Business Bay Dubai Area Guide

Business Bay is a major commercial center and one of the most famous and sought—after business districts in Dubai. Business Bay offers five-star hotels, luxurious skyscrapers with comfortable and spacious apartments, office centers, and developed infrastructure.

The central district is located at a distance of 1.5 km from Burj Khalifa, on the banks of the picturesque Dubai Canal. The community occupies an area of 80 million sq.m.

Business Bay is chosen by those who like a dynamic lifestyle, and bright and exciting events. Also, the district is considered one of the best not only for living but also for investing.

Famous buildings in the area

The Business Bay business district boasts a large number of commercial and residential skyscrapers.

One of the iconic places of the community is The Opus Tower from Omniyat. This is a high-rise building that stands out for its unique futuristic design. The tower is equipped with mirrored facades and has a large through opening of unusual shape. Inside there are hotel rooms, offices, and private residences. The construction of the skyscraper was completed in 2020. The author of the project was the legendary architect Zaha Hadid.

Another well—known implemented project in Business Bay is DAMAC Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts. The complex includes four skyscrapers with a height of 270 meters and 68 floors. Three towers are reserved for residential properties, the fourth is the Paramount Hotel with 800 luxury rooms. The apartment offers a panoramic view of Dubai. The project was developed by DAMAC Properties. The complex was commissioned in 2019.

Merano Tower is an equally well—known building in Business Bay compared to the previous two projects. The premium residential tower with a height of 29 floors combines urbanism and stylish design. The skyscraper houses studios and apartments with 1-3 bedrooms. All residences are designed according to the latest design trends and feature well-thought-out layouts and premium finishes.

There are still many residential complexes in Business Bay that are worthy of attention. Among them are Executive Towers, U-Bora Tower, Al Habtoor City, Millennium Binghatti Residences, Marasi, Sky Villas, Omniyat, Capital Bay and many others.

Hotels

Business Bay is a popular business district, therefore, it could not do without luxury hotels with a worldwide reputation. Hotels here are presented as luxury resorts that can comfortably accommodate tourists, business people, and families with children.

One of the most sought—after hotels in Business Bay is the Steigenberger Hotel. This is a 5-star hotel with a height of 19 floors, located on Al Abraj Street, at a distance of 1 km from the Fountain of Dubai. The hotel has 367 comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a SPA center, a sauna, a fitness center, a restaurant and other amenities.

The popular Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, is also located in Business Bay, next to the Dubai Water Canal. The hotel offers over 400 rooms, including suites with stunning city views. On the premises, you will find outlets, the Fire Lake grill bar, the Makar bar, the Abraj café, and The Larder cocktail bar. Guests are also offered to visit the fitness center or outdoor pool, relax on the terrace, and use the meeting room.

Another famous hotel in Business Bay is JW Marriott Marquis. This 5-star hotel is the second highest among hotels in the world. Its two towers are visible from different parts of the district. JW Marriott Marquis features a ballroom spanning 80,000 square feet, an outdoor pool, a spa center, and 14 restaurants. The hotel has 1,608 rooms.

For those who want to rent apartments in the Business Bay district, there are many interesting options for different budgets. The residential towers offer apartments with high-class amenities for tenants, including equipped gyms, pools, playgrounds, and more.

You can also rent apartments in Business Bay, as in other areas of Dubai, every month. The average cost of renting a studio is $950 per month, and a 1—bedroom apartment will cost you $1,350/month. If you rent premium-class housing, the rental price can reach $4,000 per month and above.

Restaurants and cafés

In the Business Bay district, there is a wide range of dining establishments available, from casual cafés offering everyday dishes to exquisite restaurants with high cuisine. If you want to try different options — from Arabic and European to exotic cuisine, you can choose one of the following restaurants:

• Le Patio is an Arabic restaurant and lounge located in the courtyard of the Habtoor Palace Dubai Hotel. The establishment is equipped in the open air. Here you can retire and relax from the dynamic lifestyle of the business district. Guests are offered a wide selection of hookah and tobacco flavors of the highest quality.

• Bombay Brasserie is an Indian restaurant located in the Taj Dubai Hotel. Guests can watch the cooking in the open kitchen. The bright interior and subdued lighting create an authentic atmosphere for connoisseurs of classic and modern Indian cuisine.

• Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant located at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. The traditional robata grill is located in the center of the establishment, so the chefs are constantly in the spotlight.

• La Farine Café & Bakery is a French restaurant with traditional dishes and good wine. The menu includes salad with duck, fried chicken, bisque, scones, etc.

If you want to visit a restaurant with a good view of the city, you should pay attention to the Prime68 steakhouse. The establishment is located on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, which offers a breathtaking view of the Dubai Canal. The menu includes steaks from the best beef of traditional breeds. Another restaurant with a wonderful view of Dubai is Babiole. From here you can see the Burj Khalifa and other attractions. The Greek Mediterranean restaurant offers guests fresh oysters, truffle pizza, grilled sea bass and other dishes.

