They say we are shaped by the places we live. And while that may not be entirely true, it is undeniable that our surroundings influence us in countless ways. Dubai, in particular, 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.

If you are the kind of person who wakes up 30 minutes earlier than everyone else to stroll with your dog, has already named the all cats in the park near your home, and never bothers driving to Dubai Mall because there is another one right next door (and just as good) — chances are, you are a Dubai Hills resident.

So, what is it really like to live there? Let’s find out.

While it may not be the absolute greenest community in Dubai, Dubai Hills certainly ranks high on the list — thanks largely to the impressive Dubai Hills Park. Walking across the park from one side to the other takes nearly 15 minutes (unless you are running), and a full loop can take at least 30 minutes. But the park is far from the only attraction. Another highlight is Dubai Hills Mall — which many residents actually prefer, as it is more manageable in size and usually less crowded.

The area is perfectly positioned between the lively Dubai Marina and the creative, bustling energy of Downtown and DIFC. Sitting somewhere in between, it feels like a calm retreat — a quiet corner where you will find everything you need without having to venture out unless you really want to.

Dubai Hills is a relatively new community, which means most of the buildings are modern, thoughtfully designed, and well-equipped with the essentials (yes, here pools and gyms are considered essentials). The area is mostly made up of apartments — starting from studios (though these aren’t very popular since most residents live with a partner, family, or at least a dog) and going up to four-bedroom units.

Dubai Hills is a great location for those who prefer to travel around the city by car. With direct access to Al Khail Road and Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, most parts of the city are within easy reach and, importantly, without the usual stress of traffic. It is one of those rare places in Dubai where congestion really isn’t much of a problem — even at peak hours, most destinations can be reached in around 20–25 minutes.

Approximate drive times at 9 am are:

When it comes to public transport, Dubai Hills isn’t the most convenient option. At the moment, there is no metro station within the community — something that, in a way, adds to its quieter, more family-oriented feel. That will change in the future, though: the new Blue Line is already under construction and is expected to open in 2029.

As for buses, there is a route serving Dubai Hills, but it runs infrequently and can take up to an hour to complete its circuit. For many residents, though, this is actually an advantage, plus most facilities within Dubai Hills are just a short walk away, with the ever-popular Dubai Hills Mall at the heart of it all.

Dubai Hills is the kind of place where you can do it all — set up a quiet coffee meeting without distractions, throw a small celebration for your little one with plenty of space and family-friendly facilities, or enjoy a relaxed dinner date on a terrace when the weather allows.

That may sound like a mix of moods, but the cafés and restaurants here all share something in common: they feel calm, unhurried, and never the sort of places where you would be tempted to pull out your laptop mid-meal. And of course, our insiders have their own favourites.

Alexandra’s go-to is Duo, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the amazing beef tartare and chicken liver pâté. She also recommends Angel’s Cakes — a spot that feels like the sweet heart of the community, especially in summer when its large terrace opens up and you can sit overlooking the lush greenery of the park.

Joe has also shared his top picks. The Lighthouse is his choice if you are in the mood for Mediterranean flavours and fresh seafood, while Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is unbeatable for its sandos and rich, comforting ramen.

Anyone who says there is little to do in Dubai Hills is simply not telling the truth — because, honestly, the place is packed with small pleasures and cool things to keep you busy. Whether you are a Pilates girl on the hunt for matcha and an Instagram-worthy stretching studio, or a British guy keen on golf and lively evenings with friends, Dubai Hills has it all.

Park

The park is a highlight in itself, being one of the city’s largest green spaces. And beyond that, there is plenty more to discover.

On top of that, the park has running tracks and a large children’s play area, complete with a bubble jumper at its centre.

Mall

There is no need to explain why the mall is a draw — that speaks for itself. But one feature worth highlighting, as one of our insiders pointed out, is the rollercoaster inside the mall.

And if you think it is just for children, think again. This isn’t a tame ride — it actually holds a Guinness World Record as one of the fastest indoor rollercoasters. The verdict? Fast, frightening, and fun.