Your guide to living in Business Bay

One of Dubai's central business, commercial and residential areas, Business Bay, is a charming neighbourhood with architecturally striking buildings, strong transport links, a plethora of world-class amenities and all the attractions of Downtown Dubai at its doorstep. Proximity to nearby business centres such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai International Financial Center, and the metro line makes it a beloved community for families and professionals alike. Residential towers offer chic lofts, studios, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses for sale and rent.

The developers of Business Bay

Many Burj Khalifa-view buildings in Business Bay were constructed by Damac Properties, including upscale hotel residences like the Damac Maison Cour Jardin. These beautifully opulent properties set the tone for luxury living with views of the canal and other architectural marvels like the Opus, which was designed by world-class architect Zaha Hadid, and developed by Omniyat. Other impressive projects like The Pad and Dubai Wharf in Business Bay were developed by Dubai Properties. Al Habtoor Group isn't far behind with "Al Habtoor City", a modern complex featuring a mix of luxury hotels, residential towers, and leisure facilities. Other vibrant developers in the area include Ellington Properties, Binghatti Developers, Samana Developers, and many more.

Your living options in Business Bay Dubai

Whether you're looking to rent or own, Business Bay has many living options that suit your needs and cater to your lifestyle. Take a look at the property options and price ranges below.

Studios in Business Bay

Perfect for young professionals or those seeking a pied-à-terre in Dubai. Studios typically offer a single open living area with a kitchenette and bathroom. The average yearly rental cost for a studio in Business Bay falls between AED 50,000 and AED 70,000. Purchasing a studio in Business Bay can cost from AED 500,000 to AED 1,000,000 or more.

Apartments in Business Bay

From one-bedroom options to spacious penthouses, Business Bay apartments cater to both single residents and families. The average yearly rent for an apartment in Business Bay can range between AED 70,000 and AED 200,000 per year depending on the number of rooms and location. A 1-bedroom apartment in Business Bay can cost anywhere from AED 750,000 to AED 1,500,000 to buy. The price will depend on factors like size, location, building amenities, and floor level. Similar to rental costs, larger apartments will naturally cost more to buy, with some apartments priced as high as AED 3,000,000 or more.

Luxury apartments in Business Bay

Business Bay is known for its high-end offerings. Several buildings boast luxury apartments with stunning views, top-of-the-line finishes, and smart home features. Renting a luxury apartment in Business Bay comes at a premium. Expect the average yearly rent to range between AED 150,000 and AED 300,000 or even higher. Purchasing a luxury apartment in Business Bay is a significant investment. Prices can start from AED 2,000,000 and easily reach AED 30,000,000 for the most exclusive penthouses.

Serviced & hotel apartments in Business Bay Dubai

Ideal for short-term stays or those who prefer a hassle-free living arrangement. Serviced apartments offer the convenience of hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping, laundry services, and sometimes even on-site dining options. Similar to serviced apartments, hotel apartments provide a fully furnished living space with hotel-style amenities. These are a good option for those who want to experience the luxury of a hotel stay but with the added space and privacy of an apartment.

Villas in Business Bay (limited)

While not as common as apartments, a select few developments in Business Bay offer podium villas. These are luxurious standalone villas with private gardens, often located on the lower floors of high-rise towers. Renting a villa in Business Bay can cost between AED 300,000 and AED 1,000,000, while purchasing a villa can cost between AED 5,000,000 and easily reach AED 30,000,000 or even higher for the most luxurious properties.

Sub-communities

While the area offers a unified aesthetic, Business Bay is further divided into sub-communities, each with its own character. These sub-communities can have slight variations in architectural styles or proximity to certain landmarks. Some might boast a higher concentration of residential buildings, while others might have a stronger focus on commercial spaces. Knowing these sub-communities can help you pinpoint the ideal location within Business Bay that best suits your needs, whether it's a quieter residential pocket or a location with a vibrant mix of offices and restaurants. One of the most vibrant sub-communities in Business Bay is Bay Avenue. Surrounded by beautiful residential buildings and nestled within the heart of the district, Bay Avenue is a two-story retail promenade designed for a more relaxed and pedestrian-friendly experience. Imagine rows of shops, cafes, and restaurants lining a walkway, perfect for grabbing a coffee, browsing stores, or enjoying a meal outdoors.

Investment potential in Business Bay Dubai

Buying a property in Business Bay can be a great investment due to the popularity of the area and its strategic location near the city centre. Take the below into consideration when evaluating your investment options in Business Bay.

