Community Overview
Downtown Dubai, 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 accommodation, 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 ‘centre of now’, 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) 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.
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’s 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, and Burj Views. Most buildings come with pools and gyms and some even throw sports courts and libraries in for good measure.
Pros
- Probably because of its exclusive address built by Emaar, buildings here tend to be of 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