guide-to-al-barsha

Now I Know Why Everyone Is Moving to Al Barsha

I bet you’d agree that finding the right neighborhood to live in would dictate the quality of life that you get to enjoy. And so I went around the city in search of that perfect place for me to move in and alas, I found Al Barsha.

Ask the residents here and they’ll tell you that moving to Al Barsha was the best decision they ever made – and I agree! 

Not convinced yet? Read this guide and for sure, you’ll be on your way to Al Barsha soon.

Where Is Al Barsha?

Al Barsha is located in the southwestern part of the city also known as new Dubai. The neighborhood is bordered by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Al Barsha is divided into four communities composed mostly of residential areas including Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3, and Al Barsha South Dubai.

What is the Main Street in Al Barsha?

Sheikh Zayed Road runs through Al Barsha and connects it to the city’s main thoroughfare. This makes the neighborhood easily accessible if you’re coming from the city center.

How to Get to Al Barsha

Trains: Al Barsha is well serviced by the Dubai Metro with the Sharaf DG Station being its primary station. You can also access Al Barsha through Mall of the Emirates and Mashreq stations.

Buses: Several bus routes traverse through Al Barsha with several bus stops depending on what area you’d like to visit. 

Taxis: Riding a taxi is the fastest way to get to Al Barsha, especially during rush hour. You can hail a taxi from anywhere in the city or book a ride through Uber or Careem.

Car service: If you’re renting a self-drive car, you can take either Al Khail Road or Sheikh Zayed Road, both of which connect Al Barsha to the rest of the city. 

What to Do and See in Al Barsha

See the Wonders of Dubai Miracle Garden 

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Address: Street 3 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South

Phone: +971 4 422 8902

Website

Bright, colorful and just downright astounding – it’s sometimes hard to believe that a garden filled with millions of flowers could exist in a desert. But there’s the Dubai Miracle Garden.

This massive 72,000-square meter garden has more than 50 million flowers and 250 million plants, making each corner Instagrammable. 

Every year, the Dubai Miracle Garden opens from October to April for visitors to enjoy its stunning displays including the Emirates A380 plane covered in flowers and plants. 

Cool Down in Ski Dubai

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Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1

Phone: +971 4 409 4000

Website

Is the Dubai heat becoming too much to handle? What if I tell you that you can relax in a ski resort in the middle of a mall in the desert? Yes, there’s Ski Dubai.

Oh, and this isn’t just your typical resort with some slides and snowflakes because Ski Dubai offers activities such as sledding, skiing and even riding a chairlift. Doesn’t that sound fun?

Be Mesmerised by the Colors of the Dubai Butterfly Garden 

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Address: Al Barsha South 3 – Dubailand Area

Phone: +971 4 422 8902

Website

Did you know that Al Barsha is home to the largest covered butterfly garden in the world? The Dubai Butterfly Garden is home to 50 different varieties of butterflies from all around the world.

Here, you don’t just walk into a small dome but 10 temperature-controlled domes covering more than 6,673 square meters of land. 

But you won’t mind spending an hour – or more – inside because of the beautiful butterflies surrounding you. And if you get hungry, the garden has a food kiosk, candy store and coffee shop inside. 

Where to Eat and Drink in Al Barsha

Din Tai Fung

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Address: Level 2 – Mall of the Emirates – Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1

Phone: +971 4 265 1288

Pricing: $$

Website

Taiwan’s most popular dimsum place is definitely a must-visit if you’re craving Chinese food. In fact, Din Tai Fung is one of Al Barsha’s most popular restaurants, so prepare to wait in line.

And don’t get me started on the menu because you’d want to order everything. Try their famous xialongbao, saled egg yolk prawns and even their cucumber salad.

Calicut Notebook 

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Address: Level 1 – Lulu Hypermarket – Al Barsha

Phone: +971 4 354 9166

Pricing: $$$

Website

Tired of the same old Indian food? Calicut Notebook is about to change that with its unique South Indian fusion cuisine that will surely wow your taste buds.

You won’t find any regular curries and biryanis here because the restaurant’s menu features elevated Indian dishes that you haven’t tried before.

We love their pandanas chicken, bamboo biryani and blanket fish. 

Barbeque Nation 

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Address: Villa G – Al Barsha 2

Phone: +971 4 872 3613

Pricing: $$

Website

Did all that going around Al Barsha got you hungry? Barbeque Nation has you covered with its massive buffet spread filled with local and international favorites.

We love that Barbeque Nation has options for meat and vegetable lovers as well as a massive dessert table for those with a sweet tooth.

Where to Shop in Al Barsha

Mall of the Emirates

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Address: Sheikh Zayed Road

Phone: +971 800 663 6255

Website

Mall of the Emirates is the biggest mall in Al Barsha and a tourist attraction because of everything that it has to offer.

This mall isn’t just for shopping because here, you can also ski, enjoy a theater show and have fun in Magic Planet.

And if you ever get hungry, the mall has more than 100 restaurants and cafes to choose from. How’s that for options?

Where to Stay in Al Barsha

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

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Address: Mall of the Emirates – Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1

Phone: +971 4 341 0000

Pricing: $$$

Book Now

Why stay somewhere when you can stay right beside the Mall of the Emirates? Kempinski is a five-star luxury hotel that’s connected to one of Dubai’s largest malls, so you don’t have to go far to shop.

The modern hotel has more than 351 rooms and suites with views of Al Barsha. And if you want to shop ‘til you drop, the mall is right outside your doorstep.

Of course, Kempinski is just a few minutes away from Downtown Dubai where most of the city’s attractions are located including the famous Burj Khalifa. 

Novotel Dubai Al Barsha 

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Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1

Phone: +971 4 304 9000

Pricing: $$

Book Now

If you’re looking for a hotel in Al Barsha that gives you a glimpse of what it feels like to live in this neighborhood, you better head to Novotel Dubai Al Barsha.

This hotel has a laidback atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. 

We also love that it’s located right in the heart of Al Barsha, so you can easily access the area’s top attractions. 

Sheraton Mall of the Emirates 

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Address: Mall of the Emirates – Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1

Phone: +971 4 377 2000

Pricing: $$

Book Now

Another hotel connected to the Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton will make you feel like you’re in a tropical resort while keeping you close to the city’s main thoroughfare.

Run by the Marriott hotel chain, you can expect Sheraton to offer only the best amenities and service possible. 

We love that they have an outdoor swimming pool, a 360-degree sports bar and other amenities that will surely put you in relaxation mode.