Downtown Dubai

Highlights

ABOUT DOWNTOWN DUBAI

Downtown Dubai (or simply, Downtown) is one of Dubai’s most iconic neighbourhoods. It has several mixed-use large-scale complexes. The community boasts the city’s largest landmarks like the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, the Dancing Fountains and the enormous Dubai Mall. It is known for being the centre of luxury living and lifestyle in Dubai. The area consistently attracts residents and tourists. It is strategically situated along Sheikh Zayed Road across from Al Wasl on the northwest. Downtown Dubai offers a range of upscale hotels, well-known shopping centres and numerous entertainment options for a luxurious living.

IN A NUTSHELL

• Home to the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa
• Hosts several parades and festivals through the year
• Lives up to its tagline of being ‘the centre of now’
• Offers a complete community experience despite being a tourist hotspot
• Properties boast an impressive array of world-class amenities
• One of the most popular areas to buy an apartment in Dubai, as per Bayut’s Market Report for 2019

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 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 from all over the world flock in Downtown Dubai.

RENTAL TRENDS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI

One can rent a studio unit in Downtown Dubai for AED 65k. The rent goes up to AED 88k for a 1-bedroom apartment. People looking for spacious options can reside in a 2-bedroom unit on average rent of AED 130k. Apartments with 3 beds can have an average rental rate of AED 198k. Bigger families can choose to rent 4-bedroom and 5-bedroom units for AED 558k and AED 850k, respectively.

SALE TRENDS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI

There are numerous apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai that attracts investors. The average cost of a studio unit is AED 941k. It increases to AED 1.49M for a 1-bedroom apartment for sale. People having bigger families can look into 2-bed units as they are larger and can accommodate more people. These  2-bedroom apartments range from AED 1.9M to AED 2.48M. The average selling rate for a 3-bedroom unit is AED 4M. Comprising of 5 to 6 bathrooms and a separate driver’s room the cost rises to AED 11M for a 4-bedroom apartment. The spacious 5-bedroom units can be bought for AED 28M.

ROI IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI

The highest ROI is 7% of a studio unit. Then follows a 1 and 4-bedroom units with 5.6% of ROI. The 2-bedroom unit has an ROI of 5.2% while it goes down to 4.6% for a 3-bedroom apartment. The lowest ROI is 3.9% of a 5-bedroom unit.

MOST POPULAR BUILDINGS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI

When it comes to the popular apartments in Downtown Dubai, it’s no surprise that the Burj Khalifa takes the first spot. A 1-bedroom apartment 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 buildings in Downtown Dubai.

DOWNTOWN DUBAI FLOOR PLANS

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

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.

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.

Residents and visitors can easily travel via various modes of transportation in Downtown Dubai.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI

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. Emirates Towers Metro Station is also located in just a few minutes walk. 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.

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. They are Souk Al Bahar Mosque and Dubai Mall Mosque located in just a 10-minute drive. Residents who practise 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 also head to the temples nearby in Bur Dubai.

SCHOOLS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI

Families with younger children are well taken care of academically due to the nurseries in Downtown Dubai. Most popular ones are Blossom Downtown Nursery Dubai, Pinocchio Nursery and Kid’s Caste Nursery all located in a 10-minute drive.  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

For 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.

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 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 world’s largest mall, Dubai Mall is home to international, regional and local brands that encompass everything from fashion to literature and technology. 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 can easily live in the community with their pets. The serene Burj Park is pet-friendly, perfect for walks and general playtime. Burj Park is also a hit with fitness fans who are often 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 outdoor 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.

Expected from such an upscale neighbourhood is a number of upmarket spas and salons. Most of them are 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 broadcasted around the world. People travel from far to be there in person. Some 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. Residents can just take a stroll down to the Dubai Fountains and enjoy the views of a breathtaking engineering marvel.

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. However, thanks to its many attractions, it is also a hot tourist destination, meaning that the area can get congested during peak seasons.

Are you looking to rent or buy property in Downtown Dubai?

Location

• As the unofficial (but widely accepted) city centre, Downtown is one of the most important locations in Dubai.
• It is located mere minutes from two business hubs (DIFC and Business Bay)
• 18 minutes from the Dubai International Airport.
• Downtown is just minutes from two of the city’s major highways – Sheikh Zayed Road (which links the seven emirates) and Al Khail Road.
• It is also just a 20-minute drive to the Dubai Marina – perfect if you love watersports!