Bur Dubai

Highlights

ABOUT BUR DUBAI

Bur Dubai is a historical district located on the western side of Dubai Creek. The literal meaning of Bur Dubai is ‘mainland Dubai’. It is in reference to the traditional separation of Bur Dubai and Deira, both of which are located on either side of the Dubai Creek. In the past, an Abra (a traditional wooden boat) was used to ferry people from either side. Nowadays, the Floating Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Shindagha Tunnel connect the two neighbourhoods.

The community is home to historical sites including Dubai Museum, The Ruler’s Court, Al Fahidi Historical District/Neighbourhood and Al Shindagha Historical District. The community is also home to the Grand Mosque which features the city’s tallest minaret and the blue tiled Iranian Mosque. The waterside path of Bur Dubai features a line-up of dhows offering dinner cruises. The district has many shopping streets and textile souks such as Al Seef and Meena Bazaar.

The Bur Dubai area also emerged as the second most popular area to rent affordable apartments in the emirate according to Bayut’s 2020 Real Estate Market Report for Dubai.

Bur Dubai is one of the largest residential hubs in the city including Al Mankhool, Oud Metha, Culture Village, Al Raffa, Al Jaddaf, Al Karama and Umm Hurair. This Bur Dubai area guide will explore the details of the community, properties, lifestyle and amenities offered.

IN A NUTSHELL

• One of the largest residential hubs in Dubai
• Home to Al Fahidi Historical District/Neighbourhood, commonly known as Bastakiya Dubai
• Dubai Frame is a well-known tourist attraction in the area
• A bustling commercial district featuring Meena Bazaar 
• Home to the official residence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of UAE and the Ruler of Dubai
• A second most popular area to rent apartments in Dubai
• Fringed by the iconic Dubai Creek
• A majority of the consulates and government offices are located here
• There are many metro stations in the area, on both the Red and Green Lines

Neighbourhood

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Bur Dubai features a number of historic districts on the western banks of the Dubai Creek across from Deira. The community is bounded by Port Rashid on the north, Al Jafiliya to the west and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to the south. The influence of Indian expatriates in Bur Dubai is evident in its markets, restaurants and shops. One of the oldest Hindu temples in Dubai is located in Bur Dubai. The Grand Mosque with the city’s tallest minarets is also located here. This depicts the multi-cultural environment of Bur Dubai.

With its mix of fashionable, modern mid-rises, spacious villas and vintage apartments, Burdubai is a melting pot of cultural and economic influences. Residential properties in the community mainly feature villas and mid-rise apartment buildings. There are plenty of local amenities, with more than 20 schools, 25 clinics, eight public parks and a variety of cafés and restaurants in the area. Moreover, easy access to public transportation and the abundance of recreational facilities, adds to the benefits of living in Bur Dubai.

PROPERTIES IN BUR DUBAI

Average rent prices for properties in Bur Dubai vary depending on the area: Oud Metha, Jaddaf and Al Mankhool tend to be more expensive, while Raffa and Al Fahidi are significantly cheaper. Properties for rent in Bur Dubai range from studio to 4-bedroom apartments and 3 to 5-bed villas.

Most of the apartment buildings in Bur Dubai are located in Al Raffa, Oud Metha, Al Hamriya and Al Jaddaf. The rental properties in these low to mid-rise apartment buildings are usually rented pretty quickly due to the affordable rents and nearby amenities. Since the residential district is home to old buildings, residents will rarely find furnished apartments which means they will have to settle in after buying their own furniture.

Villas and townhouses in Bur Dubai are available in Al Jaddaf and Al Kifaf area. These residences will be equipped with modern amenities and facilities as they will be a part of upcoming projects in these areas.

Apart from residential properties, the neighbourhood also has commercial spaces for rent and sale purposes. Interested investors can buy shops in Bur Dubai in a price range of AED 600k to AED 1M, depending on the location and coverage area of the shop. Offices for rent in Bur Dubai are available in Burjuman Tower on Khalid Bin Waleed Road and Al Makhawi Building in Oud Metha. Al Souk Al Kabeer and Al Jaddaf are popular areas for renting shops in Bur Dubai.

RENTAL TRENDS IN BUR DUBAI

Apartments for rent in Bur Dubai are available in studio to 4-bedroom configurations. The average rental price for a studio in Bur Dubai is AED 35k, whereas 1-bedroom flats are priced at AED 47k. 2 BHK flats can be rented for an average price of AED 65k per year.

