Deira is the upmarket neighbourhood in Dubai that boasts excellent shopping facilities along with pretty affordable rents. If you are familiar with Dubai then you should also know that more often than not, affordability is not something that blends in well or goes hand in hand with the word 'upmarket' but Deira Dubai is perhaps one of the very few areas which offer this rare combination. It lies in the north of Dubai Creek and was founded in 1841. Primarily, it was set up by the settlers of Bur Dubai but over the years, the rate at which it has developed, it has outrun Bur Dubai in terms of development and now has a more city-like feeling.

The neighbourhood boasts a diverse mix of ethnicities with it being home to all kinds of expats including people from African and Asian countries like Somalia, Russia, Pakistan, and India. This area is particularly popular with expatriates because of its calm neighbourhood, affordability and upmarket status in Dubai properties sector. Despite its rapid development and city-like feel, Deira Dubai is that one development in the emirate that has kept the true feel of Old Dubai alive. That is a rare feat that not many communities have been able to deliver and is perhaps the reason why many expats prefer to live here.

It's a considerably smaller community when viewed in comparison with some of the other mega projects. Since it keeps its promise of giving you a piece of the old Dubai, you would find many a buildings in this locality which were built decades ago. Other than these historic, rather old buildings, Deira Dubai has its share of new buildings as well which come equipped with all the modern facilities one can hope to find in any quality development of Dubai. Much like the decades old buildings, its traditional souks and alleyways hold the kind of charm that, unfortunately, has become a rare sight in the rest of the emirate.

While it is rather depressing to note that traditional gold souks and heritage sites are disappearing fast, Deira Dubai has done a pretty nice job of preserving and presenting a slice of history in the form of its souks, and alleyways along the creek. These souks and traditional markets act as a major attraction for both locals and tourists and at any given time of the day, you can see streets literally packed with keen shoppers. Peak business and office hours, therefore, can be a bit strangulating for traffic where parking is also hard to find.

Although traffic is a bit of an issue but it does not undermine the beauty of the area which lassos loads of tourists to this place every year. From accommodation point of view, 1-3 bedroom apartments enjoy more popularity than various other options for families. Deira Dubai is a complete neighbourhood in itself in the sense that it offers all of the amenities of life at a walking distance. The colourful combination of both new and old buildings makes a spectacle that can particularly be appreciated while taking a walk. Walking down the lanes and shopping at Deira City Centre is fun to say the least. Al Mazmar Beach Park, which is a popular picnic spot for families, is at a stone's throw.

The metro service in this area has literally made Deira Dubai all the more accessible from the surrounding areas as well as offer the local residents the ease of travelling around. The other notable thing about Deira Dubai is its various quality schools which would make sure that while you’re staying here, your little ones get a proper education.