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Deira

3.2/5
(Based on 54 building reviews)

About Deira

Iconic Attractions in Deira  •  Top Towers in Deira   •  Best Activities to Do in Deira

Deira is one of the oldest areas in Dubai, with origins dating back to the 1700s. Thus, it’s home to many historical sites and traditional markets that showcase Dubai’s heritage. Located on the Dubai Creek close to Bur Dubai, it offers a culturally rich waterfront lifestyle and serves as a testament to Dubai’s history as a trading hub in the region.


Moreover, it’s the site of government buildings, embassies, historic buildings such as Heritage Houses and Al Ahmadiya School, and Dubai’s oldest mall, Al Ghurair Centre. Deira is where old and new cross paths, with historical markets and buildings nestled among newer developments.


All of this lies against a backdrop of traditional Dhow boats sailing along the Dubai Creek. In fact, the Dubai Creek is part of what made Deira a major commercial hub, as it facilitated sea trade.


The area was in its heydays during Dubai’s pearl fishing era, and declined as the city became more industrialized and developed newer areas.

However, Deira remains a major commercial hub for traditional goods such as spices, textiles, and gold. In fact, that’s what attracts many people to it.

Popular Attractions & Things to Do in Deira, Dubai

Deira is known for its numerous souks - or traditional markets - most notably the Gold Souk and the Dubai Spice Souk. Other popular souks include Naif Souk, Perfume Souk, and Grand Souk Deira. If you want to delve into Dubai’s history, then Deira is the place to be.


Discover the various museums in Deira such as the Women’s Museum, Pearl Museum, and Naif Museum. Even just walking down the old streets will immerse you in Dubai’s history. You can also snap a picture of the Deira Clocktower, an iconic landmark dating back to 1963. In May 2023, renovations of the the tower by the Dubai Municipality were announced.


Getting hungry? Feed your appetite at the massive range of eateries available in Deira, Dubai from budget-friendly street food to fine dining restaurants. If you’re tired of walking, explore the area by a Dhow tour along the Dubai Creek, which will also take you to another historical hotsport, Bur Dubai.


Once you’re done exploring and want to unwind with a game of golf, head to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in Port Saeed. This stunning golf course boasts impressive views of Dubai’s skyline along the creek.

Why Live in Deira, Dubai?

Move here if you want to take in the charm and history of Old Dubai and pay competitive housing prices. The apartments for rent in Deira are popular for their affordability and access to public transportation such as buses, metro stations, and taxis.


Deira, Dubai, is also a great place to live in because you will find all the services and amenities required for your satisfaction and comfort. That and the fact that you get to live close to landmarks such as the Clock Tower, Dubai Creek, and Gold Souk.


Popular areas for renting apartments in Deira include Al Riqqa, Al Muteena, Al Muraqqabat and Naif. While most of the properties in Deira are apartments, there are some villas in a few communities like Abu Hail and Hor Al Anz.

House prices

TypeAvg. Price (AED/ year)
Studio29,000
1 Bedroom48,000
2 Bedrooms70,000
3 Bedrooms98,000

The data displayed is based on Property Finder’s last 12 months listing data.

Frequently asked questions

Deira is located in Dubai, sharing borders with Dubai Creek and Sharjah, along the Persian Gulf. Having the Persian Gulf on the border makes Deira a special place when it comes to trade, which makes Deira one of the most important commercial centers in Dubai.

This wonderful location makes Deira one of the best places to live in Dubai, because it makes it an attractive place for investors and businessmen. As a result, the best services with extremely high quality will be available for you in Deira.

Deira is only minutes away from some of the most famous places in Dubai that people always like to visit, which makes it one of the best areas to live in. We bring to you a list of the nearest attractions to Deira:

  • Dubai International Airport: 12 minutes away
  • Dubai Airport Free Zone: 13 minutes away
  • Dubai Festival City: 18 minutes away
  • Dubai Creek: 19 minutes away
  • Dubai Mall: 20 minutes away
  • Mall of Emirates: 25 minutes away
  • Sharjah Airport: 26 minutes away
  • Dubai Marina: 31 minutes away
  • Jumeirah Beach to Deira: 20 minutes
  • Burj Khalifa to Deira: 20 minutes
  • Al Barsha to Deira: 29 minutes

