Downtown Dubai is included in the list of attractive areas for investment, where both business and cultural life is developed. Offices of international companies have been opened here, expensive residential complexes, cafes, restaurants and shopping malls have been built. UAE residents advise tourists to come here early, as there are many fascinating places in the area that are worth visiting.
History
Downtown Dubai was formed thanks to Emaar Properties, the project for its construction was created in 2003. Its slogan sounds like "The Center of Now", which in English means "the center of the present moment". The company saw the new area as the epitome of 21st century urbanism. It was assumed that with its launch, the standards of luxury living would be updated, and these expectations were fulfilled.
The following tasks were set:
- launch of the business activity center;
- opening of residential complexes and hotels;
- creation of infrastructure with shopping malls, medical, educational institutions, recreation areas.
The buildings began to be built in 2005. By 2010, the area had become like a modern metropolis, which is a symbol of the successful development of not only Dubai, but also the UAE.
Description
It took about $20 billion to launch an area covering 2 square kilometers. The construction was divided into 11 projects, among which the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the Dubai Fountain, and the low-rise Emaar Square office complex stand out.
Downtown Dubai is appreciated for its proximity to attractions, variety in entertainment infrastructure, and liveliness of the area. The disadvantages include traffic jams, insufficient infrastructure for families with children.
What to visit in Downtown Dubai
Those who come to Dubai for the first time tend to visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on Earth. Its height is 828 meters, and observation decks are located on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors, which are popular among UAE residents and tourists.
As practice shows, they also fly to Dubai for shopping. The Dubai Mall occupies 1.2 million square meters, it is the largest building in the area. The mall has more than 1,200 stores, and global brands are represented. In between shopping trips, you can ride an Olympic-size skating rink, visit the aquatic zoo, and the Dubai Aquarium. Although people come here not only to update their wardrobe, but also to have fun in their free time.
Other popular places
A show of the tallest singing fountains in the world begins every day at 18.00 on Lake Burj Khalifa. The total height of the structure reaches 275 meters, individual jets of water can rise up to 150 meters. To take a closer look at the light and music performance, you can drive up to the place by boat. It will feel like you are not in Downtown Dubai, but in the front row of an exciting performance.
Admission to Burj Park is free, and events are often held here, some of them for a fee. People come here to walk, chat with other people, watch a concert, go to fairs and festivals. Bike rental is available, and a special path is provided for cyclists.
There are many boutiques on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. From 2015 to 2019, the world's first hydrogen-fueled tram operated here in an experimental mode. It could accommodate 74 passengers at a time. He was traveling at a speed of 16 km/h, although he could accelerate up to 80 km/ h. The project was closed, but it is still remembered.
How to get
Business Bay, Bur Dubai, and Sheikh Zayed Road are located near Downtown Dubai. This ensures transport accessibility. Buses C26, 21, 98E, F11, 15 pass near the area.
The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line). Conveniently, there is an air-conditioned covered bridge leading from this station. Through it you can get to the Dubai Mall, and from there to Burj Khalifa and other places. You can take a taxi, and it's a half-hour drive from Dubai's main international airport.
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Nearby attractions
