Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai, also known as The Dubai Downtown, is a large and exciting area in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was created by the Emaar company. Before the year 2000, this place was called Umm Al Tarif. Downtown Dubai is very special because it holds some of the most famous spots in the city, like Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, the Dubai Mall, one of the biggest shopping places, and The Dubai Fountain, the largest fountain show.

This area covers two square kilometres and cost about US$20 billion to build. As of 2017, around 13,201 people lived there. Downtown Dubai is located along Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite the Al Wasl area, with Business Bay to the south and Zabeel and Trade Centre 2 to the northeast.

The buildings in Downtown Dubai have a mix of old Arabic styles and modern high-rise designs. There are many fancy hotels like Address Downtown, Vida Downtown, and Al Manzil Downtown. Visitors can enjoy places like Souk Al Bahar, a market with over 100 shops, and a long row of restaurants and cafes on Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Boulevard.

Landmarks

Burj Khalifa

Main article: Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the main landmark of Downtown Dubai. It is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet). Construction started in 2004 and finished in 2010. Besides being the tallest building, it holds several other world records, such as the tallest free-standing structure and the building with the most floors.

The Dubai Mall

Main article: The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It has over 1,300 stores and many fun attractions, like an ice rink, an aquarium, and a water zoo. It opened in 2008 and welcomes over 100 million visitors each year. In 2018, a new entertainment area called VR Park was added, offering exciting virtual reality experiences.

Fashion Avenue

In 2018, a special part of The Dubai Mall called Fashion Avenue opened. It is a large area for luxury shopping with over 150 famous brands.

Dubai Fountain

Main article: Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain is the world's largest fountain show. It shoots water high into the air and is lit up with thousands of colorful lights. The fountain plays music while the water dances. It was completed in 2008 and will have some updates in the coming years.

Address Hotels Dubai

Address Downtown Dubai

Main article: Address Downtown

Address Downtown Dubai is a very tall hotel near The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. It has 63 floors and was finished in 2008. Sadly, a fire damaged the hotel in 2015, but it was rebuilt and reopened in 2018.

Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai

Main article: Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai

Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai is a 73-floor hotel that opened in 2017. It has beautiful artwork from famous artists and great views of Burj Khalifa.

Address Fountain Views

These three tall buildings are hotels that offer amazing views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

Address Sky Views

Address Sky Views has a special observatory with a glass slide and a hanging platform high above the ground.

Address Dubai Opera Residences

This tall hotel is located next to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera.

Dubai Opera

Main article: Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is a large performance hall that opened in 2016. It can hold 2,000 people and shows many kinds of performances, like theater, ballet, and concerts. It was built to look like a traditional Arab sailing ship.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard

This 3.5-kilometer road around Downtown Dubai was renamed in 2012 to honor the leader of Dubai. It has many restaurants, cafes, and outdoor art shows.

Emaar New Year's Eve

Every year, Downtown Dubai hosts a big New Year's celebration with amazing fireworks on Burj Khalifa. This event attracts many visitors and is watched by millions on television.

Forte Towers

In 2015, plans were announced for a pair of tall towers called Forte Towers. One will be 70 stories high. It was completed in 2023.

Burj Vista

In 2013, plans were announced for two matching towers called Burj Vista. One has 20 floors and the other has 65 floors. They were completed in 2018.

Grande

In 2018, work began on a very tall building called Grande with 78 floors and many apartments. It was completed in 2022.

Il Primo

Main article: Il Primo Dubai

In 2016, plans were announced for twin towers called Il Primo. One tower has 77 floors. The second tower was completed in 2025, and the first tower is still being built.