurous, they can visit The Lakes Club, which offers a wide range of activities and sports facilities such as volleyball, tennis, and squash courts, as well as an aerobic studio and a swimming pool.

With regards to accommodation, common properties found in The Lakes include luxurious villas with modern designs as well as premium townhouses offering spectacular views over the lake or golf courses. Both come packed with amenities such as ample parking space for guests along with private access pools in some accommodations.

Emaar Properties, the developer of The Lakes, have created a convenient yet idyllic living environment where its residents can have access to world-class facilities such as gyms, schools, healthcare centers and shopping malls – all at the heart of the city.

Overall what makes The Lakes special is its combination of peaceful suburban environment amidst stunning natural surroundings while only being a few minutes' drive away from Dubai's many attractions and facilities – making it one truly unique residential community which delivers on both convenience and luxury!