Area Guide: Everything you need to know about Business Bay
Business Bay is one of the most up and coming neighborhoods in Dubai
Overview
Set just beyond the industrial web of Al Quoz, south of the extravagant and cosmopolitan Downtown Dubai, Business Bay is an emerging area in the center of the city spread between Al Khail and Shaikh Zayed roads. The promising neighbourhood is a collection of residential and commercial buildings, many of which are still under construction including a few upscale hotels like The Oberoi Dubai and The Taj Dubai. Dubai Mall is less than a 5-minutes’ drive and one stop away from the Business Bay metro station.
With direct access to major highways, and its proximity to Jumeirah, DIFC and other central touchpoints, Business Bay is becoming a gradual (albeit in-progress) extension to the Downtown Dubai strip.
Where is it located?
Business Bay lies in the shadows of Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, just south of the Downtown and Old Town neighborhoods, with Al Wasl to the west.
Rent
The average rent for a One bedroom apartment in Business Bay is in the range Dh50,000 to Dh91,000 per year according to the RERA Rental Calculator.
Good for
Brand new high rise buildings with quality furnishings and facilities.
Excellent residential rent prices considering proximity to city center.
Wide inner roads that can handle heavy traffic flow.
Access to Dubai Mall and DIFC, with entertainment a short drive away.
Bad for
Scenic views are lacking, aside from some partial canal views and a small park near Executive Towers.
Family setting and community, unless it's around Executive Towers.
Consistent, reliable roads that change weekly.
Leisurely winter strolls and refreshing greenery, both of which are scarce.
Transport
Metro: Business Bay Metro Station
Taxi: Cabs drive through the area regularly, but during rush hour it is better to book in advance. Booking 04 2080808
Traffic and Parking
Like other parts of Dubai, this vast city pocket suffered when the recession hit, leaving it victim to incomplete structures, untouched construction plots, and ever-changing roadways. Parking lots are therefore sandy but plentiful, and even longterm residents can get confused by road changes due to construction. Wider roads only pop up towards the centre of Business Bay, which means congestion causes traffic in bottlenecks entering from Sheikh Zayed.
Places to go out in Business Bay
La Mezcaleria
In the space where Iris used to be, you will find the new Mexican spot Mezcaleria. La Mezcaleria at The Oberoi offers Latino Oriental beats, flamboyant Mezcal beverages and Mexican-inspired cuisine. The atmosphere is playful yet rustic. The menu includes a variety appetizers including the special P&B Guacamole which contains fresh peach, crispy bacon and a hint of jalapeno, or try the Mez-callop – a scallop ceviche with a hint of ginger. The Lobster Gobernador, or the Pastel Azteca, a Lasagne with some sweet Latin-American surprises are more for those with a bigger appetite. For the meat lovers, the Parrillada a 740g wagyu rib-eye with guacamole and tortillas to roll. Finish your meal with the Crepe-Adilla or a plate of classic Churros.
Where: The Oberoi Hotel Business Bay Cost: Approx. Dh450 for two Timings: Open Daily from 5pm to 3am on Friday they open at 1pm
Bleu Blanc
A beautifuly decorated French restaurant, in which the focal point is the wood-fired grill, representing the fire that often is reminiscent of the heart of a French farmhouse - a source of warmth that brings loved ones together. Some of the restaurants' signature dishes include the oxtail tartine, polenta croquettes, grilled king prawns, skirt steak and mac and cheese.
Where: enaissance Downtown Hotel, Business Bay Cost: Approx. Dh450 for two Timings: Saturday to Thursday from 6pm-12am, Fridays from 1pm-4pm and 8pm-12am
Chingon
Chingonis a Modern Mexican Eatery that combines flavours, textures and techniques that are at heart, Mexican, while taking cuisine influences from across Central and South America. Chingonis a celebration of all things authentically Mexican and a modern interpretation of the culture and heritage of the civilizations and peoples that have created and formed Mexico as we know and love today. Offering guests a variety of different experiences, from beverages, dinner and dinner to party, the music program will consist of various regional influences, from Latin Jazz through to Bossa Nova and Brasilera Beats in the early evening transitioning to Deep House that incorporates South American drums and flutes with Amazonian tunes played by some of Dubai’s top performing DJs.
Where: Grand Millennium Hotel Business Bay, Level R Cost: Approx. Dh500 for two Timings: Daily from 6pm to 1am and until 3am on weekends
Farmers' Market on Bay Avenue
In its tenth season, Farmers’ Market on Bay Avenue, Business Bay runs on both Fridays and Saturdays, with extended hours from 7am until 3pm. There will also be organic baked sweet and savory treats, as well as a live-cooking station by Founders Baker & Spice. You can also enjoy fresh fruit, honey, eggs, bread, sweets, pastries and more. Children can spend their time on face painting, or painting on a canvas, as well as a playing area and skate park.
Location Bay Avenue Park, Business Bay Cost Free Timings Every Friday and Saturday from 7am to 3pm
Billionaire Mansion
Billionaire Mansion one of Dubai’s most popular and loved nightlife venues in the area. A night of dancing, beverages and fun. With music from resident DJs keeping you on the dancefloor all night long, it’s a night not to be missed. Ladies receive complementary beverages between 10.30pm to 3am.
Location Taj Hotel, Business Bay Cost Free Timings Thursday and Friday from 10.30pm to 3am