Al Satwa Area Guide

Sandwiched between Jumeirah and E11, a district known for its multicultural essence occupies a sprawling land in central Dubai. Al Satwa, reflecting the city’s layered urban character, is recognized for its prominent retail outlets, enlivened streets, and cultural diversity. It surfaces as a bespoke alternative to its high-rise communities in neighbors, with appeal driven by long-standing residences and vibrant murals. If you’re looking for the Emirate's authenticity, this is a place to live.

Al Satwa area
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About Al Satwa

Turn your heads to the centrally nestled residential precinct, Al Satwa, a cross-cultural neighborhood in Dubai. Edged by the Trade Center area, Jumeirah region, and Al Wasl’s expansive essence, this precinct has organically evolved over time unlike master-planned developments in the city. The community envelops a grid of multi-purpose buildings, apartments, and low-rise villas. In previous years, the area has undergone infrastructure upgrades with surety of genuine street layout preservation.

Historically, Al Satwa was a housing hub for small business owners, skilled workers, and artists. Today, this 2.87 square kilometer community remains a desirable choice for dwellers who value affordability and a cultural-oriented lifestyle. Particularly, Filipinos and South Asians form the major proportion of the community’s population, with most referring to it as the Mini Manila.

The neighborhood is also popular for its 2nd December Street, the liveliest walking strip in Dubai. Besides an array of options for food aficionados, the street remains brimming with international and regional artists’ exotic murals. These murals not only add a picturesque touch to the street but visually narrate the urban transformation and UAE’s heritage.

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  1. Al Satwa Real Estate Market Report
  2. Al Satwa Area Service Charges
  3. Al Satwa Properties
  4. Al Satwa Sales and Rental Trends
  5. Investment Opportunities in Al Satwa
  6. Nearby Communities
  7. Things to Do in Al Satwa
  8. Nurseries and Schools in Al Satwa
  9. Restaurants in Al Satwa
  10. Medical Centers and Clinics in Al Satwa
  11. Hotels in Al Satwa
  12. Gyms in Al Satwa
  13. Malls and Parks in Al Satwa
  14. Beaches near Al Satwa
  15. Transportation & Highway Connectivity
  16. FAQs about Al Satwa Area

A Complete Guide to Al Satwa Community

Choose Al Satwa as your next residential destination. Mostly preferred by individuals who prefer daily convenience over luxury havens while benefitting from central access, the area is known for supporting a balanced routine. Daily life here revolves around service shops, walkable streets, and neighborhood eateries; essentials that cater to long-term residents.

What further fosters its appeal is the authenticity, which surrounds a socially active, diverse, and functional ecosystem. Al Satwa, however, is not designed as a lifestyle hub but its unequalled practicality is rarely discoverable in newer districts. Its location efficiency and cultural depth within the emirate’s metropolitan fabric keep it sought-after among budget-conscious inhabitants, creative, and professionals.

1. Al Satwa Real Estate Market Report

Uncovering the real estate activity of Al Satwa synonymizes diving deep for immense treasure. As diversely growing as its environment and locality, the community exhibits endless growth across all of its property aspects.

Al Satwa is a well-appointed, established precinct with most villas inhabited and an increasing demand for apartments. From Dec 2024 to Dec 2025, it has registered a massive increase of 370.1% in sales transactions. As 1,335 properties exchanged hands, a surge has also been reported in average price per square foot. Current prices float around AED 1,989 per-square-foot, marking an exhilarating 5.7% jump in the past 12 months.

The average property prices, however, has seen a slight dip of 48.3% in the similar time horizon, with current values revolving around AED 1,639,000. Rental activity in Al Satwa is immensely robust, thanks to 5,999 properties registered for rent in the year 2025. While celebrating a 5.2% rise in rental volumes, the district has also reported an overwhelming surge of 12% in average yearly rentals. Average rental values revolve around AED 92,400 yearly and a 6.1% upward trajectory has been reported in average yearly rentals per-square-foot.

2. Al Satwa Area Service Charges

Service charges on properties in Al Satwa typically vary by amenities, building/residence age, and standard of maintenance. It often revolves around Dubai’s general range of AED 3 to AED 30 per square foot yearly. However, most buildings are less luxurious and older so service charges tend to remain within lower to mid-range ratios.

