Dubai Neighbourhoods and Areas Guide- Part 1

The Middle Eastern hotspot of Dubai is one of the most eyed upon destinations across the world owing to the tax-free income, luxurious lifestyle and safety that the city provides its residents with. A huge number of people from all over the world move to this gorgeous city each year and make it their home. 

If you are planning to move to Dubai and wondering which neighbourhood you should consider for settling down, Luxhabitat's quick guide will help you out. 

1. Al Barari

The secluded paradise of Al Barari offers its residents tranquil living space. The private gated community features lush botanical gardens and lakes and 60% of its total area have been landscaped whereas only 40% of it has been used for constructing the luxury villas. 

 The community features 260 villas that have been built within 6 landscaped gardens. It has been beautified by water features that include a large lake and a number of streams. It is also home to 500 plant types from 20 countries on 6 continents. Catering to the needs of the residents, Al Barari features an organic restaurant called The Farm, the Heart & Soul spa, and The Body Language health and fitness club.

2. Al Habtoor City

Bringing together hospitality, residence, and leisure, Al Habtoor City is an all-encompassing city featuring world-class hospitality, residential and leisure facilities under one roof, along with spectacular gardens and a helipad. It hosts three 5-star luxury hotels and a range of exceptional leisure activities including the unique La Perle show, a state-of-the-art tennis academy, and an impressive array of exclusive boutiques and cafes on the boulevard and the waterfront. 

 Al Habtoor City features two 73-storey and one 52-storey residential towers, Noura, Amna and Meera. The buildings comprise of deluxe apartments, lofts, and penthouses, ranging from 1-7 bedrooms. Catering to the needs of the residents are upscale amenities that include the largest swimming pool podium in the UAE, a state-of-the-art gym, a luxury spa, and signature restaurants.

3. Arabian Ranches

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Arabian Ranches offers more than 4,000 luxurious villas in tranquil desert surroundings. The gated community is an ideal home for golf lovers as it hosts the Arabian Ranches Golf Club and the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. 

Tennis tournaments, community barbecues, charity drives and market days make the community a suitable one for families to live in. The villas on offer come with massive spaces, open floor plans, external spaces with a backyard or a pool and feature a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese and Arabesque. 

4. Bluewaters Island

Bluewaters Island is a man-made mixed-use island located off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). It hosts the Ain Dubai the world's largest observation wheel called the Ain Dubai as well as two five-star luxury hotels, including Caesar's Palace. 

 Bluewaters Island features 10 apartment buildings, 4 penthouses, and 17 townhouses and consists of homes that are finished to the highest standards. Amenities that they have on offer include state-of-the-art gymnasiums, swimming pools, landscaped gardens, basketball courts, and children play areas.

5. Business Bay

Located within close proximity to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay is a bustling community featuring several skyscrapers. Known as Dubai's new center of business and trade, the community is also a yacht and sailing boat dock. Suitable for young and work-centric expatriate individuals, Business Bay features plenty of supermarkets, dining and entertainment outlets and 5-star hotels with an active nightlife. 

The residential apartments that the community hosts are spacious and airy that offer quality finishes and facilities. Residents have the option to choose between studios to 5 bedroom apartments, along with penthouses, lofts and duplexes. Catering to the retail, dining and entertainment needs of the residents is a shopping mall called the Bay Avenue that also hosts an array of communal facilities including a pool, gymnasium, children's play area, and many more.

6. Bur Dubai

Situated to the west of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is a congested and densely populated community. It is famous for being the home to a large number of Dubai's Indian population. It mainly features low-rise buildings that are comparatively cheaper than many other parts of the city and thus is affordable for the middle-income group.  

Bur Dubai is home to consulates, a number of hotels as well as shopping malls. It also hosts a vast textile market and is famous for hosting some of Dubai's renowned tourist attractions that include the Bastakiya, the Creek and Dubai Museum. 

7. Culture Village

A modern reflection of Middle Eastern art, Culture Village features unique architecture representing traditional Arabic heritage with a touch of modern techniques. The upscale community is home to some of Dubai's exclusive developments including the Palazzo Versace, D1 Tower and Dubai Wharf. All the projects are connected by air-c0ndioned walkways and bridges. 

In order to preserve and display traditional Islamic and Traditional art through real estate projects, Culture Village hosts visual arts, performing arts, museum and literary facilities, that contribute to the need of the intellectuals. An ideal address for families, Culture Village offers within close proximity schools, shopping facilities and hospitals. 

8. Deira

Deira is one of the oldest communities of Dubai and comprises a mixture of new as well as old developments. When compared to the newly built communities of Dubai, rent of Deira is much cheaper and affordable for a lot of people. It is a densely populated area and features a good number of shops, markets, restaurants and bars. 

The other attractions of Deira include the Gold Souq (market) where one can find all kinds of gold jewellery and accessories and the Spice Souq featuring exquisite spices from around the region. In order to cater to a large number of population that Deira is is home to, it hosts a number of 5 star hotels and bars. For retail and entertainment, the residents rely on Deira City Centre which offers an array of retail, entertainment and dining options. Deira is also home to the Dubai International Airport.

9. Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is an upscale community, providing modern city-living at its best. It is best known for being home to some of the unrivaled attractions of the city including the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. Located strategically in the heart of the city, Downtown Dubai is an ideal abode for business-centric, high-earning individuals who love the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The community features an array of housing, entertainment, retail and dining options that define an elegant, fun and metropolitan lifestyle. 

10. Dubai Creek Harbour

Situated on the banks of historic Dubai Creek, Dubai Creek Harbour is a waterfront community that will feature The Dubai Creek Tower, a 928 metres tall building that will upstage the Burj Khalifa by 100 meters. The residential projects that will be a part of the community are Creek Gate, Harbour Gate, The Cove, Dubai Creek Residences, Creekside 18, Harbour Views and Creek Horizon. 

The new vision of Dubai offers world class residences, spectacular cultural offerings, shopping, amenities, offices, state-of-the-art sports facilities and lush sprawling gardens. Dubai Creek Harbour hosts nice districts, each of which offers a distinctive lifestyle so as to cater to the need of all sorts of people.

11. Dubai Hills Estate

Part of the Mohammed bin Rashid (MBR) city, Dubai Hills is a 2,700 acre development offering beautifully built villas overlooking the golf course and also offers luxury townhouses and villas. In order to cater to the needs of the residents, the community offers a mall called the Dubai Hills Mall, along with landscaped parks, gardens, retail outlets, offices, jogging and cycling tracks tennis academy, and a clubhouse with a host of amenities including a pool and gym. The villas that Dubai Hills has on offer are modern and contemporary along with a few classic mansions.

12. Dubai International Financial Centre

The financial hub of Middle East, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is located adjacent to the Sheikh Zayed Road, the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Burj Khalifa. A perfect place for young professionals to stay in, the community features a museum, a performing arts center, as well as several art galleries, lounges, fitness centers and eateries. 

Hosting residential as well as commercial blocks, DIFC features properties that are of high standards with great finishes and spectacular architecture. 

13. Dubai Marina

The upscale waterfront community of Dubai Marina is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, making it close to the business and commercial centers of the city and is also a short drive from most of the hot-spots of the city. It is known for the cosmopolitan and free-spirited atmosphere that it provides the residents with. Dubai Marina also features cafes, restaurants as well as high-end clothing stores. 

The community offers some of the world's tallest luxury apartment buildings and villas, that can be bought or leased out. Catering to the retail, dining and entertainment needs of the residents, the area features Dubai Marina Mall as well as supermarkets, pharmacies, salons and dry cleaners. A 5-star hotel, The Address: Dubai Marina is connected to the Marina Mall and offers a number of restaurant and lounges.

14. Dubailand

Dubailand is a 107 square mile masterpiece that hosts 26 development projects featuring 50 visitor attractions. Hosting some of the key entertainments of the city, the community is home to the Global Village, the Autodrome in Motor City, Cricket Stadium, Olympics specification sports stadia and Formula One racing circuit at Dubai Sports City, world-class sporting events at the Equestrian Polo Club, the Els Club and Dubai Cycle Course. Upcoming attractions of the community include the city's largest public park, that will stretch across 350 acres of land and will be as big as London's Hyde Park.

Dubailand is known for the comparatively cheaper rents which are affordable when compared to upscale communities of the city like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. A perfect home for families, the community offers schools, sports, entertainment and retail options, as well as cultural hubs. 

15. Emaar South

Located on the crossroads of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Emaar South enjoys proximity to the Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 site. The development is home to two business hotels, recreational facilities, convenient shopping options, a resort hotel and a well-appointed community centre. 

 Emaar South consists of 6 districts, featuring more than 1,500 residences with state-of-the-art facilities. It offers a new concept of tiered townhomes and standard townhouses. It also offers standalone villas and apartments that will provide the residents with stunning views of 18-hole championship golf course, that is situated within the community. Part of the community is The Golf Link Villas, a freehold mixed-use development that comprises standalone villas, tiered townhouses, and low-rise residential apartments. The 4 and 5-bedroom Emaar luxury Villas will be surrounded by an abundance of greenery and crafted landscape.

16. Emirates Hills

Popularly known as the Beverly Hills of Dubai, Emirates Hills is a prestigious gated community and one of the most exclusive residential communities of Dubai. It features some of the most luxurious villas that can be either owned or rented and offers the residents with panoramic views of the Address Montgomerie. The community is home to high-profile individuals including politicians, diplomats and business moguls. 

In order to cater to the needs of the residents, the tranquil community features the Address Montgomerie, a five-star award-winning hotel and also a luxurious golf course. 

17. Green Community

A family-oriented community in the suburbs, the Green Community is a gated community and features landscaped gardens, stone streets and a relatively traffic free environment. It covers 67 lush hectares of residential, leisure, retail, and commercial properties amidst beautiful surroundings with natural greenery. The self-sufficient community is perfect for singles to live in.