We Explored Al Satwa and Here’s What We Found
Ask any local what makes Dubai such a great place to live in and most of them will surely say that it’s the neighborhoods that make the difference.
While the city is seen as modern, luxurious and extravagant, the neighborhoods here still give you that familiar sense of comfort that you look for in a community.
Al Satwa is a cross between the old and new, a place where you get a slice of the Old Dubai while being a stone’s throw away from the modern city.
To find out what this neighborhood has to offer, we explored Al Satwa and we rounded up everything you need to know through this guide.
What is Al Satwa?
Al Satwa is a neighborhood on the southwestern part of Bur Dubai that’s bordered by Jumeirah to the north and Sheikh Zayed road to the south.
Being one of Dubai’s oldest neighborhoods, Al Satwa used to be occupied by the Baloch tribe. But today, it’s home to more expats than locals, especially Southeast Asians.
In fact, Al Satwa has a largely Filipino population, which is why it’s also referred to as Dubai’s “Mini Manila.”
Although largely residential, Al Satwa is a mixed use neighborhood where you can find different business establishments that make it a complete community.
It’s also a great place to visit if you want to experience life in Old Dubai because a lot of its buildings have been around for decades.
Al Satwa is also famous for its many restaurants and eateries as well as its vibrant and budget-friendly shopping.
Best Time to Go
Since Al Satwa is best explored on foot, it’s more ideal to visit in the afternoon until night time when the weather is not as hot.
Things to Know
Before you start exploring Al Satwa, here are some fun facts tabout this dynamic neighborhood:
- Al Satwa is surrounded by affluent communities like Jumeirah, Al Hudaiba, Al Karama and Oud Metha
- Al Satwa is just 9 minutes away from La Mer Beach and 13 minutes away from the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
- If you’re driving a car to Al Satwa, you can find parking in the basements of commercial buildings.
- Most commercial establishments are concentrated in Al Satwa Road and 2nd December Street, so expect some traffic in these areas, especially during the weekends.
- There are several mosques in the neighborhood including the Al Satwa Big Mosque. You can also find churches and temples within the area.
- Al Satwa has several schools where children can enjoy good quality education including the Al Safa Early Learning Center and Canadian University Dubai.
- Some popular attractions near Al Satwa include Green Planet Dubai, Museum of the Future and Coca-Cola Arena.
How to Get Around
Where to Stay in Satwa
La Ville Hotel and Suites City Walk Dubai Autograph Collection
Address: Al Multaqa Street – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 403 3111
Pricing: $$$
La Ville Hotel and Suites is a five-star boutique hotel that combines chic interior design and modern amenities to give you the most indulgent stay during your vacation.
Located in City Walk, this hotel is close to the Dubai World Trade Center and Coca-Cola Arena, but it’s also far enough from the city center that you get to enjoy a more peaceful side of Dubai during your stay.
With 156 rooms and apartments to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options depending on your budget and preference.
La Ville also has a rooftop infinity pool where Lookup, its rooftop bar, is located. You can also dine at Chival and Graze or sample some wines at Grapeskin.
Rove City Walk
Address: Al Badaa Street – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 241 9700
Pricing: $$
Rove City Walk is one of the most sought after addresses in this part of Dubai because of its unique European vibe and funky interior design.
If you’re looking for a place that’s luxurious, accessible and convenient, this hotel has everything you need and more.
Although you won’t mind relaxing in the hotel with all its amenities, being in Rove also makes it easy for you to explore the city’s top attractions including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and the Jumeirah district.
Al Khoory Hotel Satwa
Address: Opposite Iranian Hospital – Al Wasl Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 376 5999
Pricing: $$
Al Khoory Hotel is one of the best options in Al Wasl if you’re looking for a place where you can stay comfortably without breaking your bank.
A favorite among leisure and business travelers, Al Khoory features spacious and fully furnished rooms, relaxing sauna rooms, a restaurant and a modern gym that you can enjoy during your stay.
The hotel is also located just a few minutes away from some of the city’s top attractions, so you won’t have to spend a lot on transportation.
Where to Eat in Satwa
Kapadokya Anatolian Kitchen
Address: Jumeirah Garden City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 336 3988
Pricing: $$
If you’re craving authentic Turkish food, Kapadokya Anatolian Kitchen is definitely one of the best spots in the city to satisfy that craving.