For breakfast in Business Bay, Cafe EllaMia is an excellent choice as it opens at 7 am. The café with a cozy and refined atmosphere offers delicious breakfasts, pastries, desserts and, of course, high-quality coffee. Another popular breakfast spot is Nine7One. The restaurant is located in the Anantara Hotel. Visitors often praise the large and delicious breakfasts at Cafe EllaMia in Business Bay.

For dinner, many choose the Positano restaurant. Guests are offered to taste authentic coastal Italian cuisine. The menu includes pasta, antipasto, soups, pizza, and delicious desserts. You can also have a delicious dinner at the award-winning Indian restaurant Rang Mahal.

Places of cultural recreation

The Pegas Art Gallery is located in the Business Bay business district. The gallery officially opened in 2013 but started a year earlier with a series of art projects. Here you can visit the exhibition and see the works of both famous and emerging artists.

La Perle by Dragone Theater is located in the neighboring district of Al Habtoor City. Those who wish can watch a water acrobatic show. The concept of the performance was created by the famous Italian director Franco Dragone. There are several cinemas in Business Bay itself.

The man-made Dubai Water Canal runs through the entire area of Business Bay, which is also considered a popular landmark of Dubai. The 3 km long canal starts at Dubai Creek in the Old City and flows into the Persian Gulf. There is a wooden embankment along the canal, which is beautifully illuminated in the evening. This is a great place for an evening walk. There are cafés, restaurants, and luxury hotels on the embankment. The famous Opus building, designed by female architect Zaha Hadid, is also located nearby.

Other activities in the district

Business Bay is considered a preferred location for business professionals, but it also offers a wide range of interesting entertainment options. From dining at restaurants with beautiful views of Dubai to relaxing at world-class spa salons, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Dubai Opera is located next to this district. It is not only the cultural center of the emirate but also a unique creation. The opera was opened in 2016 with a performance by the famous opera singer Placido Domingo. Connoisseurs of art, opera and theatrical productions should definitely visit Dubai Opera.

The Dubai Music Fountain is also nearby. The fountain is located in an artificial lake with an area of more than 12 hectares next to the famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper. It is especially beautiful and romantic here in the evenings.

You can see a landmark called O-14 Base Tower in the Business Bay area. This is a unique building, marked by numerous prestigious architectural awards. The tower with a height of 22 floors is reserved for shops and offices. The facade of the building resembles Swiss cheese as it is designed with a 40 cm thick concrete exoskeleton that features 1,300 round openings of varying diameters.

The Business Bay district is located relatively close to popular beaches. The nearest beach to this part of the city is the famous Jumeirah Beach. You can get to it by car in 10-15 minutes. The free public beach has everything you need — from changing booths to numerous bars and cafés.

Business Bay area as a place to live

Business Bay is a popular community due to its prestigious location. Young professionals often choose to live in this area because the ability to move around the city quickly is important to them.

Residents and tenants appreciate the community for its proximity to shops, a good selection of restaurants, and a well-developed public transportation system. First-class amenities attract more and more people to this fashionable area.

Business Bay is a community built up with skyscrapers. Residential real estate in this area is predominantly represented by apartments of various types, including studios and apartments with 1-4 bedrooms. Although there are sub-communities with elite villas and duplexes. Luxury residences in this district are in close proximity to office buildings, as there are also many of them within the business community area. Most residential towers have everything you need for a comfortable life: gyms, outdoor terraces, children’s areas, swimming pools, cafés, and restaurants.

Advantages of living in the Business Bay district:

• Central location. The community is conveniently located in the central part of Dubai. It is easy to get anywhere in the city from here. The area is well-connected with major transportation networks, including highways, bus routes, and metro stations.

• first-class amenities. Life in Business Bay is an opportunity to use premium services. On the territory of the community, there are high-class shopping malls, supermarkets, hospitals, kindergartens and schools, and restaurants. In addition, everything you need is located near the house;

• multicultural environment. Business Bay is home to people of different nationalities and cultures, which allows for expanding one’s social circle, establishing new business contacts, and finding friends and partners from other countries.

• a good place for families. On the territory of the district, there are many options for spacious apartments and villas that guarantee a cozy atmosphere for family living. A couple with a child or multiple children will find it comfortable to live in a complex with playgrounds, pools, and parks, within walking distance of schools, shops, cafes, and medical facilities.

• ample employment opportunities. The vast number of offices and businesses in Business Bay provides an excellent opportunity to find interesting and well-paying jobs close to home.

Kindergartens

There are quite a lot of preschool educational institutions located on the territory of the Business Bay business community. This allows parents to arrange a child in kindergarten from a young age and go to work in the same area.

There are several kindergartens to choose from:

• Kids First Group;

• Canadian Kids Nursery;

• Maple Bear Nursery;

• Learning Tree Nursery;

• Blossom Nursery;

• Jumeirah International Nursery;

• Creative Kids Early Learning Centre;

• Kids Castle Nursery.

Kindergartens have a high reputation. In most of these establishments, children’s upbringing and education are carried out using popular Western methodologies such as the British curriculum, Canadian early development practices, and more. Children can be enrolled in nursery or daycare centers as early as 6 months old.

