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Downtown Dubai

4.2/5
(Based on 306 building reviews)

About Downtown Dubai

Best Attractions in Downtown Duabi  •  Top Shopping Area in Downtown Dubai  •  Stunning Places to See in Downtown Dubai

Downtown is Dubai’s crown jewel: it hosts the city’s best tourist attractions, such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It also offers an array of housing, entertainment, and shopping options that never fail to impress. As the name suggests, it’s at the heart of Dubai, located along Sheikh Zayed Road next to Business Bay.


It's easily accessible by the Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall metro station as well as buses and taxis. Downtown Dubai is a hub of activity, with regular shows and festivals, hotels, and fine dining restaurants, there’s never a dull moment. Dubai Opera is also in the area, and it hosts a variety of events such as concerts, theater plays, ballet, opera, conferences, and exhibits.

Key Highlights

  • Centrally Located
  • Home to Dubai’s most popular attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain
  • The beating heart of Dubai
  • Vibrant lifestyle filled with events & activities
  • Holistic community with all kinds of amenities

Attractions & Things to do in Downtown Dubai:

Whether you want to relax, party, or shop, Downtown is the place to be. It attracts flocks of tourists and residents alike since it has it all. Emaar Properties developed the area to be all-inclusive and attract people from all over the world.


Burj Khalifa tops the list of attractions in Downtown Dubai. You can admire its glittering lights up close or go to the observation deck, ‘At the Top’ to get panoramic views of the city from the 124th floor. But even if you’re not interested in acting like a tourist, you can marvel at the Burj from the many restaurants and hotels that overlook it. 


Speaking of restaurants and hotels, there are countless options to choose from, offering all kinds of cuisines and stunning views. As for hotels, you can pamper yourself at the spas and infinity pools at a number of luxurious hotels, such as Address Skyview, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, and Armani Hotel by the Burj Khalifa.


When it comes to shopping, nothing beats Dubai Mall, with over 1,200 shops from a wide range of brands. However, Dubai Mall is a universe of its own that offers far more than just shopping. It’s home to many attractions such as The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, and KidZania.


If you’re craving a taste of heritage, head to Souk Al Bahar to dine and shop for traditional items such as carpets and handicrafts in an old-souk setting. Meanwhile, if you need to relax or take a walk, Burj Park is a great option. Enjoy walking or cycling with a view of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

Lifestyle & Real Estate in Downtown Dubai

The lifestyle in Downtown Dubai is quite upscale, with a variety of luxurious amenities and leisure options available. People from all nationalities live here, testifying to Dubai’s diverse culture.


Real Estate in Downtown Dubai also tends to be opulent. In fact, the area is among the most popular choices for those looking for luxury apartments for rent in Dubai. However, apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai are also quite popular among investors, thanks to the area’s evergreen value.


While it’s primarily a vertical community offering apartments, penthouses, and hotel apartments, there are a few villas available in Downtown Dubai.


Properties here come in a variety of designs, from contemporary skyscrapers to low-rise Arabesque buildings, appealing to different tastes.


Moreover, Downtown has pretty much everything a community should have. The area brims with cafés, restaurants, and nighttime venues, many with views of the Dubai Fountain.


Meanwhile, parents have the option of several nurseries and kid’s clubs to entertain their children. Another major perk of living in Downtown Dubai is its excellent connectivity to the rest of the city. It’s centrally located and has direct access to public transportation like the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station, as well as buses and taxis.

House prices

TypeAvg. Price (AED/ year)
Studio81,000
1 Bedroom126,000
2 Bedrooms202,000
3 Bedrooms317,000
4 Bedrooms864,000
5 Bedrooms1,289,000

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

Frequently asked questions

Downtown Dubai is perfectly located in the center of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The vibrant area is home to Dubai’s iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Mall which makes it on everyone’s bucket list.

One of the main features of Downtown Dubai is its prime location as it lies between Old and New Dubai. The recognizable community is a good fit for high-earning professionals working in DIFC and Business Bay. If you’re working in one of the companies nearby then Downtown is a perfect option for you to live in. In addition, it’s one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Dubai.

