SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD AREA GUIDE

Everything you need to know about living, buying and renting on Sheikh Zayed Road.

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD IN BRIEF

Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) is a key artery in Dubai that links the emirates. It's not only Dubai's busiest road but also features many high-rise buildings offering residential and hotel-style living. Its location near business hubs makes it a popular choice for working professionals, ensuring a consistently active environment.

As a 12-lane highway, the region reflects the UAE's most heavily trafficked route. The Red Line of the Dubai Metro mostly follows the extensive highway. Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive from Sheikh Zayed Road.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Sheikh Zayed Road creates a lively, urban community at the heart of Dubai. The area gives a luxurious feel with its towering skyscrapers and high-end amenities. It's a cosmopolitan hub, attracting residents from different cultural backgrounds and contributing to a rich and lively atmosphere. While the area is urban, it also caters to families with access to quality schools and recreational facilities. Safety is a priority, and the overall quality of life is considered high, supported by excellent infrastructure and services. The demographic is heavily inclined towards working professionals, creating an active and fast-paced environment.

PROPERTIES IN SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) offers easy access to a mix of businesses and homes and many other conveniences. If you want to rent, you'll find apartments ranging from luxury to affordable options along this road. Property prices here vary significantly due to the diverse sub-communities within the area. Residences at Sheikh Zayed Road offer unique amenities and conveniences that directly influence the cost of properties. There are also several extremely high-rise buildings in the neighbourhood. The apartment types include studios, one to four-bedroom homes and penthouses.

In this area, most flats have central heating and air conditioning systems. On SZR, you can find sophisticated apartments with allocated parking and uninterruptible access to lifestyle services. Common amenities include swimming pools, children's play spaces, BBQ areas, activity areas, and covered parking. The apartments are roomy, with a large hall and a balcony providing a pleasant view of other residential buildings. Residents can enjoy views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Properties on Sheikh Zayed Road come in various sizes to suit different needs. Studios offer 388 to 500 sq. ft. One-bedroom apartments range from 580 to 788 sq. ft. Two-bedroom units range from 900 to 1,450 sq. ft. Three-bedroom apartments offer 1,400 to 1,800 sq. ft. of living space, and four-bedroom apartments span 2100 to 3300 sq. ft. Luxury options like penthouses provide the most space, range from 3500 to 5400 sq. ft.

OFFPLAN PROPERTIES IN SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

An off-plan property is a real estate unit purchased before construction, such as an apartment, villa, or townhouse. You buy a property based on plans, blueprints, and artist renderings and expect it to be built according to those specifications within a certain timeframe.

Buyers can secure a property at a lower cost during the off-plan stage since prices are lower than completed units, providing a financial advantage. Developers often allow payments in instalments, easing the financial burden. If the area gains popularity during construction, the property's value may increase by completion. You'll also get a brand-new place with all the latest amenities; sometimes, you can pick out some of the colours and styles yourself.

Below is a look at a few of the main off-plan properties on Sheikh Zayed Road:

Avior By Acube

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Payment Plan: 40/60

Starting Price: AED 3,500,000

Completion Date: December 2026

Property Size: 714-2500 sq. ft.

Avior By Acube is an exclusive residential development on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. It offers a luxurious living experience with smart home features, high-end finishes, and spacious layouts. It redefines luxury living in Dubai, combining prime location, innovative design, and top-tier amenities. With its unmatched elegance and investment potential, this development is a strong investment choice, offering a refined lifestyle and long-term value in the heart of Dubai.

Avior Tower 1 will offer a wide range of living spaces, including apartments with one to six bedrooms, along with penthouses, duplexes, and villas. Avior Tower 2 will also feature apartments with one to six bedrooms and duplexes.

Burj Azizi Tower

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Payment Plan: 80/20

Starting Price: AED 8,500,000

Completion Date: August 2030

Property Size: 780-4200 sq. ft.

Burj Azizi Tower offers exclusive high-rise residences designed for luxury and comfort. Each apartment showcases captivating architectural details and refined interiors, with branded fittings and fixtures elevating each living space. Residents can experience sophisticated city living at one of Dubai’s most desirable addresses. The Burj Azizi Tower comes in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations.

City Tower Phase 1

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Payment Plan: 80/20

Starting Price: AED 315,000

Completion Date: June 2026

Property Size: 600-2200 sq. ft.

City Tower 1 is a 93-story mixed-use residential and office tower that emerged on the former 16-story City Tower One site. Combining contemporary design, luxurious amenities, and a prime location offers an unparalleled experience for residents and professionals. 

HOW MUCH IS IT TO RENT A PROPERTY IN SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD?

Sheikh Zayed Road offers a variety of apartments for rent, from studios to larger units. Knowing the rental prices for these properties will help you find a suitable home that fits your budget. 

Rent on Sheikh Zayed Road for apartments is:

HOW MUCH IS IT TO BUY A PROPERTY IN SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD?

The average selling price for an apartment on Sheikh Zayed Road ranges from AED 2,200,000 for a one-bedroom to AED 6,600,000 for a three-bedroom. 