Those looking for a larger property can rent a 3-bedroom apartment in Bur Dubai at AED 92k annually, while rents for 4-bedroom apartments range between AED 90k to AED 120k.

Villas for rent in Bur Dubai are available in 4 and 5-bedroom bedroom layout. The average rent for a 4-bedroom villa is AED 186k while a 5-bedroom house can be leased in AED 190k for a year.

Sales Trends in Bur Dubai

Those looking to invest in Bur Dubai will find the properties to be priced competitively. Apartments for sale in Bur Dubai are available from studio to 3-bed units. These residential units combine historic craftsmanship with contemporary finishings.

The average sales price for studios is AED 507k, while 1-bedroom apartments for sale can be purchased for AED 741k, on average. Those looking for larger residential units can find 2 BHK flats for sale priced at AED 750k to AED 2.4M. The starting price of larger 3-bedroom apartments for sale is AED 827k and it can go up to AED 3.5M.

Those looking to invest in townhouses located in Al Kifaf and Al Jaddaf can expect prices to range from AED 859k to AED 2.9M. There are a few 3 and 4-bed penthouses in Bur Dubai priced at AED 1.2M on average.

ROI IN BUR DUBAI

As per the results, the highest returns on investment is 5.8% for the studio apartments. 1-bed apartments come second on the list as they offer a considerable 5.7% rental yield. Finally, 2 and 3-bedroom flats are also seen generating lucrative returns of 4.1% and 3.8% respectively.

MOST POPULAR COMMUNITIES IN BUR DUBAI

Bur Dubai is one of the oldest residential neighbourhood located close to Deira, Satwa and Al Garhoud. There are several sub-communities in the district offering a mix of mid-rise apartment buildings, townhouses and spacious villas. Those planning to move to the neighbourhood can take a look at the most popular communities in Bur Dubai before making a decision.

Al Jaddaf

The most popular area in Bur Dubai appears to be Al Jaddaf. It is a well-connected area located to the west of Dubai Creek. The residential community is home to the iconic leisure spot, Zabeel Stadium. Jaddaf Waterfront is the mixed-use sub-community of Al Jaddaf featuring 5-star hotels, residential towers, an exhibition centre and much more. Also known as Dubai Culture Village, it is listed among one of the best areas for nature lovers in Dubai. Those interested in renting an apartment in Al Jaddaf can expect to spend around AED 24k to AED 60k for a year. The spacious 2-bedroom apartment for rent on Jaddaf Waterfront can be leased for a year in AED 48k to AED 71k. Popular apartment buildings in the community are Emerald Tower, Ayedh Tower and Al Rimmal Residence.

Al Mankhool

The second most popular community of the neighbourhood is Al Mankhool. In terms of renting, the average price for studio flats in Mankhool is AED 42k. 1-bed apartments can be rented on an average of AED 58k, annually, while 2 BHK flats for rent demand an average price of AED 79k per annum. Average rental prices for 3-bed apartments are AED 111k. 4-bed apartments can be rented for an average price of AED 154k, yearly. You can also rent villas and townhouses in Al Mankhool. The average rents for 5-bed units are AED 249k per year. Jamal Al Ghurair Building is a popular apartment building in Al Mankhool.

Next on the list are Oud Mehta and Al Raffa in third and fourth places respectively. Both are amongst the most popular areas for rental apartments in Bur Dubai. Al Hamriya is the fifth most popular community in Bur Dubai.

BUR DUBAI FLOOR PLANS

Those looking for Bur Dubai floor plans can browse through the floor plans available for the popular communities/buildings in Bur Dubai.

HOTELS IN BUR DUBAI

Bur Dubai’s prime location makes it a popular spot for many hotels. Some of the best hotels in Bur Dubai are:

• Grand Hyatt Dubai
• Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Jadaf Culture Village
• Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel
• Palazzo Versace Dubai
• Raffles Dubai
• XVA Art Hotel

Grand Hyatt Dubai is one of the oldest 5-star hotels in Dubai. The hotel is located near Dubai Healthcare City and close to the Sheikh Rashid Road (E11) highway. Grand Hyatt Dubai features 682 rooms and suites, three pools, 13 dining outlets and much more.

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Jadaf Culture Village is another luxury hotel offering 326 guest rooms and suites to choose from. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, meeting rooms and ample parking spaces. It is located close to Al Jaddaf Metro Station.

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel is a 5-star hotel that is in proximity to Dubai Museum, Dubai Creek and Dubai World Trade Centre. The hotel is known for its Kris With A View Restaurant which offers panoramic views of the city.

