Downtown Dubai or The Dubai Downtown[2] is a large-scale, mixed-use complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was developed by the Emaar real estate development company. Before 2000, this area was called Umm Al Tarif.[3] It is home to some of the city's most notable landmarks, including Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building; the Dubai Mall, the second-largest mall in the world[4] and The Dubai Fountain, the world's largest choreographed fountain. It covers an area of 2 square kilometres (0.77sqmi), at an estimated cost of US$20 billion (Dh73 billion) upon completion and, as of 2017, has a population of 13,201.[5]
The development is situated along Sheikh Zayed Road, across from Al Wasl locality on the northwest. It is bounded to the south by Business Bay and to the northeast by Financial Centre Road, which separates it from Zabeel and Trade Centre 2. At the heart of Downtown Dubai is Emaar's famous masterpiece, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, characterised by entertainment, shopping and dining.[6]
Arabic low-rise vernacular style of architecture is present in the Old Town, while high-rise contemporary buildings dominate the rest of the development. Downtown Dubai includes a range of high-end hotels such as Address Downtown, The Palace, Vida Downtown, and Al Manzil Downtown, as well as attractions such as the Souk Al Bahar luxury Arabian market and a 3.5 km-long strip of restaurants and cafes on Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Boulevard. Souk Al Bahar has over 100 shops and over 20 restaurants, cafes, and lounges adjacent to the Dubai Fountains.[7]
Emaar Properties has its headquarters here in Emaar Square. The company also launched the official theme song of Downtown Dubai named The Centre of Now, performed by Sian Turner.
Burj Khalifa is the centrepiece of Downtown Dubai. At 828m (2,717ft), it is the tallest building in the world and the tallest human-made structure ever built. Construction began on 21 September 2004, and was completed and ready for occupancy by 4 January 2010. Burj Khalifa is estimated to have cost US$1.5 billion.[8] In addition to being the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa holds six other world records, including 'tallest free-standing structure in the world', 'elevator with the longest running distance in the world' and 'highest number of storey's in the world.'[9] It also houses the Armani Hotel Dubai, which spans 30 floors of the building. It also has the At The Top observatory, the second highest in the world, located on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
Aerial view of Dubai Mall and Address Old Dubai MallDubai Mall's interior
The Dubai Mall is the world's second largest shopping mall by total area. It is the home of 1,300 stores[10] in addition to numerous attractions, including an Olympic-size ice rink, an aquarium and a water zoo.[11] In March 2018, the owner of The Dubai Mall, Emaar Properties, opened an entertainment complex called VR Park, which blends augmented reality and virtual reality (VR).[12] Access to the mall is provided via Doha Street, rebuilt as a double-decker road in April 2009.[13] The Dubai Mall opened on November 4, 2008, with more than 1,200 retailers. The Dubai Mall is the most visited retail destination in the United Arab Emirates with approximately over 100 Million visitors every year.[14][15] The mall has gone through various expansions and in 2024, Emaar announced that the mall will have a large extension by 2027.
Fashion Avenue
In March 2018, Emaar Malls unveiled a new extension of The Dubai Mall dedicated to fashion and luxury shopping. The 440,000-square-foot Fashion Avenue offers over 150 high-end fashion brands, including Burberry, Cartier, Miu Miu, Prada, Gucci, Mikimoto, Faberge, Valentino, and Christian Louboutin.
At the center of Downtown Dubai and at a cost of Dh 800 million (US$217 million), the Dubai Fountain is the largest choreographed system in the world. It was designed by WET Design, the California-based company responsible for the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel Lake in Las Vegas. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors, it is 275m (902ft) long and able to shoot water 150m (490ft) into the air, accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.[16] On 26 October 2008, Emaar announced, based on results of a naming contest, the fountain would be named the Dubai Fountain.[17] In 2025, the fountain will be closed for 5 months for renovation works. The fountain reopened in October 2025 after completion of Phase 1 of its renovation. Phase 2 of the renovation will happen in 2026.
