Before getting to the actual neighborhood guide, you'd do well to know some of the areas you'll discover. Dubai's best neighborhoods include The Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence, the Design District, Media City, and The Palm Jumeirah, among many others. These places have some of the city's most popular attractions, the finest international schools, and the most luxurious apartments in Dubai>.
With how wealthy the city is overall, you can almost say that all of Dubai's neighborhoods are rich. But which ones house the elite? Where do the rich and famous live in Dubai? Well, they include Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Marina, the Jumeirah Golf Estates, the Arabian Ranches, the Emirates Hills, and the Palm Jumeirah. These places have some of the most luxurious homes in Dubai, ranging from gilded mansions to upscale apartments with the best city views.
Where should you live if you're moving to Dubai? The expat community in Dubai has grown exponentially over the years. They've mostly settled down in places like the Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Beach Residence, the Dubai Marina, Media City, and Barsha Heights, among many others.
Dubai is arguably one of the best cities to relocate with your entire family. Not only does Dubai have low crime rates, but the city also boasts prestigious international schools, fun attractions that are also educational and a global community where the little ones can learn all sorts of things. It helps that many neighborhoods in Dubai are fairly family-friendly, including Al Barari, Dubai Marina, Emirates ills, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Jumeirah Village Triangle, and Mudon.
Let's start with the area that probably made it possible for Dubai to be the luxurious Middle Eastern epicenter that it is today, its business hub. Or specifically, Business Bay. If you think that New York's Wall Street is impressive, wait until you see this impressive district. If you want to get a job in Dubai, this is the best place to start. More than just an urban haven for business and finance people alike, it's a visual feast of man-made marvels and stunning architectural feats. Here, you won't just feel the big money, you'll see it with its magnificent skyline. This is the place if you want to earn and spend big money!
Business Bay is right by the south of Downtown Dubai. It straddles the Dubai Creek and is fairly near the Dubai Design District and the Jumeirah Beach Residences.
Apart from working your butt off to afford to live in Dubai, there's a lot you can do in Business Bay. You can go to Mountain Extreme, for example, and try your hand at rock climbing. It's a great way to maintain your fitness amidst your busy schedule. The Pegas Art Gallery, on the other hand, offers a taste of the city's creative scene. And most famously, Business Bay has an electric nightlife scene to keep you entertained all night long. From popular dance clubs to chill bars, this is one of the best places in Dubai to hang out after dark.
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Downtown Dubai offers the best for everybody. Are you a single adult looking to have the time of your life in the big city? Stay here! Are you raising a family with many kids who love going out? Stay here! No matter what kind of life you're leading, you're sure to have a good time in Downtown Dubai. This is also where you'll find countless upscale restaurants, entertainment venues, and the best malls in Dubai. The place is all about having fun and living life to the fullest.
Shop, eat, and have all sorts of fun in Downtown Dubai! If you can only spend one day in Dubai, you'll want to stay here. This is where you'll find the world-famous Dubai Mall, for example, which is a treasure trove of luxury brands and cool shops. Your family will also love the in-house aquarium here. Want to take a foodie trip in the city? Downtown Dubai is your place! The area is home to some of the most popular restaurants in the city. And of course, you can't forget about Burj Khalifa! It's the tallest man-made skyscraper ever built and it's just as stunning to see it from the outside as it is from the inside.
You couldn't have picked a better place to let out your inner foodie than in Downtown Dubai. The entire neighborhood is a treasure trove of fantastic eateries, ranging from local diners to Michelin-starred restaurants. One such is Maison De Curry, a two-Michelin-star hotspot that serves the most flavorful curry. Jun's is also always a massive hit. Its refined ambiance pairs well with its scrumptious Asian cuisine. Craving some Italian? Look no further than BiCE Mare! Their dishes are so rich and taste so authentic, you'd swear you were whisked away to Italy with every bite.
Yes, it is! Apart from the many things to do and see around here, Downtown Dubai is also a safe place overall. Don't let the crowds fool you! As long as you're aware of you're surroundings and you're careful with your stuff, nothing will happen to you here.
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As with any other major city, Dubai has a specific hub reserved for the creatives. But while the other metropolises only have “unofficial” artistic hubs, this one is pretty official. It wouldn't be named the Dubai Design District if it wasn't. This is where many of Dubai's biggest fashion designers, emerging artists, and other creatives are. The place is filled with ateliers, art studios, galleries, and more, offering up the very best and latest of the city's most profound artists.
Just as its name says, the Dubai Design District is where many of the city's most prolific creatives work and reside. This is where they produce their works, showcase them in exhibitions and fashion shows, and also where they sell such designs to those who can afford them.
Observe and shop for art. You can browse the galleries to look for paintings to decorate your luxury home in Dubai. Shop for the latest dresses made by the city's best designers. As well as witness their exhibitions, fashion shows, and more. If you want to immerse yourself in Dubai's art and design scene, this is the best place to do just that!
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There's a certain area in Dubai that has a nightlife scene that's a little different than most major cities. And what's even cooler is that this area is right beside a stunning bay. It's the Dubai Marina, one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Dubai. In the afternoon, it makes for a stunning area full of first-class culinary establishments, swanky bars, and more. Just about any spot is perfect to watch the sunset in its natural glory. By nightfall, these same spots turn into lively nightlife hang-outs, especially since most of them stay open until midnight. Ultimately, it's a rather wholesome take on nightlife.
Where is The Dubai Marina?
Dubai Marina is located just north of the center of the city. True to its name, it's a waterfront area between the Jebel Ali Port and Media City.