Living in Downtown means enjoying the most popular attractions and communities in a matter of minutes. No just that, rush hours are no longer your nightmare. Whatever the place you're heading to, you'll reach it effortlessly.

With Old Dubai to the north, the beach to the west, the Marina to the south, and the desert to the east, from Downtown Dubai, you’re never too far from anything else in Dubai:

  • City Walk: 6 minutes away
  • Bay Square: 8 minutes away
  • Dubai International Financial Center: 10 minutes away
  • Business Bay: 10 minutes away
  • Dubai Bowling Center: 11 minutes away
  • World Trade Center: 11 minutes away
  • Dubai International Airport: 15 minutes away
  • Dubai Creek Harbour: 16 minutes away
  • Emirates Mall: 19 minutes away
  • Dubai Marina: 21 minutes away
  • Bur Dubai to Downtown Dubai: 10 minutes
  • Jumeirah Beach to Downtown Dubai: 13 minutes
  • Palm Jumeirah to Downtown Dubai: 18 minutes
  • Deira to Downtown Dubai: 20 minutes

It can’t get much easier when it comes to transportation in Downtown Dubai. Whatever the transportation option that comforts you, it’s available in the community. You can check the below choices:

  • Metro: The nearest metro station to Downtown Dubai is Burj khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station. You can easily walk to the station or take a taxi to it if you're staying a bit farther away.
  • Bus: There are many bus stops in Downtown Dubai, including:
    • The Dubai Mall
    • Burj View Central Tower 1
    • Burj View Central Tower 2
    • Burj Khalifa, The Palace Hotel
  • Taxi: You can take a taxi as it has many stops there, or use Uber/Careem application and book your ride in seconds.

No worries about facilities in Downtown Dubai as it’s located in the heart of the city. Everything that makes your stay more comfy is offered with a variety of options to suit different budgets.

  • Park
  • Hotels
  • Supermarkets
  • Health clinics
  • Malls
  • Restaurants
  • Cafes
  • Banks
  • Parkings
  • Dubai Opera
  • Nursery
  • Mosques

Your stay at one of Downtown Dubai’s hotels is totally different from any other hotel as it is home to the finest and top-rated hotels in the Emirates. Going to Downtown Dubai’s lavish hotels means endless pampering and enjoyment; that is why it’s one of the most favourite attractions to many tourists and locals alike.

Check the below list of the best hotels in Downtown Dubai:

  • Palace Downtown (Rating:*****): Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
  • Armani Hotel (Rating:*****): In Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
  • Address Dubai Mall (Rating:*****): In Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
  • Vida Downtown (Rating:****): Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
  • Ramada Downtown Dubai (Rating:****): Boulevard Street
  • Manzil Downtown (Rating:****): Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

For your little ones, there is a nursery in Downtown with high educational levels, but for more nursery options you can find them nearby at Bay Square, which is a few minutes away from Downtown Dubai.

  • Blossom Downtown Nursery

Year Group: Nursery/4 months - 6 years

Curriculum: British

Location: Yansoon 7, Al Manzil District Downtown.

For your older children, the schools are across the road in nearby communities Jumeirah and Business Bay not far off.

In Downtown Dubai, buying all your home needs and food supplies isn’t a hassle. There’s a variety of top supermarkets in different areas easily accessible.

Here are the supermarkets that you can shop at:

  • Spinneys

Location: Old Town street

Hours: 8 am-10 pm

  • Spinneys Market Souk Al Bahar

Location: Souk Al Bahar

Hours: 8 am-11 pm

  • Carrefour

Location: Burj View Towers, Dubai Fountain Street

Hours: Open 24 hours

  • Spinneys Emaar Residence

Location: Emaar Residence

Hours: 8 am-11 pm.

As your health is the first priority, Downtown Dubai has the best clinics and healthcare centers with many specialties and top doctors:

  • Amana Healthcare

Location: Souk Al Bahar

Hours: Open 24 hours

Some Specialities: Pediatrics, Physiotherapy, Speech therapy, Rehabilitation After Trauma or Surgery

  • Occhiali Vision International

Location: Dubai Mall

Hours: 10 am-10 pm

Specialty: Optics.