Address Downtown Dubai is a supertallskyscraper rising 306m (1,004ft) alongside the Dubai Mall, the Old Town, and the Burj Khalifa Lake.[18] This hotel and the residential tower contains a total of 63 floors.[18] The tower is another supertall structure in the chain of Emaar's Address hotels which include Address Dubai Mall, Address Boulevard and Address Sky Views, all within the massive development of Downtown Dubai, which includes the centerpiece supertall building, Burj Khalifa.[18] The tower was topped out in April 2008, becoming the 6th-tallest building in Dubai and the 36th-tallest in the world. In September 2008, the tower was completed. However, during the New Year's Eve party on 31st December 2015, the hotel caught a deadly fire which destroyed the building's cladding. No one was killed during the incident. The tower's reconstruction was completed in 2018.[19]
The Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, formerly known as the Address Boulevard, is a 73-storey 370 m (1,214 ft) hotel in Downtown Dubai. It has a restaurant, 3 pools, and views of the Burj Khalifa. The hotel permanently displays 251 specially-commissioned original artworks by 48 internationally renowned artists. The project was developed by Emaar Properties in 2012. The serviced residences sold out on the day of the launch of sales in September 2012. The hotel opened in 2017. In 2018, the Address Boulevard and the nearby Address Old Dubai Mall were sold to Abu Dhabi National Hotels for $598 million. In 2024, Abu Dhabi National Hotels announced that the Address Boulevard would be rebranded to Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, thereby ending Emaar's management of the hotel.
Address Dubai Mall
A group of 3 tall buildings that serve as hotels with views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. It was formerly named Address Fountain Views to avoid confusion with the older Address Dubai Mall hotel. As one of the most renowned hotels in Dubai, this 5-star hotel in Downtown Dubai offers elegance and comfort with direct access to the biggest mall in the world: Dubai Mall and Chinatown.[20]
Address Sky Views
Address Sky Views is famous for its Sky View Observatory, which features a glass slide and a hanging platform 220 metres above the ground. This hotel in Downtown offers breathtaking panoramas, an iconic infinity pool overlooking Burj Khalifa. Renowned for its prime location with direct access to the Dubai Mall and the metro station.[21]
Address Residences Dubai Opera
Address Residences Dubai Opera is an exclusive serviced apartment development in Downtown Dubai. The design of the two sleek towers of 64 and 56 storeys is inspired by the sailboats of the Arabian Sea. Between them, an expansive podium presents an array of retail, leisure and entertainment facilities. Located near Dubai Opera, the naval-inspired two-tower complex rises in The Opera District — a flourishing cultural hub only a stone’s throw away from the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. [22]
Address Grand Downtown
Address Grand Downtown, a pinnacle of opulence nestled in the heart of Downtown. An exquisite collaboration between Address Hotels + Resorts and Nshama. Just 6 minutes from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, it places residents at the heart of Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle. The state-of-the-art gym and yoga studio cater to wellness enthusiasts, while private lounges, multipurpose spaces, and conference rooms provide convenience. Residents can unwind in private spa rooms, relax at the adult-only rooftop pool with stunning Burj Khalifa skyline and sea views, or enjoy The Grand Club’s infinity pool, sun deck, and tanning ledge.[23]
In August 2016, Emaar opened Dubai Opera, a 2,000-seat, multi-format, performing arts center located within The Opera District of Downtown Dubai.[24] Styled on the classic Arabian dhow, the project was developed by Emaar Properties in collaboration with architect Janus Rostock. The venue hosts a wide array of performances coming from countries around the world, including theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, musicals, stand-up comedy shows and various seasonal events. Its plans were announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in March 2012. It opened on 31 August 2016 with a performance by Plácido Domingo.[25]
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Encircling Downtown Dubai, the 3.5km road was previously known as Emaar Boulevard based on the area's developer. In December 2012, Emaar renamed the boulevard to pay tribute to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The thoroughfare is famous for an impressive array of restaurants, cafes, and outdoor art exhibitions by Art Emaar, a cultural initiative of Emaar Properties.[26]
Emaar New Year's Eve
Held in the centre of Downtown Dubai every year, Emaar New Year's Eve is one of the most celebrated events in Dubai.[27] First organised in 2011, The celebration usually comprises a massive firework and music display on the Burj Khalifa at midnight[28] and gathers hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists. In 2018, Emaar hosted a special light and laser show, 'Light Up 2018', on the Burj Khalifa, which brought in over a million visitors and reached over 2.5 billion people through live streams on social media. 'Light Up 2018' broke the Guinness World Record for the 'largest light and sound show on a single building.' The fireworks returned for 2019 and have since been the most attended New Year's celebration in Dubai. Tickets can be purchased on the Emaar NYE website 3 weeks before 31st December every year[29]. Since 2011, national live broadcasting rights have been held by Dubai Media Incorporated and Dubai TV.
