Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is a mixed-use development by Emaar Properties, designed as the city’s central hub. It combines commercial, residential, hospitality and leisure spaces, with a mix of high-rise living, retail, entertainment and cultural venues.

• A mixed-use development in the centre of the city
• Developed by Emaar Properties
• Home to the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa
• One of the top areas with family-friendly apartments in Dubai
• Quick access to major UAE highways

Downtown Dubai is a flagship development by Emaar Properties, recognised as the city’s central hub. The area brings together leisure, retail and cultural attractions, featuring landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera. It offers a range of residential towers, serviced apartments and hotels, complemented by wide boulevards and landscaped public spaces. Residents benefit from direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Financial Centre Road (D71), ensuring smooth connectivity to Business Bay, DIFC and other key areas of Dubai.

Downtown Dubai offers a wide selection of residential options, ranging from high-rise apartments to luxury penthouses and branded serviced residences. The community has been developed through multiple projects, each offering a mix of layouts and amenities to suit different lifestyles.

Apartments in Downtown Dubai are spread across modern towers such as The Residences, South Ridge, Boulevard Point, 29 Boulevard, Address Residences and Burj Vista. These developments typically feature 1 to 4-bedroom layouts, with many offering views of the city skyline or landscaped promenades.

Penthouses and luxury residences are found in select towers including Il Primo, Opera Grand and Burj Khalifa itself. These properties feature expansive layouts, premium finishes and access to exclusive facilities, catering to those seeking the highest tier of luxury living.

Serviced and branded residences are located in buildings such as Address Boulevard, Address Fountain Views and Vida Residences. These combine residential living with hotel-style services and amenities, appealing to residents who prefer a more flexible lifestyle.

Those looking for Downtown Dubai floor plans can browse through the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in the community.

Downtown Dubai is a prime destination brimming with luxury hotel options. Some of the best hotels in Downtown Dubai are:

• Armani Hotel
• The Palace Downtown Dubai
• Kempinski The Boulevard

Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, formerly known as Address Boulevard, is a 73-storey hotel with direct access to the Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.

The Armani Hotel, located within the Burj Khalifa on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, offers exclusive access to the Dubai Mall and is surrounded by iconic downtown landmarks.

The Palace Downtown Dubai stands adjacent to the Dubai Fountain and Old Town and is a recognised luxury destination in the heart of the district.

Most residential towers in Downtown Dubai offer basement or podium parking for residents, while hotels and serviced residences provide valet facilities. Visitors can use RTA-paid parking zones, multi-storey car parks and the large parking complex at The Dubai Mall.

Getting around is seamless, with Dubai public transport, metro access and taxis all easily available. The Dubai RTA bus network covers major routes in Downtown Dubai. Route 27 connects the Gold Souq to Dubai Mall, and Feeder buses like F13 serve the Dubai Mall Metro Station and surrounding areas.

The nearest metro access is the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Red Line. Although the station isn't immediately adjacent, a covered Metro Link Bridge offers direct, air-conditioned access to Dubai Mall and the wider Downtown area in about a 10 to 15-minute walk.

While the Dubai Trolley, once operational around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard is currently inactive, taxis including licensed pink-roofed cabs for women and families remain plentiful and convenient across Downtown Dubai.

As an alternative to traditional routes, RTA’s Bus-On-Demand service now covers Downtown Dubai, offering short-distance rides via a user-friendly app at around AED 5 per trip.

Residents have access to three branches of Dubai’s Spinneys supermarkets, as well as Waitrose in Dubai Mall, Grandiose, Almaya, West Zone Fresh, Carrefour Market and Choithrams. These stores cover everything from upscale grocery needs to everyday staples, making grocery shopping both comprehensive and convenient.

There are several mosques in and around Downtown Dubai, including Sheikha Abdullah Salem Mosque and Al Ghafoor Mosque. Residents and visitors can also find prayer facilities within The Dubai Mall. 

Some of the best Dubai churches, such as The Dubai City Church, Holy Trinity Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oud Mehta, are about a 15-minute drive away. Hindu residents can visit the temples in Bur Dubai in around 20 minutes by car.

Families in Downtown Dubai have access to several nurseries, including Toddler Town British Nursery, Blossom Nursery and Jumeirah International Nursery Dubai. Both Toddler Town and Blossom Nursery follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, catering to children as young as a few months old up to early years.

For school-age children, JSS Private School in Al Safa is located nearby. It follows the Indian CBSE curriculum and is easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).