Here's a quick overview to buy a property on Sheikh Zayed Road:

Several factors influence these prices. The location of the building along Sheikh Zayed Road, the views from the apartment, and the amenities offered (such as pools, gyms, and parking) all play a significant role. This area is constantly evolving. New tourist attractions, commercial initiatives, and infrastructure improvements are transforming Sheikh Zayed Road, which can further impact property values in the area.

IS SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD PROPERTY A GOOD INVESTMENT?

Sheikh Zayed Road presents a strong investment opportunity for those seeking high-value real estate in Dubai. Its central location makes it a prime choice for commercial and residential investors. The road is a hub for major businesses, attracting companies and professionals worldwide ensuring a steady demand for office spaces. The area boasts luxurious apartments and penthouses for residential investments, appealing to a wealthy clientele.

The graph above shows how much it costs to buy a square foot from the end of 2016 to the end of 2024. Initially, a square foot cost something between 2,000 and 2,500 AED. The prices were initially steady, then dropped to less than 1,000 AED in 2019. But they bounced back quickly to over 3,000 AED in 2021! Since then, it's been like a rollercoaster – up and down! Despite price fluctuations, this graph strengthens the case for Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) as a prime investment opportunity. The initial stability between 2,000 and 2,500 AED indicates a baseline of consistent value. The dramatic drop in 2019, while concerning at first glance, was followed by an equally dramatic surge to over 3,000 AED in 2021. This demonstrates the market's capacity for rapid recovery and significant growth, a key indicator of high-potential investment. The subsequent volatility, though seemingly unpredictable, provides strategic entry points for investors. 

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ROI FOR SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD PROPERTY?

The smaller apartments on Sheikh Zayed Road currently offer higher returns on investment. Specifically, one-bedroom apartments yield an average ROI of 4.49%, followed by two-bedroom apartments at 4.86% and three-bedroom apartments at 3.54%. This suggests that investing in smaller units may present a more lucrative opportunity for landlords in this particular market.

MOST POPULAR BUILDINGS ON SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

Popular buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road are:

Oasis Tower

Oasis Tower is a 397-foot-tall residential building on Sheikh Zayed Road with 32 floors above the ground. The high-rise building features studios, one and 2-bedroom units with fully fitted kitchens, appliances, ceramic floors and carpeted bedrooms. 

Average Sales and Rental Prices:

• 1-bedroom apartments for rent: AED 65,000
• 2-bedroom apartments for rent: AED 85,000
• 1-bedroom apartments for sale: AED 825,000
• 2-bedroom apartments for sale: AED 1,250,000

21st Century Tower

21st Century Tower's futuristic design offers residents all the facilities required for a modern lifestyle. Ranked as the most popular residential development on Sheikh Zayed Road, the 55-storey tower has 400 apartments: 300 3-bedroom units and 100 2-bedroom flats. It is the 4th largest building in Dubai.

Average Sales and Rental Prices:

• 1-bedroom apartments for rent: AED 106,000
• 2-bedroom apartments for rent: AED 125,000
• 1-bedroom apartments for sale: AED 1,200,000
• 2-bedroom apartments for sale: AED 2,220,000

Al Safa Tower

Al Safa Tower is a high-rise residential building on Sheikh Zayed Road. It consists of 22 floors above ground and offers one—and two-bedroom apartments. The building is near Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. Al Safa Tower has modern amenities like a gym and swimming pool. It also provides easy access to supermarkets and restaurants.

Average Sales and Rental Prices:

• 1-bedroom apartments for rent: AED 175,000
• 2-bedroom apartments for rent: AED 245,000
• 1-bedroom apartments for sale: AED 1,835,000
• 2-bedroom apartments for sale: AED 4,890,000

Capricorn Tower

Capricorn Tower is adjacent to DIFC on Sheikh Zayed Road. This building has 46 floors. The first 19 floors have commercial units, while the remaining levels are dedicated to 90 residential apartment units. Apartment types in this tower include 2 to 4-bedroom flats and duplex penthouses. Capricorn Tower is near Emirates Towers Metro Station. Residents can find fine-dining restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, educational institutes, and public parks nearby.

Average Sales and Rental Prices:

• 1-bedroom apartments for rent: AED 130,000
• 2-bedroom apartments for rent: AED 142,000
• 1-bedroom apartments for sale: AED 2,250,000
• 2-bedroom apartments for sale: AED 3,390,000

SCHOOLS AND NURSERIES

Sheikh Zayed Road has many nearby schools, including nurseries. These include Willows Children's Nursery, 12 minutes away, and Safa Early Learning Centre, 17 minutes away, near Al Wasl Park 1. 

Two major schools are GEMS Wellington Primary School and Jumeirah Baccalaureate School. Delhi Private School is a short 6-minute drive from Safa Park, teaches the Indian curriculum. GEMS Wellington Primary School is 23 minutes away near Al Satwa, uses the English curriculum. Jumeirah Baccalaureate School is located near Al Wasl Mall, utilises the International curriculum and is 27 minutes away.

HEALTHCARE

If you live near Sheikh Zayed Road, getting medical help is easy. Many excellent clinics and hospitals are nearby, so you can feel safe knowing help is close.