The Residences Burj Khalifa
This apartment residence is situated in a 20-storey building located next to the Burj Khalifa, offering a direct connection to the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain. [30]
Forte Towers
In May 2015, Emaar announced the twin tower project called Forte Towers – one of which will be a 70-storey building, making it the third tallest tower in the District.[31] It was completed in 2023. Ideally positioned on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Forte residents have all the benefits of Downtown Dubai at their doorstep. Located in the centre of The Opera District, the superb location assures easy access to Financial Centre Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the rest of the city.[32]
Act One Act Two
Act One Act Two brings a new vision of luxury to The Opera District, renowned for its culture and cosmopolitanism. The two-tower complex comprises one, two and three-bedroom premium apartments inspired by the iconic Dubai Fountain.[33]
According to a newspaper article in 2013, Emaar has launched two identically designed towers located on Muhammad Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. One tower is 20 storeys high, and the other is 65 storeys. They consist of 120 and 520 apartments respectively[34] Completion and handover was in July 2018.
Grande Signature Residences
In September 2018, SSH was chosen by Emaar and appointed by WSP Burj Park Lake Dubai's Opera District. The tower is 78 storeys high and houses 866 apartments. It opened on 30 June 2022. With a prestigious spot alongside Dubai Opera, Grande homes are only a 4-minute walk to The Dubai Mall, a 3-minute walk to the Burj Khalifa and a 2-minute stroll to Dubai Opera. Residents can reach DIFC and all the major highways of Dubai within just 5 minutes.[35]
In May 2016, Emaar announced the twin tower project called Il Primo Towers - one of which will be a 77-floor building. Tower 2 was completed in 2025, while Tower 1 is under construction. Set in the heart of The Opera District in Downtown Dubai, Il Primo is only steps away from the iconic Dubai Opera. Il Primo’s spectacular location assures residents are only steps away from Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, the vibrant Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and numerous iconic venues that add to the glamour of Downtown Dubai. With proximity to major roads and the Dubai Metro, the whole city is within easy reach of residents as well as visitors of this iconic tower. [36]
Downtown Views II
Downtown Views II — chic 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments with awe-inspiring views of the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain and the captivating skyline.[37]
Boulevard Point
Boulevard Point at Downtown Dubai now sets the bar for location, luxury and investment potential. Nestled within a popular, well-established community, Boulevard Point boasts unparalleled views of The Old Town and Downtown Dubai. It is a tower with 68 storeys.[38]
Boulevard Heights
A sumptuous selection of 3-bedroom apartments that boast large open plan interiors, supreme storage, premium finishes and contemporary décor. Located opposite the inspirational Opera District, Boulevard Heights has risen to be one of the most impressive examples of modern living in the area.[39]
Opera Grand
With 70 storeys offering generously proportioned one, two, three, four and five-bedroom apartments, as well as five-bedroom podium-level townhouses. Soaring from the heart of The Opera District, Opera Grand provides easy access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.[40]
Vida Residences Dubai Mall
An ultra chic development featuring serviced and branded apartments with uninterrupted views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.[41]
Burj Crown
Rising on the vibrant Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, Burj Crown homes come with priceless views of Dubai’s iconic landmarks and an abundance of shopping, cultural, entertainment and culinary experiences.[42]
St. Regis Residences, Downtown Dubai
Steps away from the Dubai Opera, the Dubai Fountain, and Burj Khalifa, The St. Regis Residences, Downtown Dubai redefines luxury, building on the reputation of the iconic brand’s commitment to the highest achievements in style and design, distinguishing each space and experience.[43]
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