Old Town Dubai - Dubai
HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT OLD TOWN DUBAI
Old Town, which is situated in Downtown Dubai, stands out as the sole low-rise apartment complex that was created by Emaar Properties - a top developer within the vicinity. The name 'Old' pays homage to the architectural design of this district when it was constructed back in 2006.
Old Dubai properties exhibit a distinct contrast from those in the adjacent Downtown Burj area. With their exquisite Arabian architecture, the 35 low-rise buildings resemble the traditional structures prevalent in ancient parts of Dubai. This guide to the Old Town Dubai region provides comprehensive insights into its varied properties, amenities, facilities and other aspects.
IN A NUTSHELL
NEIGHBOURHOOD
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Despite the Old Town Dubai residences exuding a retro aesthetic, their lifestyle is anything but outdated. They are situated in the bustling district of Downtown Dubai, appropriately known as 'the center of now'.
Being a district that caters well to walkers, this area is conveniently situated near Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Additionally, it allows for easy entry onto Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard which boasts an array of amenities such as coffee shops, restaurants and hotels for residents to fully enjoy.
PROPERTIES IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
in high demand for its distinct architectural characteristics, making properties in this area of Old Town Dubai highly desirable. The area boasts a total of 35 buildings spread across six districts and over 1,500 residential units. These districts include Yansoon with nine buildings, Reehan with eight, Zafran and Miska which consist of five low-rise buildings each. Additionally, Zanzebeel and Kamoon each have four apartment buildings. A more recent development within the vicinity is Old Town Island.
The development is situated in the vicinity of Souk Al Bahar and additionally boasts The Palace Hotel as part of its offerings.
In Old Town Dubai, there are various rental properties available with a variety of sizes including studios and apartments ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms. Certain apartments offer views of the renowned dancing Dubai Fountain, while others have panoramic views of Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. The difference in scenic locations leads to variation in prices for renting or investing in freehold apartments. It's recommended to explore multiple units before finalizing your decision if you're looking for property in this area.
RENTAL TRENDS IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
The annual cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Old Town varies between AED 60k and AED 115k. The floor space of these apartments ranges from 900 sq. ft. to 1,100 sq. ft. Additionally, there are 2-bedroom flats available for rent with prices ranging from AED 80k to AED 150k due to a few duplex units that offer over 3,000 sq. ft. of covered area at the higher end of the price range spectrum. Most high-end two-bedrooms also have extra amenities such as balconies, maid’s rooms, gardens etcetera included in them.
The majority of the 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Old Town Dubai come with splendid vistas of Burj Khalifa and Fountain. These units are available at a premium cost of up to AED 285,000 annually, inclusive of two parking slots and a maid's quarters.
Luxurious penthouses with upgraded living space, lake and Burj views, 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms can be found for rent in Old Town. However, the availability of these units is limited. The cost to lease one of these apartments spanning across 3,000 sq. ft. annually may be approximately AED 425k.
In contrast, Old Town presents opportunities for those interested in commercial real estate. The area features a selection of offices available for rent ranging from 200 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft., with rental prices varying between AED 50k and AED 700k per year. One particularly well-known project is the Al Saaha Offices.
SALES TRENDS IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
Due to Dubai Old City's popularity among investors, the demand for freehold properties in the area is high. The Reehan and Yansoon districts offer a variety of options. Prices for 1-bedroom flats in Old Town Dubai typically range from AED 1.15M to AED 1.9M, while 2-bedroom flats start at AED 1.75M. For those interested in purchasing a 3-bed apartment in Old Town Dubai, prices may range from around AED 2.99M to AED 7M.
In Old Town Dubai, offices are also up for purchase with a price range that starts from AED 4.24M and goes up to AED 13.7M.
ROI IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
With regards to apartments, the return on investment (ROI) is at its peak for 1-bed units with a rate of 6.1%. The expected returns drop somewhat for 2-bedroom flats, coming in at 5.8%. For those considering investing in rental properties, opting for a 3-bedroom flat can yield a respectable ROI of around 5.2%. In Old Town Dubai, there are some high-end options available such as luxurious 4-bedroom apartments priced at AED9M that also offer an ROI of approximately 5.2%.
MOST POPULAR COMMUNITIES IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
Based on searches conducted by users on Bayut.com over the past 12 months
from 1 to 3 bedrooms, with a total of 405 units available. Bayut's statistics indicate that this sub-community is the most popular in Dubai Old City, and it comprises four low-rise developments: Downtown Al Bahar Apartments, Tajer, The Palace Downtown Dubai, and Attareen. Due to its location near Souk Al Bahar and The Dubai Mall, prices may be slightly higher compared to other areas.