  • Mediclinic

Location: Dubai Mall

Hours: 8 am-8 pm (Fridays 12 pm-5 pm)

Some Specialties: Cardiology, Dermatology, Dentistry, Paediatrics

  • The All England Practice

Location: 2205 Westbury offices, Burj Khalifa Boulevard

Hours: 7:30 am-9 pm (Saturdays 7:30 am-7:30 pm, Fridays off)

Some Specialties: Dentistry, General Health, Nutrition, Aesthetics.

In Downtown Dubai there’s no average as it’s always the ultimate, especially when it comes to dining there. You have endless options of restaurants that serve different cuisines by the best chefs. Imagine eating by the view of Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa; nothing beats this!

Here are the best ones to try:

  • Thiptara (Zomato Rating: 4.4, Thai, Ground Level, Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard)
  • Todd English Food Hall (Zomato Rating: 4.3, American, Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road)
  • Mado (Zomato Rating: 4.2, Turkish, Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road)
  • Shakespeare and Co. (Zomato Rating: 4.1, Patisserie, Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road)
  • Karak House (Zomato Rating: 4, Middle Eastern, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard)
  • Leila (Zomato Rating: 4, Lebanese, Standpoint B Tower, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard)

The gem of Dubai, Downtown Dubai, has a great number of unique attractions that are on the wish list of many people around the world. You won’t run out of options there and you’ll enjoy every minute in these interesting spots.

  • Go to the Cinema in Dubai Mall. You can enjoy a movie at the Reel Cinemas at Dubai Mall where the latest movies are available. Not just that, you can have a mouthwatering snack or a lunch while waiting for your show time.
  • Have Fun at Dubai Ice Rink. Skating on the ice means unforgettable memories. It is exciting, so much fun, and enjoyable for both adults and the young ones, so don’t miss it!

Things to Do in Downtown Dubai During the Day

  • Relax at the Burj Park. How about chilling by the view of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain? Awesome! You can go to the park to sit by the greenery, play with your kids, do some yoga exercise, or walk your dog.
  • Go to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the UAE that contains different kinds of sea creatures. You’ll experience the underworld of the ocean but with zero risks.
  • Try Dubai Lake Fountain Ride. It’s a tour where you’ll have a look at Downtown Dubai’s landmarks from a boat to enjoy the breathtaking view of the iconic city.
  • Have breakfast at one of the restaurants by the fountain
  • Take your kids to Kidzania

Things to Do in Downtown Dubai at Night

  • Watch the Dubai Fountain. It’s one of the most interesting and breathtaking shows in Downtown Dubai. It’s a fountain that dances on the music along with light shows. You will really enjoy watching it.
  • Visit Burj Khalifa. It’s the tallest tower in the world and considered an architectural icon. You shouldn’t miss visiting it and taking photos beside it. Not just that, you can observe Dubai from above from its observation deck at the top

  • Having Dinner at Souk Al Bahar. There are a variety of restaurants with different cuisines at Souk Al Bahar where you can enjoy a tasty meal
  • Attend a Concert at Dubai Opera. It’s one of the top destinations for entertainment where you can watch some artistic shows. Top performers, dancers, bands, and singers come from all over the world to perform at Dubai Opera.
  • Go to The Dubai Mall. It’s so much fun in Dubai Mall with endless options of activities and shopping outlets. It’s one of the most touristic attractions in Dubai and the biggest shopping mall in the world.

Here you’re in the ultimate shopping destination, Downtown Dubai is home to the most visited shopping mall in the UAE which is Dubai Mall. Check below the best destinations where you’ll have an outstanding shopping experience:

  • Dubai Mall. It is the largest mall in the world. Whether you’re an avid shopper or not, this mall will leave you mesmerized. It’s considered one of the most notable attractions in the country, in which visitors come from all over to enjoy luxury shopping. The distinctive mall has endless outlets of the most popular and high-end brands

Location: Financial Center Street, along El Sheikh Zayed Road.

