Districts in Dubai

An Overview of all Districts in Dubai

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  Bur Dubai

  Bur Dubai forms, together with the district Deira, the historical core of Dubai City. It was built in 1833. Bur Dubai borders Port Rashid to the north. The port was named after the sheikh, Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and is today a transhipment point for classic cargo and a passenger port for cruise ships.

  Sights in Bur Dubai

  In Bur Dubai, you can experience the traditional and historic Dubai in the renovated Old Town. On a trip through the city district, you can also visit the museum village called Heritage Village. It illustrates the life, work, and culture of the Bedouins of that time. The Diving Village may also be an interesting place for those interested in culture to get involved in Dubai's history. The Diving Village exhibits the techniques of the old pearl fishermen for whom Dubai was known in its early years. Furthermore, the traditional Bur Dubai is the scene of the world religions due to its Grand Mosque and the Hindu Temple. However, the Hindu Temple was built for the Indian migrant workers who settled in Dubai to work.

  A welcome change to the walk through the city is a creek ride on a traditional wooden boat (Abra). Furthermore, one of the most famous and largest parks is located directly at the Dubai Creek: the Creek Park. It is especially known for its well-kept and green meadows and also for its unique location directly at the Creek. The numerous entertainment possibilities and beautiful surroundings inspire children and adults.

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  Deira

  Together with Bur Dubai, Deira forms the historic heart of the city. To the north of Deira lies the Emirate of Sharjah. To the east is Dubai Airport (DXB). In the south, it borders on the famous Dubai Creek. Deira is naturally bordered by the Persian Gulf on the west side. The district of Deira is mainly characterized by its many narrow and winding streets and the numerous souks. The smell of spices is a faithful companion here at many corners during a walk through the quarter.

  Here, the third palm island of the Palm Islands - "The Palm, Deira" - was originally planned. However, due to different factors, it was decided to reduce the island to the archipelago Deira Islands during the land reclamation. Since Deira is a very popular district in Dubai, many hotels such as the Ibis Al Rigga, the Hilton Dubai Creek and the Park Hyatt Dubai have settled there.

  Sights in Deira

  Dubai Deira offers its visitors a lot of sights such as the famous and largest fish market, where seafood and seafood can be bought very cheaply. There is also the world-famous gold and spice souk and many other smaller souks and markets. Trading at the souks is common and almost a must. It attracts many holidaymakers and locals every day who want to make a good price here.

  For all those who are looking for a contrast to the other townscape, a visit to the Clock Tower from the year 1960 is suitable. The Clock Tower is one of the oldest monuments of Dubai and is also a landmark. Further, Corniche Road invites one to an evening walk directly at the shore. It's especially beautiful at sunset. Another attraction in Dubai Deira is the Naif Fort - the first police headquarters in Dubai. Right next to this old building is the Naif Police Museum.

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  Jumeirah

  The Jumeirah district lies west of the Dubai Creek and southwest of Bur Dubai directly on the Persian Gulf. Jumeirah is one of the most modern districts in Dubai and is also one of the most expensive residential areas. In former times fishermen, craftsmen, and merchants were settled there. The Jumeirah district is crossed by two boulevards, Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. They are decorated with numerous modern skyscrapers.

  Sights in Jumeirah

  Parallel to the beach runs Jumeirah Road, also called Beach Road. There are a lot of shopping malls and shopping possibilities. The district is also famous for the artificial palm island Palm Jumeirah. The famous luxury hotel Atlantis is located on the palm island. A great attraction on the Palm Jumeirah is the Aquaventure Water Park as well as the Palm Tower.

  In addition, the famous Jumeirah Beach - which stretches over a length of 20 kilometers - attracts many tourists and locals for swimming, walking, and sports. Along the Jumeirah Beach, there are numerous well-known hotels like the unofficial 7-star hotel Burj al Arab, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Madinat Jumeirah. The Jumeirah Mosque and Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif (summer residence of the sheikh) are also very popular sights in Dubai.

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  Downtown

  Downtown Dubai is an approximately 700-hectare neighborhood that borders directly on the famous Sheikh Zayed Road. This main road was named after the then President of the United Arab Emirates, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan. The district consists of the old Arabic "Old Town" and a modern, luxurious complex with artificial water surfaces and the impressive Dubai Fountain.