The price range for villas in The Old Town Island varies from AED 78k to AED 150k, while apartments are available at a sale price starting from AED 1.29M and going up to AED 7.29M.
Yansoon ranks as the second most sought-after neighborhood in Old Town Dubai. It is primarily known for its 2-bedroom rental apartments, which cost between AED 80k and AED 150k per year. Following closely behind are Reehan, Miska, and Zanzebeel districts.
OLD TOWN DUBAI FLOOR PLANS
If you're seeking floor plans, you can peruse the Old Town floor plans that are provided for well-liked neighborhoods.
HOTELS IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
In addition to residential properties, Old Town Dubai boasts the Manzil Downtown Hotel - a 4-star hotel that seamlessly blends traditional Arabesque architecture with modern design. Guests can choose from a range of rooms, including deluxe suites, deluxe pool-view rooms and the Burj-view Suite. The property also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool complete with comfortable sun loungers. To ensure comfort during their stay, all guest rooms are equipped with free bottled water, tea and coffee facilities and wall-mounted satellite LCD TVs.
Individuals looking to maintain their physical fitness can access a fully stocked gymnasium, while those requiring business amenities may utilize the available business facilities. To satisfy their hunger cravings, patrons have a variety of dining options including Boulevard Kitchen, Nezesaussi Grill, The Courtyard and Fümé Neighborhood Eatery. As one of Downtown Dubai's premier hotels situated within a brief 10-minute stroll from both Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, guests may discover Old Town Island with its noteworthy Palace Hotel.
Designated parking areas are available for each Old Town Dubai apartment. Visitors can utilize the district's allocated guest parking area, or take advantage of underground parking spots accessible from Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SPACES IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
Regarding transportation, the nearest option is the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall stop which requires an 8-minute drive. For those who prefer taking the Dubai Metro, they can catch it via the F13 feeder bus. The bus stop closest to this area is for The Palace Downtown on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. It's worth noting that Old Dubai residents are in close proximity to numerous renowned landmarks and benefit from a pedestrian-friendly environment.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
To find a variety of stores, the ideal destination would be The Dubai Mall's extensive Waitrose Supermarket. This global retail brand is renowned for its bakery goods and assortment of fresh produce and imported items. If you're looking for everyday necessities, Old Town Mini-Mart in Yansoon 9 has got you covered.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
SUPERMARKETS IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
In addition to Spinney's location in Souk Al Bahar, there is another branch nearby at The Residences. Other options include Carrefour Market found at the Burj Views Podium and Al Maya Supermarket situated in the 8 Boulevard Walk Tower.
The primary mosque for the region is located on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and is known as Al Ghafoor Mosque. Muslim residents have additional options to visit other mosques in Business Bay that are situated nearby.
CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND MOSQUES IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
Individuals in search of churches can make their way to St. Mary's Catholic Church located in Oud Mehta, which is roughly a 15-20 minute car ride away. For Hindu community members, their specific temples are situated in Bur Dubai.
Parents with toddlers in the area have several nursery options available to them, including Babilou Downtown and Blossom Nursery Downtown. Additionally, nurseries in Business Bay are conveniently located nearby.
SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
In the neighborhood, there are numerous primary schools providing education according to the British curriculum up until Year 6. An easy 13-minute drive from Al Satwa is GEMS Wellington Primary School, while Horizons English School in Al Wasl is equidistant. In addition, Hartland International School near Meydan City offers the UK/IB curriculum until Year 9 and is only a short 20-minute commute away. The neighboring districts of Al Safa and Jumeirah also have multiple conveniently located schools available.
Dubai Old City, which belongs to the Downtown area, is conveniently located 20 minutes away from both of Dubai's university hubs. Whether you're heading to Knowledge Park or Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) in Dubai Silicon Oasis, it will take you just 20 minutes to arrive at either destination.
Residents in Dubai can access medical services from two reputable clinics. The Mediclinic branch located at The Dubai Mall and The Emirates Hospital Clinic situated in Business Bay are both highly regarded facilities.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
The Al Safa area boasts the nearby Medcare Hospital and a number of pharmacies conveniently located throughout the community.
The neighborhood of Old Town Dubai is conveniently located near bustling business centers like Business Bay and DIFC. It takes roughly 25 minutes by car to reach the central Internet City and Dubai Media City. Additionally, Old Town Dubai is situated in close proximity to sought-after residential areas including Al Wasl, Al Safa, and Jumeirah that provide ample entertainment options for families. For those seeking educational opportunities, Academic City can be accessed via a 20-minute drive.
