Neighbourhood
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Developed by Emaar Properties, Downtown Dubai is known to be their crowning glory. The community is a seamlessly connected multi-purpose neighbourhood that attracts attention from across the world. In terms of property, there is a mix of luxurious apartments in Downtown Dubai along with stylish penthouses and a few villas that can be found on the podium level of some of the towers.
Properties in Downtown Dubai
The apartments in Downtown Dubai come in a range of different designs and configurations, depending on the building. They range from studios to 4-bedrooms for rent. However, upcoming and currently off-plan buildings in Downtown Dubai will also offer investors and future tenants the option of 5-bedroom flats. As is common with all major developments, the actual style of each individual tower varies – from the low-rise Middle Eastern souq-inspired apartment blocks in Old Town to more contemporary towering skyscrapers.
Downtown Dubai houses residents who are new to Dubai and those who have been living here for decades. Due to its status and global appeal, the people living in Downtown Dubai, come from all over the world, including right here in the UAE. Asian, Arab and western expats have come to call the area home. The majority of these expats are young, high-flying professionals, couples or small families.
Transportation and Parking Spaces in Downtown Dubai
The majority, if not all, of the residential apartments in the Downtown Dubai community, come with parking spaces, while visitors can make use of the paid parking bays dotted around the area or the underground parking along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
For those without a car, however, it’s still easy to get around. Apart from the numerous registered taxis that ply the area, a few public bus stops on the F13 route are available to those relying on public transportation in Downtown Dubai. In addition, there is also the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa metro station, which is a popular choice to get around the rest of the emirate. The Dubai Trolley also travels along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. It is the world’s first hydrogen-powered trolley, it transports people to and from various hot spots in the area. Due to its vibrant, ‘never stop’ vibe, the neighbourhood has been designed to be pedestrian-friendly. Many visitors and residents are often seen strolling around the area.
HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI
As Downtown is a bustling tourist destination the area is filled with hotels. Some of the best hotels in Downtown Dubai are:
- Armani Hotel Dubai
- Palace Downtown
- The Address Boulevard
- Manzil Downtown Hotel
- Vida Downtown Hotel
The Armani Hotel Dubai is a luxury 5-star resort and the only of its kind in the region. The hotel is located on 11 floors of the Burj Khalifa and is a joint project between Emaar Hotels & Resorts and Giorgio Armani.
Palace Downtown is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. It is another 5-star resort but offers a quieter atmosphere. The hotel features Middle-Eastern themes and overlooks the dancing Dubai Fountain.
The Address Boulevard offers guests direct connectivity to Dubai Mall, the metro station and Fashion Avenue in Dubai Mall. The hotel also offers views of Burj Khalifa.
Manzil Downtown Dubai is a 4-star hotel located slightly further away from Burj Khalifa. The hotel offers three dining options and a deluxe pool for guests.
Vida Downtown Hotel is a boutique hotel in the neighbourhood. It is known for its peaceful environment and dining establishments.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
Supermarkets in Downtown Dubai
Apart from the massive Waitrose hypermarket in the Dubai Mall, there are several other supermarkets in Downtown Dubai dotted around the neighbourhood, such as Spinneys and Al Maya, while other smaller groceries and corner shops in towers further away from the mall often offer home delivery as well.
Churches, temples and mosques in Downtown Dubai
To cater to the spiritual needs of residents, there are quite a few mosques in Downtown Dubai. While residents who practice other faiths are taken care of at the temples and churches that are about a 15 to 20-minute drive from the area. For Christian residents, there is St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oud Mehta. Hindu residents can head to the temples nearby in Bur Dubai.
Schools in Downtown Dubai
Families with younger children are well taken care of academically thanks to the nurseries in Downtown Dubai. However, there are several well-respected schools for older children in the nearby Jumeirah and Nad Al Sheba districts. Offering different curricula and a plethora of extra-curricular activities. These schools are also a short car or school bus ride away.
Those looking to attend university will also find the area to be suitably located to a few educational hubs. It is a 20-minute drive to both Knowledge Village and Dubai International Academic City. Here is where you will find many internationally accredited universities.
Clinics and Hospitals in Downtown Dubai
In terms of access to medical attention, Downtown Dubai is well connected. Dubai Mall is home to a state-of-the-art branch of Mediclinic, there is also the Emirates Hospital in neighbouring Business Bay. Pharmacies are also easily accessible since they are present at convenient intervals around the community.
