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DubaiLifestyle

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Dubai Districts: Where To Live. Jumeirah

7 Aug 2025

They say we are shaped by the places we live. And while that might not be entirely true, there is no denying that our surroundings influence us in countless ways. Dubai offers something for everyone — whether you prefer a peaceful morning with a cosy café just downstairs, or a lifestyle buzzing with energy and rhythm, the city has it all.
First — you are out for an early stroll with your dog. Second — you stay active — cycling along the nearby tracks, running along Kite Beach, and maybe even catching a few waves when the weather is right. And third, on a cool Sunday, you are likely firing up the barbecue outdoors, enjoying the quiet without disturbing the neighbours. Sounds familiar? Then chances are, you live in the old heart of Dubai — beautiful Jumeirah.
And what is it really like to live there? Let’s find out.

Jumeirah: General information

If you are looking for one of the most laid-back areas in terms of atmosphere, Jumeirah is definitely near the top of the list. The reason is simple — over 70% of the buildings here are villas: spacious, private homes where most of the life happens behind closed doors. The rest of the area is dotted with commercial spaces — mostly cafés and small businesses you will likely pop into now and then as you drive through. A few buildings also house small flats, mainly studios and one-bedroom units.
Jumeirah feels homely, local, alive — and a little slower than the rest of the city.— Marie Engi, founder of Paloma Collective, women’s retreats
If I had to sum up Jumeirah in three words: family-friendly, trendy, and full of coastal charm.— Razan Seikaly, founder of Fastoon
When it comes to rental costs, prices vary quite a bit — mainly because there are two main types of housing available.
Flats — as mentioned, mostly studios or one-bedroom units — start at around 85,000 AED per year. Villas, on the other hand, are significantly more expensive, with prices starting from around 384,000 AED per year and increasing depending on the number of bedrooms and overall plot size. This pricing affects the rental popularity of villas — in fact, villa rents in Jumeirah dropped by nearly 15% in early 2025, with the biggest declines seen in larger homes.

Transportation

Dubai doesn’t have a single, clearly defined city centre: DIFC is the heart of the business world, Downtown is the main draw for tourists, and Dubai Marina — though not geographically central — is still considered one of the city's most vibrant areas.
And Jumeirah? It is really well placed, so getting to Dubai’s liveliest neighbourhoods is quick and easy, especially if you are driving. But even if you don’t have a car, getting around still isn’t a big problem.
The area is served by several RTA bus routes, connecting Jumeirah to key spots like Business Bay, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Mall of the Emirates. And unlike some other parts of the city, the bus stops here are enclosed and air-conditioned — a real advantage, especially during the summer months.
While there is no metro station inside Jumeirah itself, there are several in the surrounding areas — Business Bay, Noor Bank, and Al Safa — all within a 20-minute walk or just a quick 7-minute taxi ride away.
And finally, here is a very Jumeirah tip: electric bikes. Many locals use them to nip over to Kite Beach or their favourite café. For just 70 AED per month, you can zip around the neighbourhood with ease — and enjoy a light exercise while you are at it.
It is pretty possible to live in Jumeirah without a car, I didn’t have one when I moved to Jumeirah, I would bike everywhere.— Marie
You can truly enjoy Jumeirah on foot — wandering through its charming neighbourhoods, especially when the weather is nice. That is when beachside strolls and outdoor cafés are at their best.— Razan
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The traffic in Jumeirah doesn’t differ much from other parts of the city. It can get a bit busy during peak hours, but overall, driving is usually smooth and straightforward. On average, here is what the drive times look like:
  • Dubai Marina Mall — around 23 minutes
  • DIFC — around 18 minutes
  • Dubai Mall — around 11 minutes
  • Dubai Hills Mall — around 18 minutes
Traffic can get a bit heavy on Friday evenings, but it is a part of the fun. A lot of us like to go for a drive around Jumeirah to grab a drink or some food — it is quite a Jumeirah thing.— Marie
Just like any other area in Dubai traffic can be hectic near Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Beach Road at different times of the day.— Razan

