Dubai Design District (D3) - Dubai
HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
D3, also known as Dubai Design District, is a TECOM Group project that offers a variety of uses. Its initial phase was unveiled in 2015 and included 11 structures with over a thousand office units and retail spaces totaling one hundred. Phase two will see the addition of showrooms, studios, and workshops. The third and final stage of D3 includes Creekside along with hospitality services like hotels and restaurants.
The TECOM Freezone Business Park and Dubai Development Authority (DDA) are the governing bodies of the district, which boasts an array of amenities including popup shops, restaurants, cafes, recreational facilities, nightlife options and the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DID), along with commercial buildings.
Dubai Design District acts as a central location for imaginative minds in the fields of art, design, and culture. It lures various talents from across the globe as well as from local regions. Moreover, it hosts numerous concerts, displays, and open-air gatherings all year round.
IN A NUTSHELL
NEIGHBOURHOOD
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
In 2013, the TECOM Group initiated a project aimed at creating a platform that would foster and showcase creativity across various fields such as art, design, culture, and fashion. The goal was to support both local and global talent in these industries.
The completion of the development was divided into three phases, with the initial phase finishing by 2015 and the remaining two currently in progress. Comprising a total of 11 buildings, this first stage provides facilities including office premises, shared workspace areas, showrooms and retail stores.
En: The Dubai Design District offers various recreational amenities, including The Block and nightlife venues. It is also adorned with diverse artworks and is part of the Dubai Plan 2021, making it a top destination for street art in Dubai. This area caters to local talent, aspiring designers, start-ups, and emerging businesses looking to work, play or grow.
PROPERTIES IN DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Dubai Design District boasts a range of properties.
In the vicinity, finished constructions include offices and studios that also function as co-working spaces. These areas offer a diverse array of amenities such as fast internet connection, pantry services, and more. Companies with DDA-registered licenses are eligible for leasing these workplaces while freelancer licenses cater to individuals in design and fashion-related fields.
HOTELS NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Although Dubai Design District itself lacks hotels, neighboring areas like Business Bay offer an ample selection of trendy accommodations. Among these are:
Located in Business Bay, these distinguished hotels offer top-notch choices for renting suites, dining extravagantly and experiencing luxury at its finest. One such option is the DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai that can be found in the multifaceted Bay Square complex.
Taking cues from Paramount Pictures' 105-year legacy, the Paramount Hotel pays homage to vintage Hollywood's glitz and glamor. It provides suites with movie-inspired themes as well as a Malibu Deck bar, scene room, screening room, dine-in cinema facilities, pools, and a fitness studio.
The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel comprises of a pair of skyscrapers, both spanning 82 floors, which renders it as the second tallest hotel globally. The establishment features numerous high-end eateries and bars in addition to providing 1,608 deluxe lodgings.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING IN DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Reserved parking spaces can be located in the garages of Dubai Design District. These garages stand out with their creative edge, distinguished by their embellished artwork.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Dubai's transportation network offers various means of travel, including taxis, buses, metro and trams. To book a taxi, the RTA app is available or ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem can also be used.
The Dubai Design District Bus Stop is the sole stop in the district, catering to both D03 and D03A routes. These routes provide transportation to Dubai Mall, as well as various bus stops and metro stations nearby.
To access the Dubai Metro, you will need to travel by car for a duration of 6-10 minutes and locate one of the metro stations situated in close proximity to the Dubai Design District. The Financial Centre and Emirates Tower Metro Stations can be accessed via Financial Centre Road (D71), while reaching Business Bay and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station requires taking Ras Al Khor Road, turning onto Al Meydan Road, then landing on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
In addition to accessing Creek Metro Station and Al Jadaf Metro Station, you can also reach them by taking the Al Ain – Dubai Road followed by the Al Khail Road (D63). These routes can be traveled within 11 minutes.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
SUPERMARKETS NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
All Day Gourmet in Building 1, the latest addition to the Allday convenience store chain in the UAE, offers a convenient option for immediate grocery needs.
Additional grocery stores in close proximity to Dubai Design District can be found in neighboring locales like Business Bay and Downtown Dubai, for example:
Dubai's top supermarkets are highly regarded for their exceptional selection of quality products. Spinneys, with locations throughout Dubai and the UAE, is renowned for its organics, fresh produce and delectable ice creams.
MOSQUES NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
There are designated areas for prayer in two buildings, specifically Building 2 and Building 11. If one requires a bigger mosque, there are nearby communities with such facilities. Several mosques situated close to Dubai Design District include:
The Al Ghafoor Mosque spans over 14,634 sq. ft in the Business Bay district and boasts a spacious layout.
OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Hindus in the area can visit temples located in Bur Dubai, which are only a 20-minute drive away. Due to its high population of Indian expats of the Hindu faith, Bur Dubai is considered the primary location for temples within the city.
The Umm Hurair 2 and Oud Metha communities are home to the majority of churches located near Dubai Design District. Some examples include:
Dubai boasts several distinguished churches that can be accessed with a 12-minute drive. Among these notable landmarks is St. Mary's Catholic Church, which holds the distinction of being one of the oldest places of worship not only in Dubai but throughout the Gulf area as well.
