Al Jaddaf Property Guide

Al Jaddaf Overview

Al Jaddaf is a waterfront district on the southern bank of Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai, positioned between Dubai Healthcare City, Business Bay and Dubai Festival City. Once known as Dubai's traditional dhow-building area, it has evolved into a mixed-use community of residential towers, hotels, cultural institutions and waterfront promenades, anchored by Culture Village, also known as Jaddaf Waterfront, a master plan by Dubai Properties.

Al Jaddaf combines a central location, two Dubai Metro stations and Creek-side living with a growing collection of new residential projects. Cultural landmarks such as the Jameel Arts Centre and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel and the Jaddaf Waterfront promenade add to its appeal, while new launches by established developers continue to bring contemporary homes to the district.

Highlights

•       Creek-side setting: a waterfront district along Dubai Creek with views of the Downtown Dubai skyline.

•       Culture Village: the Jaddaf Waterfront master plan with residences, hotels and cultural venues.

•       Cultural landmarks: Jameel Arts Centre and Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.

•       Metro access: Creek and Al Jadaf stations on the Dubai Metro Green Line.

•       Central location: minutes from Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC and Dubai International Airport.

•       Active market: strong sales activity and a growing pipeline of new projects.

A creek-side district in the centre of Dubai

Al Jaddaf brings together waterfront living, culture and connectivity in a central location on Dubai Creek. Its blend of established towers, new launches and cultural institutions continues to attract residents, professionals and investors.

Al Jaddaf in Numbers

Key verified figures for Al Jaddaf and Culture Village (Jaddaf Waterfront), with the period and source type stated for market data.

Size and master plan

•       Al Jaddaf community area: around 7.3 square kilometres (about 78.6 million square feet or 730 hectares), community number 326

•       Culture Village (Jaddaf Waterfront) master plan: around 3.7 million square metres (about 40 million square feet)

•       Culture Village buildings: around 32 buildings (community management information)

•       Manazel Al Khor: 98 residential units in Culture Village

•       Dubai Wharf: four residential towers in Culture Village

•       Residential and off-plan projects: around 34 (market analysis, 2026)

•       Culture Village launch: 2006, by Dubai Properties

Transport

•       Dubai Metro stations: two, Creek and Al Jadaf, both on the Green Line

•       Marine transport: Al Jaddaf Marine Transport Station on Dubai Creek

Location

•       Downtown Dubai and Business Bay: around 10 minutes by car

•       Dubai International Airport (DXB): around 10 to 15 minutes

•       DIFC: around 10 to 15 minutes

Market data

•       Sales, 12 months to mid-2026: 3,296 DLD-registered sales worth around AED 7.7 billion, at a median of AED 2,024 per square foot

•       Off-plan share of sales: 81.3% (12 months to mid-2026)

•       Long-term price growth: around 43% over 2021 to 2025 (analysis of DLD data)

•       Recent off-plan sales at Art Bay: around AED 1,580 to 2,170 per square foot (DLD-registered transactions, 2025)

•       Gross rental yields: around 6% to 8% for apartments, with studios at around 7.5% to 8.5% (market analysis, 2025)

Where Is Al Jaddaf? Location and Connectivity

Al Jaddaf is located in Bur Dubai on the southern bank of Dubai Creek, bordered by the Creek to the north and east, Zabeel to the south and Umm Hurair to the west. Dubai Healthcare City, Business Bay and Dubai Design District are close by, with Dubai Festival City and Dubai Creek Harbour across the water.

District layout

•       Culture Village (Jaddaf Waterfront): the Creek-side master plan with residential towers, hotels, cultural venues and a waterfront promenade.

•       Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2: a mixed-use zone with residential buildings and healthcare facilities.

•       Residential towers: apartment buildings along Al Jaddaf's main roads and near the metro stations.

•       Hotels: a cluster of hotels along the Creek and the district's main roads.

•       Cultural landmarks: Jameel Arts Centre and Mohammed Bin Rashid Library on the waterfront.

Key distances and travel times

•       Downtown Dubai and Business Bay: around 10 minutes by car.

•       DIFC and Sheikh Zayed Road: around 10 to 15 minutes.

•       Dubai International Airport (DXB): around 10 to 15 minutes.

•       Dubai Festival City Mall: around 10 minutes.

•       Dubai Creek Harbour: around 15 minutes.

•       Dubai Marina: around 25 to 30 minutes.

Road access

Al Jaddaf is served by Al Khail Road, Oud Metha Road, Sheikh Rashid Road and the Business Bay Crossing and Al Garhoud Bridge, giving fast access to Downtown Dubai, Deira, the airport and the rest of the city.

