Dubai Design District
Project Highlights
Key features
Mixed-use development launched in 2013 by TECOM Group
Home to Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)
Includes retail, co-working, art installations, and nightlife options
Part of TECOM Freezone and Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
Upcoming residential project: Design Quarter by Meeras
Dubai Design District (d3), a visionary initiative launched by TECOM Group in 2013, was created to serve as a dedicated hub for the design, fashion, architecture, and art industries in the region. It represents a key element of the Dubai Plan 2021, which aims to position the emirate as a global center for creativity and innovation. Since its inception, d3 has grown into a vibrant ecosystem where emerging designers, established brands, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals converge to collaborate and innovate.
The first phase of d3 was completed in 2015, featuring 11 architecturally distinctive buildings that house a mix of premium office spaces, stylish retail outlets, and dynamic co-working environments. These facilities are designed to cater to businesses of all sizes — from start-ups and boutique design studios to international corporations — fostering a flexible and inspiring work culture.
The district is designed not only as a place of work but also as a cultural destination. It features a variety of public art installations, curated exhibitions, and creative spaces that enrich the urban landscape and encourage artistic expression. Recreational amenities such as The Block, a unique outdoor leisure area made from repurposed industrial materials, offer residents and visitors a space to relax, socialize, and engage with the community.
With additional development phases underway, d3 continues to expand its offerings, aiming to cement Dubai’s reputation as a global capital for design and innovation.
Market Trends & Living Insights
Real Estate Market Trends & Prices
The average rental price for apartments in dubai design district is AED 130k annually. For those looking to invest, sale prices average at AED 1.9M. The area offers an ROI of 6.68%, reflecting a competitive return for investors when compared to similar urban districts in Dubai.
Popular Property Types & Layouts
Apartments are the primary property type in dubai design district, with studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units being the most common. These properties typically feature open-plan layouts with modern finishes, appealing to professionals and creatives working in nearby business hubs. Villas and plots are currently not prevalent in this area.
Pros & Cons of Living in the Area
Pros:
Close proximity to Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.
Vibrant community with a focus on art, fashion, and design.
High-end dining and retail options within walking distance.
Cons:
Limited availability of larger residential units or villas.
Still developing in terms of green spaces and community facilities.
Transportation & Parking
Getting around is easy if you own a car, thanks to its well-connected roadways and on-site parking garages with artistic design.
Public Transportation in Dubai Design District
Dedicated bus stop: Dubai Design District Bus Stop (Routes D03 and D03A)
Metro stations within 6–11 mins:
Financial Centre Metro Station (via D71)
Business Bay Metro Station (via Ras Al Khor & Al Meydan Rd)
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station
Creek and Al Jadaf Metro Stations (via D63)
Taxi services via RTA, Uber, and Careem
Easy road access: Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Ras Al Khor Road (E44), Al Khail Road (D63)
Amenities, Schools & Healthcare
Supermarkets near Dubai Design District
For everyday essentials, residents and professionals have convenient access to:
All Day Gourmet (Building 1, D3)
F Mart Supermarket (Business Bay)
West Zone Fresh Supermarket (Downtown Dubai)
Spinneys (Downtown Dubai)
Mosques, Temples, and Churches in Dubai Design District
Mosques in Dubai Design District:
Prayer rooms in Buildings 2 and 11
Al Ghafoor Mosque (Business Bay)
Ahle Alsunnah and Al Wasl Club Mosque nearby
Temples in Dubai Design District:
Temples in Bur Dubai (20-minute drive)
Churches in Dubai Design District:
St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Umm Hurair 2, 12 mins)
Holy Trinity Church
St. Thomas Orthodox Church
The Norwegian Seamen’s Centre
Nurseries, Schools, Higher Education in Dubai Design District
Nurseries in Dubai Design District
Blossom Nursery (Building 2, D3)
Schools in Dubai Design District
JSS Private School (Al Wasl, 9 mins)
Hartland International School (MBR City, 9 mins)
Swiss International Scientific School (Al Jaddaf, 14 mins)
Higher Education in Dubai Design District
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), Building 4
Clinics and Hospitals Near Dubai Design District
Emirates Hospital & Clinic (Business Bay)
Iranian Hospital Safa Clinic
Latifa Women and Children Hospital
Emirates Clinic (Business Bay)
Safa Polyclinic (10-minute drive)
Nearby Areas
Dubai Design District is surrounded by major Dubai neighborhoods. Business Bay, to the west, is a bustling commercial hub similar to Manhattan. To the north lies Za’abeel, home to the iconic Za’abeel Palace and Dubai Frame. East of D3 is Ras Al Khor, which includes residential zones and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. South of D3 are Meydan City and Mohammed Bin Rashid City—large-scale, mixed-use developments still under construction.
Lifestyle & Leisure
Shopping Malls in Dubai Design District
Dubai Design District is near some of Dubai’s most iconic malls:
Dubai Mall – 7 minutes away, one of the world’s largest malls
WAFI Mall – 11 minutes, Egyptian-themed with statues and sphinxes
Dubai Festival City Mall – 13 minutes, 400+ local and international brands
Restaurants in Dubai Design District
On-site restaurants and cafes offer diverse cuisines:
1Life (Building 5) – Healthy meals
Akiba Dori (Building 8) – Japanese street-style
Home Bakery Kitchen (Building 7) – Breakfast and baked goods
Mohalla (Building 5) – Indian street food
Molecule (Building 6) – Mediterranean bistro
Other Nearby Dining Options in Dubai Design District
The Galliard – Address Downtown
Tong Thai – JW Marriott Marquis
ROKA – The Opus by Omniyat
World Cut Steakhouse – Habtoor Palace
Beaches Near the Area in Dubai Design District
Jumeirah Public Beach – 15 mins
Kite Beach – 15 mins
Leisure & Landmarks in Dubai Design District
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – 10 mins
Dubai Opera – 10–12 mins
Dubai Canal – 10 mins
Outdoor, Fitness & Beauty
The Warehouse Gym (Building 8)
Chaps & Co – Grooming and wellness (Building 6)
Jogging tracks and fitness facilities in Design Quarter
Community Events in Dubai Design District
D3 hosts numerous creative events throughout the year including Dubai Design Week, d3 Architecture Festival, and Fashion Showcases. There are five indoor and six outdoor event spaces such as Atrium 4–7, DQ Core, and Hai d3. Spaces like Colab and The Factory host workshops and galleries regularly.
FAQs
Dubai Design District is strategically located near several key Dubai areas and attractions.
Burj Khalifa – 15 mins
Dubai Mall – 12 mins
Dubai Marina – 25 mins
Palm Jumeirah – 20 mins
Dubai International Airport – 20 mins
Dubai Miracle Garden – 20 mins
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