Dubai Festival City Guide

Dubai Festival City is a dynamic urban development offering various properties that cater to diverse lifestyles. The residential landscape encompasses iconic residential structures and prominent hotels. Dubai Festival City provides a comprehensive and modern living experience, blending luxury, convenience, and scenic waterfront views along the Dubai Creek. You can find luxury villas, DFC apartments and townhouses available for sale and rent.

Most Popular Communities in Dubai Festival City

Dubai Festival City location boasts several iconic complexes and buildings, contributing to its appeal as a vibrant and modern urban destination. Al Badia Residences is one of the noteworthy structures in Dubai Festival City. Featuring a mix of apartments and villas, Al Badia Residences is a prominent residential complex known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and scenic surroundings.

Festival Tower is a residential building in the Festival City complex. It offers luxury apartments with views of Dubai Creek and the city skyline. Marsa Plaza is another development known for its contemporary design and waterfront location, providing residents with stunning views and modern amenities.

Furthermore, the villas in Al Badia Residences showcase Mediterranean-style architecture and offer generous living spaces. Initially featuring 4-bedroom villas, some units have undergone upgrades, incorporating additional bedrooms and enhanced amenities.

Properties for Rent in Dubai Festival City

Residences within Dubai Festival City offer a serene living experience while still being situated within the city. The average annual rental cost for 1-bedroom flats for rent in Festival City Dubai is AED 82k, while 2-bedroom DFC apartments for rent are available for AED 123k. The more spacious and popular 3-bedroom Dubai Festival City apartments for rent have an average cost of AED 159k. Dubai Festival City villas for rent are available for a starting price of AED 215k.

Properties for Sale in Dubai Festival City Area

For prospective investors, 1-bedroom Dubai Festival City apartments for sale are available for purchase, starting at AED 1.3M. 2-bedroom DFC apartments for sale range from AED 1.7M to AED 3M. As for 3-bedroom apartments, individuals seeking to invest in Dubai Festival City can expect average sales prices of around AED 2.9M.

Those looking for more options nearby, can consider properties for sale in Al Jaddaf, DFC, neghboring community.

Life in Dubai Festival City offers a harmonious blend of modern urban living and tranquil surroundings. This vibrant community, nestled along the scenic Dubai Creek, provides residents a dynamic lifestyle characterized by upscale residential options, premium amenities, and proximity to key attractions.

Residents enjoy access to many dining options, shopping experiences, and recreational activities. With scenic waterfront views, landscaped green spaces, and a strategic location, life in Dubai Festival City is synonymous with luxury, convenience, and

Public Transportation in Dubai Festival City

The community benefits from the proximity of various modes of public transportation in Dubai. Al Jaddaf Metro Station and Creek Metro Station, both integral to the Green Line of the Dubai Metro, are conveniently located 5 to 10 minutes away. For those on the Red Line, Emirates Metro Station is the nearest, just an 8-minute drive. Emirates Metro Station also serves as a hub for multiple bus routes connecting to Dubai Festival City Mall.

Several bus stations are strategically placed in the neighborhood, particularly around Dubai Festival City Mall and the Al Badia residential areas. The Dubai Festival City Festival Centre Bus Stop and IKEA Bus Stop are the best options. Other bus stops in Dubai Festival City include Al Badia Hillside Village, Al Badia Residences, and Al Badia near Deira International School.

Supermarkets in Dubai Festival City Area

To cater to the everyday grocery requirements of residents, Dubai Festival City offers a range of supermarkets. Among them is the prominent Carrefour hypermarket, a leading choice in Dubai, situated within Dubai Festival City Mall. Choithrams, Abu Hail Supermarket, and Kadooli Supermarket are conveniently located within a 6 to 7-minute proximity, providing additional options for residents.

Shopping Malls in Dubai Festival City

Dubai Festival City is renowned for its world-class shopping destinations, offering a diverse and luxurious retail experience. The prominent shopping mall in Dubai Festival City location is Dubai Festival City Mall.

As the central retail hub in the area, Dubai Festival City Mall is known for its vast array of international and local brands, diverse dining options, and entertainment facilities. With over 400 retail outlets, including flagship stores, it provides a comprehensive shopping and leisure experience. Fabyland and Stay and Play are the two Dubai Festival City mall play areas. DFC hosts the inaugural IKEA outlet in Dubai and the most extensive ACE Hardware store outside of North America.

Schools in Dubai Festival City Dubai

Parents seeking educational choices for their children have several schools available in Dubai Festival City. Following the UK and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, Deira International School was established in 2005. The highly regarded Universal American School offers both American and IB curricula, providing parents with another excellent choice.
Additionally, Cambridge International School, which adheres to the UK curriculum, is conveniently located just 5 minutes away in Al Garhoud.

Churches, Temples and Mosques in Dubai Festival City Area

The popular mosque within Dubai Festival City is Osama Bin Zayed Masjid. Those residing in the community have several mosques in proximity, such as those in Al Rashidiya and Umm Ramool, which are easily reachable.