3. Al Satwa Properties

Al Satwa, primarily a villa-only neighborhood, has grown into a diverse property hub over time. With its mix of commercial, villas, and apartment properties, dwellers can sense the harmonious fusion of modernity and traditional influence. From minimalist design to classic Arabesque sprinkles, different architectural styles in Al Satwa make its real estate more attractive.

Villas

Villas have become limited in supply across Al Satwa due to the surging demand for apartments. Older establishments are available in semi-detached and independent erections. Moreover, generous configurations with three, four, five, and six-bed options make up its typical villa composition and are mostly approachable by families. These properties are crafted for those chasing enhanced privacy with personal space for lush courtyards, archways, and verdant gardens.

Apartments

Apartments now make up most of the residential composition in Al Satwa. The thoughtfully-designed patterns in studio, one, two, and three-bed layouts, the community opens its realm equally for singles, young couples, and growing families. Such properties typically showcase a blend of functionality and contemporary elements, while keeping the rental and sales prices within an affordable budget.

Commercial Properties

Al Satwa also hosts an array of retail spaces, most of which are dotted along its prime arteries (Al Satwa Road and 2nd December Street). These spaces are present in both compact and spacious configurations, ensuring ideal space for grocery shops, larger boutiques, and small retail outlets.

Property TypeArea (Sq. Ft)Sales Prices (AED)
Apartments
Studio apartment375960,000
1-bedroom apartment6641,450,000
2-bedroom apartment1,1182,600,000
3-bedroom apartment1,7203,000,000
Property TypeArea (Sq. Ft)Rental Prices (AED/ Yearly)
Apartments
1-bedroom apartment37790,000
1-bedroom apartment66495,000
2-bedroom apartment1,119155,000
3-bedroom apartment2,200225,000
Villas
4-bedroom villa3,6541,000,000
5-bedroom villa12,025260,000

5. Investment Opportunities in Al Satwa

JAD 288

Al Satwa is soon to become more luxurious with JAD Global’s exclusive projection of JAD 288 at its core. This multi-building complex features a lineup of studio, one, and two-bed apartments, extending opportunities for those looking value for money. Its completion is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Holm One

Another vibrant real estate opportunity surfaces in Al Satwa’s prime zone of Jumeirah Garden City. This distinguished apartment building by Holm Avenue is laced with compact living options. Comprising studios and one-bed apartments, the layouts typically vary between 400 and 900 square feet. With a 10:25:65 payment scheme, the project offers starting prices from AED 850,000 and a completion anticipated in Q1 2028.

Elmora Residence

This Neoterra-launched residential project in Al Satwa rises to 11 stories, making a perfect fusion of low-dense, private environment and opulent. Within this mid-rise enclave lies a number of studio, one, and two-bed apartments, with layouts floating around 226 to 646 square feet. This exclusive off-plan venture envelops a convenient 20:40:40 plan for its starting prices AED 715,000. Discerning residents have to wait a while till it opens the gate in the first quarter of 2028.

Elemental 22

Explore this sophisticated off-plan launch in Al Satwa and find your perfect, dream retreat in central Dubai at affordable AED 1,700,000 starting prices. Lined with an elegant collection of one and two-bed apartments, its versatile sizes vary from 638 to 1,428 square feet. Off-plan buyers can benefit from a meticulously-tailored 5:55:40 payment structure, with delivery scheduled in the Q2 2028.

6. Nearby Communities

  • City Walk – Just a 6-minute drive from Al Satwa is another desirable pocket for recreational seekers and ultra-wealthy residents. This high-end precinct is laced with avant-garde dining outlets and never-before-seen entertainment venues including Coca-Cola arena and other famous sites.
  • Al Wasl – Bordering the authentic realms of Al Satwa is another centrally-tucked leafy residential zone. Navigable within a 10-minute drive, it welcomes visitors to its peaceful yet connected vibrancy where green spaces are present throughout.
  • Jumeirah- Steer your wheels for a 13-minute drive from Al Satwa to reach the city’s most popular residential and tourist attraction in Dubai. Home to top attractions, its sitting near Al Satwa benefits the residents with hassle-free access to all recreational opportunities.
  • Downtown – Locate the city’s main cultural and luxurious spot within a 13-minute drive from Al Satwa. Globally acknowledged as Dubai’s heart, this vibrant neighborhood is home to soaring skyscrapers, dynamic souks, and colossal shopping havens.

