About the area
Home to the world’s biggest shopping mall and the world's tallest building, Downtown Dubai boast stylish buildings and glamorous boulevards. Neighbouring the bustling city centre is Business Bay, Dubai's central business district offering high rise apartments, office spaces, and exclusive facilities. Standing nearby, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a residential and commercial haven dotted with trendy hotels and restaurants.
Experiences and amenities
From walking along the Creek boardwalk to visiting Burj Park or ice skating in Dubai Mall, the options are endless. Residents can enjoy cinemas, gyms, spas and even take in a performance at Dubai Opera. Many of the 5-star hotels offer day passes for residents living in an buildings without a pool. The kids will love the Dubai Aquarium, a trip to Kidzania, taking in the view from the Burj Khalifa, or watching the dancing water at the famous Burj fountain shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Downtown sits at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower. This iconic structure can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the city, so the area is pretty easy to spot. The Downtown, Business Bay and DIFC districts lay alongside Sheikh Zayed Road on one side and are loosely bound by Al Khail Street on the other, providing convenient access points to other parts of the city and neighbouring Emirates.
As far as shopping goes, this is the place to be. Dubai Mall has thousands of stores for some well deserved retail therapy.
Fancy something more traditional? Cross the bridge to Souk Al Bahar and explore the souk-styled shops. Foodies will love the options here, from stylish cafes and bars to boutique eateries, like La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie. There are also al fresco dining options where you can watch the fountain show while enjoying your meal.
Business Bay and DIFC offer a great variety too. The numerous hotels add to the vast offering of bars, clubs and fine dining options. And for those who prefer fast food, there are plenty of burgers, pizzas and shawarma places, too.
Dubai Metro is close by, with access points at Business Bay Metro station, The Dubai Mall (for Downtown) and Emirates Towers (for DIFC). A number of buses operate from Dubai Mall, linking passengers to popular spots like Boulevard Walk Tower, Dubai Design District, Gold Souk and Mall of The Emirates.
As offices and residential apartments dominate this area, there are no primary or secondary schools in Downtown, Business Bay or DIFC. However, parents can send their children by school bus to surrounding areas or drive them in. The area does have a good number of international preschools and nursery options, such as Blossom and Babilou Downtown Nurseries, Canadian Kids and Magnolia Nurseries in Business Bay, and Hummingbird and Grasslands Daycare centers in DIFC.
