Old Town

Old Town is the only low rise apartment complex in Downtown Dubai. The name refers to its architectural style rather than its age: it was completed in 2006. Developed by Emaar Properties, its properties are distinct from those in the neighbouring Downtown Burj district, and its 35 low rise residential buildings use classic Arabian architecture reminiscent of traditional Dubai.

Despite its vintage look, Old Town is in the middle of Dubai's busiest district. The community is pedestrian friendly and within walking distance of Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, with coffee shops, restaurants and hotels throughout. This guide covers the properties, amenities and facilities.

Old Town sits inside Downtown Dubai, around Souk Al Bahar and across Burj Lake from the Dubai Mall. Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, the loop road through Downtown, runs past it, and it is close to Al Asayel Street. Burj Khalifa, the fountain and Dubai Opera are all a walk away.

That is the whole appeal. You get a Downtown address, with the fountain and the mall on foot, in buildings of a few storeys arranged around courtyards and shaded lanes instead of a tower lobby.

Yes. Old Town is one of the original Emaar neighbourhoods inside Downtown Dubai, the district of about 2 square kilometres around Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Downtown is mostly high rise towers; Old Town is the one part built in a low rise Arabic style. That is why people search for "Old Town Downtown Dubai": it is the same place, and the "Downtown" tells you which Old Town is meant.

Souk Al Bahar, the Arabian style market across from Burj Khalifa that opened in 2008, sits at the edge of Old Town. It has over 100 shops and more than 20 restaurants, and it is the closest thing in Downtown to a traditional souk.

Qamardeen is one of the names you see on Old Town listings. It is a cluster of low rise buildings on the boulevard side of the quarter, in the same Arabian style as the rest of Old Town, and it is the district people search for most. It is usually listed alongside Yansoon, Reehan, Zanzebeel and Miska.

Because listings use the district names rather than "Old Town", it helps to know which is which before comparing prices.

Each district is a group of numbered buildings, so a listing will say "Yansoon 5" or "Reehan 6" rather than Old Town. This table shows how the 35 buildings are split.

What is Yansoon in Old Town?

Yansoon is the largest district in Old Town, with 9 of its 35 buildings. Its buildings are numbered, so you will see names such as Yansoon 5 on listings. As with every district here, the outlook matters more than the name: fountain, boulevard or courtyard views change the price.

What is Old Town Island?

Old Town Island is a newer group of residential buildings next to Old Town, closer to Souk Al Bahar. It shares the low rise style but is a separate set of blocks, with its own building names such as Attareen Residences and Tajer Residences.

Properties in Old Town are in demand because of their distinct architecture. The quarter comprises 35 buildings across six districts, with over 1,500 residential units:

• Yansoon, 9 buildings

• Reehan, 8 buildings

• Zafran and Miska, 5 buildings each

• Zanzebeel and Kamoon, 4 buildings each

• Old Town Island, a more recent development nearby, closer to Souk Al Bahar

Old Town Dubai offers studios and one to three bedroom apartments, and a few larger penthouses. Some apartments look onto the Dubai Fountain, while others face Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard or an inner courtyard. Those differences in outlook drive both rents and sale prices, so we advise buyers and tenants to see several units before deciding.

Yes. Downtown Dubai is a freehold area, so foreign buyers can own an Old Town apartment outright. What you are buying is early Downtown stock: generous layouts, low buildings and a strong location, in buildings that are now around twenty years old.

In October 2026 we have no Old Town apartments listed for sale. If Old Town is on your list, tell us which district and outlook you want and we will look for it. For comparison, our current two bedroom apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai show what the tower stock costs a few minutes' walk away. You can also browse all apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai or apartments for rent in Downtown Dubai. Tell us your budget and we will search Old Town for you.

• Which district and which outlook. A fountain facing apartment in Reehan and a courtyard facing apartment in Miska are different assets, in price and in what you get.
• Noise. The fountain draws crowds every evening. Visit at 8pm before deciding.
• Service charges, which in Downtown are among the highest in Dubai. Ask for the figure per square foot for the last two years. Our guide on checking service charges explains how.
• The age of the building. This is early Downtown stock, so ask about maintenance history, lifts and air conditioning.
• Short let permission, if you plan holiday letting. Confirm it in writing.

Old Town suits people who want Downtown without living in a tower: couples, people who like to walk everywhere, and owners letting to visitors who value the character. Families who want a garden are less well served, since every home here is an apartment. If you want views from a high floor, a newer building or hotel services, the towers in Downtown Dubai are the better fit. Our piece on the pros and cons of living in Downtown Dubai covers the wider district.

