Based on 3 community and 9 building reviews
Zabeel sits between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Rashid Road, right where older Dubai meets the newer skyline, and it's one of the city's oldest and most established residential districts. Zabeel Palace, the official residence of Dubai's ruling family, sits here, as does the Dubai Frame, visible from much of the neighborhood.
The area splits into three sub-communities. Zabeel 1 carries the newer luxury developments, including One Za'abeel and Address Residences Zabeel by Emaar. Zabeel 2 holds Downtown Views and Downtown Views II near the southern edge of Downtown Dubai, with a direct air-conditioned walkway into Dubai Mall. Al Kifaf, on the northern edge, is more compact and centers on Zabeel Park with a cluster of mid-rise towers.
Zabeel tends to suit high-income families, working professionals, and residents who want central connectivity without the density of Downtown Dubai or DIFC.
Max and World Trade Centre metro stations are within walking distance of Zabeel 1, while Financial Centre station serves the Zabeel 2 side, so a car-free routine is realistic here.
Prices of properties for sale in Zabeel range from AED 1.85M to AED 88M, with a median of AED 3.8M. A total of 522 listings are available. 260 properties have been listed for sale in Zabeel over the past 30 days. Across all listings, 87% are verified and 82% are listed by SuperAgents.
2
4
2,411 sqft
Apartment
One Za'abeel The Residences, Zabeel 1, Zabeel, Dubai
2
3
1,425 sqft
Apartment
Address Residences Zabeel 4, Address Residences Zabeel, Zabeel 1, Zabeel, Dubai
1
2
1,036 sqft
Apartment
Akala Hotel & Residences, Zabeel 2, Zabeel, Dubai
2
3
1,264 sqft
Apartment
Downtown Views II Tower 1, Downtown Views II, Zabeel 2, Zabeel, Dubai
2
3
1,189 sqft
Apartment
Downtown Views, Zabeel 2, Zabeel, Dubai
2
3
2,474 sqft
Duplex
One Za'abeel The Residences, Zabeel 1, Zabeel, Dubai
1
1
774 sqft
Apartment
Downtown Views II Tower 2, Downtown Views II, Zabeel 2, Zabeel, Dubai
1
2
783 sqft
Apartment
Address Residences Zabeel 3, Address Residences Zabeel, Zabeel 1, Zabeel, Dubai
361 sale transactions were recorded in Zabeel over the past 12 months, marking a 21.5% decrease YoY.
The data displayed is based on average prices and sizes of all in Zabeel.
See all TransactionsZabeel sits between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Rashid Road, with DIFC to the east, Downtown Dubai to the south, and Al Karama to the west. That location puts two of Dubai's main roads on your doorstep, so most business districts are under ten minutes by car.
Daily life here is shaped by a mix of dining, retail, and open space. Zabeel Park and the Dubai Frame cover the leisure side, while One Za'abeel and the Dubai World Trade Centre bring hospitality and convenience into the area itself.
Zabeel's central location gives families access to a solid mix of curricula within a short drive, including British, Indian, and IB programs. Several established schools sit in the surrounding neighborhoods, which helps keep school runs manageable.
Jebel Ali School, about 1.7 kilometers away, follows the UK curriculum and holds a Very Good KHDA rating, with fees ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 102,000.
Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou School Oud Metha, roughly 2.9 kilometers away, follows the French curriculum and carries an Outstanding KHDA rating, with fees starting from AED 31,000.
Glendale International School, about 3.0 kilometers away, follows the UK curriculum and holds an Acceptable KHDA rating, with fees ranging from AED 42,000 to AED 58,000.
Several nurseries operate close to Zabeel, including Blossom Nursery and Super Kids Nursery. Both accept children from around 45 days old through four years of age, and these centers typically offer flexible half-day and full-day schedules suited to working parents.
For higher education, the Canadian University Dubai campus is under ten minutes by car along Sheikh Zayed Road. You can also reach the University of Wollongong in Dubai quickly via Al Khail Road. If you're looking at postgraduate options, several institutions are clustered in nearby Dubai International Academic City, roughly a fifteen-minute drive away.
