Dubai Festival City - Dubai
HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Dubai Festival City (DFC), frequently mistaken for Dubai Festival City Mall, is an expansive and diverse 5.2 million sq.m. project encompassing residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces. It holds a distinguished status as one of Dubai's most esteemed communities that caters to families. This locale along the scenic Dubai Creek boasts numerous recreational destinations such as Dubai Festival City Mall, IMAGINE Dubai, and Festival Bay.
The Dubai Festival City neighborhood provides a holistic community experience that includes essential facilities like hospitals, schools, and recreational centers. The housing options in this community consist of apartments, villas, and townhouses, catering to the varying needs of couples, individuals, and families.
Featuring a prominent retail hub, residents in this emirate community enjoy convenient access to essential items. Additionally, the neighborhood offers distinguished educational institutions and ample green areas.
IN A NUTSHELL
NEIGHBOURHOOD
PROPERTIES IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Dubai Festival City boasts an impressive range of housing options, with a grand total of 20,000 residential units available to accommodate more than 50,000 residents. The residential properties within DFC are conveniently divided into three distinct districts: Al Badia Residences, Al Badia Hillside Village, and Marsa Plaza. While Al Badia Residences offers a combination of apartments and villas for prospective residents, both Al Badia Hillside Village and Marsa Plaza exclusively provide apartment living opportunities.
Residences, which have 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options to accommodate both families and individuals. The apartments are situated in a picturesque setting with beautiful gardens and offer captivating views of Dubai Creek and the impressive city skyline. Each apartment comes with its own balcony or private terrace for residents to enjoy outdoor space. In addition to these features, the buildings provide shared facilities including children's play areas, swimming pools, gyms, sports courts, and more. To get a better understanding of the apartment layouts available at Al Badia Residences
Bayut offers floor plans for residences, which are conveniently provided in both 2D and 3D formats.
In Al Badia Residences, the houses are built in Mediterranean-style architecture and offer spacious living areas. Though initially only featuring 4-bed villas, some units have been enhanced with additional bedrooms and amenities. The average price for a 4-bedroom freehold villa in Al Badia Residences is AED 6M, while those interested in renting can expect to pay an annual fee of AED 250k.
Al Badia Hillside Village, also known as Al Badia Hillside, showcases structures with mesmerizing Mediterranean and Arabic architectural styles. This captivating residential haven provides an array of exquisite 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments spanning from a spacious 1,109 sq.ft. to a generous 3,154 sq.ft.
Marsa Plaza is a high-end residential building situated in the Marsa Al Khor District, offering panoramic views of both Dubai Creek and the rest of the city. The location is in close proximity to Lake Walk, towards the northern part of the DFC community. Marsa Plaza provides a variety of apartment options, including 1, 2, and 3-bedroom flats as well as 3 and 4-bedroom duplex units. Notably, this tower stands out for its distinctive curved shape. To explore the different layouts in both 2D and 3D formats, you can refer to Bayut's Marsa Plaza floor plans.
RENTING IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
The housing options within Dubai Festival City offer a serene and calm environment, while remaining conveniently located in the city. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in this area has an annual average cost of AED 82k. For those seeking more space, two-bedroom flats can be rented for AED 123k on average. The larger and highly sought-after three-bedroom apartments within Dubai Festival City have an average rental price of AED 159k.
BUYING IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Potential investors in the region may discover that 1-bedroom residences in Dubai Festival City are valued at over AED 1.3M, while 2-bedroom properties commence at AED 1.7M and reach up to AED 3M. Prospective buyers interested in acquiring a 3-bedroom dwelling within Dubai Festival City can expect average sales prices of around AED 2.9M.
ROI IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
The apartments in Dubai Festival City provide an average return on investment (ROI) of over 4%. The highest ROI is found in the 3-bedroom units, which offer a rate of 5.8%, while the 2-bedroom flats closely follow with a rental yield of 5.7%. For those interested in one bedroom flats (1 BHK), they can expect an ROI of 4.7% in Dubai Festival City.
MOST POPULAR COMMUNITIES IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Based on searches conducted by users on Bayut.com over the past 12 months
Al Badia Residences stands as the highly favored community within Dubai Festival City, having gained immense popularity upon its initial launch. Such was its acclaim that multiple phases were subsequently introduced to further extend the project. Presently, Al Badia Residences proudly boasts three completed phases, all of which are fully prepared for occupation.