Emirates Hospitals Clinics is at Conrad Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road. It's very convenient and is 10 minutes away. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital is in Al Safa, also a short drive from Sheikh Zayed Road, which is 24 minutes away. It's open most days until the evening, offering another good option for medical care. Al Zahra Hospital Dubai is a little further away, 13 minutes away. It's a big hospital open 24/7, so you can get help even at night.

Aster Clinic, Prime Medical Center, Shanghai Medical Clinic, and iCare Multi Speciality Clinic are well-known healthcare options along Sheikh Zayed Road, offering various medical and pharmacy services.

OUTDOOR SPACES AND PARKS

Zabeel Park is a huge, well-known park near Sheikh Zayed Road. It offers a variety of amenities for adults and kids. There are places where you can picnic, BBQ, or just stroll. Zabeel Park also offers go-kart rentals. It is 23 minutes away. The recently established Dubai Garden Glow showcases diverse artistic displays and engaging attractions. Al Safa Park is a compact, well-kept communal park, 21 minutes drive away.. 

Fitness options include Gold's Gym, Target Gym, Smart Fitness Gym, and The Warehouse Gym. These are all well-known and well-equipped gyms near Sheikh Zayed Road.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Sheikh Zayed Road offers excellent public transport options, making it easy to get around Dubai. The Dubai Metro's Red Line runs alongside the highway, a popular choice for commuters, especially during peak hours. Numerous bus stops are also located throughout the area, and several metro stations have bus routes connecting to them.

The Dubai Metro's Red Line, which runs parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road, serves numerous key areas of Dubai. Stations along this route include:

• DMCC Metro Station
• Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
• Al Khail Metro Station
• Business Bay Metro Station
• UAE Exchange Metro Station
• Jabal Ali Metro Station
• Onpassive Metro Station
• Dubai Internet City Metro Station
• Sobha Realty Metro Station
• Equiti Metro Station
• InsuranceMarket Metro Station
• Energy Metro Station
• Ibn Battuta Metro Station
• Danube Metro Station

These stations provide access to major commercial, residential, and leisure destinations along Sheikh Zayed Road, facilitating convenient travel throughout Dubai.

Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) parking is generally paid, particularly in commercial zones. However, free parking is available on Sundays and public holidays. Some areas offer free parking on Fridays and during specific hours on other days, but checking the signage is essential. Roadside parking in commercial areas is intended for short-term stays. In residential buildings, designated parking areas are provided exclusively for residents, ensuring secure and accessible parking.

SHOPPING, DINING AND LIFESTYLE

Sheikh Zayed Road offers a wide range of activities to entertain locals. The long strip has malls, restaurants, and nightlife options.

Along Sheikh Zayed Road, you'll find several popular shopping destinations. Oasis Mall, Times Square Centre, and Mall of the Emirates provide a mix of retail and entertainment, making them great for families and young people. The Mall of the Emirates is particularly notable for its VR Park and Ski Dubai. Further south, near Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina Mall offers additional shopping and entertainment choices. These malls feature a range of high-end and luxury brands, cafes, and restaurants. Ibn Battuta Mall in Jebel Ali is another family-friendly option with many shops and restaurants.

Sheikh Zayed Road offers a variety of dining options. You'll find many fast-food chains like Subway, McDonald's, KFC, and Wendy's. For casual dining, options include Lebanese cuisine at Zaroob, American fare at Johnny Rockets, and Thai dishes at Little Bangkok.

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD LANDMARKS

With various entertainment options nearby, Sheikh Zayed Road residents can enjoy everything. So, from strolls in the park to thrilling adventures at nearby attractions, you got it. Some attractions are:

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the world's tallest structure, standing at 829 metres. With breathtaking views and interactive activities, the Top of Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai's most popular attractions. From the Observation Deck on the 124th floor to the thrilling SKY experience, this is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.

The Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall, situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, is the world's most visited retail and lifestyle destination, welcoming over 100 million visitors annually.

Like no other, Dubai Mall has more than 1,200 retail outlets, including two anchor department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's. It also offers over 200 international dining experiences and a wide range of entertainment and leisure attractions for families.

Emirates Towers

The two Emirates Towers Complex skyscrapers, which rise 309 and 354.6 meters, are located between the tallest buildings in the world.

The Emirates Towers are a notable architectural landmark along Sheikh Zayed Road. These twin triangular buildings are covered in reflective silver panels and distinguished by their pointed spires. One tower houses commercial offices, including those of Sheikh Mohammed. The adjacent tower operates as a luxury hotel. A three-level retail arcade, The Boulevard, connects the towers and provides a selection of shops and dining options.

World Trade Centre

The iconic Dubai World Trade Centre is one of the most popular tourist sites in terms of the number of visitors. Located in the heart of the city, in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), this iconic building offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience. The seven-story mall inside the complex is home to various shops, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs, allowing shoppers to explore the latest fashion trends and enjoy a spot of retail therapy.

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD EXPERTS

Get a free consultation from our experienced Sheikh Zayed Road agents.