Hours: 8 am -12 am

Some of the well-known brands at Dubai Mall:

  • Chanel
  • Dolce and Gabbana
  • Clarks
  • Fendi
  • Ralph Loren
  • Tommy Hilfiger
  • Adidas
  • Vans
  • Converse
  • Givenchy
  • Bulgari
  • Pandora
  • Souk Al Bahar. It’s a place with a classic Arabian design where the vintage style meets the modern one of Dubai Mall. At Souk Al Bahar, you’ll feel like you went back in time; it’s an authentic experience. Not just that, there are many shops, restaurants, and cafes where you’ll shop until you drop.

Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard

Hours: 10 am-10 pm (Fridays 2 pm-10 pm)

Some of the shops at Souk Al Bahar (Open 10 am - 10 pm; Fridays 10 am-12 am):

  • Cashmir
  • Bateel
  • Intermix Gems
  • Emad Carpets
  • Gallery One

You have many options of lavish residential units for accommodation in Downtown Dubai Choose the suitable one for you from the wide range of options below:

  • Apartments (Sizes start from 41 meter square)
  • Penthouses (Sizes start from 186 meter square)
  • Villas (Sizes start from 286 meter square)
  • Hotel Apartments (Sizes start from 127 meter square)
  • Duplex (Sizes start from 161 meter square)
  • Full floor (Sizes start from 998 meter square)

Downtown Dubai is home to the world’s best towers. Not just that, it includes the most luxurious communities for residency; check them below:

  1. Armani Residence
  • Type of Residence: Residential tower and hotel
  • Apartments: 1- to 2-bedroom apartments and hotel apartments
  • Developer: Emaar
  • Highlights:
    • In Burj Khalifa
    • Gym
    • Spa
    • Swimming pool

  1. The Residences 1
  • Type of Residence: Residential complex
  • Apartments: 1- to 3-bedroom apartments
  • Developer: Meydan
  • Highlights
    • In the heart of Dubai
    • Shops nearby
    • Open spaces
    • Gym
    • Pool
  1. The Lofts Central
  • Type of Residence: 34-storey tower
  • Apartments: 1- to 2-bedroom apartments and penthouses
  • Developer: Emaar
  • Highlights
    • Central tower of a complex
    • Parking
    • Gym
    • Fitness center
    • Concierge service
    • Security
  1. Burj Khalifa
  • Type of Residence: More than 160 storeys tower
  • Apartments: Apartments, penthouses, and full-floors
  • Developer: Emaar
  • Highlights
    • The tallest tower in the world
    • Gym
    • Pool
    • Gourmet
    • Restaurants
  1. 8 Boulevard Walk
  • Type of Residence: 37-storey building
  • Apartments: Studios and 1-to 2-bedroom apartments
  • Developer: Emaar
  • Highlights
    • Swimming pool
    • Health club
    • Security
    • Sauna
  1. Burj Al Nujoom
  • Type of Residence: 34-storey tower
  • Apartments: Studios, 1-to 3-bedroom apartments, and 2-to 3-bedroom penthouses.
  • Developer: Al Thuraya Real Estate Development
  • Highlights
    • Healthclub
    • 24/7 security
    • Parking

Downtown Dubai is one of the most vibrant areas in the UAE. Many events take place there whether at the Dubai Opera, Dubai Mall, or Burj Khalifa.

Some of the events at Downtown Dubai:

  • New Year Countdown. This event takes place at the end of the year where the countdown starts by the light shows at Burj Khalifa
  • UAE National Day Celebrations. It takes place on the 2nd of December every year, where it marks the union between the 6 Emirates. Light shows of the Emirati Flag and the photo of the prince are presented on Burj Khalifa, and fireworks!
  • Some of the events previously hosted at Dubai Opera:
    • Plácido Domingo concert
    • Global performances from broadway
    • Concert for Omar Kamal the Palestinian singer and composer
    • Gladiator live orchestra

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