Palazzo Versace Dubai is an ultra-luxurious resort located in the Jaddaf Waterfront area. It is one of the best hotels in Bur Dubai featuring an architectural marvel with 16th century Italian, Greek and Arabian influences. The eight restaurants in Palazzo Versace Dubai offer views of the Dubai Creek skyline from their terraces. The outdoor pools and landscaped gardens provide a relaxing experience for its guests.

Raffles Dubai is another one of the best 5-star hotels in Dubai. It is located near the Oud Mehta district. Raffles Dubai offers spacious rooms and suites with many facilities and amenities for its guests. The Raffles Spa is highly recommended for a pampering experience.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SPACES IN BUR DUBAI

Since there is a mix of old and new buildings in the area, it’s not easy to say what the parking arrangements will be. The newer apartments in Bur Dubai come with dedicated parking spaces for residents, but old buildings often do not.

Those living in Bur Dubai have to either scout for paid street parking spaces or buy a monthly/yearly parking space in the parking lots in the area. Visitors often find parking difficult because of this very reason. Street parking is limited and subject to availability. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN BUR DUBAI

Burdubai is one of the most well-connected areas in the city. Public transportation in the Bur Dubai area is readily available in the form of buses, taxis and metros.

Some of the popular Dubai Metro Stations in the area include Al Fahidi Metro Station, Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, Oud Mehta Metro Station and Al Jaddaf Metro Station on the Green Line. ADCB Metro Station and Burjuman Metro Station are part of the Red Line. These are located in Bur Dubai within the different sub-communities. There are also multiple bus stops spread out across the area. Residents can also use the Abra or the water taxi which has stations in Al Seef in Bur Dubai to get to the Deira area.

Bur Dubai is also easily accessed by Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Ain Hatta Road and Al Khail Road for those with private conveyance.

AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE

For those looking at moving to the Bur Dubai location, there will be no reason to complain in terms to access to basic amenities. There are several supermarkets, schools and religious institutions in Bur Dubai to cater to the large population living here.

Supermarkets in Bur Dubai

There are several supermarkets in Bur Dubai for all of your shopping requirements, including Carrefour, Choithrams, Lulu, Spinneys and smaller branches of Al Maya and Al Madina supermarkets. There is an abundance of mini-marts and local groceries in Bur Dubai that will home deliver necessities if you don’t fancy a trip to the market.

Churches, Temples and Mosques in Bur Dubai

The Shiva and Krishna temples in Bur Dubai are the first temples in the UAE. Other Hindu temples in the Al Fahidi district include Shree Krishna Haveli and Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir.

Bur Dubai is a shining example of the spiritual and religious tolerance of this emirate. There are several mosques in Bur Dubai known for their intricate artwork and beautiful design. The residential district is also home to Grand Mosque Dubai featuring the traditional architecture of the 1900s. It is one of the beautiful mosques in Dubai which can accommodate 1,200 worshippers at a time.

Oud Metha’s St Mary’s Church is the oldest church in the emirate. The neighbourhood is also home to some of the best churches in Dubai including New Covenant Church Dubai and The Dubai City Church. All of these worship places are easily accessible for residents of the neighbourhood. 

Schools in Bur Dubai

When it comes to schooling, parents in Bur Dubai are spoilt for choice. For those with younger kids, nurseries in Bur Dubai are known to be some of the best in the area. You can find Hope Montessori Nursery, Chubby Cheeks Nursery, British Orchard Nursery and more in the community.

In terms of high schools, one of the most popular choices is the Indian High School it offers the National Curriculum of India from Year 5 to 12. It has received an outstanding rating from the KHDA (governmental review of schools in Dubai) multiple times. Those looking at UK based options will find Bur Dubai to have plenty of options such as Dubai Gem Private School, GEMS Winchester School and St. Mary Catholic High School.

Other notable institutes include the French school, Lycée Francaise International. It offers options from pre-primary to Grade 12, its primary school campus (located next door) has received an outstanding rating for over three years straight. 

For older children looking to head to university, Dubai Healthcare City is home to the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. On the other hand, Bur Dubai is well connected to both of the academic hubs in Dubai. Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City near Dubai Silicon Oasis are 25-minutes away by car.

Clinics and hospitals in Bur Dubai

If you need medical treatment, there are several multi-speciality hospitals in Bur Dubai with state-of-the-art infrastructure. This includes some of the top hospitals in Dubai such as Mediclinic, Medeor and several branches of Aster Clinic. There is even an Aster Hospital in the Al Mankhool area.