If you’re bored of driving and need to take a break or you don’t own a car, you have nothing to worry about.There are many ways of transportation in Deira that will take you to any place you would like to go to. The options available are as follows:

  • Metro: The metro line that passes through Deira is the Red Line. The stations available in Deira are the following:
    • Deira City Center
    • Al Rigga
    • Union Square
  • Bus: There are bus stations available there that can take you to different areas in Dubai. The most popular bus station is the one at Deira City Center. Buses there can take you to many destinations

Here are some bus lines:

  • L11 goes to City Center Deira shopping centre
  • L8 goes to Port Saeed Plaza Park
  • C6 goes to Deira Clock Tower
  • J8 goes to the Commercial Bank of Dubai
  • Taxi and Uber/Careem: These are also easy and fast options for transportation in Deira and can take you anywhere you need as well

Deira is a great place to relocate to since it has all the services and amenities you need to live comfortably. This is a list to highlight the facilities that a relaxed life requires:

  • Government offices
  • Malls
  • Supermarkets
  • Schools
  • Hotels
  • Beaches
  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Restaurants
  • Fitness centers
  • Famous landmarks

Having an excellent location and services gives Deira a special sparkle which attracts many people. Therefore, you will find a number of hotels that provide great services to their guests in Deira. The best hotels there are the following:

  • Hyatt Place Dubai Wasl District Residences (****): Al Maktoum Road Al Wasl District, Near Al Ghurair Mall
  • Royal Continental Hotel (****): 27th Street, Next to Deira City Centre, Port Saeed
  • Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Muraqabat - Deira (****): Abu Baker Al Siddique Road
  • Landmark Premier Hotel (Formerly Suba Hotel) (****): Al Rigga Street
  • Rove City Centre (***): 24 19B Street, Port Saeed
  • City Avenue Hotel (***): Al Muteena Street, Next LuLu Center, Al Muteena

If you have children, then your fears about school hassle is unnecessary. Deira has great schools and nurseries that you can choose from. Here are the best options:

Nurseries

  • Happy Kids Nursery

Year Group: 2 to 4 years

Location: 275 Al Rasheed Road

Curriculum: British EYFS

  • Spectrum Nursery

Year Group: 1 to 4 years

Location: Villa 21, Street 25, Abu Hail, Near Al Hamriya Park

Curriculum: Indian

  • Canadian Oaks Kindergarten

Year Group: 2 to 6 years

Location: Villa 40, Al Wuheida Street

Curriculum: Canadian ELC.

Schools

  • The Elite English School

Year Group: Kindergarten to Grade 12

Location: Near Century Mall, Al Wuheida Road

Curriculum: Indian CBSE

KHDA Government Rating: Acceptable

  • Queen International School

Year Group: Kindergarten to Grade 12

Location: Hamriya, Near Deira Post Office

Curriculum: British

KHDA Government Rating: Acceptable

  • Sabari Indian School

Year Group:

Location: 30b Street, Al Wuheida Area, Near Century Mall

Curriculum: CBSE

KHDA Government Rating: Acceptable.

Deira has many different supermarkets all around the area, so you don’t need to go far to buy your groceries. We compiled a list of the best supermarkets in Deira here:

  • Carrefour

Location: Al Ghurair Building, 102 Bani Yas Street

Hours: 9 am-12 am

  • Spinneys

Location: Al Ghurair Center

Hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 am

  • SM Laguna Supermarket

Location: Salahuddin Street, Near Salahuddin Metro station

Hours: 6:30 am-1 am

  • Masco Supermarket

Location: 10 Al Mateena Street

Hours: Open 24/7

  • Habib Bakery and Supermarket

Location: Ground Floor, Habib Building, Opp. Abu Hail Clinic, Al Rasheed Road, Hor Al Anz

Hours: Open 24/7

  • Al Maya Supermarket

Location: Al Baraha Street, Hamriya, Near Belhoul Hospital

Hours: Open 24/7

  • Sabah Al Madina Supermarket

Location: Ground Floor, West Hotel, Naif Street

Hours: 7 am-2 am

  • New West Zone Supermarket

Location: Near Union Metro Station

Hours: Open 24/7

  • Talal Supermarket

Location: 46 Al Nakhal Street

Hours: 7 am-1 am

  • Aswaaq Supermarket

Location: Al Rigga Road

Hours: Open 24/7

  • Jesco Supermarket

Location: 31 Baniyas Road

Hours: Open 24/7.

