Al Satwa district
Al Satwa
25.228, 55.273 A colourful, inexpensive district in the centre with fabric shops, workshops and affordable food.
About the district
Al Satwa is one of the old and colourful districts in the very centre of Dubai, between Jumeirah and the business centre. It's a dense development with inexpensive cafés from all over the world, fabric shops, tailors and workshops.
Satwa preserves the spirit of 'working' multinational Dubai and contrasts with the glossy neighbourhoods next door. People come here for affordable food, fabrics and bespoke tailoring.
Satwa is one of the last 'real' old districts in the centre: cramped streets, tailors' workshops, fabric shops and the smell of street food from all over the world. People come here for an inexpensive lunch, bespoke tailoring and the colour that has almost vanished from the glossy neighbourhoods around.
District photos
Photos: Unsplash
Who the district suits
Lovers of local colour and inexpensive food — tailors, fabrics and the lively streets of old Dubai.
+ Pros
- ✓Authentic atmosphere of old Dubai
- ✓Famous tailors and fabric shops
- ✓Cheap and varied street food
- ✓Central location
− Cons
- •Dense and noisy
- •Run-down development
- •Little greenery and parking
- •Almost no hotels
How much Al Satwa 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
Fabric shops and tailors
Bespoke tailoring at affordable prices
Street food
Shawarma, Indian and Filipino cuisine
Walk along Al Diyafah
A lively street of cafés and shops
Local market
Small shops and neighbourhood colour
La Mer nearby
The coast a few minutes away
Where to stay
Jumeirah and Downtown hotels
NearbyA few minutes away by car
Satwa budget hotels
BudgetAffordable lodging in the district
Serviced apartments
ApartmentsFor long stays
Where to eat
Ravi Restaurant
Legendary Pakistani cuisine
Al Mallah
Shawarma and fresh juices — a Satwa classic
Street food
Inexpensive and varied
Notable places nearby
Culture Jumeirah Mosque
One of the city's most beautiful mosques and the only one open to non-Muslims as part of guided tours.
Tip: Modest, covered clothing is required; a headscarf is provided to women on site.
Culture Museum of the Future
A ring-shaped building with Arabic calligraphy on its facade. Inside — immersive exhibitions about the future.
Tip: Tickets sell out days ahead — book online.
Culture Etihad Museum
A modern museum about the founding of the UAE, next to Union House where the agreement creating the country was signed in 1971.
Tip: Take the audio guide or join a tour — the exhibition gains a great deal from context about the events of 1971.
Beaches La Mer
A stretch of coast in Jumeirah 1. The southern part was demolished and reopened as J1 Beach — a strip of restaurants and beach clubs; the northern part of La Mer still operates in its older, simpler format.
Tip: Older advice about a free beach with street food and street art describes the old southern part. Check which part you are heading to.
Government institutions nearby
Consulates, migration centres, police and city authorities closest to Al Satwa.
Related articles
Frequently asked questions about Al Satwa district
What is Satwa known for?+
The colour of old Dubai: fabric shops, tailors, inexpensive cafés and a multinational atmosphere right in the centre.
Where can I have clothes tailored in Dubai?+
One of the popular districts for buying fabric and having clothes made by tailors is precisely Satwa.
Is Satwa an expensive district?+
No, it's one of the most affordable districts in the centre of Dubai in terms of prices.