I Had No Idea Dubai Had These Many Districts Until Today
In case I haven’t told you yet, I am head over heels in love with my life in Dubai. This city isn’t just all about the glitz and glamour, it’s also a place where you’re guaranteed to feel right at home, no matter the lifestyle you choose.
Whether you want to be in the middle of the chaos or live peacefully in the “suburbs,” there is a district in Dubai where you’ll fit right in. As for me, I love having the best of both worlds and luckily, there’s also a place for that.
Now if you’re planning to move to Dubai soon, I did the homework and visited all the districts in Dubai to create this quintessential guide.
Bur Dubai
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/bur-dubai
Bur Dubai is part of what is called “Old Dubai,” the side of the city by the Dubai Creek that has been preserved to allow the younger generation to see what life was like when Dubai was still a humble fishing village.
Located on the western side of the creek, Bur Dubai is most known for its historical landmarks. But it’s also home to one of the largest residential neighborhoods in the city composed of:
- Al Mankhool
- Al Kifaf
- Oud Metha
- Culture Village
- Al Raffa
- Al Jaddaf
- Al Karama
- Umm Hurair
In fact, it is home to Dubai’s most important resident, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the city’s ruler and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Top Attractions in Bur Dubai
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Top Restaurants in Bur Dubai
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Pro tip:
Since you’ll be walking a lot when exploring Bur Dubai, it’s best to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will allow you to enjoy your tour.
Deira
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/deira
If you ask me how I would best describe Deira, I would easily say that it’s the heart of Dubai’s culture. Deira used to be the commercial hub for Dubai and it is still bustling today with a combination of traditional and modern businesses.
In fact, this part of town is most known for its legendary souks. So prepare to shop and haggle hard while you’re here.
Deira is also one of the most affordable residential communities in Dubai with buildings including:
- Port Saeed
- Naif
- Al Rigga
- Al Muraqqabat
- Abu Hail
- Al Murar
- Riggat Al Buteen
Top Attractions in Deira
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Top Restaurants in Deira
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Pro tip:
Since Deira is the heritage hub of Dubai, it’s best to dress modestly by choosing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. This is a sign of respect to the culture and traditions of the city.
Jumeirah
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/jumeirah
Jumeirah is where you go if you want to live the sophisticated beach lifestyle. Since this district is located by the beach, you get to enjoy some of the most scenic views of the Persian Gulf.
Jumeirah is also known as one of the most prestigious addresses in the city where most of Dubai’s affluent residents live. It is divided into three sub-communities:
- Jumeirah 1
- Jumeirah 2
- Jumeirah 3
Top Attractions in Jumeirah
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Top Restaurants in Jumeirah
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Pro tip:
Although it’s completely okay to wear bikinis and swimsuits at the bach, it’s still very important to bring a cover up to keep your modesty as a sign of respect to the locals.
Downtown Dubai
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/downtown-dubai
Downtown Dubai is considered the heart of the city mostly because it is home to Dubai’s most iconic landmark – Burj Khalifa.
But this mixed use development isn’t just all about the tallest building in the world because it is also home to a combination of upscale hotels and luxurious residences.
It may not be the most expensive address in Dubai, but it’s definitely the most coveted. After all, not everyone can say that they live in Burj Khalifa. Downtown Dubai is divided into two sub-communities:
- Old Town
- New Town
Old Town is the older part of Downtown Dubai composed of 35 low-rise buildings celebrating traditional Arabian design. New Town, on the other hand, is where you’ll find the most luxurious apartments, villas and penthouses.
Top Attractions in Downtown Dubai
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Top Restaurants in Downtown Dubai
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Pro tip:
Don’t just limit your visit within Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Instead, enjoy a walk along Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard to see all that Downtown Dubai has to offer.
Dubai Marina
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/dubai-marina
If you think that Downtown Dubai or Jumeirah are the chicest neighborhoods in Dubai, wait until you see the fabulous Dubai Marina.
And this isn’t just personal opinion because Dubai Marina was actually voted one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods by Time out – and for good reason.
Dubai Marina gives you the French Riviera vibe because of the canal that runs along this district. In fact, it’s the only neighborhood in Dubai where you don’t see cars parked outside buildings but yachts parked in the marina.
Of course, there are the skyscrapers that surround Dubai Marina, the beautiful waterfront establishments that run from day to night, and the massive promenade where you can take a stroll any time you want.
Dubai Marina has more than 200 residential buildings with its most popular towers including:
- Cayan Tower
- Princess Tower
- Marina 101
- Marina Gate
- Marina Diamond 1
Top Attractions in Dubai Marina
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Top Restaurants in Dubai Marina
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Pro tip:
If you’re wondering if you can swim in Dubai Marina, the answer is now. But if you really want to take a dip, go to the nearby Jumeirah Beach Residence instead where you can swim in the beach for free.
Jebel Ali
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/jebel-ali-and-dubai-south
When I first moved to Dubai, I always thought that Jebel Ali was nothing more than factories, office buildings and a massive port. But my, I was proven wrong.
