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Downtown Dubai
About Downtown
Downtown Dubai, developed by Emaar Properties, is located in the Central Business District, running from the northwest Al Wasl hamlet across Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
The main attractions of Downtown Dubai include Burj Khalifa, Dancing Fountain, Downtown Dubai Mall, and Dubai Opera.
It encompasses various property types including, high-rise structures, villas, penthouses, , luxury hotels and Downtown Dubai buildings. According to the recent insights, luxury flats for sale in this area rank as the second favourite in Dubai after Dubai Marina.
Key Highlights
- Located in the heart of the city.
- Developed by Emaar Properties.
- Hosts the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
- Widely known as “the centre of now.”
- One of the most attractive tourist destinations
- Offering quality amenities to its residents
Community Overview
The old and new districts are two sections of Downtown Dubai. The old district is made up of 35 buildings with low-rise traditional Arabian architecture. The New District includes modern towers. There have been so many good places to rent a Downtown flat in Dubai. The reason is mainly the lavish flats available there. Other fashionable podium villas with penthouses have been included in the high-end residential architecture.
Properties in Downtown Dubai
The Downtown area offers an assortment of livable spaces. Options include apartments, hotel serviced residences, penthouses and a finite number of villas. With luxury living, world-class amenities and a prime location, Downtown is desirable for individuals, families, and tourists.
Types of Properties
1. Apartments
Studio to 4-bedroom units
Features include:
Master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
- Fitted kitchens
- Living and dining spaces
- Spacious balconies
2. Penthouses
3 to 6-bedroom units
Typically include:
- Maid’s room with attached bath
- Laundry and storage rooms
- Expansive living and dining areas
- City or Burj Khalifa views
3. Hotel Apartments / Serviced Residences
Studio to 4-bedroom options
Include:
- Built-in wardrobes
- Housekeeping and concierge services
- Access to shared swimming pools and health clubs
4. Villas
3 to 4-bedroom units
Located in podium levels of developments like:
- The Residences
- Boulevard Point
- Opera Grand (also offers exclusive townhomes)
Notable Residential Developments
Boulevard Heights
- Two-tower development with 492 units
- 1 to 4-bedroom apartments, duplexes, and penthouses
Sizes:
o 1-bed: 867–930 sq. ft.
o 2-bed: 1,283–2,453 sq. ft.
o 3-bed: 2,319–2,907 sq. ft.
o 4-bed: 2,529 sq. ft.
- Location: Close to Dubai Mall and key attractions
Burj Khalifa Apartments
- Floors 19 to 108 dedicated to residences
- Studio to 4-bedroom layouts (546 sq. ft. to 7,000+ sq. ft.)
Highlights:
- Direct access to tower amenities
- Unparalleled skyline and fountain views
The Address Dubai Mall
- Hotel-style serviced apartments
Sizes:
Studio: 514–684 sq. ft.
- 1-bed: 727–1,020 sq. ft.
- 2-bed: 1,507 sq. ft.
- 3-bed: 1,981–2,063 sq. ft.
- Location: Adjacent to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.
Off-Plan Properties in Downtown Dubai
The Off-plan properties in Downtown Dubai offer lucrative opportunities to its investors by allowing them to buy property below market value with high profit and rental yield along with flexible payment plans.
Key Off-Plan Projects
W Residences Downtown
- Developer: Dar Al Arkan
- 1 to 4-bedroom apartments and penthouses
- From: AED 1.6M
- Handover: Q4 2025
St. Regis Residences
- Developer: Emaar (with Adventz Group & East & West International Group)
- 1 to 4-bedroom apartments, 4 & 5-bedroom penthouses
- From: AED 2.75M
- Handover: Dec 2026
Forte (Opera District)
- Developer: Emaar
- Tower 1: 2 & 3-bed
- Tower 2: 1–3-bed
- From: AED 1.9M
- Handover: Q2 2025
Act One | Act Two Towers
- Developer: Emaar
- Units: 1–3 bed apartments, 3 & 4-bed townhouses
- From: AED 1.6M
More Upcoming Off-Plan Projects
| Project Name | Developer | Unit Types | Completion |
| Elegance Tower | DAMAC | 1 & 2-bed apartments | Q4 2026 |
| W Residences | Dar Al Arkan | 1–3-bed hotel-style units | 2025 |
| St. Regis Residences | Emaar | 1–3-bed units | Dec 2026 |
| Burj Crown | Emaar | 1–3-bed apartments | Q4 2023 |
| Society House | Invest Group Overseas | Studio–3-bed | Q2 2026 |
| Rove Home | OCTA & IRTH Developments | Studio–2-bed apartments | Q2 2026 |
| Jumeirah Living | (Near Business Bay) | Premium residences | TBC |
Recent Rental Transactions
| Date | Project | Term | Type | Rent (AED) | |
| 11 Dec 2025 | Dunya Tower | 12 Months | Apartment | 2 2 1 | 208,000 |
| 04 Dec 2025 | Dunya Tower | 12 Months | Apartment | 208,000 | |
| 21 Oct 2025 | Grande | 12 Months | Apartment | 138,000 |
| Date | Project | Term | Type | Rent (AED) | |
| 01 Oct 2025 | 29 Boulevard 2 | 12 Months | Apartment | 105,000 | |
| 01 Oct 2025 | Tajer Residence | 12 Months | Apartment | 152,000 |
Data is sourced from DLD after filtering out anomalies. Actual listings may vary.
