Where to stay
Choices. Choices. Choices. The crazy thing about Dubai is that if you are a newbie, there are so many good areas its actually hard to pick one! If you are unsure our experts are on-hand, or you could take a look at this handy guide below which will give you key information on all the prime hot-spots. Dive in!
Dubai Marina
Who for: Hipsters to families. Young to old – a truly cosmopolitan hub. Have a superyacht? – you’re in!
Skyscrapers intertwined with boats and beach – what’s not to like? Dubai Marina is a searing metropolis of shiny-ness.
Here you can find some of the best beach clubs (Zero Gravity), institutional old favorites (Barasti) and new concepts in dining (Pier 7).
Nearby Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) has some of the best hotels, beaches and water action Dubai has to offer.
haus & haus tip: For those that like scaring themselves or viewing Dubai in a different way, visit XLine or Skydive Dubai for an adrenaline fix. Once is never enough!
Palm Jumeirah
Who For: Millennials, families, and millionaires. This place covers all bases.
Certainly, one of the most iconic manmade structures globally; the Palm Jumeirah epitomizes ‘Dubai-style’ living and conjures up images of pristine sandy beaches, turquoise sea, and the odd Lamborghini!
If you are looking for resort living, with some of the best beach bars, pools, hotels, restaurants and nightlife this city has to offer, then look no further. Additions such as Club Vista Mare and The Point have only added to the decision making headache…
haus & haus tip: Whether kids or adults, Atlantis is a ‘hot spot’. If you are wanting a swanky restaurant – book Nobu. If standing a-gaze at huge glass windows of fish, sharks, and mantas floats your boat – visit the aquarium. Or if are looking to top up that tan – grab your Aquaventure Waterpark wristband. This colossal hotel has it all.
Downtown
Who For: Something for everyone, young or old.
Dancing fountains – check, World’s tallest tower – check, enough shops to keep Kim Kardashian happy – check.
Downtown is Emaar’s flagship development. The street furniture is polished daily! Forget the crowds – you have to come to see and marvel at an architectural masterpiece. You can find any brand, most types of cuisine and some seriously good nightlife running within the confines of this boulevard.
haus & haus tip: Get yourself the Entertainer app to take advantage of the many bars, restaurants, and activities in the area with 2 for 1 offers.
One week’s trip will make the cost of buying more than worth it. Not just Downtown, you can use this handy (money saving) app all around Dubai and for multiple annual trips!
DIFC
Who For: Those with money or who want the best of the best. Smooth operators, banking hot shots, and those that like to people watch, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) hits the mark. This is not the place for flip flops and shorts – dress to the nines – you won’t want to feel out of place here.
This sophisticated area has some of the best restaurants and bars in town and the nearby convention goliath that is ‘The Trade Centre’ has a real eclectic mix of shows, exhibitions and fairs throughout the year.
There is a real arty feel around this central district and some of Dubai’s best galleries are placed here.
haus & haus tip: La Petite Maison, Zuma, Cipriani and Roberto’s are all staples of the local culinary scene. Don’t forget your credit card!
Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Who For: Apartment living for those who prefer a sensible budget.
Skyscrapers positioned around you guessed it – lakes. Just over the road from Dubai Marina and slightly more reasonable, JLT is a serious contender for happy residents and holiday-makers nevertheless.
Good access, an improved road structure, and 2 Metro stations, many people like the slightly less chaotic ‘younger brother’ to its more illustrious sibling. Only 10 minutes’ walk to the sea over Sheikh Zayed Road. In recent years some very strong contenders for Dubai’s best restaurants have firmly plonked themselves on the scene by setting up shop here.
haus & haus tip: Mythos Greek restaurant is a favorite of the expat community, as is Nola Eatery and Social House. You will enjoy the young, funky vibe this area has to offer.
Jumeirah Village Circle
Who For: Those on a budget without compromising style. People on the go, that need a great central location.
Jumeirah Village Circle or JVC as it is affectionally known was once heralded as a ‘building site’ but in recent years has really upped the ante and is now classed as a cosmopolitan, fantastic place to live and stay – with everything from budget conscious accommodation, to some super stylish apartment blocks. Great facilities, even better access and a thriving expat community make this one of Dubai’s best addresses. Many savvy investors see this as one of the true areas of Dubai set for long-term capital appreciation.
haus & haus tip: This is one place in Dubai with some real quality, contemporary and stylish buildings all competing for the ‘newest and best’ in the area. One of them that surely has to be near the top of the list must be the rather swanky Five Hotel. Being the younger brother to its illustrious partner on The Palm, this part hotel/part residential building has a great pool, funky food places, brunches and bars all wrapped up in one high rise building. Dangerously good!
Arabian Ranches
Who For: Families, golfers and those who prefer some peace and quiet at night!
A stalwart of the expat scene, this self-contained community based around a well-groomed golf course is a firm favorite.
Amenities include a retail center benefiting from supermarket and Doctors amongst a host of other outlets, a contender for Dubai’s best School – JESS; as well as one of the most peaceful, green and family orientated developments in Dubai.
The Arabian Ranches is a mix of architectural styles and price points to cater for every budget. No high-rises here, just townhouses and villas.
haus & haus tip: Maison Mathis have some of the best breakfasts in Dubai in the most tranquil of surroundings. Open the majority of the day, you can also have a cold refreshment (or two) after a full day of golf!
Jumeirah Beach Residence
Who For: Bronzed Gods, Mum’s – Dad’s and kid’s, maritime lovers and pretty much every one else in between!
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) has some of the best beaches and water action Dubai has to offer. Encompassing a 1.7km stretch of waterfront hotels, beach bars and foodie places. Renowned car aficionado’s hangout. Brum, brum!
Kids (and Kidults) can bounce in the inflatable assault course whilst the older folk people watch, sunbathe and eat ice cream. Marvelous!
haus & haus tip: One of the only places in Dubai you can ride a camel by the sea. A perfect photo opportunity with the background of JBR looming above you. Hop on!