Public transport

•       Dubai Metro: Creek and Al Jadaf stations on the Green Line serve the district.

•       Marine transport: Al Jaddaf Marine Transport Station on Dubai Creek, connected to Dubai Ferry and other water routes.

•       Buses and taxis: RTA bus routes along the metro corridor and main roads.

Al Jaddaf Master Plan

Al Jaddaf's development combines the Culture Village master plan along Dubai Creek with residential, hospitality and healthcare zones across the wider district.

Development background

Historically, Al Jaddaf was Dubai's dhow-building area and home to the Dubai Ship Docking Yard. In 2006, Dubai Properties launched Culture Village, also known as Jaddaf Waterfront, a master plan of around 3.7 million square metres along the Creek dedicated to visual, performing and literary arts, residences, hotels and a dockside development. Alongside it, Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2 and a series of residential towers have shaped the district, and recent years have seen new launches by established developers.

Planning principles

•       Creek-side living: residences and promenades along Dubai Creek.

•       Culture and the arts: cultural institutions and exhibition spaces within the master plan.

•       Mixed use: residential, hospitality, healthcare and retail components.

•       Connectivity: two metro stations and a marine transport station.

Districts and neighbourhoods

•       Culture Village (Jaddaf Waterfront): around 32 buildings including Dubai Wharf, Manazel Al Khor, Riah Towers and D1 Tower, with Palazzo Versace Dubai and the Jameel Arts Centre.

•       Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2: residential buildings and healthcare facilities.

•       Al Jaddaf residential towers: apartment buildings such as Binghatti Avenue, Binghatti Creek and Al Jaddaf Avenue.

•       New developments: projects such as Art Bay and other recent launches along the waterfront.

Development milestones

•       Historically: Al Jaddaf serves as Dubai's dhow-building area.

•       2006: Dubai Properties launches Culture Village (Jaddaf Waterfront).

•       2010s: residential towers, Palazzo Versace Dubai and Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2 buildings completed.

•       2018: Jameel Arts Centre opens on the waterfront.

•       2022: Mohammed Bin Rashid Library opens.

•       2020s: new residential launches by established developers across the district.

Developers and Projects in Al Jaddaf

Al Jaddaf features projects by its Culture Village master developer, Dubai Properties, and by established private developers.

Dubai Properties

Dubai Properties, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, is the master developer of Culture Village (Jaddaf Waterfront).

•       Riah Towers: residential towers in Culture Village with one- to three-bedroom apartments.

•       Dubai Wharf: four residential towers with community retail.

•       Manazel Al Khor: 98 one- to four-bedroom apartments.

•       D1 Tower: a high-rise residential landmark in Culture Village.

Other developers

•       Art Bay East and Art Bay West: waterfront residences with studios to three-bedroom apartments.

•       Binghatti: Binghatti Avenue and Binghatti Creek residential towers.

•       Azizi: Aliyah Residence in Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2.

•       Sobha Realty: Sobha One, registered under the Al Jaddaf area.

•       Other developers: a range of residential buildings, including Al Jaddaf Avenue and Boutique 23.

Hospitality

•       Palazzo Versace Dubai: a five-star hotel on the Culture Village waterfront.

•       Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf: extended-stay serviced apartments.

•       Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights: a hotel close to Dubai Healthcare City.

Property types in Al Jaddaf

•       Studios and one-bedroom apartments: compact homes popular with professionals.

•       Two- and three-bedroom apartments: family homes, many with Creek or skyline views.

•       Four-bedroom apartments: larger residences in selected buildings.

•       Serviced and hotel apartments: homes with hotel services.

Buyers should confirm each project's details, ownership terms and registration with the developer and the Dubai Land Department.

Al Jaddaf Property Prices and Market Trends

Al Jaddaf recorded 3,296 DLD-registered sales worth around AED 7.7 billion over the 12 months to mid-2026, at a median of AED 2,024 per square foot, with prices having risen by around 43% over 2021 to 2025. Figures in this section are based on published market analyses of Dubai Land Department (DLD) transaction data, with the period and source type stated for each figure. They should be confirmed at the time of purchase.

Market Overview

Demand for Al Jaddaf property is shaped by its central location, its Creek-side setting, its two metro stations, its cultural landmarks and a steady pipeline of new residential projects. Off-plan launches account for the majority of recent sales, while established towers in Culture Village and along the metro corridor support an active rental market with attractive yields.

Key Market Indicators

•       Sales, 12 months to mid-2026: 3,296 DLD-registered sales worth around AED 7.7 billion.

