Al Barsha district
Al Barsha
25.1126, 55.1962 A large residential area next to the Mall of the Emirates and the Ski Dubai ski complex.
About the district
Al Barsha is a sprawling residential district in the central part of Dubai that grew up around one of the city's most famous shopping centres, the Mall of the Emirates. It combines housing that is affordable by local standards, mid-range hotels and well-developed everyday infrastructure, which makes the area popular with families and working expats.
The development is mixed: low-rise villas and townhouses sit alongside apartment complexes and hotels. Al Barsha is conveniently located almost at the geographic centre of the city, which makes it a good base for those who want to live close to both the Jumeirah beaches and the business centre.
In practice, Al Barsha is valued for its balance: from here it is easy to reach both the Jumeirah beaches and the business centre, while housing is cheaper than in coastal areas. In the evenings, life centres around the Mall of the Emirates and the cafés along Al Barsha 1, and on weekends local families head to Al Barsha Pond Park.
District photos
Фото: Unsplash
Who the district suits
Families and practical travellers — a central location, a large mall and prices lower than on the coast.
+ Pros
- ✓Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai right next door
- ✓City centre — close to both the beaches and Downtown
- ✓Two metro stations on the red line
- ✓Housing cheaper than in coastal areas
− Cons
- •Not touristy in its own right
- •Noisy along the highways
- •Not by the sea
- •Older development in places
How much Al Barsha costs
Price benchmarks — from a cup of coffee to renting a home — to estimate your district budget.
Prices are approximate and depend on season and conditions — verify before your trip.
District on the map
Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the area.
District infrastructure
Transport access
Things to do in the district
Ski Dubai
Indoor ski slope and a penguin colony
Mall of the Emirates
700+ shops, a VOX cinema and a theatre
Al Barsha Pond Park
A park with a running track of about 1.5 km
Entertainment at the mall
Ice rink, play zones and cinema for families
Base for day trips
15–20 minutes to the Marina and Jumeirah
Where to stay
Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
5★Rooms overlooking the Ski Dubai slope
Sheraton Mall of the Emirates
5★Direct access into the mall
Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha
4★A comfortable hotel by the metro
Premier Inn / Ibis Al Barsha
BudgetAffordable accommodation near the mall
Where to eat
Mall of the Emirates
Dozens of restaurants and food courts
Après
An Alpine-themed café overlooking the Ski Dubai slope
Al Barsha restaurants
Affordable cafés serving cuisines from around the world
Cafés at Al Barsha Pond Park
Breakfasts and coffee by the water
Notable places nearby
Entertainment Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the EmiratesOne of the city's largest shopping centres, with the Ski Dubai indoor ski complex under its roof.
Tip: Combine shopping with a visit to Ski Dubai — snow and penguins in the heart of the desert.
Entertainment Ski Dubai
Ski DubaiКрытый горнолыжный комплекс с настоящим снегом круглый год, спрятанный прямо в торговом центре Mall of the Emirates.
Tip: Тёплая куртка и ботинки входят в билет, но возьмите свои перчатки и шапку.
Culture Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat JumeirahA resort complex styled as an old Arabian town, with canals, the Souk Madinat market and a view of Burj Al Arab.
Tip: Take a traditional abra ride along the complex's canals — especially beautiful in the evening.
Entertainment Wild Wadi Waterpark
Wild Wadi WaterparkТематический аквапарк в стиле арабской легенды с эффектными горками и видом на знаменитый отель Burj Al Arab.
Tip: Захватите камеру: с верхних горок открывается лучший кадр с Burj Al Arab на фоне.
Government institutions nearby
Consulates, migration centres, police and city authorities closest to Al Barsha.
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Frequently asked questions about Al Barsha district
What is Al Barsha known for?+
First and foremost, the Mall of the Emirates and the indoor Ski Dubai ski complex. It is a large residential district with well-developed infrastructure in the centre of Dubai.
Is there a metro in Al Barsha?+
Yes, the district is served by the Mall of the Emirates station on the red metro line, with the Mashreq station also nearby.
Is Al Barsha good for families?+
Yes, there are plenty of schools, clinics, parks and supermarkets here, and housing is cheaper than on the coast, so the area is popular with families.