Downtown Dubai, Administrative district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Downtown Dubai is a district in the Emirate of Dubai, crossed by Sheikh Zayed Road and built mainly of modern residential towers and office buildings. The area includes several large shopping centers, artificial lakes, and wide pedestrian paths that run between the high-rises.
Development of the area began after the turn of the millennium on what was then empty desert land, which became the city's new business and residential quarter in just a few years. Construction moved quickly and most of the towers and facilities were completed within two decades.
In the city center, the daily water show draws many visitors who gather in the public squares to watch the free spectacle. The area is a popular spot for evening walks, when the streets come alive and many restaurants open their outdoor terraces.
The best time to visit is late afternoon or evening, when the heat subsides and the outdoor areas become more comfortable. The paths are wide and mostly level, so the district is easy to explore on foot.
The district is surrounded by a series of artificial lakes, specially created to cool the surroundings and help regulate temperature. These water bodies are part of a system designed to increase humidity in the outdoor areas.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.