Notably, Ibrahim Al Khalil Mosque, Al Rashidiya Al Kabeer Mosque, and Habib Mosque are a mere 6 to 7 minutes away.

For residents of the Hindu and Sikh communities, the Shiva Temple and the Sikh Gurdabar are conveniently located within a 15 to 20-minute drive in Bur Dubai. In the neighboring district of Oud Metha, various churches, including St Mary’s Church, Coptic Church, The Dubai City Church, and Saint Paul’s Chapel, are accessible within a similar timeframe of 15 to 20 minutes from Dubai Festival City.

Clinics and Hospitals in Dubai Festival City

Several well-known hospitals are near DFC. Positioned in Garhoud, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital is approximately 9 minutes away. Emirates Specialty Hospital and Magrabi Eye Hospital are among the healthcare facilities situated about 10 to 11 minutes from the community.

Additionally, several clinics are in the area, contributing to accessible healthcare services. Residents have swift access to medical assistance with a branch of Dubai London Clinic located in Dubai Festival City Mall. Al Badia Dental Clinic, Al Sultan Medical Centre, and Smile Spa Dental Clinic are also conveniently situated within the area.

Location & Nearby Areas

Dubai Festival City is strategically located near various essential amenities and neighboring areas, enhancing its residents' overall convenience and lifestyle. To the northeast lies Garhoud, home to notable healthcare facilities.

Further south, the bustling Dubai Creek and its adjacent neighborhoods provide a picturesque backdrop to the community.

Dubai Festival City offers diverse activities, making it a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. From cultural experiences to delightful cuisines, the community has a lot to offer. The community also boasts internationally acclaimed hotels. With its blend of entertainment, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, Dubai Festival City is a dynamic hub for various activities. Dubai Festival City is home to a cinema within the Dubai Festival City Mall called "Novo Cinemas." This DFC cinema offers a range of movie experiences, including standard screens, IMAX, and 7-Star VIP experiences.

Dubai Festival City Restaurants and Bars

Dubai Festival City offers a diverse culinary landscape with a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes. Some notable DFC restaurants include Pierre’s Bistro & Bar in InterContinental Dubai Festival City. A high-end restaurant led by Chef Pierre Gagnaire offers a sophisticated French dining experience.

Zaytoun in Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is a Mediterranean restaurant providing a diverse menu of regional dishes in a contemporary setting. Located in Dubai Festival City, Choix Patisserie and Restaurant is a dining establishment by Chef Pierre Gagnaire, known for its exquisite pastries and a menu featuring French classics.

Belgian Cafe is a casual dining spot known for its Belgian-inspired cuisine, including Belgian waffles, moules-frites, and various Belgian beers. Anise is another area eatery, an all-day buffet restaurant offering an extensive range of international cuisines.

Zeste Kitchen is part of Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City. Located in Holiday Inn, this restaurant offers a diverse menu focusing on fresh and flavorful dishes. Joe’s Backyard is also a casual dining restaurant known for its relaxed atmosphere and menu featuring international cuisine.

Beaches Near Dubai Festival City 

To enjoy a day by the seaside, locals can visit Al Mamzar Beach, which is accessible in less than 20 minutes. Alternatively, Jumeirah Beach and Sunset Beach, approximately 25 minutes away, are also great choices. These beaches near Dubai Festival City provide a variety of fitness facilities, shaded spaces, and waterfront restaurants for a well-rounded coastal experience.

Hotels in the Dubai Festival City Area

Dubai Festival City boasts a collection of four globally renowned hotels:

• InterContinental Dubai Festival City
• Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
• Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City
• InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City

The preeminent 5-star hotel in Dubai Festival City is the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, renowned for its direct access to DFC Mall and ownership of the Festival Arena event space, accommodating up to 6,000 guests. Notable features include the Club InterContinental Lounge on the 26th floor, a 25-meter outdoor pool with panoramic Dubai Creek views, and the award-winning Spa InterContinental. Dining venues at InterContinental DFC include Pierre’s Bistro and Bar, Choix Patisserie and Restaurant, Anise, and Vista Restaurant & Terrace, all overseen by Chef Pierre Gagnaire.

The 5-star Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, directly connected to Dubai Festival City Mall, offers a gym, spa, a 25-meter temperature-controlled outdoor pool, and 14 meeting rooms. Dining options include the Belgian Cafe, Zaytoun Mediterranean Restaurant, and Skyline Lounge.

Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City, a 4-star hotel with 509 rooms and 25 suites, features three swimming pools, a 24-hour Business Centre, a fitness center, a spa, a currency exchange, and a convenience store. With six meeting rooms and the expansive Al Badia Ballroom accommodating up to 325 guests, the hotel houses three restaurants: Zeste Kitchen, Joe’s Backyard, and Sirocco.

InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City, located in Marsa Plaza, offers rooms, suites, and serviced hotel apartments. The hotel also includes a minimart, a hair salon, and an ATM. The hotel features two restaurants, Mezzaluna and The Deli Cafe.