MOST POPULAR AREAS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI
When it comes to the popular apartments in Downtown Dubai, it’s no surprise that the Burj Khalifa take the first spot! 1-bedroom apartments in the skyscraper can be rented from AED 110k per year, while families who need more space can expect to shell out AED 300k per year for a 3-bedroom flat (or purchase this type of apartment for AED 4M). Naturally, the perks of living in the world’s tallest and arguably most luxurious buildings also mean that residents and investors are getting a lot for their buck! Apart from the indisputable prestige factor, residents enjoy state of the art recreational and lifestyle facilities.
Burj Al Nujoom, Burj Royale, Burj Vista and The Residences (which surround the Burj Khalifa) round up our list of the most popular areas in Downtown Dubai.
Nearby Areas
Downtown in Dubai is the unofficial heart of the city, connected to both old and new Dubai. If you are wondering where Downtown Dubai is? Geographically, it sits just off Sheikh Zayed Road, between the business hubs of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Business Bay. To the east, Nad Al Sheba (home to the Meydan Racecourse) is a quick drive away. While Jumeirah 1 is to the west of the neighbourhood, towards the sea.
Lifestyle
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
You don’t have to be a tourist to feel the magnetic attraction of Downtown Dubai!
Malls in Downtown Dubai
The mammoth Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai is home to international, regional and local brands that encompass everything from fashion to literature, technology and more, from the wallet-friendly to the budget-busting. Another, upscale shopping experience can be found in the relatively relaxed Souk Al Bahar that has more curated and specialised shops.
Restaurants in Downtown Dubai
Another huge part of the Downtown Dubai lifestyle is the food and social scene. The scores of well-known cafes and restaurants in Downtown Dubai serve everything from nitrogen-frozen ice cream to mouth-watering steaks. There are also hotels in and around the area, including Souk Al Bahar, that feature some amazing Downtown Dubai restaurants, offbeat eateries as well as some of Dubai’s trendiest bars. It’s a phrase often used, but this neighbourhood really has something for everyone, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to leave!
Beaches near Downtown Dubai
Since it is located on the eastern side of Sheikh Zayed Road (i.e. inland), residents will unfortunately not be able to walk to the beach. However, thanks to well-planned overpasses, reaching the beach is just a short 15 to 20-minute drive. Those who love the water but can’t quite wait that long just need to head to their community swimming pool – a feature of the majority of towers in Downtown.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES & NOTABLE LANDMARKS
You would be hard pressed to run out of things to do in Downtown! The areas busy vibe is certainly one of the biggest advantages of renting in Downtown Dubai. There is a cinema, theme park, arcade, ice rink and a multitude of children’s entertainment venues in Dubai Mall alone. Then there is also the Dubai Opera in the district, it has been hosting international and high-quality shows, concerts and events since its inception.
Also, a part of the cultural offerings of Downtown in Dubai is the outdoor gallery featuring local artists. Strolling through the tree-lined Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and you will find quirky and eclectic installations every so often, as well as a slide beloved by adults and little kids alike.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS & BEAUTY
Pet-lovers who are not sure that Downtown will welcome them can rest easy. The relaxed Burj Park is pet-friendly, perfect for walks and general play time. Burj Park is also a hit with fitness fans who can often be seen running or jogging against the iconic Downtown backdrop. The pet-friendly nature of the Downtown Dubai community is one of the biggest benefits of living in the area.
For some more outdoorsy fitness options in Downtown Dubai, there is a bicycle rental system – simply pick up a cycle from one station and ride it to the next. For a more formal exercise regime, residents often visit the well-equipped communal gyms available to them or visit studios such as the Fitness First Platinum, Fitness 360 or the ever-popular Flywheel Studio.
As can be expected for such an upscale neighbourhood, a number of upmarket spas and salons can be found in Dubai Mall and the surrounding areas. Some of these also offer medical spa services.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
One of the most well-known and anticipated events of the year, the countdown to the new year, happens in Downtown Dubai. Best known for awe-inspiring fireworks, photographs and videos from the event are immediately broadcast around the world. While people travel from far and wide to be there in person. Some of the other events in Downtown Dubai that consistently draw crowds include motorcades of classic cars as well as parades for the UAE National Day leading to the area never having a dull moment. In fact, even if you just feel like being entertained for a few minutes, those living in Downtown Dubai can stroll over to the Dubai Fountains and take in the breathtaking engineering marvel that is the fountains, effortlessly moving against a riot of sound and light.
Additionally, Downtown also has its fair share of community-focused events, such as free outdoor film screenings, concerts, food and craft markets that support local brands, while individual towers often host events through the year just for tenants.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Even with its many benefits, there are a few things to consider before moving to Downtown Dubai. It is one of Dubai's most sought-after neighbourhoods! However, thanks to its many attractions, it is also a hot tourist destination, meaning that the area can get congested during peak seasons.