Home to the world’s tallest building, the world’s largest mall and the world’s tallest fountain, it’s no wonder that Downtown Dubai continues to retain its crown as the most visited location in the Middle East and is sixth in the world in the latest global ranking of tourist destinations, ahead of Paris, New York and Tokyo. As well as its iconic attractions, Downtown Dubai plays host to many of the city’s best hotels, top-notch restaurants, famous brand boutiques and one of the most expensive, high-end residential areas in the world.
It’s also home to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, which runs in an almost full circle around Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. Dotted with restaurants and hotels, its palm trees provide shade during the day and are illuminated with thousands of lights at night. Get on the hop-on, hop-off, zero-emission Dubai Trolley to explore the sites of this street.
Accessible from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and within walking distance of The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, is less well-known Burj Park, an 11,300 sq. m. lawn located on Burj Lake. With ample underground parking space, it was designed for a range of events, such as weddings and concerts, but also makes the perfect spot for a picnic with a view.
Downtown offers an integrated lifestyle community: a place to work, live and play. It’s easily accessible, with taxis available everywhere, and the well-connected metro (an air-conditioned glass tunnel travellator provides a link between Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station and The Dubai Mall. There are also feeder buses, which service the mall directly). Nearby educational institutions include GEMS Wellington Primary School in Al Wasl, and Hartland International School and North London Collegiate School, both in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City.
With a variety of apartments, ranging from 40 sq. m. studios to 400 sq. m, four-bedroom apartments, most of the properties in Downtown Dubai include numerous facilities, such as a gym, sauna, steam room and squash courts, while all come with access to a swimming pool.
“I love the atmosphere of Downtown Dubai. The views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain are spectacular – it feels like Venice,” enthuses Batoul Adoum, who lives with her mum and younger sister in a two-bedroom apartment, overlooking Burj Khalifa. “I never get bored of living here, as everything I want is next door to me. I like to hang out at my favourite restaurant, Sammach, in Souk Al Bahar.”