Residents of Downtown Dubai have access to a range of healthcare options, from family clinics to specialised centres. In the community, Aster Royal Clinic, Mediclinic, Al Borj Medical Center and J’Adore Medical Clinic provide convenient care, while some of the leading private hospitals in Dubai are also within a short drive.

Downtown Dubai is surrounded by a mix of residential and commercial areas that add to its convenience and appeal.

Nearby residential areas:

• Business Bay
• Al Wasl
• Jumeirah

Nearby commercial areas:

• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
• Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
• Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)

All of these are located within a 20-minute drive from the community.

The malls in Downtown Dubai include:

• Dubai Mall
• Souk Al Bahar
• Bay Avenue Dubai

The Dubai Mall is one of the best malls in Dubai, offering a mix of luxury boutiques and international brands. Along with numerous shops in Dubai Mall, there are family-friendly attractions like the aquarium and ice rink and plenty of cafes in Dubai Mall with views of the Dubai Fountain.

Bay Avenue in Business Bay, an 8-minute drive away, is a community hub with retail outlets, supermarkets, gyms and casual eateries. Its landscaped park and jogging track make it a convenient lifestyle spot for the community.

Souk Al Bahar, just a 2-minute walk away, blends traditional Arabian architecture with boutique shopping. It is known for its restaurants in Souk al Bahar, offering international and regional cuisine with views of the Dubai Fountain.

Residents and visitors can find a variety of dining options in Downtown Dubai. Arabeska Restaurant serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a vibrant setting, while Bosporus Turkish Restaurant is a popular choice for traditional Turkish dishes. Askim Restaurant offers a blend of Mediterranean and international flavours and Di Mare Restaurant & Café specialises in seafood and Italian-inspired plates. For Italian cuisine, Basta is one of the notable fine-dining restaurants in Downtown Dubai, bringing classic flavours in a contemporary setting. Alongside these, the area also features several Indian restaurants in Downtown Dubai, catering to diverse tastes.

Downtown Dubai is home to a variety of leisure attractions and landmarks, offering plenty of things to do in Downtown for residents and visitors alike. Burj Park is a landscaped island park ideal for outdoor activities and community events, offering direct views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain shows. The Dubai Fountain, set on the Burj Lake, is one of the city’s most famous attractions with its choreographed water, music and light displays. For family-friendly fun, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inside Dubai Mall showcases thousands of marine creatures in one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums. Cultural enthusiasts can visit Dubai Opera, a world-class venue hosting concerts, theatre productions and exhibitions. For active recreation, Trampo Extreme provides indoor trampoline parks perfect for children and families.

Residents and visitors of Downtown Dubai can access several popular public beaches within a 20-minute drive. These include Mercato Beach, a quieter stretch of sand ideal for a relaxed atmosphere and Jumeirah Public Beach, one of the city’s most well-known spots with clear views of the Burj Al Arab. La Mer Beach offers a lively boardwalk with cafés, restaurants and family activities, while Kite Beach is a favourite for kitesurfing, jogging and beachside dining. These are just some of the beaches near Downtown, with more options spread along Dubai’s coastline.

Downtown Dubai combines lifestyle, wellness and recreation in one setting. The tree-lined Boulevard is a popular spot for jogging and evening walks, while open spaces around the Burj Lake add to the outdoor charm. Residents also have access to several gyms, yoga studios and fitness centres offering modern facilities. Premium spas, salons and wellness lounges provide a range of beauty and relaxation treatments. For pet owners, there are dedicated areas and access to some of the pet-friendly parks in Dubai, ensuring outdoor time for both residents and their pets.

Living in Downtown Dubai offers the advantage of a lively neighbourhood with proximity to major business hubs, making it convenient for professionals and residents alike. The only drawback is the heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, as the area remains one of the city’s busiest destinations.

What types of properties are available in Downtown Dubai?

The area offers luxury apartments, serviced residences, penthouses and a limited number of villas. Check out the true value of your property via TruEstimate.

Is Downtown Dubai a freehold area?

Yes, Downtown Dubai is a freehold area where foreigners can buy property.

How can residents reach Downtown Dubai?

Residents can reach Downtown Dubai via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Financial Centre Road (D71) and the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station on the Red Line.

Is Downtown Dubai pet-friendly?

Yes, Downtown Dubai is pet-friendly, with designated walking areas and access to pet-friendly parks.

Is Downtown Dubai a good area for investment?

Yes, Downtown Dubai is considered a prime investment area due to its central location, iconic landmarks and strong demand for both rentals and sales. For more information, connect with reliable real estate agents in Downtown Dubai.

• Bay Avenue Park is a 7-minute drive
• Dubai International Airport is an 18-minute drive
• Dubai Marina is a 20-minute drive