Rental Trends in Downtown Dubai
Apartment Type – Average Annual Rent (AED):
- Studio: 82,000
- 1-Bedroom: 133,000
- 2-Bedroom: 262,000
- 3-Bedroom: 1,134,500
- 4-Bedroom: 1,773,000
(Source: Bayut.com)
Is Downtown Dubai Property a Good Investment?
Downtown Dubai has a number of iconic attractions (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, etc.), a luxury lifestyle and a central location, making it one of the strongest performing locations within Dubai for real estate investments to maximize performance, attracting both local and international investors with different investment criteria.
Why Invest in Downtown Dubai?
1. There is strong demand for short-term rentals
- There are world-famous destinations (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, etc.)
- Downtown Dubai is among the biggest visitor and tourism attractions in Dubai and gets tourism volume year-round
- There is very high demand for holiday homes and short-term rentals
- Firms like Betterhomes provide easy listings for AirBNB and similar without the need for human interaction to register.
- Short-term rentals yield much more than long-term rentals often and that is a benefit for many investors.
2. It has a Premium Location and very attractive Lifestyle
- Centrally located in Dubai with extensive network and connectivity of transport.
- An easy distance to all business districts, shopping, entertainment, and fine dining.
- Premium luxury location attracts high-net worth tenants and buyers,
- Very low vacancy rates that have remained stable even in the off-peak season.
3. Strong Market Performance
Steady appreciation in property values over recent years Historical price trends per sq. ft.:
- Q2 2019: AED 1,841
- Q3 2023: AED 2,693
- Q2 2024: AED 2,804
These stats demonstrate continued demand for property in this area and growing investor confidence.
Summary: Investment Advantages
- Central location with global recognition
- High rental yields, especially in short-term market
- Resilient demand from tourists and residents
- Ongoing value appreciation backed by solid fundamentals
Rental Trends in Dubai Downtown
Apartment Type – Avg. Annual Rent (AED):
- Studio: 82,000
- 1-Bed: 133,000
- 2-Bed: 262,000
- 3-Bed: 1,134,500
- 4-Bed: 1,773,000
Villa Type – Avg. Annual Rent (AED):
- 1-Bed: 133,000
- 2-Bed: 300,000
- 3-Bed: 337,000
Sales Trends in Dubai Downtown
Apartment Type – Avg. Sale Price (AED):
- Studio: 1,411,000
- 1-Bed: 2,295,000
- 2-Bed: 4,135,000
- 3-Bed: 6,777,000
- 4-Bed: 28,203,000
- 5-Bed: 61,667,000
Villa Type – Avg. Sale Price (AED):
- 2-Bed: 4,450,000
- 3-Bed: 8,625,000
Return on Investment (ROI)
| Type | ROI (%) |
| Studio | 5.36 |
| 1-Bed | 5.82 |
| 2-Bed | 5.69 |
| 3-Bed | 5.40 |
| 4-Bed | 6.34 |
| Villa (2-Bed) | 4.24 |
| Villa (3-Bed) | 4.56 |
Hotels in Downtown Dubai
As Downtown is a highly trafficked tourist area, it is well served by many different lavish hotels.
Featured Hotels
· Palace Downtown
A 5-star hotel which has newly updated features of Middle Eastern architecture and views of the Dubai Fountain. The hotel also has a wellness spa, gym, and dining venues.
· Kempinski The Boulevard (was The Address Boulevard)
A luxury hotel at a height of 368 metres, across 72 storey, with 196 rooms which is part of the globally recognized hotel group Address Hotels.
· The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection (was Manzil Downtown)
A 4-star hotel located slightly further from Burj Khalifa with three dining venues and deluxe pool.
· Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection (was Vida Downtown Hotel)
A boutique hotel, known for its calmness and high-end restaurants.
Transportation & Parking in Downtown Dubai
Parking
- Residents are assigned parking spaces in their apartment buildings.
- Visitors may use paid street parking and underground parking along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
Public Transport
· Metro:
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (Red Line) is the accessible option, and it is located about a 10-minute drive away.
· Bus:
Several RTA bus routes service the area. Notable stops include:
- Burj Khalifa/The Palace Hotel (Route 27 and F13)
- Burj View Central Towers 1 & 2
- South Ridge Towers 1 & 2
· Taxi:
Readily available across the area, offering a convenient travel option.
· Dubai Trolley:
A hydrogen-powered tram running along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, connecting key hotspots.
