Business Bay

Dubai’s Manhattan or the financial heart of Dubai – this is the unofficial name given to Business Bay (officially known as Marasi Business Bay). This bustling business district is perfect for those who value time and want everything at their fingertips: your office, the best leisure spots, business events, and partners.

Location

Business Bay is centrally located in Dubai, just south of Downtown. It is bordered by Sheikh Zayed Road to the north and Al Khail Road to the south, providing easy and quick access to the city’s main highways, making it convenient to reach any part of Dubai and beyond. Key destinations in Dubai are just minutes away:

  • Dubai Mall – 12 minutes
  • Burj Khalifa – 10 minutes
  • Dubai International Airport – 20 minutes
  • Burj Al Arab – 28 minutes
  • Dubai Frame – 19 minutes
  • Dubai Marina Beaches – up to 30 minutes

Advantages and Features of the District

Initially, Business Bay was designed as a major business district, with plans for dozens of towers housing business centers and offices. However, after the 2008-2013 crisis, demand for commercial real estate decreased while demand for residential and retail spaces increased.

Gradually, residential towers with luxury apartments and penthouses began to be developed in Business Bay. The area also started to fill with parks and shopping centers. There are around 230 towers in the district, some of which are already operational, while others are still under construction and will be completed in the coming years.

One of the main advantages of living in Business Bay is its central location. Whether you need to go to the beach, the airport, or Dubai Mall, you won’t need to spend much time traveling.

The district offers all the necessary infrastructure to handle daily tasks without having to leave the community.

Infrastructure

Несмотря на название комьюнити, здесь отлично себя чувствуют как деловые люди, так и семьи с детьми или без них. Здесь есть все для комфортабельной жизни:

  • Shopping and Leisure. Bay Avenue Mall is the local Dubai Mall. Here, you’ll find branded clothing and accessory stores, restaurants, children’s play areas, as well as a medical center, spa salons, and more. If that’s not enough, Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, is just 10 minutes away. For leisure, there are many open public spaces and waterfronts along the Dubai Canal.
  • Supermarkets. Business Bay has at least six large supermarkets that cater to all needs, including Spinneys, Loft Supermarket, Viva Supermarket, Choithrams, West Zone Fresh Supermarket, W Mart Supermarket, and others.
  • Gyms and Fitness Centers. To stay in shape, Business Bay offers several gyms, including UFC Gym, The Gym, Core Club Pro, and The Warehouse Gym. Monthly membership fees range from 350 to 750 AED ($95-$205).
  • Schools and Kindergartens. Educational institutions are available within the community and nearby. Several reputable schools operate in Business Bay, including Global Business Studies, City School Holdings International, and First Path Montessori. Additionally, there are at least four more schools within a 15-20 minute drive. As for kindergartens, there are at least six in or near the area where your children can receive preschool education.
  • Medical Facilities. The district has clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. Some of the best clinics in the area include Emirates Hospital Clinic, Aster Clinic, Pearl Dental Clinic, and Therapy Healing Clinic, among others. There are also other medical facilities within a 10-20 minute drive.
  • Cafes and Restaurants. Business Bay is often called a culinary paradise, with restaurants offering a variety of dishes from around the world. Some of the best include Iqbal Restaurant, Spring Onion Restaurant, Gazebo Restaurant, and Farsi Restaurant. The community also boasts a thriving café culture, with dozens of cozy spots, many offering stunning views of the Dubai Canal and Burj Khalifa. Some of the best according to residents are The Kana Cafe, Circle Cafe, and Nurai Cafe.

Upon completion of construction, the area will feature a luxurious yacht club with 1,200 berths and a total area of 6 km². This marina will become a hub for yachtsmen from around the world, as well as for those who enjoy spending time on the water.