NEARBY AREAS
Being a component of 'The Center Of Now', Old Dubai is known for its serenity amidst the bustling Downtown Dubai area.
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Although the Dubai Mall is the primary shopping destination with its numerous regional, domestic, and global stores, residents of Dubai's Old City may opt to visit Souk Al Bahar for a more relaxed experience. This market offers a combination of food and retail choices along with distinctive specialty shops that appeal to both locals and tourists.
MALLS IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
Dubai Mall offers a diverse array of brand shops ranging from fashion to grocery, home furnishing and electronics. If you're looking for a more distinctive shopping experience coupled with entertainment, urban malls like Boxpark and Citywalk are located 8 to 12 minutes away from the area. These malls offer outdoor retail and dining experiences but the second phase of Citywalk is indoors.
Old Town Dubai offers an abundance of dining options. Souk Al Bahar boasts 22 restaurants, and the nearby Dubai Mall features a variety of eateries at varying price points. Additionally, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is home to numerous restaurants, as well as upscale dining establishments located within various hotels throughout the area.
RESTAURANTS IN OLD TOWN DUBAI
For those who like to go out in the evening, Downtown is an excellent place to be. Among the top choices of locals are Downtown Toko, a Japanese restaurant located within Vida Downtown Hotel; Inka, a Peruvian dining spot situated at Sofitel Downtown Hotel; and Nezesaussi Grill, a sports-themed pub found in Manzil Downtown Dubai.
Old Town Dubai and Downtown Dubai do not have a beach, but due to their central location, Jumeirah Public Beach can be reached in just 20 minutes. For those who enjoy swimming, the community swimming pools are available within each building in Old Town as an alternative to traveling to the beach.
BEACHES NEAR OLD TOWN DUBAI
There are numerous activities available in Old Town Dubai. The Burj Khalifa, which is a towering structure, provides various amenities such as a hotel, health club, restaurants and other facilities. It is commonly known as a virtual city because of the range of options available, including observation decks.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS
The Dubai Opera stands as a significant feature of the region, situated in the central district for performing arts. This architectural wonder is managed by Emaar Properties and offers an array of shows including plays, operas, ballet performances, concerts and exhibitions.
Downtown Dubai also features various art installations along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, which are usually crafted by local artists. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll down the boulevard to appreciate these works of art.
The Burj Park, a popular pet-friendly park in the area, offers an array of enjoyable activities such as cycling, jogging or simply taking a leisurely walk. It is also a hotspot for couples and families who come to experience stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and Dancing Fountain while enjoying a laid-back picnic.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
The South Ridge Park located in Business Bay, near Old Town, serves as a convenient alternative park option. It is popular among dog owners who frequent it for their pets' exercise and recreation. Additionally, the park accommodates outdoor boot camp sessions and various fitness training activities by Universal Fitness which has a branch there.
Residents of Old Town have access to both a community gym and pool within the buildings. However, those looking for an exclusive experience can opt for the Burj Club gym located in the iconic Burj Khalifa. This membership-only facility offers a separate ladies gym along with an indoor temperature-controlled pool and an outdoor infinity pool. For a more unique workout option, individuals can rent bikes along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
Living in Dubai Old City offers various opportunities to witness the grand celebrations. From the comfort of their balconies, residents can rejoice in watching the New Year fireworks and the mesmerizing Dancing Fountain. Moreover, those residing in apartments facing Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard can relish in viewing iconic parades that are held annually like National Day or classic car shows.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
In addition to building-specific celebrations like Halloween and Christmas, there are various community events held throughout the area. Burj Park, located nearby, hosts a variety of activities including food festivals, craft markets, free movie screenings and other exciting events.
To learn more about current events in the area, locals can become members of the Facebook group known as the "Old Town Dubai Community Page." This platform allows residents to communicate with one another by sharing information, asking questions, and engaging in social conversations.
Residing in Old Town Dubai comes with numerous advantages, but it is important to note that rush hour traffic can be quite heavy. The entry and exit points of Downtown Dubai experience a high volume of traffic during morning and evening times. This congestion has been known to cause noise complaints from lower floor residents facing Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Nevertheless, the area remains a popular choice for both renters and investors alike due to its many perks.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
It forms a section of the Downtown Dubai vicinity.
FAQs About Old Town Dubai
Where is Old Town located?
Dubai's historical district can be reached without difficulty using either the metro or taxi. Both alternatives are relatively inexpensive.
How do I get to Old Town Dubai?
Dubai Old City is easily accessed via metro or taxi. Both options are pretty economical.