Amenities, Schools & Healthcare
Supermarkets in Downtown Dubai
Residents enjoy convenient access to several supermarkets, including:
- Spinneys (multiple branches)
- Waitrose (in Dubai Mall)
- Carrefour Market
- Choithrams
- Grandiose Supermarket
- ZOOM
- Old Town Minimart
Religious Facilities
Mosques
- Sheikha Abdullah Salem Mosque
- Al Ghafoor Mosque
- Prayer areas in Dubai Mall
Churches (approx. 15-minute drive)
- The Dubai City Church
- Holy Trinity Church
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Oud Metha)
Temples (approx. 20-minute drive)
- Located in Bur Dubai, catering to Hindu residents.
Schools in Downtown Dubai
Nurseries
· Toddler Town British Nursery
EYFS curriculum; accepts children aged 3 months to 4 years.
· Blossom Nursery
British EYFS; accepts students from 8 weeks to 5 years. Located in Al Manzil District.
· Jumeirah International Nursery
Follows the EYFS curriculum; located at South Ridge Towers, Al Abraj Street.
Primary Education
· JSS Private School (Al Safa)
Follows the CBSE curriculum; located near Sheikh Zayed Road.
Clinics and Hospitals
· Mediclinic (Dubai Mall Branch)
Offers cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, and obstetrics.
· Sage Clinics
Specializes in mental health; located in Saaha Building.
Nearby Areas
Downtown Dubai is strategically located off Sheikh Zayed Road, between Business Bay and DIFC. It provides easy access to:
- Nad Al Sheba (east, home to Meydan Racecourse)
- Jumeirah 1 (west, near the beach and waterfront)
Lifestyle
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Malls in Downtown Dubai Dubai Mall
One of the world’s largest malls offering a comprehensive shopping experience, featuring:
- Fashion Avenue (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada)
- Tech, home, and lifestyle stores
- Entertainment options like cinema, eKart Zabeel, Trampo Extreme
- Shisha lounges: HuQQa, Cabana, Dish/Dash
- Restaurants: Texas Roadhouse, P.F. Chang’s, New Shanghai, India Palace Express
- Cafés: Angelina Tearoom, Coffeol, Starbucks
Souk Al Bahar
Offers over 100 shops with authentic local products, casual lounges, and dining. Popular venues include:
- Shakespeare and Co.
- Patiala
- Karma Kafe
- Claw BBQ
Restaurants in Downtown Dubai
Downtown has a great variety of restaurants and casual cafes, including:
- Indian restaurants such as Shamiana, Patiala, and Peppermill
- Cool cafes and rooftop bars
- Special dinners with fountain views
Beaches Near Downtown Dubai
While most of the buildings in Dubai Downtown have pools, Downtown’s residents can also enjoy the perks of the beach as it is located just a short drive (15– 20km) from Jumeirah Beach.
Leisure Activities & Landmarks
Notable Destinations
· Dubai Opera
Hosts international performances and cultural events year-round.
· Burj Park
A pet-friendly green space ideal for picnics, walks, cycling, and fitness activities.
· Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
Lined with art installations and popular with pedestrians.
Recreation Highlights
- Trampo Extreme
- Ice rink
- The Slide (Downtown landmark)
- Shisha cafés for social gatherings
Outdoor Fitness & Wellness
Burj Park
Popular among joggers and cyclists.
Bicycle Rentals
Available at multiple stations around Downtown.
Fitness Studios
- Fitness First Platinum
- Fitness 360
- Flywheel Studio
Spas & Salons
High-end wellness centres and beauty spas, especially in Dubai Mall.
Community Events
Here are the main community events held at Downtown Dubai.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Fountain Shows
- UAE National Day Parades
- Classic Car Motorcades
- Community Markets & Film Screenings
- Building-specific resident events
FAQs about Downtown Dubai
What is the centre of Dubai?
No doubt you will hear Downtown referred to as the “Centre of Now”, and many, especially those who live in the area, refer to it as the heart of the city.
Is Downtown Dubai a freehold area?
Yes, Downtown Dubai is considered a freehold area, which means foreigners can buy real property. The community has a large number of residential options ranging from luxury apartments with a limited selection of villas.
How to Get to Downtown Dubai?
You can find multiple public transport options to Downtown Dubai.
· Metro:
The nearest stations are Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Moosa Tower (or Emirates Tower)
· Bus:
Multiple RTA buses operate throughout the area.
· Taxi:
Again, taxis are plentiful and the preferred mode of transport. What time does the show start at Burj Khalifa or fountain? Dubai fountain shows are daily as follows:
Afternoon Shows
- Mo-Th: 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Fri: 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Evening Shows
- Every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
All fountain displays are 5 minutes long with music, water shows, more than 6,000 lights and lasers, and 50 coloured projectors.
Can I walk to the Dubai Opera from the Dubai Mall?
Absolutely, you can walk to the Dubai Opera from Dubai Mall as Downtown Dubai is very pedestrian-friendly.
Here’s how you can do so:
- Exit the Mall near the AT THE TOP ticket counter (located on the ground floor)
Simply walk the path in front of you (over the bridge) and you will pass the Dubai Fountain on your right and arrive at the Opera House