Attractions and Landmarks in Dubai Festival City

Dubai Festival City spans an expansive 2.5 million square feet of urban retail space, housing various leisure centers. Notably, IMAGINE Dubai stands out as a remarkable landmark within the community, offering a cutting-edge light show featuring choreographed aquatic effects. This waterfront spectacle boasts 30 fountains, a mesmerizing surround sound experience, and innovative water screen projection technology.

At Festival Bay in Dubai Festival City Mall, the Festival Wheel provides an ideal relaxation spot. Drawing numerous visitors daily, this waterfront destination offers stunning views, delightful cuisine, spectacular fountain shows, and a colossal Ferris Wheel standing 40 meters high. The Festival Wheel overlooks the picturesque Dubai Creek and the magnificent city skyline, and visitors can opt for VIP cabins with glass floors and luxurious leather seating.

For a unique experience, residents can enjoy a dhow cruise at Dubai Creek. The traditional yet luxurious boats offer awe-inspiring views of the creek and the city skyline. The cruise includes a delectable buffet, dance shows, and live performances for an entertaining experience.

Al Futtaim Automall is another noteworthy landmark, serving as a popular destination for buying or selling used cars. Positioned next to ACE Hardware and opposite the IKEA store, Al Futtaim Automall offers a diverse range of car models, financing options, and valuation services.

Outdoor Activities, Fitness and Beauty in Dubai Festival City

Dubai Festival City provides a diverse range of outdoor activities, fitness options, and beauty services, making it a dynamic destination for residents and visitors seeking wellness and leisure. The community features well-equipped fitness centers, such as Fitness First in Dubai Festival City Mall, offering state-of-the-art equipment and various workout classes to cater to different fitness preferences.

The outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like jogging, walking, or cycling along its waterfront promenades. Al Areesh Club is a prominent fitness destination within the area, offering a comprehensive range of facilities, including a gym, swimming pools, aerobics studios, multipurpose sports courts, and children's play areas. The club also houses a Spinney's supermarket for added convenience.

In addition to fitness facilities, Dubai Festival City boasts beauty and wellness services to enhance residents' overall well-being. The community features hair salons and spas, offering relaxation and grooming services. These establishments provide an array of beauty treatments, from hair styling and coloring to spa therapies and massages.

Whether engaging in outdoor activities along the Creek, working out in state-of-the-art fitness centers, or indulging in beauty and spa treatments, Dubai Festival City provides a holistic wellness experience for individuals seeking a balanced and active lifestyle. Combining scenic outdoor spaces, modern fitness amenities, and beauty services contributes to the community's appeal as a vibrant and health-conscious destination.

Community Events in Dubai Festival City

Dubai Festival City is a vibrant hub for community events throughout the year, offering a variety of activities that cater to residents and visitors alike. The area regularly hosts cultural festivals, family-friendly entertainment, and seasonal celebrations such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises. 

Waterfront entertainment, live music performances, and spectacular firework displays are common, especially during national holidays and special occasions. The Festival Bay area, in particular, is a focal point for these events, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor concerts and shows.

Nightlife Near Dubai Festival City

The nightlife near Dubai Festival City is dynamic and diverse, offering an array of options to suit different tastes. The area boasts several high-end bars, lounges, and restaurants that provide a sophisticated nightlife experience. 

Popular spots include the Belgian Beer Café and Vista Bar & Terrace, where patrons can enjoy stunning views of the Dubai skyline and Creek while sipping on expertly crafted beverages. Additionally, nearby hotels such as the InterContinental and Crowne Plaza feature trendy nightclubs and chic rooftop bars, making Dubai Festival City a lively destination for evening entertainment.

Dubai Festival City is a vibrant urban community, but the urban density and active lifestyle may be overwhelming for those who prefer a quieter or more suburban setting.

How do I get to Dubai Festival City?

Dubai Festival City is conveniently located near Dubai International Airport and can be accessed by car, taxi, or public transportation. It has well-connected road networks, making it easily accessible.

What are the main attractions in Dubai Festival City?

Key attractions include the Dubai Festival City Mall, IMAGINE Dubai light and water show, Festival Bay, and a range of international hotels like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn.

Is there public transportation available to Dubai Festival City?

Yes, Dubai Festival City is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and taxis. The Dubai Metro's Red Line also provides access to the nearby Rashidiya station.

What are the dining options in Dubai Festival City?

The area offers a diverse range of dining options, including international and local cuisines. Notable restaurants are located within hotels and the Dubai Festival City Mall.

Are there outdoor activities in Dubai Festival City?

Yes, residents and visitors can engage in outdoor activities along the Dubai Creek waterfront, and there are recreational spaces like parks and fitness centers, including Al Areesh Club.

How far is Dubai Festival City from popular attractions in Dubai?

The distance varies, but it is generally centrally located. For example, it's approximately 15-20 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and around 25 minutes from the iconic Burj Khalifa and the downtown area.

Are there schools and educational facilities in Dubai Festival City?

While there may not be many schools within the community itself, reputable educational institutions in nearby areas serve residents of Dubai Festival City.

What events or festivals take place in Dubai Festival City?

Dubai Festival City hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, cultural celebrations, and entertainment events. Checking the official events calendar is advisable for the latest information.