Taking care of your health is one of the most important aspects you think of when moving to a place. This is why moving to Deira is a great decision as you will find highly equipped hospitals and health clinics there.

The best health care centers in Deira are the following:

  • Prime Medical Center

Location: Shk. Saud Building, Opposite Al Reef Mall

Hours: 8 am-11 pm, Fridays 9 am-12:30 pm, 5 pm-9 pm

Some Specialties: Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiotherapy, Dentistry

  • Marhaba Medical Center

Location: Mezzanine Floor, Bin Jash Building, Fish Roundabout, Opposite Al Ghurair Mall Gate 5

Hours: 9 am-9 pm, Fridays 5 pm-9 pm

Some Specialties: Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dentistry, Pediatrics

  • Ali Medical Center

Location: 224 Naif Street

Hours: 8 am-1 pm, 5 pm-9 pm, Fridays 8 am-12 pm, 4:30 pm-9 pm

Some Specialties: Dentistry and Pathology

  • Naif Medical Center

Location: Naif Road 104, Abdulla Hussain Lootah Building

Hours: 8 am-10 pm, Fridays 8 am-11 pm, 2 pm-10 pm

Some Specialties: Dental X-Ray and Master Health Checkup

  • Aster Clinic

Location: 48 Al Mateena Street, Al Ghurair Real Estate Building, Near Dubai Palm Hotel

Hours: 9 am-5 pm, Saturdays 10 am-7 pm, closed on Fridays

Some Specialties: Pathology, Psychiatry, Neurology.

Deira has a large diversity of restaurants and cuisines, which means you will never get bored of food there! You can try different foods or stick to your favorites; you will find what you prefer for sure. The most popular restaurants in Deira are listed below:

  • AB's Absolute Barbecues (Zomato Rating 4.9, Indian/BBQ, Mezzanine Floor, Block A, Centurion Star Tower, Deira City Centre)
  • The Choco Monarch (Zomato Rating 4.9, Desserts/Cafe, 2nd Floor, Al Ghurair Center, Al Rigga)
  • Nando's (Zomato Rating 4.6, Prtugese/African, Ground Floor, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Rigga Street)
  • Dampa Seafood Grill (Zomato Rating 4.6, Seafood, Block A, Centurion Star Tower, Near Deira City Center Metro Station, Street 9 C)
  • Denny's (Zomato Rating 4.4, Burgers, Ground Floor, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Rigga Road)
  • Laffah Restaurant (Zomato Rating 4.3, Lebanese, Ground Floor, Al Mamzar Centre, Street 28, Hor Al Anz)

Getting bored in Deira is merely not possible. You will find many various interesting things to do there, so whatever your interests are you will find cool activities that suit you. The most fun things you can do there are:

  • Go Bowling. Gather your friends and/or family and have some fun bowling at the Dubai International Bowling Centre in Deira. You can do more than just bowling there though. You can play arcade games or some billiard.
  • Go Shopping at The Gold Souk. Experience the authentic air of the UAE’s culture in the Spice Souk and Gold Souk.

Things to Do in Deira During the Day

  • Go to Al Hamriya Park. Whether you have kids or not, you will have a great time there. Enjoy a pretty view of greenery, and take a nice stroll to enjoy the morning air and sun. If you have kids, then they will love the electric rides there
  • Get on a Boat at Al Mansour Dhow. Chill on a boat while you enjoy gorgeous views of the city and have delicious meals offered on the boat. You will also be listening to beautiful live music played by a band!
  • Read a Book at Hor Al Anz Library. For passionate readers, here is your place to be! There is a library for your pleasure. You will find English and Arabic books, fiction and nonfiction, basically a reader’s dream.
  • Take a Ride on an Abra. The Abra is like a water taxi that will take you all around Deira Creek. You will see the city and have a great time on a boat ride
  • Visit Museums. There are some remarkable museums in Deira, for example, Women’s Museum, Naif Museum, Heritage House, and more. Learn about UAE’s history and watch its beautiful heritage and art

Things to Do in Deira at Night

  • Shop at Deira Souks and Malls. For those who like shopping, you’re in luck! There are plenty of Souks, or traditional markets, offering a variety of goods at unbeatable prices. The most popular souks in Deira are the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, Textile Souk, and the Grand Souk. Meanwhile, the most famous mall there is City Center Deira. There are many things you can do there besides shopping. You can watch movies at VOX cinema, grab a drink, or have a delicious meal at any of the cafes and restaurants in the mall.