7. Things to Do in Al Satwa

The Big Arena at City Walk

The Bio-Dome Experience

Trace this large, indoor recreational hub at roughly 7-minute drive from Al Satwa. Exclusively hosting three thousand species, this lush tropical rainforest immerses visitors to a memorable experience with a mix of education and recreation.

Visit the White Stone Mosque

Explore this modern cum cultural landmark near Al Satwa. Established just a 9-minute drive away, steer your wheels for an astounding experience where cream-colored stand-stone blends with intricate details to exhibit the Fatimid-inspired Syrian and Egyptian architectural ornaments.

The Big Arena at City Walk

Unveiling the Middle East’s larger multi-purpose venue. Known for its fully air-conditioned services, the arena remains open year-round, its highly adaptable design features a cutting-edge layout and modular seating. Moreover, it envelops a capacity to accommodate 17,000 people, with exclusive hosting space for concerts, corporate events, and sports.

8. Nurseries and Schools in Al Satwa

Nurseries and Schools in Al Satwa

Al Safa Early Learning Center

Explore the community’s most popular and nurturing space for your children. Established in the heart of Al Safa community, this pre-school establishment allows admissions for toddlers up to Foundation Stage 1 and Foundation Stage 2. The nursery emphasizes foundational skills and offers a real-world experience through creative play, phonics, activities.

Citizens School

Reimagine your academic goals at one of the city’s top schools. Developed within the fringes of Al Satwa, the school envisions to create a future-ready environment for its pupils from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 9. With British National Curriculum providing its curricula base, the school blends international academic standards by infusing entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and sustainability.

Al Shaab School

Explore the other alternative to best schools in Al Satwa by considering this high-end primary option in the community. It surfaces as a commendable choice for foundational learning, with a major focus on providing building blocks of learning among children.

9. Restaurants in Al Satwa

Restaurants in Al Satwa

Arhan Restaurant

Find this hidden dining spot in the heart of Al Satwa region that is born to keep your Pakistani-cuisine craving enlivened. Created for a fine dining experience, the restaurant showcases a flavorful journey to Pakistan while its sophisticated interiors and high-end ambiance invite both families, friends’ groups, and couples. Its grill platters, Biryani, and Mutton Karahi are must-try items on the menu.

Bab Al Satwa Restaurant

Visit this community’s most popular and frequently visited dining outlet in Al Satwa and serve your palates with some luscious icons from the Middle East and Mediterranean region. What sets it apart is its diversified menu that encompasses juicy grills, generously-portioned salads, and indulgent shawarmas. Its affordable pricing is another edge for meat and vegetarian lovers living in the community.

Cosmic Kitchen

This haven for food aficionados is established to cater diverse palates from diverse regions of the world. Located within the luxurious hotel, this immersive dining hub exhibits international buffet dining. From Continental and Italian items to Pakistani and Indian flavors, visiting Cosmic Kitchen ensures a memorable global culinary journey. Besides, it also hosts themed nights like Fillipono Kabayan Night to make the experience more flavorful and equally enjoyable.

10. Medical Centers and Clinics in Al Satwa

Medical Centers and Clinics in Al Satwa

Mediclinic Satwa

Discover this leading medical care provider network within the boundaries of Al Satwa and pamper yourself with some reliable services. Patients looking for dentistry, orthopedics, family medicine, gynecology, and obstetrics can blindly trust it for preventive treatments and patient-focused ecosystems.

NMC Medical Center

If you’re looking for a well-regarded family clinic in Dubai, this medical center in Al Satwa ranks among the top options. Known for its highest adherence to evidence-based medicines, the clinic ensures optimal emotional and physical wellness of its patients. Previously called as Family Clinic Satwa, it now operates under the complete supervision of NMC Healthcare.

Pristine Medical Center

Explore this opulent clinic in Al Satwa for top-of-the-line treatments across aesthetics, dermatology, dentistry, and general medicine. Its quality care is both accessible and exceptional with the latest machinery and equipment used in alignment with international healthcare standards.