Attractions

Several key attractions are located within or just minutes from the district:

  • Burj Khalifa (15 minutes). The tallest building in the world and the symbol of Dubai.
  • Dubai Canal (2 minutes). A man-made canal with picturesque promenades stretching through Business Bay.
  • Bay Avenue Park (8 minutes). A peaceful green space in the heart of Business Bay, ideal for picnics, morning jogs, and relaxation amidst lush greenery away from the city hustle.
  • Marasi Promenade (Marasi). A 12 km pedestrian zone along the Dubai Canal – a perfect place to relax by the water, with stylish cafes, shops, and entertainment events.
  • Dubai Fountain (9 minutes). The tallest performing fountain in the world, located in an artificial lake at the foot of Burj Khalifa, famous worldwide for its grand shows against the backdrop of the skyscraper.
  • Dubai Design District (7 minutes). A hub of creativity and innovation, with art galleries, design studios, and trendy cafes.
Complexes
Residential Complexes

Imagine waking up to breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai with shimmering skyscrapers lining the horizon, framed by the floor-to-ceiling windows of your apartment. This is what many residential complexes in Business Bay offer.

The residential complexes in the district embody luxury, comfort, and modern technology. They offer a wide range of amenities that make living here especially attractive: luxury spa centers, beauty salons, private cinemas, and pools with magnificent views of the city or sea.

Residents of Business Bay enjoy a rich selection of entertainment options, including green parks, tranquil open lounges, and exclusive restaurants within their complexes. The local residential complexes are also known for their high-tech solutions, including smart home systems, and exceptional levels of service, such as 24-hour concierge service.

Transportation Accessibility

Business Bay is one of Dubai’s central districts and a business hub, so transportation links are well-developed. Both visitors and residents have access to all forms of transportation: taxis (Uber and Careem), buses, and the metro.

Business Bay Metro Station is located near Sheikh Zayed Road. From there, you can travel to other parts of the city: Dubai Marina, Downtown, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai International Airport, and more.

There are buses that pass by the district and stop at the metro station. Buses also run within the community, departing every 10 minutes from the metro station. One such bus is the RTA F14. It departs from Bay Square 1 and its final stop is Business Bay Metro Bus Stop Landside 01, with a total of 15 stops along the route.

For personal vehicles, the district offers both free and paid parking options. Considering that many residents of central Dubai own personal vehicles, most towers have multi-story parking facilities with hundreds of spaces.

Average Rental and Purchase Prices

Renting. In Business Bay, you can find various accommodation options for rent with all the amenities (parking, gym, playgrounds, pools, etc.). Average annual rental prices are as follows:

  • Studio – 30,000–70,000 AED ($8,000-$19,000)
  • One-bedroom apartment – 90,000–120,000 AED ($25,500-$32,500)
  • Two-bedroom apartment – from 140,000 AED (from $38,000)
  • Three and four-bedroom apartments – 200,000–320,000 AED ($54,500-$87,000)

Buying. You can purchase real estate in Business Bay to suit any taste, from small cozy studios to luxurious penthouses with multiple bedrooms. Average purchase prices are:

  • Studio – 1 million AED ($272,000)
  • One-bedroom apartment – 1.56 million AED ($425,000)
  • Two-bedroom apartment – 2.5 million AED ($680,000)
  • Three-bedroom apartment – 4 million AED ($1.1 million)
  • Four-bedroom apartment – 12 million AED ($3.27 million)
Is It Profitable to Invest?

Yes, for several reasons. Many properties are still under construction, so real estate prices are lower than in neighboring Downtown. However, the quality of life here is equally high. All properties in Business Bay are of premium quality. The area has excellent infrastructure, and its location is very convenient – close to all major attractions in Dubai.

The combination of residential complexes and business centers attracts businesspeople, investors, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and travelers. This maintains simultaneous demand for both commercial and residential real estate, for both renting and buying.

For long-term rentals, studios offer the highest returns, up to 6.7% annually. One and two-bedroom apartments yield around 5.7%. For short-term rentals, the return can exceed 10% annually.

As the district's development nears completion, property values will only continue to rise. In 2023 alone, apartment prices increased by 12.4% compared to 2022.