The second most popular community in DFC is Al Badia Hillside Village, which provides a blend of rustic and contemporary residences. This sought-after community in Dubai Festival City gains its popularity from its close proximity to the renowned Dubai Festival City Mall, making it the nearest residential choice for those who enjoy frequent visits to this highly acclaimed shopping destination. Consequently, investors seeking apartments for sale in Al Badia Hillside Village also find it appealing due to its advantageous location.
Completing the roster of sought-after neighborhoods in DFC is the residential complex known as Marsa Plaza. Situated in the Marsa Al Khor District, it features a variety of apartments with options for 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units as well as 3 and 4-bedroom duplex flats. Boasting contemporary architectural styles, this building stands out as a prominent landmark within Dubai Festival City. The available apartments at Marsa Plaza offer numerous conveniences including valet parking, swimming pools, fitness studios, and round-the-clock security.
HOTELS IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
In Dubai Festival City, there are a total of four highly regarded hotels that have gained international recognition.
The leading hotel in Dubai Festival City is the prestigious InterContinental Dubai Festival City, a luxurious 5-star establishment. It boasts exclusive entry to DFC Mall and possesses the renowned Festival Arena event venue capable of accommodating an impressive crowd of up to 6,000 individuals. Additionally, guests can indulge in the elegant Club InterContinental Lounge situated on the 26th floor or bask in the splendor of the expansive 25-meter outdoor pool offering breathtaking vistas of Dubai Creek. Furthermore, one can also enjoy the services provided by the acclaimed Spa InterContinental with its multiple accolades.
InterContinental DFC offers an array of dining options. The renowned Pierre's Bistro and Bar as well as the Choix Patisserie and Restaurant, led by Chef Pierre Gagnaire with his three Michelin starred restaurants, are among them. Additionally, guests can enjoy the all-day-dining buffet at Anise or savor their meals at Vista Restaurant & Terrace.
The Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, a highly rated 5-star hotel, is a favored choice due to its convenient connection to the Dubai Festival City Mall. Amenities provided by this upscale establishment encompass a fitness center, spa facilities, a sizeable temperature-regulated outdoor pool extending 25 meters in length, as well as an impressive array of 14 meeting rooms. Guests will also enjoy various dining options such as the renowned Belgian Cafe, the Mediterranean eatery known as Zaytoun, and the sophisticated Skyline Lounge.
Restaurants at Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City include Zeste Kitchen, Joe's Backyard, and Sirocco. The hotel offers 509 rooms and 25 suites, as well as three swimming pools (including one for children), a 24-hour Business Centre, fitness center, spa, currency exchange, and convenience store. There are six meeting rooms available in addition to the spacious Al Badia Ballroom which can accommodate up to 325 guests.
Sirocco, a strong wind originating from the Sahara Desert, blows across various regions.
Situated in Marsa Plaza, InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City offers a variety of accommodations including rooms, suites, and serviced hotel apartments. The premises also house convenient amenities such as a minimart for quick shopping needs, a hair salon for guests seeking beauty services, and an ATM for easy access to cash. Guests can enjoy dining experiences at the hotel's two restaurants: Mezzaluna and The Deli Cafe.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SPACES IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
The majority of living spaces in Dubai Festival City have allocated parking areas. Apartments provide both underground and street parking options, while villas guarantee a minimum of two designated parking spots.
METRO STATIONS NEAR DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
There are several bus and metro stations conveniently located near the community. Al Jaddaf Metro Station and Creek Metro Station, both part of the Green Line, can be reached within 5 to 10 minutes. The nearest metro station on the Red Line is Emirates Metro Station, which is just an 8-minute drive away. Additionally, there are numerous bus routes available from Emirates Metro Station to Dubai Festival City Mall.
BUS STATIONS IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
There are various bus stations in the area, with a focus on the Dubai Festival City Mall and Al Badia residential neighborhoods. The nearest bus stop to IKEA is the Dubai Festival City, Festival Centre Bus Stop. Surprisingly, the Dubai Festival City, IKEA Bus Stop is actually close to ACE Hardware and Al Futtaim Automall. Other bus stops in Dubai Festival City include Al Badia Hillside Village, Al Badia Residences, and Al Badia Deira International School.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND MOSQUES IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
The sole mosque found in Dubai Festival City is Osama Bin Zayed Masjid. The community dwellers can discover several other mosques in the vicinity, with convenient accessibility to those in Al Rashidiya and Umm Ramool. Situated a mere 6 to 7 minutes away are Ibrahim Al Khalil Mosque, Al Rashidiya Al Kabeer Mosque, and Habib Mosque.
