We Checked Out Al Safa in Dubai and This is What We Discovered!
We asked ourselves, “what makes Dubai truly unique?”, and the answer was actually very simple. In this city, you get the best of the old and new and Al Safa is one of the best examples of that.
The neighborhood divided by the Dubai Water Canal has been an ideal neighborhood because it gives you the conveniences of being near the city and the solitude of being close to nature.
So, if you’re moving to Dubai soon or you’re just curious to see what combining the old and new feels like, let’s explore Al Safa and everything it has to offer.
What is Al Safa?
Al Safa is a neighborhood in the western part of Dubai that’s divided into two sub-communities: Al Safa 1 and Al Safa 2.
This area is bordered by Jumeirah, Al Quoz, Al Manara and Al Wasl, and it’s accessible through the E11 on Sheikh Zayed road and D92 on Al Wasl Road.
What makes Al Safa a good residential area in Dubai is its close proximity to the city center. But it’s also far enough that you get to go home to some peace and quiet at the end of the day.
Best Time to Go
Al Safa is accessible all year round. But if you want to explore this neighborhood without the sweltering heat, it’s best to go during the winter months of November to December.
During this time, the weather is fair enough to go around Al Safa and enjoy the outdoor activities in the area.
Things to Know
Al Safa brings you close to some of the city’s most important landmarks. It’s also a self-sufficient community with schools, supermarkets, hospitals and other important establishments nearby.
Here are some important things to know about one of the best neighborhoods in Dubai:
- It’s a 12-minute ride away to Kite Beach and 8 minutes away from Jumeirah Beach, two of the best public beaches in Dubai.
- Downtown Dubai is just 10 minutes away with attractions like the Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and Burj Khalifa.
- The Coca-Cola Arena is only 10 minutes away.
- It’s a 16-minute drive away from the Dubai International Airport depending on traffic.
- It’s home to Safa Park, a 64-hectare nature park that has a children’s play area, running track, barbeque pits and picnic spots where everyone can enjoy a piece of green in the city.
- The Dubai Water Canal passes through Al Safa, which adds to the natural charm of the community. You also see a mechanical waterfall, several running tracks and a lot of public spaces that let you appreciate the beauty of the canal.
- Medcare Hospital is the nearest medical facility to Al Safa, but other reputable hospitals and clnics are also just a few minutes away.
- Al Safa is near some of the best schools in Dubai including the Jumeirah English Speaking School, Jumeirah Primary School and Al Ittihad Private School.
- The Ayesha Mosque and Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque are located within the community and other religious establishments are also located nearby.
- Several supermarkets including Choithrams, Carrefour and Spinneys are located within Al Safa, making it easier for residents to shop for groceries.
How to Get Around
Where to Stay in Al Safa
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 270 7777
Pricing: $$$
Just a few minutes away from Al Safa is one of the best beach hotels in Jumeirah. The Four Seasons gives you the best of both worlds.
On one side, you can see the iconic Dubai cityscape, especially the towering Burj Khalifa. On the other, you have access to the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf where you can take a dip on a good winter’s day.
But you don’t need to go outside to enjoy pure luxury because each room at the Four Seasons is designed with comfort and indulgence in mind.
Beach Walk Hotel Jumeirah
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 304 2000
Pricing: $$$
Beach Walk Hotel is a modern accommodation that offers the accessibility of being near the city center and the comfort of being near the beach.
This four-star hotel has a striking facade and that modern touch translates to its 80 guest rooms and suites. Fancy taking a dip to beat the heat? The rooftop pool is waiting for you.
Of course, the famous Kite Beach is just a few minutes away too. So, if you’re visiting during the winter, don’t forget to visit the beach.
Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel
Address: Al Waha Street – Al Quoz 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 492 7777
Pricing: $$
The Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel is a simple but very good accommodation option if you want to be near Al Safa and the rest of the city’s important neighborhoods.
In fact, accessibility is one of the main reasons travelers choose to stay in this hotel because you’re only a few minutes away from Downtown Dubai, the airport and of course, Al Safa.
Each room is also carefully designed for your utmost comfort with a huge bed, spacious bathroom and all the modern conveniences that you’ll need to make your stay memorable.
Where to Eat in Al Safa
REIF Japanese Kushiyaki
Address: Dar Wasl Mall – Al Wasl Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 255 5142
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for good Japanese food near Al Safa, REIF puts a modern twist to traditional Japanese kushiyaki at budget-friendly prices.
This family-style restaurant features an open kitchen where you can see the masters in action and a dynamic menu with favorites like steak and chips, raw salmon and 18 hours ramen.
Of course, you can’t miss their maki, sashimi and nigiri offerings as well as their delicious mocktails.