The largest Gurudwara in the Gulf region, covering 125,000 sq. ft., is Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Jebel Ali Village. It is open to both Sikhs and those of other faiths all year round and can be reached within a 24-minute drive.
SCHOOLS NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, situated in Building 4, provides a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree program allowing students to create customized study paths by combining multiple disciplines. Workshops are available for hands-on learning experiences.
The first level of Building 2 accommodates the Blossom Nursery, offering a handy solution for working parents nearby. Along with highly trained teachers, these Dubai-based facilities also provide medical professionals such as pediatricians and nurses to assist children in their care.
Several top-rated schools in Dubai are located near the Dubai Design District, such as:
JSS Private School, located in Al Wasl just 9 minutes away, follows the CBSE curriculum and is affiliated with the JSSMVP group - a charitable trust based out of India. The school offers classes ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 12, making it one of the top schools in proximity to Business Bay. It's also recognized as one of Dubai's most elite educational institutions.
Located just a 9-minute drive away from Mohammed Bin Rashid (MBR) City, Hartland International School has been constructed by The Sobha Group. It provides education from Foundation Stages to Year 11, adhering to the UK's National Curriculum. As an IB school in Dubai, it also offers IB courses for higher level classes.
Located in Al Jaddaf and reachable within 14 minutes, Swiss International Scientific School provides a bilingual education program that integrates English with either French or German. The institution employs the IB curriculum and caters to students from Pre-Kindergarten up to Grade 12.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Dubai boasts of having top-notch hospitals that can be easily accessed within a 9 to 12-minute drive. These medical facilities are some of the finest in the city.
At the Business Bay location of Emirates Hospital & Clinic, patients have access to a diverse medical team with expertise in cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, ENT, obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, paediatrics and general medicine.
At Safa Clinic, patients can access a wide range of medical services such as dentistry, dermatology, ENT, internal medicine and paediatrics. They also have the convenience of an on-site radiography unit and laboratory. Another notable healthcare facility in the UAE is Latifa Women and Children Hospital, which boasts being one of the largest maternity and children's hospitals in the country.
NEARBY AREAS
Adjacent locations consist of:
Business Bay, situated to the west of D3, is a diverse community that reflects the bustling atmosphere of Manhattan in New York City. It is now emerging as Dubai's main business center and adjoins Downtown Dubai - a highly desirable tourist spot in the city.
Za'abeel, a vast mixed-use area that includes Al Kifaf, Za'abeel 1 and Za'abeel 2 can be found on the north side of Dubai Design District. The area is known for its landmarks such as the famous Dubai Frame, located within Za’abeel Park and Za’abeel Palace.
Located to the east of Dubai Design District, Ras Al Khor is a neighborhood that comprises both residential and industrial areas along with freehold properties. The locality is also recognized for its proximity to E44 or the Ras Al Khor Road and for housing the famous Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
In the southern direction lies Nad Al Sheba, which includes Meydan City and Mohammed Bin Rashid City. Covering 40 million sq. ft., Meydan City is an upcoming development project.
MBR City is an upcoming mixed-use development that will provide upscale residences, such as luxurious mansions, apartments and villas. Additionally, it will house the world's largest shopping centre once completed.
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
MALLS NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Dubai's upscale district is not only home to numerous retail stores, but also conveniently situated close to some of the top malls in the city. Several of the shopping centers adjacent to Dubai Design District include:
The area is within a 7-minute proximity to Dubai Mall, which covers an impressive 12 million sq. ft., making it one of the largest shopping centers globally. You can go there for shopping or explore its distinctive dining and entertainment offerings like Ice Rink Dubai, VR Park, Aquarium, and Underwater Zoo.
The WAFI Mall can be reached by car within 11 minutes. Positioned in Umm Hurair 2, Dubai Healthcare City, the mall features Egyptian-inspired design elements like sphinxes, pharaoh statues and hieroglyphic columns.
The Dubai Festival City Mall is conveniently located in Dubai Festival City and can be reached within a 13-minute drive. With over 400 luxurious local and international brands, the mall lives up to its name as a top destination for shopping.
RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
Dubai Design District boasts numerous dining establishments that also provide lively evening entertainment. Some of the eateries located within the district are:
1Life offers a range of nourishing dishes that cater to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. Meanwhile, Akiba Tori is a Japanese eatery whose design was inspired by an indoor street in Akihabara, Tokyo.
The Home Bakery Kitchen offers a variety of baked goods that are homemade in taste, including breakfasts, pies, loafs and cookies. Meanwhile, Mohalla is an Indian restaurant that honors community neighborhoods by serving street food.
Molecule is a Mediterranean bistro and lounge while Mum's Table presents traditional Syrian homemade meals including halloumi, tahini, labneh, samosas among other local delicacies. The Lighthouse is yet another destination for those seeking healthy Mediterranean cuisine with dishes like Seabream Ceviche and Tuna Tartare served on toast.
Tossed offers a variety of fresh ingredients for customers to create their own healthy meals. Vicolo specializes in Italian cuisine, while YUi serves Japanese ramen and other dishes from Japan. Chez Charles provides fine dining options with a focus on French cuisine.
