Area Guide: Al Quoz

1.1584762-1895659584 — After exploring the area, we recommend you stop at Aussie restaurant Tom & Serg; it's a great spot to grab some lunch. Image Credit: Gulf News Archives

Overview

Al Quoz is a stretch of Dubai centrally placed between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The area is divided into residential and industrial. The residential areas include Al Quoz 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the north, while Al Quoz Industrial Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4 are located towards the south. Nearby malls include Times Square and Oasis Center Malls towards Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al Quoz Mall, Al Khail Mall and Grand City Mall further in. Noor Islamic Bank is the only metro station in the area and is closest to Times Square Mall.

With dusty clusters of factories, auto shops and labourer accommodation, Al Quoz Industrial is one of the oldest manufacturing hubs in Dubai. During work hours it is a challenging web of transport containers and identical-looking streets. Low rent and large spaces have resulted in gentrification in Al Quoz Industrial 1, where Al Serkal Avenue and The Courtyard now host independent art exhibitions, street festivals and performances showcasing regional talent. Al Khail Gate is an affordable option for low income apartment residences in Al Quoz Industrial 2.

The quieter residential area villas are close to parks and populated by Emiratis and western expats. These can be priced quite high due to the area’s accessibility, though still less than villa compounds.

Where is it located?

Al Quoz is contained by Sheikh Zayed Road to the west, Al Khail Road to the east, Safa Park and Business Bay to the north, and Barsha to the south. By car, Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are approximately a five to ten-minute drive from Al Quoz residential areas.

Rent

The average rent for a two bedroom villa according the Dubai Government rent calculator is Dh85,000 to Dh105,000 per year.

Good for

Located in the core of Dubai with road access to major touchpoints.
Residential areas are quiet and family-oriented.
Luxurious and mostly custom-built villas on extensive plots.
Close to amenities including malls and small parks.

Bad for

Ongoing beautification of surrounding residential streets.
No walkable hangouts like restaurants and bars.
Construction throughout the area.
Parking lots are few, so you have to settle for sandlots.

Transport

Metro Noor Islamic Bank Metro Station Ticket prices

Bus F15 Al Quoz Residential area, F25 Al Quoz towards Burj Al Arab metro, F26 Al Quoz towards Al Safa. See our Dubai Bus Route Guide with Timetables here

Taxi Though cabs are plenty nearer to Sheikh Zayed Road, it's safer to book, especially towards inner streets. Bookings 04 2080808

Traffic and Parking

Wide new roads and entrances from Al Khail and Sheikh Zayed Road provide access from different directions. The web of streets within Al Quoz can be frustrating and often ending up as dead-ends. The only good side to this is there are ample sandlots for parking.

5 to try in Al Quoz

1. Dubai Garden Centre
Al Quoz Industrial 3, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road

A veritable eco haven of colourful fish and bird houses in a warehouse full of plants and flowers, plus outdoor furniture and a quaint little cafe.

Phone 04 3400006

2. Al Serkal Avenue
Al Quoz Industrial 1, exit 43

Home to around 20 art-organisations including galleries, live music venue The Fridge and studio and gallery Gulf Photo Plus.

Phone 04 2955000

3. The Courtyard
Al Quoz Industrial 1, Street 4b

Grab a coffee from the Limetree Cafe and take a stroll through sunny art galleries and some gorgeous furniture and antique shops.

Phone 04 3475050

4. Tom & Serg
Al Quoz, Al Joud Centre, 15a street

High ceilings, exposed ventilation and an ever-evolving daytime menu make this independent Australian cafe a hit among foodies and hipsters.