Food

It is no surprise that Jumeirah has plenty of cool places to eat — most areas in Dubai do, right? But what makes it special is the way these cafés and restaurants look and feel. Since many of the buildings in Jumeirah are villas, a lot of the food spots are tucked into charming two-storey houses, surrounded by greenery, with big terraces and a calm, peaceful vibe.
My personal favourites — the ones I start most Saturdays with, usually over a green smoothie and a bit of quiet — are all in Jumeirah. There is the lovely Comptoir 102, my go-to when I want to treat myself to something plant-based, sitting on their cosy terrace with a book. Then there is HEAL — home to the best tiramisu latte in the city and a Greek salad that is hard to beat. And finally, there is Orto — the place I head to when working from home starts to feel a bit too dull.
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And what about our insiders?
Marie had plenty of favourites to share. HEAF Café — her regular post-cycling stop in the mornings. — her go-to spot when she needs a calming, quiet place to work. And for a healthy lunch on the go? 3Fils is her pick — just quick and tasty.
If you live in Jumeirah, chances are you ave heard someone say, "Let’s drive over and grab a juice from Blender." You just park your car, and the friendly team comes right over to take your order — it has that drive-thru feeling, but with a laid-back Jumeirah twist.— Marie
Razan also has her favourites. Friends Avenue — perfect for dog owners, thanks to its pet-friendly outdoor seating. And Paus — known for its amazing hot chocolate, loads of healthy options, and, as a bonus, board games if you are there with friends.
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Instagram: @heafhouse; @3.fils

Public Facilities

Jumeirah is a haven for sport lovers — something I knew before speaking to our insiders, and something they confirmed wholeheartedly when I did. Whether you are a mother of two or a freelancer working from a leafy café, one thing is for sure: you are probably doing some kind of sport. It is almost non-negotiable — and for good reason.
First — the running and cycling tracks.
They are everywhere. Whether your villa is tucked away among others or facing Kite Beach, you will easily find a comfortable route for your morning or evening workout. And speaking of Kite Beach — while it is no secret to Dubai residents, it is worth repeating: the tracks here are fantastic. Even in the heat of a Dubai summer, it is hard to resist lacing up your trainers and heading out for a Wednesday morning run.
The best part for me — as a runner and cyclist — is the beach track. It is open day and night, and it is there for anyone who wants to keep moving.— Marie
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Instagram: @jumeirahjohnsrunningclub

Second — the wellness studios.
Pilates, yoga, barre, stretching — whatever your pace, there is a class nearby. Marie, for example, goes to Samadhi Wellness. It is cosy and calming, so every visit feels like coming home. Razan’s favourite? Without hesitation: .
I am in love with Motion Ladies Fitness, where my favourite instructor teaches a unique Sequence Method — a holistic mind-body-spirit workout that’s genuinely changed the way I move and feel.— Razan
Third — the watersports.
Ready to tick them off on your fingers? Surfing — Jumeirah is one of the only places in Dubai with a dedicated surf zone on a windy stretch of beach. Kite surfing — no surprise there, the beach is quite literally named after it. And wake-surfing — while technically available elsewhere in the city, Jumeirah remains the favourite, thanks to the best views and smoother waters.
I love heading to the small harbour — sometimes to grab lunch at 3Fils, sometimes for an early morning wake-surf session, while the city is still asleep.— Marie
Fourth — skateboarding.
Let’s not forget: Jumeirah is home to the biggest skateboarding bowl in the city.

You will love this district if…

– You are a beach lover with a big family
– You are a pet owner who needs space to stay active
– You are after a relaxed, community-oriented vibe

You might want to consider another area if…

– You are not into sports or the outdoors — the lifestyle here might not appeal
– You are looking for a louder, more nightlife-focused atmosphere
– You are after apartment living or more budget-friendly options