The Shiva Temple and Sikh Gurdabar in Bur Dubai are conveniently situated within a 15 to 20-minute drive for residents of the Hindu and Sikh communities. Likewise, Oud Metha is home to several churches, including St Mary's Church, Coptic Church, The Dubai City Church, and Saint Paul's Chapel. These churches near Dubai Festival City can also be reached within a 15 to 20-minute timeframe.
SUPERMARKETS IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Dubai Festival City offers a variety of supermarkets to cater to the daily grocery needs of its residents. Among these options is Carrefour, one of Dubai's top hypermarkets, which can be found in the Dubai Festival City Mall. Furthermore, there are also conveniently located choices such as Choithrams, Abu Hail Supermarket, and Kadooli Supermarket that are just a short 6 to 7-minute drive away.
SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Parents seeking educational options for their children have a variety of schools to consider. In Dubai Festival City, Deira International School offers the UK and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Another highly regarded option is Universal American School, established in 2005, which provides the American and IB curriculum. Additionally, Cambridge International School, situated just 5 minutes away in Al Garhoud, follows the UK curriculum.
Within close proximity of Dubai Festival City, there are several choices for higher education. Institutes such as Mohammad Bin Rashid University, The American College of Dubai, and Al Falah University can be found just 5 to 10 minutes away from the city's central point.
HOSPITALS AND CLINICS IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
DFC has numerous prestigious hospitals in its vicinity. Positioned in Garhoud, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital is less than 10 minutes away. Emirates Specialty Hospital and Magrabi Eye Hospital are among the medical facilities situated approximately 10 to 11 minutes from the community.
In addition to a few clinics in the vicinity, Dubai Festival City Mall houses a branch of Dubai London Clinic, ensuring convenient medical care for locals. Moreover, Al Badia Dental Clinic, Al Sultan Medical Centre, and Smile Spa Dental Clinic are all conveniently situated within the area itself.
Lifestyle
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
MALLS IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Dubai Festival City Mall, a popular waterfront destination for leisure and shopping, is situated in the neighborhood. Boasting over 500 retail stores, this mall showcases renowned brands such as Toys R Us, Zara, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Forever 21, and many others. Furthermore, it houses Dubai's inaugural IKEA store and the largest ACE Hardware store outside of North America. Additionally, DFC stands out as the sole mall in Dubai that features a flagship store from the well-known Singapore-based department store.
Robinsons.
Fabyland, a popular family entertainment venue located in Dubai Festival City Mall, provides an enjoyable indoor experience for kids of all ages. This exciting destination features numerous gaming attractions, including arcade games, bumper cars, soft play areas, kiddie rides, video games, and much more. Families and children alike can indulge in a range of thrilling activities at this fun-filled spot.
Dubai Festival City offers a multitude of beauty centers, ensuring that both men and women have ample options for spas and salons within the community. Renowned establishments such as Tips and Toes, NBar, The Barber Room, and M&J Gents Salon are among the favored choices available to residents.
In addition to the aforementioned leading retail stores, this mall offers numerous enjoyable attractions. These include Novo Cinemas, a children's play area called Stay and Play, as well as an enchanting water and light show called IMAGINE.
RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
With a grand total of 35 separate culinary establishments and 19 delightful cafes and bakeries, Dubai Festival City is an absolute paradise for those who hold a deep appreciation for delectable cuisine. Standing out among the crowd, Hard Rock Cafe steals the spotlight as one of the most beloved dining destinations in this vibrant community. In addition to this iconic venue, there are numerous other highly sought-after restaurants within Dubai Festival City that cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences. Some notable examples include Cheesecake Factory, P.F Chang’s, Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe,Motomachi Japanese Restaurant,Sugar Factory,paul,and Café Bateel.
With a remarkable waterfront, Festival Bay offers an array of dining options that attract numerous visitors. Featuring 15 restaurants, these establishments provide a diverse range of flavors from across the globe. As patrons indulge in delectable cuisine, they can also take pleasure in the breathtaking views provided by the picturesque waterway.
