Al Barsha Dubai Area Guide | ExpatWoman.com
 

Al Barsha Area Guide

A residential and commercial area that's home to three sub-communities: Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, and Al Barsha 3

Posted on

13 October 2019

Last updated on 6 January 2020
Al Barsha Area Guide

Find out why the Al Barsha area is a highly sought-after destination by expat families, couples, and bachelors...

Made up of three sub-communities - Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, and Al Barsha 3 - the residential Al Barsha district in Dubai is a highly convenient location for many residents. Offering an accessible location to many schools, business hubs, restaurants, shops, entertainment, and easy connection to other parts of the city through the Al Khail Road or Sheikh Zayed Road, the district has grown to become a popular spot to call home.

The sub-communities can be described as the best that city-living and suburban-living can be, within a reasonable budget. Homes in Al Barsha range from apartments with studios and 1 to 3 bedrooms, and lavish villas within tranquil neighbourhoods. With a wide selection of schools in the area, family-friendly parks and amenities, and a safe community, Al Barsha is a great location to raise a family.

Ahead, we've compiled your guide to the various amenities, facilities, and properties in Al Barsha, including what a day in the life is like as a resident.

Where is Al Barsha in Dubai

Public transport in Al Barsha

Mall of the Emirates and Sharaf DG are the two closest metro stations to Al Barsha.

Multiple buses operate through the area with several feeder buses that connect to the Mall of the Emirates metro stop: F29, F30, F31, F32, and F33

Many RTA taxis circulate the neighbourhood, and car-hailing services Uber and Careem are popular options among residents.

Commute times by car from Al Barsha

  • to Dubai International Airport: 23 minutes
  • to Jebel Ali: 29 minutes
  • to Dubai Studio City: 10 minutes
  • to Downtown Dubai: 19 minutes
  • to Palm Jumeirah: 36 minutes
  • to Dubai Internet City: 12 minutes
  • to Dubai Marina: 14 minutes
  • to Knowledge Village: 12 minutes

Amenities and facilities in Al Barsha

For those who are new or are residents of the area, these are the amenities and facilities available within the three sub-communities.

Al Barsha 1

  • Dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options with a wide range of choices such as American, British, Asian, fusion cuisine, and more.
  • Food stores such as Lulu Hypermarket, West Zone, Carrefour, and other small grocery shops
  • Short stay accommodation and hotels
  • Health centres including clinics
  • Salons and spas
  • Fitness centres including indoor gyms and swimming pools
  • Educational institutions up to highschool
  • Bank branches and ATM spots
  • Gas station
  • Community parks - Al Barsha 1 Park 1, Al Barsha Pond Park, and the Mall of the Emirates Jogging Pond Park
  • Prayer and worship facilities - mosques

The massive shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, Mall of the Emirates, is located in Al Barsha 1. There are hundreds of retail shops on offer in addition to two food courts, a gaming and recreational zone, and Dubai's popular indoor snow and ski park. You're bound to find what you're looking for in this mall.

Al Barsha 2

  • Dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options offering Western, Asian, Arab, and other dishes.
  • Food stores such as Spinneys and smaller groceries
  • Short stay accommodation and hotels
  • Health linics
  • Salons and spas
  • Community parks - Al Barsha 2 Park 1, Al Barsha 2 Park 2, and Al Barsha 2 Park 3
  • Bank branches and ATM spots
  • Several mosques
  • Heaps of basic and lifestyle facilities.

    Al Barsha 3

    • Restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, and takeaway options with Western, Asian, Arab, and fusion menus.
    • Small grocery shops
    • Short stay accommodation and hotels
    • Hopitals and clinics
    • Salons and spas
    • Schools
    • Bank branches and ATM spots
    • Civil defence station
    • Mosque facilities

    Al Barsha 3 is also close to Al Barsha Mall.

    If you can't find what you're looking for within your sub-community, the close proximity between the three neighbourhoods provides more choice at only a short walk, bus ride, or car ride away.

    If you're looking for a school or nursery in the Al Barsha area, have a look at our dedicated guide to Dubai's nurseries and schools where you can find the most suitable one for your child and lifestyle.

    For clinics, hospitals, dentists, and vets in Al Barsha, you can find the nearest one to you through our directory.

What's life like in Al Barsha?

Depending on which sub-community you live in, your everyday life in Al Barsha will differ from the other. Al Barsha 1 follows a more city-based lifestyle, while the neighbouring Al Barsha 2 and 3 enjoy a quiet, suburban lifestyle.

Al Barsha 1

  • Amenities are at a close distance, allowing for a convenient lifestyle
  • Well-connected to other parts of Dubai via the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road
  • Not that many pedestrian-friendly paths, but does offer some jogging, pet-walking, and cycling routes at the local parks
  • Near business hubs such as Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City
  • The hustle and bustle of city life

Working professionals, both single or married, with families, who prefer the convenience of city lifestyle will find Al Barsha 1 a fantastic location to live in due to its convenient proximity to an abundance of shops, restaurants, clinics, schools, salons, and business hubs in Dubai.

There are heaps of restaurants and cafes that provide takeaway and delivery options for when residents don't want to go outside during the warmer months or don't feel like using the kitchen. When not out and about, people are usually enjoying a day at the community parks.

Al Barsha 2

  • Quiet and peaceful environment
  • Still near plenty of amenities without the busyness and noise of city life
  • Suburban environment
  • Pedestrian-friendly routes for joggers, cyclists, and pet-owners
  • Schools and health facilities are only a short drive or bus ride away

Stay-at-home mums often head to the parks with children or hang out at the local restaurants or salons with friends during the day.