11. Hotels in Al Satwa

Hotels in Al Satwa

Courtyard by Marriott

Explore this four-star exceptional hotel establishment in the heart of Al Satwa and prepare yourself for a private, luxurious staying experience in Dubai. This 9-floor envelops sophisticated accommodations, with top-of-the-notch amenities like spa, on-site gymnasium, and pristine pool elevating your visit to Dubai with comfort and relishing memories.

Shada Hotel

Another exclusive four-star hotel facility lies within the realms of Al Satwa. Rising to over 11 floors, this accommodation hub is lined with elevated family rooms. All the accommodations incorporate state-of-the-art provisions, air-conditioners, and private, spa-inspired bathrooms.

12. Gyms in Al Satwa

Gyms in Al Satwa

Star Gym

Fitness enthusiasts are blessed with the establishment of Star Gym, a top-tier fitness facility that includes flexible membership options and world-class machinery. With certified trainers and group classes available, the members can equally benefit from personalized training experience and diverse fitness goals.

Cityman Power Gym

Another best gym facility is established within Al Satwa to accommodate desirable goals of inhabitants living in and around. Its exceptional customer service and optimal cleanliness set it apart from other fitness centers, with both premium and budget-friendly options available to members.

13. Malls and Parks in Al Satwa

Palm Strip Mall

Dubai Mall

Locate this world renowned retail and entertainment haven just 10-minute drive away from Al Satwa. Spanning a colossal land area, this shopping haven exhibits a majestic architectural experience as well as memorable journey to your favorite brands.

Palm Strip Mall

This iconic, luxurious retail destination takes only 11 minutes from Al Satwa. Featuring a laid-back experience, the mall exhibits influences of California through its open-air ecosystem and cool fashion stores.

Community Parks

Al Satwa is dotted with various neighborhood-centric parks throughout, including Al Satwa Park 1 and Jumeirah Garden City Park. Besides this verdant green escapes, residents can also head to the Zabeel Park navigable within a 13-minute drive. The park is popular for its fresh breezes and open-plan layout that makes jogging, picnic, and spare time unforgettable.

14. Beaches near Al Satwa

Mercato Beach

Mercato Beach

Find this hidden beach destination within a smooth 10-minute drive from Al Satwa. The beach is highly preferred by high-end families for its low-dense environment, immaculate sands, and sophisticated influence.

Jumeirah Beach

The city’s first and top public beach is traversable within a 15-minute drive from Al Satwa. It calls on families and groups to experience sunbathing with full energy between waves and people. Besides a relaxing beach day, it is also luxuriant with food trucks, beach activities, and multiple sports.

15. Transportation & Highway Connectivity

Al Satwa enjoys a prime central area in Dubai along the busiest Sheikh Zayed highway and close to D90, D71, and D73. The community doesn’t incorporate a metro station directly within its boundaries, however, multiple metro stations sit nearby such as Financial Center Metro Station (8-minute drive), Emirates Towers Metro Station (10-minute drive) and Max Metro Station (10-minute drive). Additionally, a lineup of RTA buses also get public commuters for a budget-friendly and efficient transportation. Main lines include N55, 15, 14, 93, and 28.

16. FAQs about Al Satwa Area

Does Al Satwa have any grocery outlets?

Al Satwa has numerous grocery outlets, including Zainthoonat Al Khair Mini Mart, New West Zone Supermarket, and New Era Supermarket. These grocery stores are conveniently traceable from residential buildings, ensuring a hassle-free experience around the clock.

Can locals easily trace mosques near the Al Satwa district?

Locals can easily trace mosques in Al Satwa, including Obai Bin Kaab Mosque, Khadri Moque, and Abdulla Bin Alzubair Masjid.

Can expats buy properties in Al Satwa?

Yes, Al Satwa is a freehold area and encompasses a limitless range of apartments, villas, and commercial properties for sale. The freehold status allows full ownership of the purchased properties to both Emiratis and foreign nationals.

Is Al Satwa a family-oriented community?

Al Satwa is a family-oriented community, inviting residents with different preferences and family sizes. Thanks to the diverse residential options and lifestyle offerings that make life compelling, complete, and content.

How far is Dubai International Airport from Al Satwa?

Residents with frequent flights can find hassle-free reachability from Al Satwa to Dubai International Airport, within 14 minutes only.

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