Deira
About Deira
Deira Dubai is one of the city’s earliest developed communities, dating back to the 1700s. Its evolution parallels Dubai’s transformation from a fishing and pearl-trading settlement into a global city. Despite rapid modernization, Deira preserves the charm of Old Dubai with its vibrant souks, narrow alleys, and traditional dhows still docking along the creek.
The district forms part of Old Dubai’s commercial backbone and houses major government buildings, embassies, and cultural institutions. Deira’s waterfront location made it an essential port for maritime trade, particularly in gold, textiles, and spices — traditions that continue today.
Residentially, Deira primarily offers apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, with some villas in sub-areas like Abu Hail and Al Baraha. While many buildings are older and lack modern amenities, they remain affordable and accessible for families, professionals, and expatriates.
Recent redevelopment and heritage preservation projects have helped modernize infrastructure while retaining the district’s unique character. Today, Deira balances cultural heritage with convenience, offering everything from historic landmarks to modern malls.
Project Highlights
Key features
Located beside Dubai Creek, opposite Bur Dubai
Home to famous souks: Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Perfume Souk
Features cultural landmarks like Deira Clock Tower and Al Ahmadiya School Museum
Strong commercial and residential mix
Densely populated and culturally diverse community
Excellent metro and bus connectivity across Dubai
Market Trends & Living Insights
Real Estate Market Trends & Prices
Rental prices in Deira remain competitive compared to other central areas of Dubai. Studios average around AED 32,000, while one-bedroom apartments rent for AED 60,000. Larger two-bedroom units go for approximately AED 120,000, with three-bedrooms averaging AED 133,000.
Sales prices for apartments range from AED 1.8M for one-bed units to AED 2.9M for two-bed properties. Older structures may have lower prices but fewer amenities, while newer redeveloped areas provide upgraded facilities.
Recent DLD data shows consistent rental renewals across Naif, Hor Al Anz, Al Muteena, and Al Murar, reaffirming steady demand among long-term tenants.
Popular Property Types & Layouts
Deira primarily features apartments, from studios to 3-bedroom layouts.
Studios: Compact, affordable units popular with singles
1-Bedroom Apartments: Common across Al Muraqqabat and Hor Al Anz
2-3 Bedroom Apartments: Found in mid-rise and mixed-use buildings
Villas: Limited, mainly in Abu Hail and Al Baraha
Mixed-use Properties: Especially in Port Saeed and Rigga Al Buteen
Pros & Cons of Living in Deira
Pros
Central location with excellent transport links
Affordable rental rates compared to newer districts
Rich cultural and historic heritage
Proximity to Dubai Creek and traditional markets
Cons
Limited parking and high traffic during weekdays
Older residential buildings with fewer amenities
Dense population leading to congestion in peak hours
Transportation & Parking
Finding parking in Deira can be challenging, especially in older residential buildings that lack dedicated spaces. Paid parking lots exist near major souks and malls, though prices may rise during peak hours.
Public Transportation in Deira
Deira offers some of the best public transport connectivity in Dubai.
Metro Stations: Union, Al Rigga, Deira City Centre, Abu Baker Al Siddique, Salah Al Din, Baniyas Square, Gold Souq
Bus Routes: 10, 27, C9, and X28 serving major parts of Deira
Main Roads: Al Khaleej Road, Al Maktoum Road, and Salahuddin Road
Other Options: Abras and water taxis across Dubai Creek
Amenities, Schools & Healthcare
Supermarkets near Deira
Residents have access to a variety of major supermarkets and hypermarkets.
Carrefour Hypermarket – Al Ghurair Centre
Carrefour – Deira City Centre
Carrefour – Hor Al Anz East (Century Mall area)
Multiple local groceries in Naif and Al Rigga
Mosques, Temples, and Churches in Deira
Mosques: Omar Ali Bin Haider Mosque and Saifee Masjid are among the city’s oldest and most visited.
Temples: Hindu worship options are limited within Deira, but Bur Dubai temples are accessible via metro.
Churches: Crossroads Church Dubai and JA1 Church offer Christian services, both located near Al Ghurair Centre.
Nurseries, Schools, and Higher Education in Deira
Nurseries
British Orchard Nursery
Little Flower Nursery
Happy Kids Nursery
Schools
Deira Private School (British Curriculum)
Pearl Wisdom School
Higher Education
Al Wasl University (nearby)
Skyline University (Sharjah – accessible by car)
Al Ghurair University (short drive)
Clinics and Hospitals near Deira
Dubai Hospital – Al Baraha
Emirates Rehabilitation & Homecare – Abu Hail
Aster Clinic – Al Muteena
Thumbay Clinic – Al Rigga
Medeor 24x7 Hospital – nearby Bur Dubai
Nearby Areas of Deira
Deira is surrounded by key communities, including Bur Dubai, Al Garhoud, Al Qusais, and Dubai Islands. It sits just north of Dubai Creek, with excellent access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road, and Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, connecting residents easily to the airport and downtown.
Lifestyle & Leisure in Deira
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife in Deira
Deira offers a rich mix of traditional and modern shopping and dining options.
Deira City Centre – retail, dining, and entertainment hub
Al Ghurair Centre – Dubai’s oldest mall with international brands
Aseelah (Traditional Emirati cuisine) – Radisson Blu Hotel
Table 9 (International dining) – Hilton Dubai Creek
Miyako (Japanese cuisine) – Hyatt Regency Dubai
Other Nearby Dining Options in Deira
QD’s – creekside Mediterranean lounge
Century Village – dining and nightlife in nearby Garhoud
Local eateries in Al Rigga and Naif
Beaches Near Deira
Al Mamzar Beach Park – closest option with family amenities
Jumeirah Beach – approx. 20–25 minutes via E11
Dubai Creek Beach – reachable within 15 minutes
Leisure & Landmarks in Deira
Deira Clock Tower
Al Ahmadiya School Museum
Heritage House
Gold Souk & Spice Souk
Dhow Wharf along the Creek
Outdoor, Fitness & Beauty in Deira
Al Muteena Park – green space for families
Al Mamzar Beach Park – outdoor leisure and beach access
Fitness First and Gold’s Gym – near Clock Tower
Various spas and salons across Al Rigga and Muraqqabat
Community Events in Deira
Deira hosts cultural heritage events and seasonal souk festivals celebrating Emirati traditions, trade, and art. The area also participates in Dubai Shopping Festival and Creek-side festivities.
Deira Location
Deira Dubai is located at the northern end of Dubai Creek, forming part of Old Dubai and easily accessible via major roads and metro lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
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