In terms of evening entertainment, Molecule, Chez Charles, The Lighthouse and Akiba Dori are some restaurants that provide nightlife options.
Dubai Design District boasts a variety of cafes to choose from.
Starbucks and The Espresso Lab are popular coffee shops where people can go to grab a snack or get their caffeine fix.
For those seeking sophisticated dining and greater variety in nightlife, the adjacent Business Bay district offers numerous choices. Among these are:
In Business Bay, all restaurants have a luxurious ambiance and fully stocked bars in addition to their exceptional cuisine. At The Galliard, one can indulge in flavors from Turkish, Spanish, Italian, and French cuisines. Tong Thai offers an extensive range of Thai dishes including regional specialties and street food favorites.
The Japanese restaurant, ROKA, has received recognition for their cuisine. On the other hand, World Cut Steakhouse is an American establishment that offers a range of traditional steak dishes in an elegant setting adorned with dark wood and leather furnishings.
BEACHES NEAR DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
In just a 15-minute drive to the west, individuals can easily reach Dubai's coastal side and enjoy access to some of its finest beaches like Jumeirah Public Beach and Kite Beach. Boasting a vibrant atmosphere and a 1.8-kilometre running track, Jumeirah Public Beach is an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in water sports or spend a day soaking up the sun.
Kite Beach provides a variety of amenities beyond just water activities. These include a skate park, outdoor sports areas, a gym, several retail shops, food trucks and the opportunity to go kite surfing.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS
Although the district is a popular choice for leisure activities, it is also conveniently located near notable city landmarks that can be reached within a 10 to 12 minute drive.
The Dubai Municipality oversees Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, a wetland conservation area renowned for its flamingos. However, the sanctuary also boasts a diverse range of plant and animal life including various species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and mangroves.
Situated in the core of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Opera comprises eight levels and features a dhow-shaped design conceived by Janus Rostock. It offers an array of musical concerts, jazz performances, and stand-up comedy acts all year round.
The Dubai Canal, a 3.2 kilometer long artificial waterway situated along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), is a well-liked waterfront spot featuring five pedestrian bridges and three distinct networks: The Water Network, Public Realm, and Green Network. As an extension of Deira Creek, the canal presents opportunities for enjoyable activities such as abra and dhow rides.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
The Warehouse Gym, situated on the ground level of Building 8, offers a variety of fitness options such as multifunctional training areas for weightlifting, CrossFit and bodybuilding. It ranks among the finest gyms in Dubai.
Men have the option to visit Building 6's Chaps & Co for their personal grooming needs and various beauty treatments, including but not limited to manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages.
The Block, considered one of Dubai's top skate parks, offers a variety of athletic courts and activities. In addition to the skating area, there are also opportunities for beach relaxation and rock climbing. Take advantage of all it has to offer for ultimate rejuvenation.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Various events occur periodically in the district and are regularly posted on the website. These include Dubai Home Festival, d3 Architecture Festival, and d3 Fashion Showcase, among others. An event that is highly anticipated for 2021 is Dubai Design Week. The community has a total of eleven event spaces available - five indoor and six outdoor - for hosting various festivities.
There are a variety of indoor venues available for events, such as:
The available event spaces outdoors consist of:
In addition, certain locations in the community host smaller events like workshops and galleries.
Colab, the initial material library of its kind in the city, is an open area hosting a myriad of galleries and events, fostering networking and community building among innovative minds. The Factory functions as a studio venue where frequent workshops and talks are held.
UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS
The district is presently in the process of two additional phases that will introduce a multitude of new establishments to the area. Along with an abundance of studios, hospitality units, retail options, showrooms and restaurants, there will be a strong emphasis on building upon the creative community during phase two and developing the Creek side during phase three.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
The design and fashion industry finds Dubai Design District (D3) to be a thriving location for office space. Despite its popularity, the area does not offer ownership options and only has rental spaces available.
FAQS ABOUT DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
What is Dubai Design District?
Dubai Design District (d3) is a specifically constructed project by the TECOM Group, who have implemented it in accordance with the Dubai Plan 2021 utilizing Smart City principles. Its aim is to function as a sanctuary for innovators, artists, designers and art enthusiasts alike where groundbreaking concepts can flourish and thrive.
Where is Dubai Design District?
The Dubai Design District is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, surrounded by Ras Al Khor, Za’abeel, Business Bay and Mohammed Bin Rashid (MBR) City. It is easily accessible from multiple directions with Al Ain – Dubai Road (E66) on its right, Ras Al Khor Road (E44) to its south and Financial Centre Road (D71) on its left.
Is Dubai Design District a free zone?
Dubai Design District functions as a business park within the Freezone, offering office space for rent exclusively to those with a Dubai Development Authority (DDA)-registered license.
How do you get to the Design District of Dubai?
To reach the D3 venue, you have two options: hop on buses D03A and D03 departing from Dubai Mall or take a ride with RTA taxis, Uber or Careem.
How do I get to the Dubai Design District by Metro?
You won't find Dubai Design District close to any metro stations, so the way to get there is by taking buses D03 and D03A from Dubai Mall Metro Station Landside.