•       Median price per square foot: AED 2,024 (12 months to mid-2026).

•       Off-plan share of sales: 81.3% (12 months to mid-2026).

•       Long-term price growth: around 43% over 2021 to 2025 (analysis of DLD data).

Price per Square Foot by Property Type

•       All registered sales: median of AED 2,024 per square foot (12 months to mid-2026).

•       Off-plan apartments at Art Bay: around AED 1,580 to 2,170 per square foot (DLD-registered transactions, 2025).

•       Ready apartments: typically around AED 1,200 to 1,900 per square foot depending on building, age and view (market analysis, 2026).

•       Waterfront and Creek-view apartments: valued above inland apartments of equivalent specification (market analysis, 2026).

Typical Unit Sizes

Based on DLD-registered transactions (2025):

•       Studios: around 430 square feet in new developments.

•       One-bedroom apartments: around 890 to 960 square feet.

•       Two-bedroom apartments: around 1,210 to 1,650 square feet, with larger units in Culture Village of more than 2,200 square feet.

•       Three-bedroom apartments: around 1,850 to 2,530 square feet, with the largest Culture Village units of around 3,100 square feet.

Typical Prices by Unit Type

Based on DLD-registered transactions and market analysis (2025 to 2026):

•       Studios: median of around AED 750,000, with new off-plan studios at around AED 825,000 to 936,000.

•       One-bedroom apartments: median of around AED 1.25 million, with ready units in Culture Village at around AED 1.05 million to 1.13 million and new off-plan units at around AED 1.70 million to 1.85 million.

•       Two-bedroom apartments: around AED 1.3 million to 2.0 million for ready units and around AED 2.36 million to 2.98 million for new off-plan units.

•       Three-bedroom apartments: around AED 2.05 million to 2.75 million for ready units and around AED 4.0 million for new off-plan units.

Rental Market

•       Gross rental yields: around 6% to 8% for apartments (market analysis, 2025).

•       Studios: gross yields of around 7.5% to 8.5%, with a median annual rent of around AED 60,000.

•       One-bedroom apartments: gross yields of around 7% to 8%.

•       Two- and three-bedroom apartments: gross yields of around 6% to 7.5%.

•       Service charges: typically around AED 14 to 16 per square foot a year on standard apartment stock.

Market Outlook

Several factors are expected to shape the Al Jaddaf market in the coming years:

•       Completion of new residential projects along the waterfront

•       Continued growth of Dubai Healthcare City and the cultural district

•       Development of nearby Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Design District and Business Bay

•       Ongoing growth in Dubai's population and demand for centrally located homes

Payment Plans and Buying Costs

•       Off-plan payment plans: staged payments during construction, such as 60/40, varying by developer.

•       Ready property: purchased outright or with a mortgage.

•       Dubai Land Department registration fee: 4% of the purchase price.

•       Service charges: payable annually to the owners' association.

Upcoming Infrastructure in Al Jaddaf

Al Jaddaf benefits from established transport links, a growing collection of new residential projects and continuing investment across the central Creek area.

Existing infrastructure

•       Dubai Metro: Creek and Al Jadaf stations on the Green Line.

•       Marine transport: Al Jaddaf Marine Transport Station on Dubai Creek.

•       Road network: Al Khail Road, Oud Metha Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, Business Bay Crossing and Al Garhoud Bridge.

•       Waterfront promenade: the Jaddaf Waterfront promenade along the Creek.

Upcoming residential deliveries

•       Waterfront projects: new residential buildings along the Creek, including Art Bay.

•       Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2: continuing residential and healthcare development.

•       New launches: further projects by established developers across the district.

Cultural and community facilities

•       Jameel Arts Centre: contemporary art and exhibitions on the waterfront.

•       Mohammed Bin Rashid Library: a major public library and cultural landmark.

•       Healthcare: hospitals and clinics in Dubai Healthcare City.

Surrounding developments

•       Dubai Creek Harbour: a waterfront master community across the Creek.

•       Dubai Design District and Business Bay: creative and business districts nearby.

•       Dubai Festival City: retail, leisure and residential communities across the water.

Long-term vision

Al Jaddaf continues to evolve into a complete Creek-side district, combining culture, waterfront living and connectivity. As new projects are delivered and surrounding districts grow, the area continues to develop as a central residential address.

Living in Al Jaddaf: Lifestyle and Amenities

Life in Al Jaddaf combines Creek-side living, cultural landmarks and metro access, with Downtown Dubai and the airport minutes away.