Dog owners will find some dog-friendly spaces to walk their pets within the neighbourhood. The local parks in the whole Al Barsha district, unfortunately, don't allow pets inside.

Al Barsha 3

  • Serene, suburban residential community
  • Features a number of amenities within the area and its neighbours as well
  • Plenty of schools, hospitals, and clinics nearby

Residents can start and maintain an active lifestyle in Al Barsha 3, as there is a popular gym nearby, other fitness centres that are only a 10-minute drive, and Al Barsha Pond Park is a short walking distance away.

Al Barsha by day

Al Barsha 1 by day is a hotbed of activity: working professionals commuting to work and children travelling to school. Morning joggers are frequently spotted by the area's parks. Mid-day sees residents and visitors at the local restaurants, cafes, salons, spas, or at Mall of the Emirates. The busyness of the day continues on well to the late afternoon when parents and kids return home.

On the other hand, Al Barsha 2 and Al Barsha 3 don't get as busy. Morning and afternoons find a similar sight of parents and children travelling to and from their day. Joggers and pet-owners are often seen making rounds.

Al Barsha by night

For Al Barsha 1, activity picks up by the evening when the weather cools down for the night. Common sights include people dining out at the many restaurants on offer, shopping, or enjoying a recreational or entertainment activity. With the Mall of the Emirates nearby, it becomes a hotspot for many parents, children, teenagers, and tourists.

For Al Barsha 2 and 3, the evening is quieter. Local parks will have some families and children playing or exercising, but most residents will either be relaxing indoors, out for errands, or having a night-out the nearest shopping centre or at other districts in Dubai.

Who lives in Al Barsha?

  • A mix of UAE citizens and expatriates
  • Families
  • Couples
  • Singles

Al Barsha 1 residents consist of most, if not all, expats. The affordable apartments in this sub-community attract many budget-conscious families, couples, and single working professionals.

Towards Al Barsha 2 and 3 are a combination of Emirati and expat residents who live within the contemporary villas.

Properties for rent and sale in Al Barsha

Properties in Al Barsha 1

Average rental prices for properties Al Barsha 1 are as follows:

  • Studio apartment: AED 36,000
  • 1 bedroom apartment: AED 55,000
  • 2 bedroom apartment: AED 75,000
  • 3 bedroom apartment: AED 100,000
  • 3 bedroom villa: AED 130,000
  • 4 bedroom villa: AED 150,000
  • 5 bedroom villa: AED 180,000

Average sales prices for properties in Al Barsha 1 are as follows:

  • Studio apartment: AED 700,000
  • 1 bedroom apartment: AED 1,000,000
  • 2 bedroom apartment: AED 1,375,000

Properties in Al Barsha 2

Average rental prices for properties Al Barsha 2 are as follows:

  • 3 bedroom villa: AED 135,000
  • 4 bedroom villa: AED 160,000
  • 5 bedroom villa: AED 180,000
  • 6 bedroom villa: AED 200,000

Properties in Al Barsha 3

Average rental prices for properties in Al Barsha 3 are as follows:

  • 3 bedroom villas: AED 120,000
  • 4 bedroom villas: AED 160,000
  • 5 bedroom villas: AED 190,000
  • 6 bedroom villas: AED 200,000

Average sales prices for properties in Al Barsha 3 are as follows:

  • 5 bedroom villas: AED 10,000,000
  • 6 bedroom villas: AED 12,000,000

What are properties like in Al Barsha?

Al Barsha 1 apartments range between low-rise to mid-rise residences. A good number of these apartments come with a swimming pool and indoor gym for residents to use. Typically, the ground floor is host to a line of restaurants, cafes, groceries, salons, and other services such as a photo and printing shop. The most popular flats for rent are Murad Tower by Emaar Properties, Barsha Valley, Zee Zee Tower, and Al Adhiyat Residence 2. Pet owners are advised to check with the apartment's rules beforehand to see if they will allow animals in the building, as some flats do not.

On the other side of the sub-community are various villas however these are limited in choice. The houses are luxuriously spaced, making them ideal for large families. In addition to your own private property, villa residents can also enjoy their own backyard pool and garden.

The villas in Al Barsha 2 are popular among Dubai expats. The majority of these contemporary villas are furnished with built-in wardrobes, fully fitted kitchens with modern cabinets, fully equipped bathrooms, and a maid's room. Much like the homes in Al Barsha 1, the villas generally feature private gardens and swimming pools.

The Al Barsha 3 villas come as 3 to even 10-bedroom villas that feature modern designs with a luxurious exterior built. All of the homes include a lavish, full-sized backyard that comes with a swimming pool and garden. Additional space includes a walk-in closet within the master bedroom, laundry room, maid's room, storage room, and private parking space.

What are the noise levels like in Al Barsha?

As a city-centric neighbourhood, Al Barsha 1 usually has a lot of noise happening in the area. Roads during the mornings, afternoon, and early evening are typically congested with traffic so you will hear sounds coming from cars, buses, and motorcycles.

Apartment residents may hear the occasional next-door noises that come with wall-to-wall flat-living, such as TV sounds, parties and other celebrations, loud conversations, vacuum cleaners, and maintenance work. On the other side where the villas lie, there is less noise with only the typical morning and afternoon traffic, the roar of a super engine car, and neighbours celebrating. However, due to the generous space in-between homes and the construction of the villas, noise levels hardly go high.

Noise in Al Barsha 2 and Al Barsha 3 hardly penetrate the villas' walls. Unless your home is situated by the main roads, the environment in these two sub-communities is, most of the time, peaceful and quiet.

 
 

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