Facilities & Services in Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is the only oldest and culturally-rich district in Dubai, offering a perfect blend of cultural heritage and modern features. It is also a highly self-sufficient community with outstanding access to essential services.
Here is a breakdown of the key facilities and services available in Bur Dubai:
Transportation and Connectivity
Bur Dubai is very well-connected to different parts of the city thanks to the best public transportations.
Dubai Metro: Here you will get access to the both the Red and Green lines of the Dubai Metro with major stations like:
- BurJuman Station (interchange for Red and Green lines)
- Al Fahidi Station
- Al Ghubaiba Station
- Oud Metha Station
Bus Services: The Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is a major terminal where you can find buses for almost every part of the city and other Emirates too.
Water Transport: Abra is the oldest and affordable transportation service in the region that takes you across the Dubai Creek to Deira.
Roads: The area provides easy access to major highways like Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Bur Dubai is home to some of the best medical institutions in Dubai:
Hospitals: Major hospitals within or nearby the community are Rashid
Hospital, Mediclinic City Hospital and Medeor Hospital.
Clinics and Pharmacies: There are a countless number of smaller clinics and international pharmacy chains are available here.
Shopping and Markets
The community is famous for its traditional markets and modern shopping centers.
Traditional Souks:
- Textile Souk (Old Souk): Famous for fabrics, clothing and tailor shops.
- Meena Bazaar: This is the Indian style market where you can find tailor shops, traditional clothing, jewelry and gold.
Malls:
- BurJuman Centre: A major shopping mall with international brands, restaurants and a cinema.
- WAFI Mall: Known for its ancient Egyptian theme and luxury stores.
- Supermarkets: Large grocery stores like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Choithrams are widely available.
Education and Government Services
Schools and Nurseries: The area hosts many well-established educational institutions offering various international curricula (like American, British, CBSE and French).
Government Offices: Several key administrative and government offices, including the Ruler’s Courts and various consulates (like the Consulate General of India), are located in Bur Dubai.
Cultural and Recreational Facilities
Places of Worship: Bur Dubai is known for its multicultural environment, housing mosques (including the Grand Mosque), some of the oldest Hindu temples in the UAE, and various churches in the neighboring Oud Metha area.
Parks: Zabeel Park (home of the Dubai Frame) is a major public park nearby, offering playgrounds, green spaces, and recreational activities.
Attractions: The area features core cultural attractions like the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Bastakiya), the Dubai Museum, and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).
Why Invest in Bur Dubai?
Investing in Bur Dubai offers a unique proposition in the Dubai real estate market, combining the stability of an established community with the potential for growth driven by urban renewal.
Here are the key reasons why you should consider investing in Bur Dubai, particularly in property:
Prime, Irreplaceable Central Location
Connectivity Hub: Bur Dubai is one of Dubai’s most strategically located districts. It offers instant, easy access to all parts of the city via the Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines), major bus stations, and the Abra water taxis across the Creek.
Proximity to Business Centers: It is minutes away from key employment hubs like Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), making it highly attractive for professionals.
Gateway to Heritage: The area is the heart of “Old Dubai,” ensuring its long-term value as a cultural and historical destination that cannot be replicated by newer communities.
Strong and Stable Rental Demand
High Occupancy Rates: As a major center for expatriates and families seeking affordable, central housing, Bur Dubai maintains consistently high demand for rental properties.
Compared to premium areas like Dubai Marina or Downtown, Bur Dubai offers relatively more affordable property prices and rents, which often translates into higher gross rental yields (apartments can offer yields up to 6 - 8% in some sub-communities like Al Mankhool and Al Karama).
Diverse Tenant Pool: The area appeals to a broad demographic, including working professionals, established families, and a continuous flow of tourists and short-term renters due to its proximity to cultural landmarks.
Capital Appreciation through Urban Renewal
Dubai 2040 Master Plan: Bur Dubai is a central focus of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims for urban regeneration and cultural preservation. This government commitment ensures ongoing investment in infrastructure, public spaces, and new, high-quality developments (like those near Zabeel Park and Al Jaddaf).
Newer, Upscale Developments: While known for its older buildings, areas within Bur Dubai, such as Al Jaddaf and Al Kifaf (near Zabeel Park), feature modern, luxury, and freehold residential projects (e.g., Wasl 1, Park Views Residences). These new projects offer excellent capital appreciation potential and modern amenities that cater to high-end renters.
Lifestyle and Community Appeal
Self-Sufficient Community: The area is fully developed with world-class facilities and services, including major hospitals, international schools, shopping malls (BurJuman), and vibrant cultural markets (Meena Bazaar, Textile Souk).
Cultural Authenticity: For investors looking for a connection to the city’s history, the presence of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Bastakiya) and the Dubai Creek ensures a unique, authentic experience that draws both long-term residents and tourists.
Favorable Market Conditions
Competitive Entry Price: Property prices in many parts of Bur Dubai are competitive, offering a lower barrier to entry for investors than many new-development areas.
Investor Benefits: Like all of Dubai, real estate investments in Bur Dubai benefit from the UAE’s highly attractive financial environment:
- No Income Tax on rental returns.
- No Capital Gains Tax on sale.
- Golden Visa opportunities for qualifying investments.
