Downtown Dubai is the place where people imagine the city to be, with all the attractions of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Mall within walking distance of one another. It’s also a true community, with thousands of residents living in its towers and strolling its boulevards day after day.
Downstairs is just what life is like if you’ve recently moved into or are considering Downtown.
The layout
The Burj Lake and Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is a stretch of road and pavement that has cafes, shops, and residential towers all along it, and around which downtown is built. The majority of daily requirements can be accessed within 10-15 minutes’ walking distance. The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station is within walking distance of the area, and a covered walkway is in place between the station and the mall.
Business Bay is right across from the Financial Centre Road and the canal, and DIFC is only a short drive or one Metro stop away. One of the reasons Downtown has attracted people from the financial and consulting sectors.
Daily life
Groceries and errands. Many residents of Dubai choose to shop at the Boulevard and at the bottom of the towers, as these shops are smaller and offer a wide range of services, including supermarkets and pharmacies at Dubai Mall. Apps for delivery services serve the entire region, typically in less than 30 minutes.
Getting out. The Boulevard is a great spot in town to start early morning walking or running. During the cooler months, it is also filled with residents in the evenings. Over the lake is the more tranquil Souk Al Bahar, where one can dine with a view of the fountain.
Culture. Concerts, ballet and comedy are performed throughout the season at Dubai Opera, while the surrounding area—the Opera District—is home to some of Dubai’s finest restaurants.
What to know before you move
- Tourist crowds. The surrounding areas of the mall and the fountain are very active with people every evening and on public holidays, particularly around New Year. If you prefer quiet, select a tower that is set back from the lake.
- Parking and visitors. There is limited car parking at many towers. Review the rules before home visits or services.
- Heavy traffic (traffic at peak times). Rush hour is busy on Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown. It’s usually quicker to walk or travel by Metro.
- Noise. Life goes on with fountain shows, events, and construction. The units on higher floors and those looking away from the lake are quieter.
Looking after yourself in a busy neighbourhood
It is close to downtown, but not a quiet place. Long working hours, do-it-yourself projects, and summer heat are just some of the challenges residents say are the most difficult aspects of being a resident: switching off.
That is one reason at-home services have grown so quickly in the area. Fitness trainers, cleaners and beauticians now come to the apartment, and wellness is part of the same trend. Booking a home massage in Downtown Dubai means no drive through traffic, no parking,g and no trip home afterwards: the therapist arrives with a table, linens, and oils, and you stay in your own space from start to finish.
If you have never booked one, a Swedish massage is a good place to start. It uses long, flowing strokes with light to medium pressure, and it is the classic choice for relaxing after a long week. If you prefer firmer pressure, you can tell the therapist at the start, or try a deep tissue session next time.
Some advice to those who wish to book at home in a Downtown tower:
- If you need to install a visitor, please inform reception and specify the tower and apartment number during booking.
- Choose a 2m x 3m area in the living room or bedroom.
- Make bookings on weekdays in the evening when there is no other place to go.
Must Explore: Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
The bottom line
Downtown Dubai provides you with the city’s iconic sites wherever you are and a walkable neighborhood with easy access to Business Bay and DIFC. It also attracts people, traffic and noise. The residents who particularly like it schedule around the busy periods, take full advantage of the Boulevard during the cooler months, and still find time to sit and rest at home.
