Al Barari is a community in Dubai, best known for its lush greenery and luxurious lifestyle. Often referred to as the "green heart of Dubai," around 60% of the area is dedicated to green spaces — including themed gardens, lakes, and streams. 

Living in Dubai doesn't necessarily mean you have been to Al Barari — some people may not even know it exists. And that is no surprise, as it is quite remote and not easily accessible by public transport.

But those who have been there say they fall in love at first sight: the peace, the greenery, and the birds singing all year round.

If you don't have a driving licence, think twice about living in Al Barari. There is no metro station or RTA bus route serving the area directly, so most residents rely on private cars or taxis to get around.

The real option without a car is working remotely and not needing to leave the area often.

There are still alternatives to having a car, such as taxis or CarLift — a service that connects passengers with drivers going the same way, offering much lower prices than regular taxis.

Traffic in the area is quite manageable. Peak hours can be a bit busy, but outside of those times, getting around is easy. Plus, there is an unexpected bonus: during quieter moments, it is possible to roll down the windows and enjoy the sound of birds singing — something rare in Dubai. Drive times at 9 am look like this:

Another couple of dining gems come recommended by Mary — her favourites are Hideout, a charming Italian-style courtyard with tables right next to the river (it honestly doesn't even feel like Dubai), and The Farm, a peaceful, green retreat that feels miles away from the city buzz. The Farm offers a variety of cuisines, but if you have a sweet tooth, the Banana Almond Tart is an absolute must-try.

Despite its remote location, Al Barari offers a wonderful range of dining options, perfect for everything from a morning coffee to a sophisticated evening out.

Mohammad highlighted two places you definitely need to try if you are in the area. LOWE — a contemporary restaurant recognised for its sustainability efforts — is known for some of the best dishes in the city, like the roasted local sole with curry leaf and the smoked organic beef tartare.

If you are in the mood for Italian, Red Tomato is another top pick. The food is fantastic, and the setting by the lake makes the entire experience feel even more special.

Another couple of dining gems come recommended by Mary — her favourites are Hideout, a charming Italian-style courtyard with tables right next to the river (it honestly does not even feel like Dubai), and The Farm, a peaceful, green retreat that feels miles away from the city buzz. The Farm offers a variety of cuisines, but if you have a sweet tooth, the Banana Almond Tart is an absolute must-try.

Al Barari is a wonderful place for large families — and, as you would expect from somewhere so family-friendly, there are brilliant play areas for children, including a community playground and the Al Barari Kids' Club, which is all about nurturing creativity among Dubai’s youngest residents.

Another lovely feature is the Botanical Gardens, which are truly part of the neighbourhood — greenery is everywhere you look.

There is lots on offer for sports enthusiasts too. The area has dedicated tracks for cycling and running, which keeps the community active and outdoors.