• Capital Appreciation: Dubai's property market, especially in prime locations like Business Bay, has a history of steady growth. Buying now might allow you to benefit from future price increases when you decide to sell.
• Rental Income: Business Bay is a popular area for renters due to its central location and amenities. You can expect good rental yields, potentially generating a steady income stream from your property.
• High Occupancy Rates: Vacancy rates in Business Bay are typically low, meaning you're less likely to experience difficulty finding tenants.

You can browse properties in Business Bay Dubai and see all the different living options available for rent and for sale.

Lifestyle in Business Bay Dubai

You’ll love the fast-paced cosmopolitan lifestyle of corporate suits and briefcases and gorgeous views with more affordable rents as compared with Downtown Dubai and easy access to major touchpoints such as Sheikh Zayed Road, splendid views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, great nightlife, dining and entertainment options and availability of ample parking spaces, unlike other business districts.

Indulge in city luxury living

Most apartments in Business Bay come fully fitted with modern fixtures, open out to the gorgeous city and canal views, offer access to plush amenities such as gymnasiums and pools and provide the best of city living and suburban comfort. A master-planned community, Business Bay offers a life like no other, filled with diverse means of entertainment and leisure with shopping malls, retail promenades such as Bay Avenue and Dubai Canal, waterways, lush green spaces, and world-class dining venues. 

Shopping in Business Bay Dubai

While there aren't a vast number of shopping malls directly within Business Bay, the area is very well-connected to other parts of Dubai where there are numerous malls to explore.

• The Dubai Mall: One of the world's largest shopping malls and a must-visit for shopaholics, and located just a short distance away from Business Bay. The Dubai Mall is easily accessible via Metro or with a stroll along the Boulevard. It boasts a huge variety of stores, restaurants, an aquarium, and even an ice rink.
• Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue: This is an extension of the Dubai Mall and features a more luxurious shopping experience with over 200 high-end designer brands.
• Souk Al Bahar: This Arabic-style shopping mall offers a unique experience with traditional architecture, antique stores, and waterfront dining. It's located along Burj Khalifa Lake and offers stunning views of the Downtown Dubai skyline.
• Bay Avenue: This isn't a traditional shopping mall but a two-story retail promenade located within Business Bay itself. It offers a relaxed and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, grocery stores and shops suitable for everyday needs.

The perfect place to embrace the arts

Business Bay's central location makes it a fantastic springboard for exploring Dubai's diverse art and cultural scene. While the area itself might not be overflowing with galleries and museums, you're within easy reach of the city's artistic hotspots. See some below.

• The Dubai Opera: This architectural marvel isn't just a stunning building; it's a performing arts centre hosting a wide variety of events. Catch operas, ballets, musicals, concerts, theatrical performances, and even live screenings of operas from around the world.
• Alserkal Avenue (Al Quoz): A short drive or taxi ride away in the Al Quoz industrial area, you'll find this thriving arts hub. Warehouses have been transformed into a network of art galleries showcasing contemporary art, museums with diverse exhibits, performance venues for thought-provoking productions, and cool cafes to fuel your artistic explorations.
• Dubai Design District (d3): Another creative community worth exploring, located a short distance away. Here you'll find design studios, art galleries showcasing a variety of styles, concept stores bursting with unique finds, and the annual SIKKA Art Fair held in March.

Stay active

Business Bay is booming with fitness activities and some of the city’s best gyms! Check out what the area has to offer below.

• The Warehouse Gym (Ground Floor - Marasi Dr): This gym has separate sections for men and women. They offer a variety of classes, including cardio, strength training, and yoga. They also have a swimming pool and a juice bar.
• Bare (DAMAC Business Tower): This gym offers a unique HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout that combines cardio and strength training. They also have a “Black” workout that promises to help you burn 1,000 calories in 50 minutes.
• UFC Gym (Ground Floor, Wasl Vita): This gym offers a variety of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) classes, as well as traditional cardio and strength training equipment.

Business Bay location

Business Bay boasts a prime location in the heart of Dubai, offering excellent connectivity and a wealth of amenities. The Dubai Metro slices through the district, providing easy access to other major areas like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. Reaching further destinations is a breeze with well-organised bus routes and readily available taxis. Business Bay itself is brimming with everyday conveniences like supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. Within walking distance, residents can find high-end shopping malls and entertainment options, making it a vibrant hub for urban living.