Schools

There are almost as many schools in Business Bay as kindergartens, which pleases parents of children over 6 years old. Locals most often choose such educational institutions:

• UHGYM O14 Tower;

• NEXT Education Group;

• DL School;

• Spanish online school;

• Prometric hub;

• Eman school system;

• City School Holdings International.

In the neighboring area, there is also the prestigious Old Safa British School, which offers education based on the British curriculum.

Universities

The best universities in the world are available for youth who want to get a higher education. Their campuses are located in Dubai Knowledge Park. You can get to Dubai Knowledge Park by car or by public transport in 15-20 minutes. It is a large educational campus with more than 400 organizations, as well as universities and professional centers. International Horizons College operates in the Business Bay district.

Health care

Both medical centers and dental clinics are located in the community. One of the best hospitals in Business Bay is Emirates Hospital Clinic. The clinic has branches all over the emirate. Doctors specialize in general practice, gynecology, dentistry, and dermatology. The center has the latest equipment: digital X-ray and ultrasound machines.

In the business district, there is another popular clinic in Dubai — Aster Clinic. Highly qualified specialists work here: family doctors, pediatricians, therapists, dermatologists, and gynecologists. There is a spacious parking lot next to the clinic.

The following dental clinics work in the community: Ivory Dental & Implant Clinic, Empire Dental Clinic, Perfect Smile, and Rona Rabah Dental Clinic. There are other medical institutions such as Abbara Polyclinic, Sknpolyclinic, J’adore Medical Clinic, and Noran Polyclinic. There are about a dozen pharmacies in the immediate vicinity of residential buildings.

You can take your pet to a veterinarian near your home. There are several veterinary clinics on the territory: Karas Veterinary Clinic, Karaman Veterinary Medicines Co LLC Group, and Modern Vet Downtown.

Transportation

The central district has excellent transport links. It is convenient to travel here both by private car and by public transport.

There are about 20 bus stops on the territory of Business Bay. Several bus routes pass through the community: 50, F14, F19A, F19B, F41, X22. The nearest metro station is Business Bay, which is located on the red line. The nearby Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station in Downtown Dubai is a 20-minute walk away. You can also travel here by DC1 and DC2 ferries, which run along the water channel.

The community provides infrastructure for car owners. Each owner of a residence in a complex gets a Parking space for his car. There is free parking on Al A’amal Street, where you can also park your car. Private paid parking is also available in the area.

Places for socialization

Dubai’s main waterway, the artificial Dubai Water Canal, runs along the entire area. On its long embankment, there are dozens of restaurants, cafés, and cultural and entertainment facilities, including the La Perle Aquatre. The embankment has become a favorite place for residents to meet. This is a good option not only for walking but also for participating in events and expanding the circle of acquaintances.

Bay Avenue Mall regularly hosts farmer’s markets, musical festivals, and festive events for occasions such as New Year’s, Mother’s Day, and Earth Day. Such events are also a good foundation for successful socialization in the UAE.

Sports enthusiasts can meet like-minded people and engage in various activities at the numerous indoor fitness centers and gyms in the area. Fitness First, Elevation Fitness, Bare Dubai, BARE and other establishments work here. There are paths for running and walking in the landscaped parks.

Employment opportunities

Business Bay is one of the most dynamic business districts of the Emirate. The community is located near Downtown Dubai and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which offers ample employment opportunities. Young professionals from all over Dubai and many foreign specialists live here.

Local and international companies are constantly opening new offices in Dubai, which leads to a high demand for professionals in various fields. It is not difficult to find a job in any field in Business Bay — from a driver to a company director.

Shopping Malls

The Business Bay district is located near the Dubai Mall, a major shopping center known throughout Dubai. It is a popular place for shopping, recreation and entertainment. Here is a wonderful collection of fashionable world brands.

The Bay Avenue Mall is located in the community itself. It also has a wide selection of shops, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and SPA centers. Here you can find outlets of such well-known brands as Big Brands, Signature Studio, and Made to Measure (M2M).

Spinneys and Choithrams supermarkets are located on Bay Avenue. Retail stores in large numbers are also available on the first floors of residential buildings. There is an Al Maya supermarket in Clover Bay Tower and a West Zone supermarket in Mayfair Towers.

What to consider when choosing an area as a place to live?

Real estate for purchase and rent in Business Bay is in great demand. Tenants and buyers are attracted to high-end residential complexes, developed infrastructure, excellent locations, and transportation connections with other areas of Dubai.

The infrastructure of the community in Business Bay is comparable to the neighboring community of Downtown Dubai, but property prices in Business Bay are often lower. The cost of apartments is kept at a relatively low level because the area continues to be dynamically built up. The offered housing in Business Bay features premium amenities, and the apartment windows offer picturesque views of the surrounding towers and the Dubai Water Canal.

Business Bay is an excellent solution for young professionals and couples leading an active lifestyle. To achieve maximum comfort while living in this district is real and easy.