A GLITTERING DISTRICT OF SKYSCRAPERS AND A CANAL
Best described as ‘a city within a city’, the Business Bay in Dubai has become one of the most sought-after and popular destination for residents who look for that perfect balance in terms of amenities, lifestyle, location as well as quality of life. It was the 10th most popular area to buy apartments in Dubai according to the Bayut.com 2018 Dubai Real Estate Market Report.=
True to its name, Business Bay neighbourhood offers a collection of residential and commercial buildings, hotels, restaurants, and now also some spectacular waterfront views, thanks to the extension of Dubai Creek, that is called the Dubai Canal. The canal makes its way past Business Bay, under Sheikh Zayed Road to the Arabian Gulf.
Just a five-minute drive from Dubai Downtown and bordering the modest Al Quoz industrial area, Business Bay — also known as Al Khaleej Al Tejari in Arabic (that’s how it is written on the signboards on Sheikh Zayed road) — has a strange quality of looking barren yet crowded.
With over 200 commercial and residential skyscrapers, one will always find
some or the other building coming up in this area. But the buildings are well-spaced and the streets are almost never crowded.
Two unique retail destinations in the heart of Business Bay, located in close proximity to the Business Bay Metro Station, are Bay Avenue and Bay Square.
The Bay Avenue area serves over 25,000 people living and working in Executive Towers, Vision Towers and neighbouring high-rises and hotels overlooking Bay Avenue Park, the destination spans an area of nearly 180,000 square feet across two levels. Its 190+ retail outlets include cafés, restaurants and shops, as well as sporting facilities and essential services.
Bay Square is a low-rise, mixed-use, pedestrian-only destination comprising 13 buildings offering a range of retail, F&B, wellness and childcare facilities. The vibrant destination spans approximately 160,000 sq ft and offers 90+ units of retail and dining options, sports facilities and community services.
Known for its big apartment space, the skyscraper district is also popular among many families as it does offer green space for families to chill with their little ones, particularly at one of the first development in the area called Executive Towers, which comprises 10 residential towers, one commercial tower (Aspect Tower) and a hotel.
Resident of the area for the last three years, Canadian expat Lucia Di Pietro Sabatino, said except for the fact that the area has less number of sidewalks, she and her husband are quite happy living in the area. “It is a lovely neighbourhood as we have the canal behind our building, which enables us to take walks when the weather permits. We are centrally located, which gives to access the Downtown area stress-free. Also,the Business Bay Metro Station is nearby,” she said.
Highlighting another point, she added: “Also, Bay Square is just across the street, which enables us to pick up groceries, grab a bite, coffee and visitors can also take advantage of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in order to make their stay in Dubai pleasant whether for business or pleasure.
Stretching over 80 million sq. ft., construction of Business Bay began in 2007 and the first phase was completed by 2015. The master developer of Business Bay is Dubai Properties, a member of Dubai Holdings.