Your guide to living in Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai’s most coveted waterfront destination for work and play, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).

It’s centered around three lakes while a fourth, lake Zafeer, has been turned into a big, beautiful park that has transformed the area and given several clusters lovely views of an open and green space.

Part of the Emirates Living district, Jumeirah Lake Towers offers scenic water views, skyscrapers which are a vibrant mix of offices, residences and retail and idyllic spots. Set as a three-tower cluster design around four lakes, JLT is strategically located near Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road. A model development for urban residential living, JLT attracts working professionals, many of whom commute to Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City and can reach these areas within minutes via the tram and metro lines.

There’s a real sense of community here for families and single people alike. Residents walk and jog around the lakes; there are play areas and basketball courts in the park; the Metro is easy to get to; and there is a range of amenities in each cluster of buildings, from restaurants, shops and supermarkets to beauty parlors and drycleaners. This is quite different to many other areas in Dubai.

This serene waterfront community’s a haven replete with lush greenery, scenic views of the water and idyllic spots for quiet reflection. An instant favorite of long-time Dubai residents and newcomers alike, JLT is an upscale, heart-of-Dubai residential experience like no other. With views over Dubai Marina, lakes and the Emirates Hills’ golf courses, JLT offers enjoyable waterfront living.

Getting around

With the construction of the roads now complete, the area is easy to drive around. Sheikh Zayed Road and First Al Khalil Street provide easy access points and each cluster is clearly marked, with undercover parking on one side or a turning circle at the top. There are two Metro stations, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina Metro, as well as a stop on the tram route, and taxis are never far away.

Best for

The area is suitable for everyone, from families to single people and couples. The park, children’s play areas and day-care facilities make it a convenient option for families, and children can also cycle around the lakes very safely. Meanwhile, many restaurants have a thriving evening social scene making the area popular with young couples and single expats.

Your living options

This large community is made up of 79 buildings clustered in groups of three and arranged from A to Z. Each cluster has its own commercial waterfront featuring convenience shops, cafés, restaurants and other amenities. JLT is predominantly apartment buildings, with just a handful of hotels. Green Lakes Tower in Cluster V and Al Seef Tower in Cluster U are both popular Walkways surround the lakes buildings for multi-national expats. They are at the higher end of the market with fantastic balcony views, large living rooms, spacious bedrooms and kitchens equipped with appliances. The buildings have gyms, saunas and swimming pools, too.

You’ll love: The affordable prices and rents compared with Dubai Marina, high-rise apartment living, a good time from sunup to sundown, easygoing nights and weekends along the water, trendy boutique shopping, trips to the beach, waterside jogs, bike rides, cafés, graffiti-clad walls, tiny, colourful cafés, restaurants and spas along Marina Walk, retail and dining avenues at Marina Mall and the JBR Beach, the pet-friendly environment, the rich assortment of shops, cafes and restaurants, the waterfront, apartments most of which offer light-filled interiors, quality finishing, sweeping views and are outfitted with gyms and pools and direct access to the Metro network and the tram system.

Getting around

Nearby Landmarks: Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Palm Jumeirah.

Nearest Metro Stations: DMCC

Nearest Schools: Dubai British School in The Springs, Emirates International School in The Meadows and Regent International School in The Greens.

Best pick for: Singles, Couples and Families

Get a sense of small-town charm tucked within a big city. People love living in JLT for it affords them the perfect combination of proximity to major landmarks and the seclusion and greenery of a suburb. From relaxing walks and lakeside jogs to bike rides along the pedestrian walkways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.

JLT also has offices, apartments and penthouses of various sizes. Apartments range from the basic to the all-out luxurious and towers here come outfitted with all the amenities you can expect – from concierges and gyms to pools and parking spaces. You can find s, 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom flats. A studio flat for rent in Jumeirah Lake Towers starts from around AED 40,000, while a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in JLT starts from AED 50,000 and 2-bedroomed apartments from AED 115,000.

You can purchase your own studio in JLT for about AED 400,000, a one-bed for about AED 825,000 and a two-bedroomed apartment from AED 750,000. You can also explore commercial property for sale in JLT and commercial property for rent in JLT. There are also loads of restaurants with different cuisines, supermarkets, opticians, print shops, dry cleaners, pharmacies, farmer’s markets and cafés, within steps of building clusters and lake walkways. Those who work in Dubai Media and Internet City can get to JLT in under fifteen minutes. With direct accessibility to the metro and the tram connections, you’ll never find yourself without transportation.

Shopping

There are several supermarkets in the area, including smaller branches of Geant, Park N Shop, Carrefour and Spinneys. For a fine shopping experience, there’s Dubai Marina Mall, Ibn Battuta and Mall of Emirates.

Eating Out

JLT is known for its eclectic dining choices. From leafy cafés to the Greek tavern menu of Mythos Kouzina & Grill, The Cavendish Restaurant’s international fine dining with a Middle Eastern twist, Jazz at Pizza Express and a rare authentic Vietnamese eatery, there’s food to try from every corner of the globe.

Entertainment

McGettigan's Irish pub in Cluster J, offering drinks, food and big screen TV soccer. There’s also Healey’s Bar & Terrace known for its cocktails. The JLT Park is a favourite for joggers and has lovely kids’ playgrounds and sand pits, as well as walking paths.

Meet the neighbours

Jade Glashoff, a PR professional, moved to a three-bedroom apartment in JLT a few months ago.

"When our lease in Dubai Marina was up for renewal we extended our search to JLT after realising that prices were considerably cheaper. We like being close to the Metro and it’s easy to get a taxi. We like our apartment: it’s quite new, the rooms are bigger, we each have an en- suite bathroom and the rent is affordable. There are a lot of facilities close by, such as good restaurants and shops, and we can till walk to Dubai Marina and JBR."