The best shopping places there are City Centre Deira and Al Ghurair Center. These two malls have many international brands, restaurants, cafes, and more. They are both wonderful places to have a blast shopping and spend an amazing time.

  • Deira City Centre: This is the best Deira shopping centre. It has a fantastic diversity of stores and international brands, in addition to a VOX cinema playing the most recent movies! That and you can also find great restaurants and cafes to just hang out

Another awesome thing about the mall is that it has Magic Planet, so if you have children they will have a blast!

The most remarkable stores in Deira City Center are:

  • Virgin Mega Stores
  • Hallmark
  • Marks and Spencer
  • Stradivarius
  • Karren Millen
  • H&M
  • Guess
  • Levi’s
  • LC Waikiki
  • Pull & Bear
  • American Eagle
  • Afnan
  • Bath & Body Works
  • The Body Shop
  • Victoria’s Secret
  • M.A.C
  • Kiko Milano

You can also find a medical centre, pharmacies, spas and fitness centres, beauty salons, and more, plus Carrefour Hypermarket.

Location: 8th Street Port Saeed

Hours:

  • Mall: 10 am-10 pm
  • VOX Cinema: 10 am-1 am
  • Magic Planet:

Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am-11 pm

Thursday to Saturday: 10 am-12 am

  • Al Ghurair Center: This is another wonderful mall that also has a marvelous variety of international brand stores, restaurants and cafes, a medical center, pharmacies, and more

You will find these wonderful stores there:

  • Centerpoint
  • Max
  • Mango
  • E-Max
  • Springfield
  • Aeropostale
  • Quicksilver
  • Rebok
  • Converse
  • Flormar
  • Aldo
  • Clarks
  • Vans
  • Skechers

The mall also has two of the biggest hypermarkets: Carrefour and Spinny’s.

Location: Al Rigga Road

Hours:

  • Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am-10 pm
  • Thursday to Saturday: 10 am-12 am

Whether you are living alone, have a small family, or a big one, you will find the perfect place to live in Deira. The properties there vary between apartments and villas. The number of bedrooms in homes are as follows:

  • Studio apartments
  • 1- to 5-bedroom apartments
  • 2- to 5-bedroom villas

The good news is that you don’t need to worry about searching for the best communities in Deira, because we bring to you the best ones there to choose from.

The following are the most popular areas that people choose to live in Deira:

  1. Al Rigga
  • Type of Residence: Residential buildings
  • Apartments: 1- to 5-bedroom apartments; 2- to 5-bedroom villas
  • Highlights:
    • Hotels
    • Mall
    • Health centers and clinics
    • Gym

  1. Al Baraha
  • Type of Residence: Residential buildings
  • Apartments: 1- to 5-bedroom apartments; 2- to 5-bedroom villas
  • Highlights:
    • Hotels
    • Hospital
  1. Abu Hail
  • Type of Residence: Residential buildings
  • Apartments: 1- to 5-bedroom apartments; 2- to 5-bedroom villas
  • Highlights:
    • Health centers
    • Malls
  1. Al Muteena
  • Type of Residence: Residential buildings
  • Apartments: 1- to 5-bedroom apartments; 2- to 5-bedroom villas
  • Highlights:
    • Health centers
    • Supermarkets
    • Educational center
    • Hotels
    • Spa
    • Fitness center
  1. Al Murar
  • Type of Residence: Residential buildings
  • Apartments: 1- to 5-bedroom apartments; 2- to 5-bedroom villas
  • Highlights:
    • Hotels
    • Stores
    • Laundry service
    • Medical clinic

Deira is one of the cultural hubs in Dubai, therefore many cultural events are held there such as art exhibitions at Heritage House and the museums there. You will also find music performances and plays by talented artists from different countries.

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