This restaurant celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Anatolia through good food that’s prepared using local ingredients and traditional cookingmethods.
Here, you can enjoy everything from kebabs to dolmas with meat and vegetarian options.
Ravi Restaurant
Address: 8 9th Street – Al Satwa – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 331 5353
Pricing: $$
Ravi Restaurant is an institution in Dubai for good Pakistani food at budget-friendly prices.
This no-frills restaurant in Al Satwa has been a go-to spot for those craving authentic comfort food while watching people go by.
What makes Ravi unique is that the menu changes based on the day’s selection, and the staff can give you recommendations based on your taste preferences.
Noodle Bowl
Address: 2nd December Street – Al Satwa – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 345 3381
Pricing: $$
Noodle Bowl is a simple dim sum place in Al Satwa’s 2nd December Street, but its food will definitely surprise you.
If you’re craving dim sum, noodles and any other Chinese comfort food, this is the place to go to because it serves good food at budget-friendly prices.
What to Do in Satwa
Admire the Beautiful Iranian Mosque
Address: 63 30C Street – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
The Iranian Mosque is definitely one of the most underrated structures in Dubai, but it’s a must visit.
This beautiful mosque was founded in 1979 by the local Iranian community and has since been a central place of worship for Iranians living in Dubai.
But this 2,500-square meter structure is also decorated in stunning traditional tiles with their colors and patterns standing out.
Here, you can stroll around the different halls and rooms to appreciate the architecture and check out the massive library with more than 14,000 books.
Visit the Al Satwa Big Mosque
Address: Al Satwa Road – Al Satwa – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 608 7777
The Al Satwa Big Mosque isn’t only one of the most important structures in Al Satwa, but it also holds a significant part of the city’s history.
The mosque has been the central worship place for Muslims in Al Satwa for more than 30 years, but it also welcomes visitors who want to appreciate its architecture.
Stroll Around Al Satwa Park
Address: 308th Road – Al Satwa – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 221 5555
If you want a little nature escape while in Al Satwa, you have to take a stroll around Al Satwa Park.
This little pocket of green is a haven for residents who want to spend time outdoors during the winter months.
Although not as big as other parks, Al Satwa Park has a dedicated play space for kids, several sports facilities, a jogging track and a lot of green space where you can relax and enjoy nature.
Where to Shop in Al Satwa
Al Ghazal Mall
Address: Al Bada’a – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 345 3053
Al Ghazal Mall is the nearest shopping center that you can find in Al Satwa, and it’s a haven for bargain hunters, although it’s not as huge as its counterparts.
This mall has 72 retail spaces with stores selling everything from food to clothes. Al Ghazal is also home to Carrefour and several restaurants offering different types of cuisines.
2nd December Street
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 398 6468
2nd December Street isn’t just a great place to shop in Dubai if you’re looking for some budget-friendly options, but it’s also an artsy street that shows you a glimpse of Old Dubai.
Here, you’ll find souvenirs, local delicacies and traditional clothing being sold at lower prices.
Plus, this street is also filled with unique art that offers great photo opportunities and of course, a lot of restaurants where you can enjoy your favorite food.
Which Neighborhoods to Visit in Satwa
Jumeirah Garden City
Jumeirah Garden City is Al Satwa’s most popular neighborhood because it’s a complete residential complex with retail, healthcare, entertainment and educational facilities within and around it.
Located near Sheikh Zayed Road, this residential district features one- and two-bedroom apartments with an average monthly rental price of AED 51,000.
Jumeirah Garden City is also just 14 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport and 18 minutes away from Jumeirah Beach.
What to Expect from Weather in Al Satwa
Winter: Winter in Dubai runs from December to March when temperatures are lower and the weather is perfect for spending time outdoors.
Summer: Summer, which runs from June to September, is the hottest time in Dubai when temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day.
Transition period: In between the seasons, Dubai goes through transition periods from April to May and October to November.
Apps to Download When Visiting Al Satwa
Visit Dubai: This is the official app of Dubai’s tourism where you can find useful information that’s avaialblein six languages.
Dubai Calendar: This app contains all the information that you need for the different events in Dubai for the entire year
Uber: The most convenient way to book private car service to take you to and from Al Satwa
Careem: Dubai’s local alternative to Uber for booking a private car service
RTA Dubai Drive: This tool has detailed routes in all the areas in Dubai including the best parking spots if you’re driving your own car