Located in the southern part of Dubai, Jebel Ali may not be as busy and chaotic as the city centre, but it offers a different kind of wonder that will surely surprise you.
While it’s known mainly for the Jebel Ali Port, which is the largest man made harbour in the world, it’s now the location of several projects that will surely shift the attention towards this district soon.
This includes what would be the largest airport in the world once it’s finished. Jebel Ali is also home to Expo City Dubai, Al Qudra Lakes and part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Although it’s still a highly industrialised district, Jebel Ali also has several residential communities including:
- Downtown Jebel Ali
- Jebel Ali Hills
- Jebel Ali Village
Top Attractions in Jebel Ali
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Top Restaurants in Jebel Ali
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Pro tip:
If you’re planning to visit Jebel Ali by metro, take Dubai Metro’s Red Line and stop at the Expo 2020 station if you want to be in Expo city Dubai. The same train also stops by Dubai Investment Park and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Al Barsha
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/barsha-and-barsha-heights
Al Barsha is that extra chic neighborhood where the affluent residents of Dubai live in their luxurious villas and shop in the beautiful Mall of the Emirates – and I dream of that life.
Located on the southwestern part of Dubai, Al Barsha is mostly a residential district. But a lot of restaurants, hotels and shops are also popping up around the neighborhood aside from the Mall of the Emirates.
Al Barsha is actually one of the best neighborhoods in Dubai to live in if you want to be far enough from the city to experience some solace while still being near if you want to be in the chaos again.
This district is divided into four sub-communities including:
- Al Barsha 1
- Al Barsha 2
- Al Barsha 3
- Al Barsha South
Top Attractions in Al Barsha
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Top Restaurants in Al Barsha
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Pro tip:
You can reach Al Barsha by public transportation, particularly the Dubai Metro Red Line that runs along Al Barsha and Barsha Heights. You can stop at the Dubai Internet City Station, Mall of the Emirates Station and Mashreq Station.
Business Bay
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/business-bay
From its name, you’ll already know that Business Bay is the business district of Dubai. But over time, it has also grown to be one of my favourite neighborhoods, especially because it’s right by the Dubai Water Canal.
You’ll be overwhelmed with all the skyscrapers in Business Bay with the most eye-catching of them all being The Opus by Zaha Hadid.
But this neighborhood also features some of the most luxurious villas in all of Dubai, especially the famous Marasi floating villas located right by the Dubai Canal.
Top Attractions in Business Bay
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Top Restaurants in Business Bay
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Pro tip:
Being one of the busiest districts in Dubai, you can expect traffic to be heavy in Business Bay, especially during peak hours. So if you want to save money and travel fast, consider taking the metro instead of riding a taxi.
Palm Jumeirah
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/palm-jumeirah-2
Palm Jumeirah needs no introduction because it’s known for being the world’s largest man-made island. And yes, it still never fails to leave me in awe every time I visit it.
From its name, Palm Jumeirah is created after the shape of a palm tree to honor the rich Arabian culture since this tree is one of the most common in the Middle East.
The man-made island is divided into the Crescent, the Trunk and 16 fronds where most of the beachfront villas and residences are.
This is why Palm Jumeirah is known to be the residence of choice for some of the richest families in Dubai, especially because most villas here offer a private beach access.
Just imagine having your own beach in your backyard. Exciting, isn’t it? But if you can’t afford a villa here yet, Palm Jumeirah is also home to some of the best hotels and resorts in all of Dubai.
Top Attractions in Palm Jumeirah
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Top Restaurants in Palm Jumeirah
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Pro tip:
If you’re planning to visit popular attractions in Palm Jumeirah like The View at The Palm, make sure to book tickets ahead to get faster access and not spend hours waiting in line.
Mirdif
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/mirdif-city-centre
Mirdif is perhaps the most “family-orientated” district in Dubai, which is why I love it a lot. Being located in the eastern part of the city, you get the quiet suburban life while still being close enough to the city centre.
This neighborhood is divided into four sub-communities with mostly residential buildings including apartments, villas and townhouses:
- Uptown Mirdif
- Mirdif Tulip
- Ghoroob
- Shurooq
Top Attractions in Mirdif
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Top Restaurants in Mirdif
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Pro tip:
While there are no direct Metro Dubai lines going to Mirdif, you can still reach this district by Feeder buses F03, F05 and F10.
Al Quoz
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/al-quoz
I must admit, I thought I got lost when I first arrived in Al Quoz because all I saw were warehouses and factories. But it’s actually part of the beauty of this unique district in Dubai.
Once you find your way within these industrial zones, you will discover that Al Quoz is actually a growing art neighborhood filled with local-run boutiques, art galleries and hipster cafes.
Top Attractions in Al Quoz
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Top Restaurants in Al Quoz
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Pro tip:
Alserkal Avenue is the top attraction in Dubai and it’s best explored between November to March when the weather is cooler. Here, you get to enjoy art nights, pop-up boutiques and community events.