Downtown Burj Dubai

Community Overview
Downtown Burj Khalifa, also known simply as Downtown, is probably the most prestigious address in Dubai, thanks to its centrepiece - the Burj Khalifa - the tallest tower in the world. The district’s design allows for a pedestrian lifestyle, a rarity in Dubai.  Elegantly landscaped, palm trees - which are lit up at night -  line the wider avenues. Thanks to a mix of residential accomodation, offices, hotels and retail facilities, including the gigantic Dubai Mall and the traditional Souk al Bahar, residents feel like they are living in a mini-city, dubbed the ‘new centre’ of Dubai, which has everything on their doorstep.

Downtown’s skyline keeps things interesting and easy on the eye thanks to high-rises taking turns with mid and low-rise buildings. The Old Town (a sub-community) area’s traditional architecture stands in stark opposition to more modern tall buildings, including  the Burj Khalifa towering over them all.

Location
Downtown is well connected, sandwiched between Dubai’s main artery, Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) at what is known as Defence Roundabout (now a nearly completed flyover system) and Al Khail Road. It takes about the same time to head into ‘old and new’ Dubai areas. The sea is also only 10-15 minutes away. A metro station and buses connect SZR to Dubai Mall. A stunning elevated walkway is under construction to take over the buses’ job in 2013.

Who lives here?
A mix of nationalities, as everywhere in Dubai, including executive highflyers and families attracted to the ‘good life’.

Amenities & facilities
Downtown has pretty much everything a city should have from convenience stores and large supermarkets to medical centres, children playgrounds and parks.  At the Dubai Mall one can find the usual suspects alongside all the most exclusive brands as well as a cinema, the aquarium, ice rink and Kidzania. Thanks to the classy hotel brands and Souk Al Bahar the area brims with cafés, restaurants and night venues, many with a view of the Dubai Fountain’s nightly dance to music.   Parents have several nurseries and kid’s clubs to entertain their children and although there are no schools on site, they aren’t far off across in Jumeirah.

Property choices
The choice consists of apartments mostly, with some ‘villas’ on the podium level. The most expensive address is, of course, the Burj Khalifa itself, other options include smaller apartments in the quaint maze of Old Town, as well as spacious apartments in high-rises, such as The Lofts, Burj Residences, Burj Views, South and Ridge 8 Boulevard Walk. Most buildings come with pools and gyms and some even throw sports courts and libraries in for good measure.

Resident view
Siham Jouhari, film producer
“There are times I don’t even need to get out of the area, there is so much choice and everything is five minutes away. Whether I want to go to the gym, cinema or meet friends over a drink. I love the courtyard at Al Manzil, its even cool in summer.”

Agent view
Charlotte Hurst, Leasing & Sales Executive, Fine & Country
Downtown Burj Khalifa is an extremely popular area, set in the heart of Dubai and close to many international companies located in the nearby DIFC and Emaar Square. There is a huge mix of nationalities and ages living in Downtown with properties owned by many expats. You will find that families will prefer the low-rise Old Town development with gardens whilst singles and professionals will opt for apartments in the high rises such as Southridge, The Residences and Burj Views.

Being a pedestrian area, the highlights of living in Downtown is that everything is within walking distance including the biggest mall in the world, the Dubai Fountains, Souk al Bahar and many amenities with most developments having their own supermarket. The nearest metro station is at most a 15-minute walk from any development and you have everything on your doorstep, including lots of fantastic restaurants. Dubai International Airport is also only 15 minutes by car.

There have not been any new developments opened in this area since 2008 and so the upcoming developments including Claren and 29 Boulevard will be great for Downtown. There are a lot of active buyers at the moment as long as the price is right.

Pros
Probably because of its exclusive address built by Emaar, buildings here tend to be of rather good quality

Situated kind of in the middle of the city, meaning if you drive around 20 minutes in each direction you will arrive at the older and newer parts of Dubai, beaches or desert

Fantastic views of Burj Khalifa and the fountain

Pedestrian lifestyle, no need to venture anywhere else on most days

Cons
Exclusive equals more expensive, if going out and shopping for groceries etc. 

Some areas and roads still under construction

Downtown Burj Dubai Property Searches
1 bedroom apartments for rent
2 bedroom apartments for rent
3 bedroom apartments for rent
4 bedroom apartments for rent

1 bedroom apartments for sale
2 bedroom apartments for sale
3 bedroom apartments for sale
4 bedroom apartments for sale

Photo of The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and The Address hotel used under creative commons from phareannah