The closest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall on the Red Line, about an 8 minute drive away. Residents can also take the F13 feeder bus, with the nearest stop at The Palace Downtown on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Old Town's pedestrian friendly layout means the main landmarks are a short walk away.

Supermarkets in Old Town, Dubai

Residents have several supermarket options, including:

• Waitrose at The Dubai Mall

• Spinneys in Souk Al Bahar

• Carrefour Market at Burj Views Podium

• Al Maya Supermarket in 8 Boulevard Walk Tower

• Old Town Mini Mart in Yansoon 9

Religious institutions

The Al Ghafoor Mosque on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is the main mosque for the area, and mosques in Business Bay are also close. For other places of worship:

• St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oud Metha (15 to 20 minutes by car)

• Hindu temples in Bur Dubai

Schools and universities

Old Town has several nursery options, including Babilou Downtown and Blossom Nursery Downtown. Nearby schools include:

• GEMS Wellington Primary School (13 minutes away)

• Horizons English School in Al Wasl (also 13 minutes away)

• Hartland International School (UK and IB curriculum up to Year 9)

Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) are both within a 20 minute drive for higher education.

Clinics and hospitals

Residents have access to two reputable medical centres:

• Mediclinic (The Dubai Mall branch)

• Emirates Hospital Clinic (Business Bay)

Medcare Hospital in Al Safa and several pharmacies are also close by.

Shopping, dining and nightlife

While Dubai Mall is the main shopping destination, Souk Al Bahar offers a more traditional experience with specialty shops and restaurants. Other nearby retail destinations include Boxpark and City Walk (both 8 to 12 minutes away).

Old Town Dubai has a wide choice of places to eat:

• Souk Al Bahar has 22 restaurants.

• Dubai Mall has many eateries.

• Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard has numerous fine dining restaurants.

Popular spots for an evening out include:

• Downtown Toko (Japanese cuisine at Vida Downtown Hotel)

• Inka (Peruvian restaurant at Sofitel Downtown Hotel)

• Nezesaussi Grill (sports bar at Manzil Downtown Dubai)

Beaches near Old Town, Dubai

Old Town has no beach, but Jumeirah Public Beach is about a 20 minute drive away. Residents also have community swimming pools in each building.

Leisure activities and landmarks

Notable attractions include:

• Burj Khalifa, a multi purpose skyscraper with observation decks, a hotel, a health club and restaurants.

• Dubai Opera, a cultural landmark managed by Emaar Properties, hosting concerts, plays and performances.

• Burj Park, a pet friendly park for relaxing, cycling or jogging, with views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa.

• South Ridge Park (Business Bay), popular with dog owners and fitness enthusiasts, with outdoor training sessions offered by Universal Fitness.

Residents also have access to:

• A community gym and pool in each building

• Burj Club Gym in Burj Khalifa, which requires membership and has a ladies only section, an indoor pool and an outdoor infinity pool

• Bicycle rentals along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

Community events

Old Town Dubai is at the centre of many celebrations. Residents can enjoy:

• New Year's Eve fireworks, which many residents watch from their balconies

• Dubai Fountain performances

• Annual parades, including National Day and classic car shows

• Events at Burj Park, such as food festivals, craft markets and film screenings

Residents can keep up with local news by joining the Old Town Dubai Community Page on Facebook.

Old Town in Downtown Dubai is new: it was finished in 2006 and only looks old. If you are looking for the genuinely old part of Dubai, that is the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, also known as Al Bastakiya, near the Creek in Bur Dubai. Its houses date back to the 1890s and were built mainly by Persian merchants; the district takes its old name from the town of Bastak in southern Iran. Close by is Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787, the oldest existing building in Dubai and home to the Dubai Museum.

So, if you want traditional souks and wind tower houses, go to Al Fahidi. If you want to live in a low rise Arabian style apartment within walking distance of Burj Khalifa, Old Town in Downtown is the place. For an evening plan in Downtown, see our guide to the best things to do in Downtown Dubai.

Old Town Dubai is close to the main business and residential districts:

• Business Bay and DIFC (a short drive away)

• Internet City and Dubai Media City (25 minutes by car)

• Al Wasl, Al Safa and Jumeirah (more entertainment and residential options)

Despite drawbacks such as rush hour traffic, Old Town Dubai remains highly desirable for renters and investors because of its location and character.