Planning to ditch the car while living in Dubai? Don’t worry. The city has plenty of places where public transport is the norm. Here are some of them.
If you’re one who prefers to live car-free and use public transport for whatever reason, Dubai has got you covered. Living in Dubai without owning a car is not only possible, for some people it might even be more convenient, especially if you choose the right location to call home. The city has one of the world’s most modern and transport systems, including buses, taxis, trains, trams, ferries, and soon an inter-emirate train service as well as futuristic transport services like the air taxi and hyperloop.
Living a full life in Dubai is certainly not issue for those who choose to ditch the car. Here are some of the best places to live in Dubai if you choose not to drive.
As Dubai’s main artery, Sheikh Zayed is well-served multiple metro stations, e.g. World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, DIFC, Dubai Mall, and Business Bay.
If you work or travel often to Downtown, Business Bay or Financial Center, living in one of the many residential apartments along the highway will be a great option for you. The metro stations and feeder buses also provide easy access to the rest of the city. This location, however, can feel a little less homey for those looking to live in a residential community as majority of the housing options are apartments and being located with a commercial district.
It is mainly known as an industrial district, but Al Quoz also offers a wide selection of residences, complemented by a variety of retail options, including Mall of the Emirates and Time Square Center, while there is also a budding arts and culture scene with many art galleries and trendy cafes. I’s mainly served by Onpassive and Equity Metro Stations.
Being primarily an industrial district, it doesnt offer the same residential feel as other communities, many young professionals and artists choose to live in this location.
TECOM, also known as Barsha Heights, is served buy the Dubai Internet City Metro Station and is one of the top popular residential destinations because of its strategic location and vibrant community. The area is popular among young professionals working in the area.
With its wide range of affordable housing options, Al Barsha is increasing becoming a popular residential destination. The Mall of the Emirates Metro Station offers direct access to one of Dubai’s premier shopping destinations, and the rest of the bustling community behind. A bus station right next to the mall gives communters direct access to other communities, Dubai Studio City, Arabian Ranches, Arjan and even Global Village.
Jumeirah Lake Towers, commonly known as JLT, is a mixed-use community that offers a range of residential and commercial properties. It’s a pedestrian-friendly area that’s well-connected by public transport, including the JLT Metro Station.
JLT offers an excellent selection of apartments located close to major entertainment districts like Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). The area is pedestrian-friendly with a mix of apartments and offices distributed over 26 different clusters.
Dubai Marina is a luxurious waterfront community that offers a range of high-end residential properties. The area is well-connected by the Dubai Marina Metro Station and Tram, making it a convenient choice for those without a car.
The Dubai Marina Metro Station and the tram network offer easy access to key areas like JBR, Media City, and Internet City.
DIFC is Dubai’s financial hub that offers a range of high-end residential and commercial properties. While it may not be the first area that comes to mind for those without a car, it’s well-connected by the Financial Centre Metro Station.
The Financial Centre Metro Station on the Red Line provides easy access to key areas like Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah. However, the area is more suited for professionals working in the financial sector and may not offer the same level of family-friendly amenities as other communities.
The city’s premiere commercial and tourist hub is also home to the most famous landmarks of Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is directly connected to the mall through a covered walkway, which also offers stunning views of Downtown Dubai through its glass walls. There are also feeder buses from the Metro station towards nearby key locations such as Dubai Design District.
Located across the road from Downtown Dubai, City Walk is easily accessible also through the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. Those who prefer living in low-rise luxurious residential buildings amid a walkable community dotted with a selection of dining and retail options, this community is a perfect fit. City Walk is also home to the Coca-Cola Arena, one of the city’s top event spaces.
Business Bay is another location perfect for those who work or travel within Dubai’s key business districts. The community is served by the Business Bay Metro Station and features a mix of commercial and residential properties. Located close to the Dubai Canal, residents also have access to a Marine Transport Station where they can take a ferry towards other key locations such as Dubai Marina, Bur Dubai and even towards Sharjah.
With its close proximity to Al Satwa Bus Station and Al Jafiliya Metro Station, Satwa is a convenient choice for those reliant on public transportation and looking for more affordable housing options. The bus routes cover most of the major areas and attractions in old and new Dubai, including the Dubai Mall and Al Makhtoum International Airport.
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai, Al Karama is known for its vibrant culture. It is well-served by the Al Karama Bus Station and easily accessible to through the ADCB Metro Station and BurJuman Metro Station. Al Karama is also one of the most densely populated and busiest areas in Dubai as many expats choose to live here because of a combination affordability and access to several dining, retail, recreational and many other lifestyle amenities.
Known for its cultural landmarks, Bur Dubai is well-connected by both metro and bus as well as ferry service. It is served by the Al Fahidi and Al Ghubaiba Metro Stations, while the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is one of the major transport hubs in Dubai. There is also the Al Ghubaiba Marin Station where communters can take motorised abras to travel the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira or ride a ferry to other marine stations in Dubai or towards Sharjah.
It is the oldest commercial district in Dubai and one of the busiest as well with a large concentration of businesses, retail outlets, and even traditional markets such as the glittering Gold Souk. If you’re car-free, Deira is an extremely well-connected district with plenty of buses, taxis, and even water transport services. It has several train stations as well, including Al Rigga, Union Salah Al Din and the Deira City Centre Metro Stations.
Al Nahda is very popular for those looking affordable housing options, while still being relatively close to Dubai’s key destinations. Located along the border with Sharjah, Al Nahda features an abundance of amenities and several transport options, including the Stadium and Al Nahda Metro Stations.
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