  Sights in Downtown

  Above all, this district is known for its center, where the world's highest building - the Burj Khalifa - and the Dubai Mall are located. Through these hotspots, many famous and luxurious hotels such as the Armani Hotel - located in Burj Khalifa - The Address Downtown and the Sheraton Mall of The Emirates have also settled there. It is the hub of Dubai for hotels, offices and upscale apartments.

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  Jebel Ali (Dschabal Ali)

  The Jebel Ali district is best known for its free trade zone and deep seaport. The district Jebel Ali also gained popularity by the artificially created palm island "The Palm Jebel Ali" of the Palm Islands. Dubai-World Central International Airport (Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport) is also located there and is scheduled to become the world's largest capacity airport in 2020, just in time for the Expo. One of the best-known hotels in Jebel Ali is the JA Palm Tree Court.

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  Al Seef

  In the city of Al Seef, the new Dubai meets the old. And that's exactly what makes this district so charming. The Al Seef district is located on a waterfront promenade directly on Dubai Creek. In the modern part of Al Seef, the beautiful promenade with numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars invites you to linger. From here you also have a wonderful view of the marina of Al Seef. The traditionally designed part is directly adjacent to the modern area. The buildings are then transformed into traditional buildings and go over to the Arab souk in the style of the 1950s. Many regional handicrafts and art objects, as well as textiles and delicacies, are offered here in Arabic flair.

  The many restaurants in contemporary buildings also offer a very special flair. Al Seef can be reached by public transport via the BurJuman or Al Fahidi metro stops.

  A stroll along the Al Seef promenade takes you from Dubai's past to the present.

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  Dubai Marina

  The Dubai Marina district is located a few kilometers southwest of the city center. It is one of the most modern districts in Dubai and is known for its unique location, directly around the artificially created canal Marina. Yachts and skyscrapers characterize the cityscape of the Dubai Marina. Along the canal is the pedestrian promenade "The Walk" with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. The district is very well visited, especially in the evening. A popular spot in the evening hours is Pier 7 – a building with seven different restaurants and bars. Also located in Dubai Marina is the Dubai Marina Mall shopping mall and a beach marina beach overlooking the Ain Dubai.

  Our tip: The Zipline XLine, which runs directly across the Dubai Marina, provides pure thrills. With a speed of 80 km/h, you can fly over the Dubai Marina and enjoy an indescribable view.

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Dubai Districts - This is How the City is Divided Up

The city of Dubai has its center around the natural estuary "Dubai Creek" (or "Khor"). It meanders about 14 kilometers into the interior of the city. A good 2.1 million inhabitants (a good 500 inhabitants per km²) live here to the left and right of the estuary. Dubai Creek has its origins in the Persian Gulf. Around 1833 nomadic desert dwellers, the so-called Bedouins settled here. In the course of time, these Bedouin settlements grew into the districts of Bur Dubai (left of the Creek) and Deira (right of the Creek). This is where Dubai finds its historical origin.

More famous is Jumeirah. The Jumeirah district is located southwest of the Bur Dubai district. Where at that time there was the only desert, today there is a district with the most famous sights and activities. Also the palm island "Palm Jumeirah" belongs to Jumeirah. A little further southwest of Jumeirah is Jebel Ali. Between these two districts the part Dubai Marina was built. It owes its name to the four-kilometer long artificial canal. A place of interest and setting for magnificent yachts and luxury hotels. The districts mentioned in Dubai are today the most touristic and best known.

For the sake of completeness, Satwa, Karama, Arabian Ranches, Emirates Hills, Mirdiff and International City can also be mentioned here, but they are less well known. The city is administered in nine sectors, which in turn are divided into individual communities.

Explore Dubai's Districts in Comfort

You have several possibilities to recognize the connections between the individual districts in Dubai. You can take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus, a helicopter sightseeing flight, or a guided city tour.

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  Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

  A convenient way to explore the neighborhoods is to take a Hop-on Hop-off bus. Here you can choose between different tours - depending on your interests. The advantage of such a bus ride is that you can get off at any stop. Once you've seen an attraction, just get on the next Hop-on Hop-off bus.

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  Helicopter Sightseeing Flight

  A particularly impressive way to explore the districts of Dubai is by a helicopter flight. A bird's eye view of the city of superlatives awaits you. From above you will see every corner of Dubai and above all, you will get a perfect overview of the city.

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  Guided City Tour

  Another way to explore Dubai is to take a guided tour of the city. Here you have the possibility to choose between different tours depending on your interests. Especially recommended is the Magical Dubai City Tour with Burj Khalifa Experience.

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