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Discover why Downtown Dubai is the perfect place to live for those who appreciate the finer things in life
Arguably one of the most exclusive addresses to call home, Downtown Dubai is known as the 'heart of Dubai' and is easily one of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods.
Aside from being one of Dubai's busiest tourist spots, Downtown Dubai is the perfect place to live for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It's home to some of the world's largest and biggest; including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain and The Dubai Mall, plus the area offers an array of entertainment and shopping options that are perfect for tourists and residents.
The area is also home to the 2,000 seat Dubai Opera, and foodies will love to explore the dining options available in Souk Al Bahar and along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
Our area guide for Downtown Dubai includes everything you need to know about living here; including the average rents in Downtown Dubai, the best places to eat and shop, plus amenities available for residents.
Public transport in Downtown Dubai
- The Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Dubai Metro station
- Bus station in The Dubai Mall
- Bus station by Burj Khalifa, the Palace Hotel
- RTA taxis are very easy to come by
Commute times by car from Downtown Dubai
Located between 'Old Dubai' and 'New Dubai', you can reach the following from Downtown Dubai:
- to Dubai Marina: 25 minutes
- to Jebel Ali: 35 minutes
- to Dubai Mall: 10 minutes
- to Dubai International Financial Centre: 12 minutes
- to Dubai International Airport: 16 minutes
- to Palm Jumeirah: 23 minutes
Amenities and facilities in Downtown Dubai
For residents who are living in or new in Downtown Dubai, the following public amenities and facilities are on offer in the neighbourhood:
- Waitrose, Spinneys and Al Maya supermarkets
- Smaller grocery stores scattered underneath apartment buildings
- Boutique shops along Emaar Boulevard and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
- The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Souk Al Bahar
- Dubai Fountains and the Burj Lake - perfect for lakeside walks
- Dubai Trolley, Dubai Tram and RTA bus routes
- The Burj Park, complete with a green space and outdoor gym equipment
- Rent a bike facilities along Emaar Boulevard
- Dog-friendly walkways around the neighbourhood
As Downtown Dubai is the hub of tourist activity in the city, residents may prefer to seek education options a little outside of the area. There are several nurseries surrounding Downtown Dubai, including Blossom Nursery for example, and several others.
For schools, the nearest schools to Downtown Dubai are Al Safa High School in Al Wasl, Safa British School in Al Quoz 1 and also Hartland International School by Nad Al Sheba. For nurseries, we have a dedicated guide to Dubai's nurseries that you can browse to find the nearest one to you.
For health clinics and dentists in Downtown Dubai, you can find the nearest one to you by using our directory, here.
What's life like in Downtown Dubai?
- Perfect for residents who enjoy the pedestrian lifestyle
- Everything you need in walking distance
- Just 20 minutes or so to other areas of the city by car
- Easy access to public transport options
Downtown Dubai is great for young, high-earning professionals who want to live in the heart of Dubai. Residents living here need not leave the neighbourhood, as Downtown Dubai has everything you would expect in a city on offer - and all within walking distance.
Perfect for those who prefer a pedestrian lifestyle, residents will find themselves spoilt for choice between what's in the neighbourhood. If ever you need to travel elsewhere, you'll only need around 20 minutes to travel to other areas of Dubai. From old Dubai in the north, to the beaches on the west coast, to Dubai Marina in the south and even inland to the desert... Living in Downtown Dubai means you're never too far from what else Dubai has to offer.
Downtown Dubai by day
As a hub for professionals, residents can enjoy a walk-able lifestyle for their daytime requirements. In Downtown Dubai, you'll find medical centres, dining options, children's playgrounds and supermarkets close to your home. Plus, being in close proximity to The Dubai Mall allows easy access to both high-street options and the world's exclusive brands.
Parents with children have the option of several nurseries and kids clubs, and while there are no schools directly located in Downtown Dubai, schools in nearby areas like Jumeirah are not too far away.
For entertainment and weekend activities, families with children no doubt appreciate what's on offer in The Dubai Mall; including a cinema, the Dubai Aquarium, an ice-rink and multiple child-friendly entertainment options.
Downtown Dubai by night
As it is a prime tourist location in the city, Downtown Dubai brims with dining and entertainment options perfect for an evening out.
Thanks to the various skyscrapers in Downtown Dubai, the large amount of twinkling lights from buildings, cars, palm trees and street lights help to enhance that 'city vibe' in the area. From almost any angle, you can see Burj Khalifa light up every 30 minutes as it twinkles during the Dubai Fountain show, plus residents in the area have an advantage point for the perfect view on New Year's Eve.
While the area can be busy during the day, at night the atmosphere really livens up as residents dine-out around Downtown. It's especially perfect during the winter months, as those cooped up inside throughout summer really take advantage of the neighbourhood's offerings during Dubai's winter.
Who lives in Downtown Dubai?
- High-earning professionals
- Individuals and families who enjoy the city vibe
- Residents who seek the La Dolce Vita lifestyle
Despite the thousands of tourists that fill the area's hotel offerings, residents living in Downtown Dubai don't often feel overwhelmed by the masses - at least outside the vicinity of The Dubai Mall.
Many young and/or high-earning professionals working in senior positions choose to live in Downtown Dubai, either alone or with their partners and families.
Properties for rent and sale in Downtown Dubai
Average rental prices in Downtown Dubai are as follows:
- Studio apartment: AED 70,000
- 1 bedroom apartment: AED 95,000
- 2 bedroom apartment: AED 145,000
- 2 bedroom villa/townhouse: AED 198,000
- 3 bedroom villa/townhouse: AED 235,000
Average sales prices for properties in Downtown Dubai are as follows:
- Studio apartment: AED 1,150,000
- 1 bedroom apartment: AED 1,600,000
- 2 bedroom apartment: AED 2,600,000
- 2 bedroom villa/townhouse: AED 3,390,000
- 3 bedroom villa/townhouse: AED 6,250,000
What are properties like in Downtown Dubai?
The area offers a mix of high-rise apartment buildings, and low-rise townhouses and villas. The skyscraper residential buildings are mostly clad with huge, glass windows that offer fabulous views of the neighbourhood and its attractions.
For those seeking a little more privacy, residents may prefer the residential buildings that embody a more traditional, Arabic architectural design. Brown coloured complexes that resemble traditional Arab courtyards help to tie the traditional feel of Dubai and the future vision of the city.
Most properties have their own pool access in their building or complex, as well as gyms and basement parking.
What are noise levels like in Downtown Dubai?
Being that the neighbourhood is home to Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, residents can expect to endure the bustle of Downtown Dubai.
- Buildings are located along main roads, thus there may be some traffic noise
- Those with views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountains may hear music from the daily shows every night
- Crowds can and may accumulate in the area during holidays and when there's annual events, parades and firework shows