Foul and Tamees
Address: Villa 9 – Al Athar Street – Jumeirah 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 548 8362
Pricing: $$
Foul and Tamees is the go-to spot for delicious all-day breakfast that celebrates the flavors of Saudi Arabia.
We love their hamsat eggplant, foul signature, mutabbaq liver and cheese, and tamees with feta cheese.
Of course, you can’t dine at this authentic Arabian restaurant without ending your meal with a sumptuous date pudding.
Samad Al Iraqi
Address: Jumeirah Beach Park Plaza – Jumeirah Beach Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 342 7887
Pricing: $$
Samad Al Iraqi is one of the best restaurants to visit near Al Safa if you’re looking for an authentic Iraqi dining experience.
But this isn’t just your typical Iraqi meal because the restaurant celebrates fhhte flavors of Babylonian, Assyrian, Akkadian and Sumerian cultures through delicious dishes that have been prepared and served in temples.
What to Do in Al Safa
Visit Safa Park
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Safa – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 900
You can’t visit Al Safa without experiencing the beauty of Safa Park. This massive nature project was first created in 1975 where it became the first public park in the city.
Over the years, the park was developed to cater to everyone and especially visitors with special needs or those known as “people of determination” in the country.
Safa Park is definitely an oasis in the middle of the city, which is why it’s a favorite among residents in the area.
Here, you can see residents jogging around the track or walking their dogs early in the morning. On a good winter’s day, you can also see people comfortably picking their spot at the secret garden with a book in hand.
Safa Park is also a special place for families to spend time outdoors because it has barbeque and picnic areas, a children’s play space and a lot of greenery where the kids can run around.
Of course, you can’t beat the serenity of seeing the Dubai Water Canal with the sweeping Downtown Dubai skyline in the distance.
If you want to explore the space, you can rent a bike and go around this piece of greenery on a good afternoon.
Experience Adventure at Kite Beach
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Kite Beach is one of the best public beaches in Dubai, especially if you love water activities.
Located just a few minutes away from Al Safa, this beach has activities like kitesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, beach tennis and beach volleyball.
You can also try the skate park and jogging track and the beach is the perfect spot to enjoy some downtime while getting a tan on a good winter’s day in Dubai.
If you’re visiting during the weekend, you can even see a local seaside market with booths selling everything from food to gifts.
Where to Shop in Al Safa
Oasis Mall
Address: 2nd Interchange – Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Quoz 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 515 4000
Oasis Mall may not be as massive as its counterparts in the city center. But if you’re in Al Safa, it’s one of the most accessible shopping centers that you can find within this neighborhood.
But while smaller, Oasis Mall still has an extensive selection of stores and restaurants where you can enjoy some shopping without leaving the community.
Which Neighborhoods to Visit in Al Safa
Al Safa 1
Al Safa 1 is the neighborhood’s sub-community that’s bordered by Safa Park on the northern side, Al Quoz 1 on the eastern side, Jumeirah 3 on the western side and Al Safa 2 on the southern side.
Composed mainly of residential complexes, Al Safa 1 has villas, townhouses and villas. In fact, it’s one of Dubai’s most affluent neighborhoods with several rich families occupying compound villas.
These villas are so massive that they occupy up to 3,300 square feet of space. This includes a four-bedroom villa, a landscaped garden, a facilities room, a private pool and a patio.
The average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment here costs AED 71,000 while a three-bedroom villa would cost you AED 156,000 per month.
Al Safa 2
Al Safa 2 is composed largely of commercial and government establishments , although it also has some independent villas.
This sub-community is bordered by Umm Al Sheif Road, Al Manara Road, Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road.
While Al Safa 1 is a mostly residential neighborhood, Al Safa 2 is home to medical centers, consulates, mosques, government offices and supermarkets.
The average rental cost for a three-bedroom villa in Al Safa 2 is AED 192,000.
What to Expect from Weather in Al Safa
Winter: From December to March, Al Safa experiences the best weather, making it the perfect time to explore the area without worrying about the intense heat.
Summer: From June to September, Al Safa and the rest of Dubai experiences the hottest temperatures.
Transition period: In between seasons is the transition period that runs from April to May and October to November. During this time, the weather can get unpredictable.
Apps to Download When Visiting Al Safa
Visit Dubai: This app has all the information that you need about the different neighborhoods in Dubai including Al Safa
Uber: The most useful app to use when booking a car for going to and from Al Safa
Careem: Dubai’s local version of Uber for booking a private car service
RTA Dubai Drive: The app to use if you’re driving around Dubai because it has a detailed map of the city and even parking suggestions
S’hail: A must-use app for commuting around Dubai since it has detailed information about the city’s metro, bus and water taxi