Ras Al Khor is an area in Dubai at the inland end of Dubai Creek, known for the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, a wetland where flamingos gather, and for the Ras Al Khor Industrial Areas 1, 2 and 3 around it, where warehouses, workshops, showrooms and a large used car market stand alongside new residential towers.

The name means "head of the creek" in Arabic, because the creek once ended here before the Dubai Canal was built. It sits close to Dubai Creek Harbour, Meydan, Bukadra and Nad Al Hamar, and is reached by road, mainly Ras Al Khor Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.

Ras Al Khor is two things at once: a protected nature reserve with city skyline views, and a working commercial zone that is slowly gaining apartments. This guide explains which is which, what is nearby and what to check before you rent or buy.

Where is Ras Al Khor in Dubai?

Ras Al Khor lies south east of central Dubai, between the creek, Dubai Creek Harbour and the Meydan side of the city. The wildlife sanctuary occupies the wetland at the creek end, and the industrial areas spread out along Ras Al Khor Road. Neighbouring communities with their own guides include Dubai Creek Harbour, Meydan, Bukadra, Nad Al Hamar and Al Jaddaf.

There is no metro station inside the area today. Residents and workers rely on cars, taxis and buses, and the Blue Line planned by the Roads and Transport Authority is expected to improve public transport on this side of Dubai. Check station locations and dates directly at rta.ae before you factor it into a decision.

Things to do and places in Ras Al Khor

Nature and wildlife

• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. A wetland reserve managed by Dubai Municipality and recognised as a Ramsar site of international importance for birds. It is one of the few places in Dubai where you can see greater flamingos in large numbers against the Dubai skyline.
• Flamingo Hide. A viewing hide at the western edge of the sanctuary, reached from the Oud Metha and Al Wasl road side, and the most popular place for flamingos.
• Mangrove Hide. A viewing point over the mangroves on the southern edge, reached from the Ras Al Khor Road side. Hide availability has changed over time, so check the current status on dm.gov.ae before you go.

Bring binoculars and keep your voice down. Visiting is free for individuals and small groups, but larger groups need to apply to Dubai Municipality, and opening hours and rules can change.

Markets and shopping

• The used car market in the Ras Al Khor industrial areas. One of the largest used car trading hubs in the UAE, with showrooms and on site vehicle testing and registration. It is often also called the Al Aweer or Ras Al Khor auto market.
• Showrooms and trade outlets. Industrial Areas 1 to 3 are full of showrooms for furniture, building materials, auto parts and equipment, so it is a place people visit to buy something specific rather than to stroll.

Close by

• Dubai Creek Harbour for waterfront dining and promenades.
• Dubai Festival City for a large mall and creek side restaurants, a short drive away.
• Meydan for the racecourse district and its new residential neighbourhoods.

What are Ras Al Khor Industrial Areas 1, 2 and 3?

The industrial zone is split into three numbered districts, and people searching for homes here usually mean one of them.

If you are looking for an apartment, Industrial 1 is where residential stock is concentrated. Industrial 2 and 3 are mostly commercial, so a listing there is likely to be a showroom, shop, warehouse or labour accommodation rather than a home. Always check the permitted use of a unit before you sign.

What is it like living in Ras Al Khor?

Living here is different from living in a finished master community. Expect trucks and workday traffic on the main roads, some noise and dust near active sites, and a limited choice of cafes and shops inside the residential pockets themselves. In return you get a central location close to Downtown, Business Bay and the airport by road, and views over the sanctuary from some buildings.

Proximity to the sanctuary does not guarantee a view or quiet, so visit the exact unit and check which way it faces. Check the construction around the building, because several projects are still being built.

What homes are in Ras Al Khor?

The residential stock is overwhelmingly apartments in new towers, many of them off plan or recently completed, from studios to larger layouts. Villas and townhouses are rare, and we have none listed today. If you are searching for "villa for rent in Ras Al Khor", nearby villa communities will give you a much bigger choice, for example in Meydan.

Our current homes in the area, including apartments in Sobha One in Ras Al Khor Industrial 1, are listed on this page and on the Ras Al Khor Industrial 1 page. Prices elsewhere in the area differ by building, floor and view, so ask us for current figures rather than relying on a headline number.

Off plan and new projects in Ras Al Khor

Many people search for new apartment projects and off plan homes here, because most of the area's new housing is still under construction. Before you reserve, check the developer's track record, the approved payment plan and the handover date. Our guides explain how to check a developer before buying off plan and your rights if handover is delayed. Browse current launches in the off plan section.

Renting in Ras Al Khor

Studios and apartments for rent come up as new towers complete, and many of them are let by individual owners. Rents have no area wide figure we can quote, because the Dubai Land Department sold prices table is not shown for this page, so ask for the current rent for the building you like. Before you sign, check:

• The tenancy contract and Ejari. See Ejari explained.
• The building's completion status, including whether the lifts, pool and parking are fully working.
• Service access, such as the nearest supermarket, pharmacy and school, which are not always within walking distance.
• Commute time at rush hour, tested on the actual road.

Can you buy in Ras Al Khor?

Yes, in the new residential towers, which are sold as apartments. The title type and who may own differ by project, so confirm it in the sales documents and with the Dubai Land Department at dubailand.gov.ae. See freehold property in Dubai for the rules and fees.

What is available now?

Stock changes weekly. Browse homes for sale and homes to rent, or tell us what you need on this page and we will come back to you.

Frequently asked questions