In Dubai Healthcare City, you will find speciality clinics, with osteopaths, chiropractors, dentists and more. The leading medical school in the UAE, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences is also in the area.

Nearby Areas

Located south of the Creek, Bur Dubai is in the heart of old Dubai. There are several well-known locations near Bur Dubai popular among renters in the emirate. Across the creek, to the north of Bur Dubai is Deira, to the east is Al Garhoud and Al Satwa and Al Jafiliya to the west. The suburb is well connected to most areas in Dubai with access to major highways like Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and the Al Ain-Hatta Road.

Lifestyle

SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

Malls in Bur Dubai

Those living in Bur Dubai have no shortage of interesting things to do. Since life in Dubai is incomplete without a trip to the shopping complexes, there are many malls in Bur Dubai for those looking for a quick shopping fix. The ultra-chic Burjuman and the artistic Wafi are popular retail locations. Both feature some of the leading retail brands from across the world.

If big brands are not your cup of tea, walk down the ancient souk fragrant with oud and select from a range of brightly coloured fabrics to fashion your own special outfits. Tailors in nearby Meena Bazaar are popular and people come from as far as Arabian Ranches to get their custom-made outfits. Textile Souk Dubai and Al Fahidi Souk are two of the fascinating souks in Dubai. Tourists, in particular, love the spirited bargaining here, and you can find shop owners trying to sell you everything from delicate scarves to the latest iPhones in this Bur Dubai shopping area. 

A new destination opened along the Creek is Marsa Al Seef, it boasts a traditional souk on one side and a modern waterfront dining and shopping destination on the other. Both sides feature their own activities, hotels and amenities according to their theme. The traditional side of Al Seef then connects to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood/District. The modern side of Al Seef is popular for its yacht rentals, dhow cruises and its modern Abra, the water taxi.

Restaurants in Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai is a culinary treasure. From delectable Asian street food in the alleyways of the markets to the luxury restaurants in the Raffles Hotel or Palazzo Versace, there’s something for everyone. Even the top restaurants in Bur Dubai showcases a mix of cuisines and price points.

For the more eclectic souls, the restaurants in Bur Dubai by the Creek, in the newly opened Al Seef and quaint little tea houses in the Bastakiya quarter of old Dubai are a must-visit destination. No cuisine is missed, and no price point is ignored. Pubs and clubs are largely limited to the hotels, but Century Village in Garhoud is not far away for more licensing options.

Beaches Near Bur Dubai

Those living in the neighbourhood can pack their beach towels and head to Jumeirah Beach in just 20 minutes for a fun day at the beach. If you fancy a good swim both Jumeirah Beach and Al Mamzar Beach are popular for their water sports activities. Both are among the best beaches in Dubai that are worth visiting.

For indoor options, there are several affordable gym and pool memberships in Bur Dubai. Al Nasr Leisureland in Oud Metha boasts the largest swimming pool in the country, alongside an Olympic-sized ice skating rink. 

LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS

There’s never a dull moment when you live in the busy lanes of Bur Dubai. Families with children love Al Nasr Leisureland. On the contrary, tourists flock to the Bastakiya district (also known as Al Fahidi Historical District) and the historic Dubai Museum.

Zabeel Park is a popular tourist attraction nearby known for its expansive grounds, it is also home to attractions such as Dubai Frame and Dubai Garden Glow.

The Dubai Frame, which opened in early 2018, is yet another addition to Dubai’s impressive tourism repertoire. This is definitely one of the must-try things to do in Bur Dubai that will give you an unparalleled view of the twin facades of the city. The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Resort is a popular spot amongst the city’s elite, it is located across the Creek in Deira.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY

Zabeel Park near Bur Dubai is a go-to destination for fitness fanatics living in the city. One of the largest parks in Dubai, this landscaped beauty, close to the royal residence, is a great place to get fit or simply take a relaxing stroll. There are several things to do in Zabeel Park. This includes the Dinosaur Park, Dubai Garden Glow and Dubai Frame.

The 2 km running track of Zabeel Park is one of the largest in Dubai and because there’s plenty of parking in the area, it’s quite popular with fitness enthusiasts. There is Wi-Fi connectivity all over this park and it’s divided into several zones connected by pretty bridges.

The next popular outdoor Bur Dubai location is the massive Creek Park on the banks of the iconic Dubai Creek. Even today, Creek Park is well maintained and offers Bur Dubai residents a great place to stay healthy. Besides the jogging track, there are many things to do at Creek Park Dubai. You can also rent bicycles here and take them for a spin around the park. Kids can enjoy Children’s City, known for its educational entertainment options. These parks are a definite advantage of living in Bur Dubai.