| School name | Curriculum | Fee range | Distance | KHDA rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jebel Ali School (Br of Taaleem Management (L L C)) | UK | 50K - 102K | 1.7 km | Very good |
| Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou School Oud Metha | French | 31K | 2.9 km | Outstanding |
| Glendale International School LLC | UK | 42K - 58K | 3.0 km | Acceptable |
| Dubai Gem Private School | UK | 14K - 28K | 3.1 km | Good |
| Citizens School | UK | 42K - 85K | 3.3 km | Good |
| Swiss International Scientific School FZ-LLC | International Baccalaureate | 69K - 138K | 3.3 km | Not inspected due to COVID 19 |
| Al Rashid Al Saleh Private School | Ministry of Education | 9K - 19K | 3.3 km | Good |
| Dubai English Speaking School | UK | 43K - 53K | 3.4 km | Outstanding |
| Lycee Francais International | French | 29K - 62K | 3.5 km | Outstanding |
| The Indian High School | Indian | 6K - 10K | 3.5 km | Very good |
| The Apple International Community School | UK | 19K - 26K | 3.6 km | Acceptable |
| St. Mary Catholic High School - Dubai | UK | 7K - 16K | 3.6 km | Good |
| Ambassador International Academy L.L.C (Branch) | International Baccalaureate | 65K - 95K | 3.8 km | Not inspected yet |
| Pakistan Education Academy | Pakistani | 7K - 9K | 3.8 km | Acceptable |
| English Language Private School | UK | 5K - 12K | 3.8 km | Acceptable |
| North London Collegiate School Middle East L.L.C - FZ | International Baccalaureate | 92K - 144K | 3.8 km | Very good |
| Ambassador School | Indian | 23K - 46K | 3.9 km | Very good |
| Hartland International School - FZ | UK - International Baccalaureate - UK/IB | 49K - 93K | 3.9 km | Very good |
| DEWA Academy | Ministry of Education/BTEC | 4.0 km | Not inspected due to COVID 19 | |
| Jumeira Baccalaureate School | International Baccalaureate | 64K - 96K | 4.0 km | Very good |
| Himayah School For Education Girls - Al Karama | Ministry of Education | 4.1 km | Acceptable | |
| Al Shurooq Private School | Ministry of Education | 8K - 13K | 4.4 km | Good |
| New Academy School | American | 9K - 25K | 4.5 km | Good |
Just a short stroll from Dubai Mall, this place offers effortless access to everything you need. I can host and attend events within the vibrant community, enjoy a spacious swimming pool, and relax outdoors while admiring the iconic Burj Khalifa from the elegant Emaar community. With excellent security and endless possibilities, it’s a place I truly love.
6 months ago
Za’abeel is one of those places people don’t immediately notice when they first move to Dubai — but many eventually gravitate toward it. Sitting between DIFC, Downtown, and the World Trade Centre, it offers a rare balance: central connectivity with a more grounded, residential pace. Over the years, it’s been interesting to watch how the area has evolved naturally rather than through heavy marketing, slowly becoming part of Dubai’s next central corridor.
7 months ago
Za’abeel is one of those places people don’t immediately notice when they first move to Dubai — but many eventually gravitate toward it. Sitting between DIFC, Downtown, and the World Trade Centre, it offers a rare balance: central connectivity with a more grounded, residential pace. Over the years, it’s been interesting to watch how the area has evolved naturally rather than through heavy marketing, slowly becoming part of Dubai’s next central corridor.
7 months ago
Downtown Views
Invested early, trusted the vision, and it paid off. Proud to be part of this successful project.
3 months ago
Downtown Views II Tower 1
Sophisticated 2BR at Downtown Views II Tower 1 Great view
3 years ago
Downtown Views II Tower 1
The building is well kept and clean with a tunnel leading to Dubai Mall. Apartments are also very well sized.
3 years ago
Downtown Views
It was amazing to wake up to the crows of roosters from neighboring villas and still be in the very center of the city. Direct access to the Dubai Mall and metro via an air-conditioned walkway. Supermarket couple steps from the apartment. On the roof of the parking lot, in addition to the standard pool and gym overlooking the Burj Khalifa, there are paddle tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, cricket and even a go-kart track. Going to the cinema took 5 minutes. I would like to live here permanently.
4 years ago
Downtown Views
Been living here for almost a year, this building is definitely not worth the price tag (now over 130k a year), here's why: 1. The apartments continuously smell of sewage 2. Ceiling leaks water, interrupting the lighting 3. Water pipes leaking on top of bathroom ceiling 4. (This is worst of all) The clueless, helpless, and terrible maintenance, a whole year of having them visit my apartment, never fixed an issue completely. The only 2 stars Downtown Views 1 gets is its direct connection to the mall, and the strategic location... rest is tragic. Don't move in here.
4 years ago
Al Murooj Rotana Hotel
Amazing views and location.no bad issues so far.
