Downtown Dubai
Emaar's “Centre of Now” — the address at the foot of Burj Khalifa, where The Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and the Fountain all sit on the doorstep.
About the District
Downtown Dubai covers close to 27 million sq ft between Business Bay, Za'abeel, Al Wasl and DIFC, master-developed by Emaar since 1998 and built around Burj Khalifa. More than 100 residential buildings house residents of over 140 nationalities in a stock running from studios to penthouses, branded residences and a small number of villas. Traditional oriental detailing sits beside ultra-modern towers along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, with The Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and the Fountain within walking distance.
At the Foot of Burj Khalifa
Residents live minutes from Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and The Dubai Mall's 10.7 million sq ft of retail, with the Fountain show visible from many upper floors.
Red Line Metro on the Doorstep
Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall station links to the district by a climate-controlled covered walkway, supported by seven bus routes and a boulevard tram line.
Dubai's Deepest Prime Rental Market
Studios return around 5.9% and one-bedrooms 5.1%, while short-term tourist lets can exceed 10% annually given constant visitor demand around Burj Khalifa.
Latest Projects in Downtown Dubai
Area Overview
Downtown Dubai is the emirate's premier tourism, culture, business and entertainment district, marketed by Emaar as “The Centre of Now”. Construction began in 1998 and continues today across roughly 27 million sq ft, producing over 100 residential buildings alongside hotels, offices and the Opera District. The area operates almost entirely in the premium segment: buyers are typically international investors and second-home purchasers, while tenants include senior professionals working in DIFC and Business Bay plus a large short-stay population. Notable addresses include Address Downtown, Armani Hotel Residences and Burj Khalifa itself, with newer branded launches such as Mercedes-Benz Places, Baccarat Hotel & Residences and Fairmont Residences Downtown.
Secondary Properties for Sale in Downtown Dubai
2 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
10,500,000 AED
2 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
4,290,000 AED
1 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
7,200,000 AED
1 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
3,150,000 AED
3 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
23,500,000 AED
2 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
9,500,000 AED
1 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
7,300,000 AED
3 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
24,750,000 AED
2 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
5,990,000 AED
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Downtown Dubai sits in central Dubai along Sheikh Zayed Road, bordered by Business Bay to the south, Za'abeel and Al Wasl to the north-west and DIFC to the north-east.
The district offers studios through four-bedroom apartments, penthouses, serviced and branded residences, and a limited number of villas across more than 100 buildings.
Downtown Dubai combines gross yields of 5-6% with exceptional liquidity and price resilience, and short-term tourist lets can exceed 10% annually. It commands the highest apartment rents in Dubai, with one-bedroom units averaging AED 127,000 a year in 2025.
Residents have Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Opera, Burj Park, Dubai Aquarium and the Dubai Ice Rink, plus hotels including Address Downtown, Palace Downtown and the Armani Hotel.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is 15–20 minutes by car via Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) around 40 minutes.
Yes. Downtown Dubai is a designated freehold zone with full ownership rights for all nationalities, and purchases from AED 2 million may qualify the owner to apply for the UAE Golden Visa.