What to Do in Dubai Marina
Apart from the coastal nightlife scene, there's a lot to do in Dubai Marina. You can shop at the Dubai Marina Mall, for example, and get loads of amazing finds. The same goes for The Beach, JBR which is a seaside shopping complex filled with popular stores and amazing hotspots. While you're there, why not enjoy a dip in the sea too? When it's especially hot outside, a day at the beach will do wonders! And if you can afford to, join the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and luxuriate with fellow elites in your private yachts.
Is The Dubai Marina Worth Visiting?
Yes, it is! There are lots to see and do in Dubai Marina, both for you and the entire family. And if you're not interested in all of that, there's still the beach too!
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Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai
If you want to enjoy the coastal lifestyle in Dubai, settle down in Jumeirah Beach Residence. Like what the name says, it's an urban area near the beach. But it's not your ordinary coastal town either. Funnily enough, the area is just as urban and cosmopolitan as other neighborhoods in Dubai. It has its fair share of upscale restaurants, modern art galleries, al-fresco cafes, and more. In a way, it might not even feel like a beachfront town, and perhaps, this is the ultimate charm of the place!
Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Apartments
Jumeirah Beach Residence is a residential complex made up of apartment buildings on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Technically, it's part of the Dubai Marina, but since the vibe is so different from the other parts of the larger district, it's become known as its neighborhood. Here, you can clean and comfy homes. Some are big enough for families while others are apartments with great sea views.
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Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai in The UAE
You've probably seen a lot of places similar to the Jumeirah Lake Towers. A collection of high-rise towers, it's easy to think that there's nothing all that exciting about the place. Still, you'd want to live here because it's a nice area and it's near the many important places within the city. And upon closer inspection, you'll realize that this neighborhood, affectionately nicknamed “JLT,” has its own fair share of charms just waiting to be discovered. Think upstart restaurants selling their own food or start-up fashion brands ready to make their stamp on the retail world. Despite its open spot, there are a lot of undiscovered and hidden gems here just waiting for you!
Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai for Rent
This neighborhood is one of the best places for long-term rentals in Dubai. They're entirely residential, have all the necessary appliances & amenities, and are all so clean and comfy. Many of these homes will suit families, newlyweds, single adults, sharing with roommates, and more.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Media City in Dubai
Media City is another of the bustling business hubs in Dubai. Much like the Design District or Business Bay, this neighborhood is home to a specific industry: the media. From news to entertainment, about 1,300 registered companies are operating in Media City today. It's the ultimate media hub for the UAE and the rest of the Middle East. But that's not all there is to it! Apart from the company headquarters, office buildings, and many of Dubai's coworking spaces, Media City has an electric nightlife scene too. Those who work here often go to the bars and clubs nearby.
What is Media City, Dubai?
Media City is another of Dubai's major business hubs. It's the epicenter of the UAE and the Middle East's media industry, accounting for over 1,300 companies operating in the area today.
Media City, Dubai Bars
Media City isn't all business. The area is also known for its lively nightlife scene, especially the bombastic bars. The famous ICON Bar & Lounge is one of its many highlights. It's a refined hotspot where both the music and drinks are great. Mr. Miyagi's & Cobra Kai Bar is another must-see. It's a colorful and kitschy hang-out where having fun is the name of the game. And of course, there's The Huddle Sports Bar and Grill, a great spot to enjoy sports, drinks, food, and buddies all in one place.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Old Dubai
From centuries-old mosques and temples to some of the best souks in Dubai, the city's history is alive and well in Old Dubai. Practically every major city has a historic district or old town quarter that reveals the place's colorful past and for Dubai, this is it. Old Dubai is the well-preserved part of the city's true Middle Eastern roots. This is where Emirati locals live and embrace their culture—a far cry from the other, highly globalized neighborhoods in Dubai. If you want to see what Emirati and Arabian culture is truly like, this is the place to visit!
What is Old Dubai?
True to its name, Old Dubai is the city's historic old world quarter. In contrast to the tall skyscrapers and massive malls in other parts of Dubai, souks, mosques, and temples reign supreme here.
Where to Eat in Old Dubai
Just because souks dominate Old Dubai, it doesn't mean there aren't any new and more modernized places to eat in the neighborhood. If you're not up for eating outside in the hot sun, Old Dubai has a handful of restaurants worth a try. The Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant is one and it serves some seriously delicious vegan dishes apart from its traditional Emirati cuisine. The Creek City Restaurant, on the other hand, offers great views served with a global menu. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai
Finally, there's arguably the most iconic neighborhood in all of Dubai: The Palm Jumeirah. You've probably seen a bird's eye view of it on social media or the internet. And it's such a sight to behold it is, isn't it? If you want to talk about man-made marvels, this should be on top of your list. But what is it like to actually live here? Well, think high-end hotels, luxury spas, five-star restaurants, upscale nightclubs, high-fashion shopping, and the like. This is perhaps the most luxurious area in all of Dubai. No question about it!
What is The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai?
The Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai's three Palm Islands archipelagos. It's also the most famous, largely thanks to its five-star hotels with some of the most luxurious spas in Dubai. You also can't forget about Atlantis, The Palm, arguably the city's most iconic resort with the world's biggest waterpark, Aquaventure.
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Restaurants
With how utterly luxurious the place is, it's only natural that The Palm Jumeirah also has some of the best restaurants in Dubai. They're right up there with the hotspots in Downtown Dubai! Maiden Shanghai stands out as a major highlight. It's one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city and even offers bilingual karaoke when you want to have fun after your meal. Renowned Chef Akira Back also opened his namesake restaurant in the neighborhood, serving up a scrumptious Korean-Japanese fusion menu that's unlike any other. And if you're craving some Mediterranean seafood, look no further than Seagrill Bistro!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Let this Dubai neighborhood guide introduce you to some of the city's central districts. These are the places you need to know when you visit or even plan on moving to Dubai. It'll be easier to navigate the metropolis when you know where you're going!
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