11 years ago
Zabeel's homes fall into two main clusters. Zabeel 1 is where you'll find high-rise luxury towers, while Zabeel 2 leans more toward mid-rise developments closer to Downtown Dubai. The area also includes low-density villa pockets with wide, landscaped streets, which give parts of the neighborhood a quieter, more suburban feel despite the central setting between DIFC and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Apartments for rent in Zabeel make up most of Zabeel's property mix. Sizes start at around 736 sq ft for one-bedroom units and go past 11,500 sq ft for six-bedroom residences.
At the ultra-luxury end, One Za'abeel The Residences and One Za'abeel Tower, developed by Ithra Dubai, offer fully furnished units, concierge services, and access to The Link sky bridge.
If you're comparing branded apartments for sale in Zabeel with a slightly lower starting point, Address Residences Zabeel, an Emaar development spread across four towers plus a podium level, offers one- to four-bedroom apartments starting closer to AED 1.8M, with Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame views on higher floors.
Most duplexes for rent in Zabeel are in One Za'abeel The Residences. Two- to three-bedroom layouts range from approximately 2,015 to 3,789 sq ft.
These duplexes for sale in Zabeel come with double-height living areas, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and high-end finishes. Prices start around AED 12M for a two-bedroom duplex, which reflects the building's One&Only hotel branding and its location under ten minutes by car from both DIFC and Dubai Mall.
One Za'abeel Tower includes hotel apartments managed under the One&Only brand. Hotel apartments for rent in Zabeel range in size from roughly 856 to 1,539 sq ft across one- and two-bedroom layouts.
These fully serviced hotel apartments include hotel-grade housekeeping, dining access, and concierge support. Recent transactions show selling prices from around AED 4.5M for a one-bedroom unit to upwards of AED 13.8M for a two-bedroom unit, placing them well above typical hotel apartment pricing in Business Bay but in line with DIFC's branded offerings.
Zabeel works best for high-income professionals, executives commuting to DIFC or Downtown, and small families who want privacy and green surroundings without moving far from the city center. In Zabeel 1, the World Trade Centre and Max Metro stations are within walking distance, and Zabeel Park adds open space that many nearby high-rise communities don't have.
It's a weaker fit for budget-conscious renters or anyone who wants heavy retail and nightlife right outside the building. Shopping is more limited here than in Business Bay or Downtown Dubai, and most dining options take a short drive or metro ride.
Zabeel Palace is the official residence of Dubai's ruling family. It is home to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. The palace is not open to the public but remains one of the most important landmarks in the city.
Entry to Zabeel Park costs AED 5 per person. Children under two and people of determination can enter for free. Note that attractions like Dubai Frame within the park require separate admission tickets.
Yes, One Za'abeel officially opened in early 2024. The development features residential towers, luxury hotels, offices, and The Link, the world's longest inhabited sky bridge. It is now fully operational with dining, hospitality, and retail offerings.
Zabeel suits high-income professionals and families who want central connectivity without the density of Downtown Dubai. Its wide streets, green spaces, and low-rise pockets give it a quieter residential feel, while One Za'abeel and Address Residences Zabeel add modern high-rise options.
Zabeel attracts investor interest thanks to strong demand for branded residences and Burj Khalifa-view apartments. Sale prices across the community range from roughly AED 1.8M to AED 88M, with a median around AED 3.82M, and recent transactions in One Za'abeel Tower have recorded per-square-foot rates above AED 5,000.
Zabeel is a designated freehold area, meaning property can be owned outright by both residents and overseas buyers. Developments such as One Za'abeel The Residences, Address Residences Zabeel, and Downtown Views II are all available for freehold purchase.
Zabeel 1 sits closer to the World Trade Centre and Sheikh Zayed Road, housing One Za'abeel and Address Residences Zabeel. Zabeel 2 borders the Downtown Dubai side and contains Downtown Views, Downtown Views II, and the upcoming Akala Hotel & Residences. Zabeel 1 leans toward ultra-luxury branded residences, while Zabeel 2 offers slightly broader price entry points starting from around AED 1.6M for a one-bedroom apartment.
Zabeel has strong metro access. Max Metro Station and World Trade Centre Station are both within a short walk of Zabeel 1, connecting residents to the Red Line. Financial Centre Station serves the Zabeel 2 side, roughly a five-minute drive from Downtown Views II. Multiple bus stops along 2nd Za'abeel Road, and Al Jafiliya Bus Station add further options.
DIFC is a compact financial district with smaller apartments and a restaurant-heavy ground level, while Zabeel offers larger layouts, park views, and a calmer residential pace. Zabeel residents are still only a short drive from DIFC's dining and offices.