Most of the well-known fitness franchises like Fitness First and Gold’s Gym are found in and around Bur Dubai. There is also a branch of GymNation which has opened in the Al Mankhool area of Bur Dubai.

Once you have your fitness needs sorted, you can look at pampering yourself at the salon or spa. Like most areas in the city, Bur Dubai is well equipped to deal with any of your beauty and relaxation requirements. Many salons in Bur Dubai are well known for offering great package deals, but they may not be as upmarket as the ones in more luxurious areas of Dubai. These include Shine and Glow Ladies Beauty Salon and Revival Beauty Salon. Luxury spas are staples of the many 5-star hotels in the area, besides the many wellness centres you find here.

Community Events

One of the biggest benefits of living in the Bur Dubai area is the active social calendar in the area. There are plenty of things to do in Bur Dubai. These include visiting shopping districts, visiting the historic neighbourhood and tourist attractions.

True to its reputation as the cultural hub of Dubai, the historic Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood has several art galleries featuring some up and coming artists from around the world. XVA Art Hotel and Al Serkal Cultural Foundation, in particular, have many art exhibitions throughout the course of the year.

Bur Dubai is also close to Dubai World Trade Centre where several events and major exhibitions happen through the course of the year, including GITEX, Arab Health, Gulfood, Beautyworld and more.

UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS

Binghatti Avenue and Binghatti Gateway are the upcoming projects in Bur Dubai. The residential towers will feature apartments, penthouses and villas in different layouts. The handovers are expected in Q4 2021.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

There is no doubt that living in Bur Dubai is a great experience, one filled with character. There are however a few things to consider for those planning on moving to Bur Dubai.

The traffic and parking situation are a few of the things that residents often complain about. The roads get very busy during peak hours and you end up spending a considerable amount of time commuting from one place to the other. The houses in Bur Dubai tend to be older, so they also may not be as up to date as some of the other popular areas in Dubai when it comes to amenities. But at the same time, there are many new developments and projects that are coming up in the community.

FAQs about Bur Dubai

What is there in Bur Dubai?

Bur Dubai is a neighbourhood with lots to offer. It is known for its many different residential districts, its vibrant street life and multiple restaurants. It also has many shops, showrooms and offices. Tourists and visitors can visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Zabeel Park, Dubai Frame, Al Seef, Burjuman Mall, Meena Bazaar and more.

Is Bur Dubai safe?

Like the rest of Dubai, Bur Dubai is a safe area. Bur Dubai is a highly-populated area and there is regular police patrolling in the area. There are police stations in Al Raffa, Port Rashid and in Al Jafiliya near Zabeel Park. Since the Umm Hurair area is home to many consulates there are many police posts and police officers in the area.

How can I get to Bur Dubai by metro?

You can get to Bur Dubai using either the Red Line or the Green Line of the Dubai Metro. There are metro stations in each community in Bur Dubai. Al Ghubaiba, Al Fahidi, Oud Mehta, Dubai Healthcare City and Al Jaddaf all have their own station on the Green Line. On the Red Line, you have ADCB Metro Station which services the Al Mankhool and Al Karama areas.

Burjuman Metro Station is an interchange station and can be reached with both the Red and Green Lines.

What is Bur Dubai famous for?

Bur Dubai is famous for its souks, tourist attractions and proximity to both old and new Dubai. One key highlight is Meena Bazaar which is a collection of tailoring shops, jewellery stores and textile shops. Many people come to this vibrant part of the city.

What can I buy in Bur Dubai?

The Bur Dubai Souk and Meena Bazaar are popular souks and shopping destinations in the area. You can find different types of textiles such as silk, cotton, cashmere, satin, velvet, lace, etc. Souveniers, clothes, perfumes and spices and also be found in the souk. The modern version of the souk is also part of the waterfront development of Al Seef.

How far is Bur Dubai from Deira?

Bur Dubai is located at a distance of 3km from Deira. It can be reached with the Abra or water taxi or the metro if you’re looking at public transportation options. Those travelling by car can use Al Maktoum Bridge, Floating Bridge or Al Shindagha Tunnel.

Location

• Bur Dubai is one of the oldest areas of Dubai and is home to several government offices and close to the commercial district of Deira
• Centrally located, it is a 15-minute drive away from Dubai International Airport, DIFC and Downtown Dubai
• Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road are easily accessible