NIGHTLIFE NEAR DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Dubai Festival City is home to a variety of esteemed hotels, including Intercontinental and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, which host numerous licensed restaurants. Among the well-reputed dining choices are Belgian Beer Cafe, Vista, Anise, and others that enjoy significant popularity.
Additional options for nightlife in the vicinity include The Irish Village, situated in Al Garhoud, and establishments housed within Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.
BEACHES NEAR DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Residents have the option of visiting Al Mamzar Beach for a beach excursion, with a convenient travel time of less than 20 minutes. Alternatively, there are also Jumeirah Beach and Sunset Beach, which can be reached in approximately 25 minutes. All three beaches near Dubai Festival City provide numerous fitness facilities, shaded spots, and waterfront restaurants to enhance the experience.
THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Encompassing 2.5 million square feet of urban retail space, Dubai Festival City hosts several leisure centers. One standout attraction is IMAGINE Dubai, an exceptional landmark featuring a cutting-edge light show with meticulously choreographed aquatic effects. This mesmerizing waterfront spectacle boasts 30 fountains and an awe-inspiring surround sound experience to captivate its viewers. Additionally, IMAGINE showcases groundbreaking water screen projection technology for added innovation.
Festival Bay, located within the Dubai Festival City Mall, is a perfect place to unwind. This waterfront attraction draws in numerous daily visitors with its breathtaking scenery, delicious dining options, mesmerizing fountain displays, and an impressive Ferris Wheel. Reaching an impressive height of 40 meters, the Festival Wheel allows guests to admire the stunning vistas of the Creek and the magnificent Dubai skyline. For those seeking a luxurious experience, VIP cabins are available for reservation that boast glass floors and comfortable leather seating.
In Dubai Creek, residents have the opportunity to partake in a dhow cruise. This experience allows visitors to admire the breathtaking creek views as they ride in opulent traditional boats. Alongside the banks of the creek, one can appreciate the scenic skyline while enjoying a delightful buffet, engaging dance shows, and live performances that add entertainment value to this immersive experience.
A notable establishment in the neighborhood is the renowned Al Futtaim Automall, a favored destination for purchasing or selling pre-owned vehicles. Al Futtaim Automall proudly offers an extensive selection of car models from various manufacturers. Its popularity stems from its diverse financing choices and evaluation services. Conveniently situated adjacent to ACE Hardware and directly across from the IKEA store, it stands as a prominent feature within the community.
The top fitness spot in the region is Al Areesh Club, offering a variety of amenities such as a fully equipped gym, swimming pools, an aerobics studio, multipurpose sports courts, engaging children’s play areas, and even a Spinneys supermarket. Another renowned choice for fitness enthusiasts within the community is Fitness First at Dubai Festival City Mall, highly favored by residents.
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Despite its reputation for offering a serene and family-oriented living experience, Dubai Festival City maintains an active atmosphere all year round. Festival Bay regularly hosts diverse concerts, shows, and performances to cater to different tastes. Additionally, on special occasions, the captivating lighting displays and spectacular fireworks at Imagine never fail to entertain large crowds. The immensely popular Dubai Shopping Festival is another highlight in the community as it draws a tremendous number of eager bargain hunters to Dubai Festival City Mall.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN LIVING IN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY?
Dubai Festival City is a desirable residential community that caters to families by providing homes with both traditional and contemporary architectural designs. It offers an ideal combination of residential units, business towers, and entertainment options, making it highly sought after in Dubai. Despite its popularity, the location of this community means that other central regions like Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina are approximately 20 to 25 minutes away.
FAQS ABOUT DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
Does Dubai Metro go to Festival City?
To reach Festival City from the Dubai Metro, you must take a bus from the Emirates Metro Station located on the Red Line. Conveniently, other metro stations like Creek and Al Jadaf can also be reached within 10 minutes by crossing Business Bay.
When did Dubai Festival City Mall open?
In 2007, the Dubai Festival City Mall welcomed visitors for the very first time, extending an invitation to step inside its doors.
Location
NEARBY AREAS
Dubai Festival City, a mixed-use community, is situated next to Al Garhoud, Umm Ramool, Nad Shamma, and Ras Al Khor. It was established in close proximity to the splendid Dubai Creek.
DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY DIRECTIONS
Using the subway system.
By means of transportation via road: