Overview
Al Qusais is one of Dubai’s most sought after residential areas owing to lower rents and spacious apartments. The area boasts a commendable list of schools, parks, banks and money exchanges, retail stores, supermarkets and fitness facilities. Living in Al Qusais is preferred by those who seek a reasonable cost of living which extends to rent, travel, shopping and food joints.
Read the updated Al Qusais Area Guide on getthat.com
Al Qusais has moderate to high traffic, mainly from commuters driving to and from Sharjah which is just 15 minutes away. Residents in the area have easy access to public transport facilities such as the metro and buses. Dubai airport terminal 2 is only a few minutes away, while terminals 1 and 3 can be reached in about 15 minutes. Though not as affluent as Dubai’s other areas, it is quiet, peaceful and child-friendly.
You will see many families out for evening walks, the occasional jogger and young boys playing cricket or football in the sand areas. This area also houses many government buildings and the Philippines Consulate.
Where it’s located?
The Al Qusais area is flanked by Al Nahda, Al Qusais Industrial Area and Muhaisnah 4 to the north, Al Twar to the south and Hor Al Anz East to the east.
Rent
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is Dh65,000 to Dh80,000 as per the Dubai Government rental increase calculator. Similarly, the rent for a three-bedroom villa will fall in the range of Dh115,000 to Dh130,000.
Good for
The area is great for living a bustle free convenient life at a reasonable cost even for small families and couples. There are many schools and parks nearby for children. The congested traffic on the D93 disseminates once you detour into the Al Qusais wing.
The airport is 15 minutes away by car and so is Sharjah and Mamzar beach. You will find everything you need from a school to a hospital, or clinic to a bank within walking distance. Public transport is easily accessible. Reasonably priced restaurants and fast food joints are aplenty.
Bad for
The high views and glittery nights that Dubai boasts of are more than a stone’s throw away. The area is focused on tenants and you will not find any tourist attractions worth visiting. Though the airport is nearby, there are hardly few five-star hotel options in the area though you will find reasonably priced accommodation in the many small hotel options shown in our map. If you plan on a fun night out or a proper dinner or party, you need to go to the centre of the city.
Transport
Metro Stadium station, Al Nahda station, Airport Freezone station, Al Qusais station and Etisalat metro station Bus Buses passing through the area are 22, 24, 32C, 63E, 367, F21, F23 and C14. Check our guide to find RTA bus routes and timetables hereTaxi Cabs are not very frequent and are usually full and you could be waiting for upto15 minutes to get one. Either walk towards the nearest metro to get a cab, or book one in advance.
5 to try in Al Qusais
From another millennium Al Qusais may be a calm suburb now but excavations in1970s and 80s have shown settlements in the area dating back to the Iron Age. Most of the exhibits taken from these excavations have been displayed in the Dubai museum. Some of these exhibits are human skeletons dating back to 900 B.C. and pottery jars, beads and copper arrowheads from late Second Millennium B.C.
Lulu Hypermarket The Lulu hypermarket is situated in front of the Stadium metro station where you will find everything you require including food, grocery, medicines, electronics, perfumes and clothes. There is a wide array of jewellery brands with a selection of gold, platinum and diamond collections and a couple of money exchange outlets. Being one for budget –friendly shopping, Lulu offers great deals on all products and you can expect promotion deals at all times. Parking can get a bit difficult especially in the evenings and on weekends. It is truly a one-stop shop. There are some fast food outlets and Indian restaurants nearby.
Al Bustan centre and residence This centre is largely known for its well furnished and luxurious hotel apartments. It also offers conference and business facilities. The ground floor is a shopping centre and has a supermarket, retails shops and cafés. The centre has many stores which display beautiful gowns and dresses and is not one to be missed if you are looking for a mall-like shopping experience in the area. Al Bustan Centre features a health club and spa, swimming pool and tennis court for its residents and visitors. Website Al Bustan Centre
Al Qusais Pond Park The pond park in Qusais is easily accessible and is as peaceful as it gets in Dubai. There is a 2km jogging track, children’s play area, outdoor gym equipment, basketball and football courts, and shaded seating as well. Entry is free and being in Al Qusais area the park is generally quiet and not too crowded. Check out the community page of the park on Facebook for pictures and reviews. Timings 8am to 10pm
Panoor restaurant A large chunk of residents here are expats, mostly Indians and Pakistanis. Therefore restaurants here cater to this crowd and Panoor restaurant is a frequent choice for Indian cuisine. The chain also offers festival-themed menus and the one in Al Qusais is just one of the many Panoor restaurants across Dubai. Phone +971 4 261 3157/+971 4 261 6902
