My Experience Staying in Downtown Dubai

Before my most recent trip in October 2023, I had already been to Dubai five times previously. However, this trip was different to the rest. All other trips had been in five-star all-inclusive hotels, which is the typical type of Dubai vacation. But as my friend was considering moving there, I stayed with him for a week in Business Bay. We stayed in an apartment in the DAMAC Maison Prive complex and I was able to get a feel of the real Dubai lifestyle. I was super excited to experience this as when travelling I love to get to know the place like a local and get a true feel of what a place is like.

First of all, I enjoyed staying in an apartment in Business Bay. The specific one I stayed in operates as both full time leased apartments and short term holiday rentals. Even though this is some people’s homes, the reception staff treat you like royalty. So even if you are not staying in a five-star hotel, it is clear from this experience that hospitality in Dubai as a whole is second to none. One of my favorite aspects of the complex was the poolside cafe, called Marasi Coffeehouse. Open to both residents and non-residents, this chic cafe topped off the experience for me. It serves western style cafe foods as well, such as club sandwiches and acai bowls. It was the perfect way to relax and chill out by the pool. I would highly recommend it.

Another key difference was the distance to Downtown Dubai compared to the Palm Jumeirah. As Business Bay is right next to big attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, it is more accessible. Previously, I had gone on a day or evening trip to the Downtown area, but had not had the opportunity to fully utilize the mall. So only being a 10-minute drive away from the apartment, I wanted to explore more of what the biggest mall in the world had to offer. Even though I had been before, you can never get used to the sheer size of the building. It has its own google-maps style navigation system on its app - that is how big it is! But it truly does have anything you could possibly think of. Designer stores, cafes, a food court and even an ice rink, everything you need is right there.

So if like me, you like to see where you are authentically, staying in Business Bay or Downtown Dubai is the way to do it. I enjoyed the rest and relaxation aspect of previous trips, but for someone i had claimed to have visited multiple times, it was great to see its real lifestyle.

Unlike other destinations, there is only two types of ways to see Dubai. One of them is staying in an all-inclusive resort, which is thoroughly enjoyable, but realistically you could be anywhere in the world. The other way is by staying Downtown and exploring the city itself. I am lucky enough to have done both, but spending time outside the Palm Jumeirah is essential to getting a real feel for the place.

What I will also add is Dubai is not a walkable city. Aside from the actual layout of the place, the heat makes it not viable as well. The Middle Eastern climate is brutal and you should be cautious. Even in its milder months, the temperature is usually around 35°C, which becomes uncomfortable very quickly. Luckily, there are always taxis around and they are reasonably priced. Download the Careem app whilst you are out there, it is extremely useful! On there you can book taxis, order food and even order cleaning services. It is your one stop shop for an efficient Dubai trip.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Dubai. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sara Nixon’s guide, A Week Solo in Dubai on a Budget.