Waterfront and culture

•       The Jaddaf Waterfront promenade for walking and running

•       Jameel Arts Centre and its sculpture gardens

•       Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

•       Dhow cruises and Creek-side leisure

•       Views of Dubai Creek and the Downtown Dubai skyline

Hotels and dining

•       Palazzo Versace Dubai: a five-star waterfront hotel with restaurants and a spa.

•       Hotel cluster: hotels along the Creek and main roads, with dining and leisure facilities.

•       Restaurants and cafés: dining options in Culture Village and along the waterfront.

Shopping

•       Dubai Festival City Mall: shopping and entertainment across the Creek.

•       Wafi Mall: retail and dining nearby.

•       The Dubai Mall: around 10 minutes away.

•       Neighbourhood retail: supermarkets and convenience stores within the district.

Sport and leisure

•       Dubai Police Officers' Club: sports and leisure facilities.

•       Al Wasl FC grounds: sports facilities within Al Jaddaf.

•       Creek activities: water transport and waterfront leisure.

Education and healthcare

•       Schools and nurseries nearby, including Dubai Gem Private School and Dubai English Speaking School

•       Hospitals in Dubai Healthcare City, including Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital and Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital

Community

Al Jaddaf is home to professionals, families and international residents who value a central, well-connected Creek-side lifestyle. With culture, dining, metro stations and the waterfront on the doorstep, residents enjoy easy access to the whole of Dubai.

How to Buy Property in Al Jaddaf

Homes in Al Jaddaf are sold by developers through the standard Dubai Land Department process. Ownership terms for international buyers can depend on the specific development and plot, so buyers should confirm the ownership status of each unit with the developer and the Dubai Land Department before purchase.

Who Buys in Al Jaddaf

•       Investors: buyers seeking centrally located apartments with attractive rental yields.

•       Professionals: residents working in Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC and Dubai Healthcare City.

•       Families: two- and three-bedroom apartments close to schools and healthcare.

•       First-time buyers: studios and one-bedroom apartments close to the metro.

•       Residency seekers: buyers combining a home with eligibility for a UAE residence visa.

Ownership

Ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department and recorded on a title deed, or on an Oqood certificate for off-plan purchases until handover. Off-plan projects are registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), and buyers' payments are held in a dedicated project escrow account.

Golden Visa and Residency

Property ownership in Dubai can qualify buyers for a UAE residence visa, including the 10-year Golden Visa when the property value meets the government threshold. Buyers should confirm the latest criteria with the Dubai Land Department or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Letting Your Property

Long-term leases are registered with Ejari. Holiday-home lets require a permit from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, usually arranged through a licensed holiday-home operator.

Al Jaddaf FAQs

Where is Al Jaddaf located?

Al Jaddaf is located in Bur Dubai on the southern bank of Dubai Creek, between Dubai Healthcare City, Business Bay and Dubai Festival City, around 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai.

What is Culture Village?

Culture Village, also known as Jaddaf Waterfront, is a Creek-side master plan of around 3.7 million square metres launched by Dubai Properties in 2006, with residences, hotels and cultural venues.

How big is Al Jaddaf?

The Al Jaddaf community covers around 7.3 square kilometres, or about 730 hectares.

Is there a metro station in Al Jaddaf?

Yes. Creek and Al Jadaf stations on the Dubai Metro Green Line serve the district, along with the Al Jaddaf Marine Transport Station.

What types of property are available?

Studios, one- to four-bedroom apartments and serviced hotel apartments.

What is the price per square foot in Al Jaddaf?

The median was AED 2,024 per square foot across 3,296 DLD-registered sales over the 12 months to mid-2026. Full details are in the Al Jaddaf Property Prices and Market Trends section.

What is the rental yield in Al Jaddaf?

Gross rental yields for apartments are around 6% to 8%, with studios at around 7.5% to 8.5%.

Can foreigners buy property in Al Jaddaf?

Ownership terms can depend on the development and plot. Buyers should confirm the ownership status of a specific unit with the developer and the Dubai Land Department.

Does buying in Al Jaddaf qualify for a Golden Visa?

Property ownership can qualify buyers for a UAE residence visa, including the 10-year Golden Visa when the property value meets the government threshold. Buyers should confirm the latest criteria before purchase.

Important Notice

This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or investment advice. Figures are based on publicly available market sources at the date of publication and may change. Illustrative examples are not forecasts, and past price performance does not guarantee future results. Project details, prices, ownership terms, payment plans and completion dates are subject to change by the developer and the relevant authorities. Readers should verify all information independently and consult licensed professionals before making any investment decision.