Area Guide: Mirdif

While once an outpost inhabited by only locals in dust-patch villas, it is now a well-connected, popular area for expatriates with families, especially those with jobs in old Dubai.

 

Located directly behind the Dubai International Airport, much of the area suffers from being on the flight path of most take offs and landings. This, as well as the distance from actual new Dubai, means rents stay lower than many other parts of the city.

 

Uptown Mirdiff, a well-maintained residential and shopping complex, has its own Spinneys supermarket, a food court, an array of shops and cafés as well as apartment complexes, clinics and pharmacies.

 

There are several schools nearby including the Royal Dubai School, American Academy for Girls, Star International School, Uptown School, Our Own High School and Rajagiri International School, which also makes the area a great choice for families. If you're more concerned about quality over location then check out the Top Schools in Dubai.

 

The addition of Mirdif City Centre Mall with more than 400 shops, restaurants, coffee shops, beauty salons and world-class entertainment facilities, has only added to its popularity. Mushrif Park connects to the community on the east and is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the community. Greater Mirdif includes villa communities in Al Warqaa, Al Mizar and Al Khwaneej. 

 

Where is it located?

Mirdif is located behind Mirdif City Centre shopping mall, where Tripoli Street crosses over the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311), former Emirates Road.

 

Rent 

The average current asking price for a studio apartment starts from Dh35,000, one-bed from Dh60,000 and a two-bed from Dh80,000, while a three-bed villa costs anywhere from Dh95,000 to Dh100,000 (As of June 2015). You can check rents on the Rera Calculator

 

Transport

Metro Rashidiya Metro Station is the nearest but is still a good distance from Mirdif. Ticket prices Feeder buses F03, F04, F05 and F10 serve Mirdif east, west, Al Mazir and Al Warqa’a areas from the station.

Bus The X35 is an express bus service from Al Warqa’a to the Meadows/Springs/Lakes etc.

Taxi Generally very quick to arrive at residential addresses as they gather at Mirdif City Centre until they are called.

Taxi Bookings 04 2080808

 

Traffic and Parking

The cracks are beginning to show when it comes to traffic in Mirdif, particularly since the area has become more popular in recent years. It’s well situated and the new roads and interchanges from Rebat and Tripoli Street (just along from Business Bay Crossing and Dubai Festival City) makes access good.

However, due to the age-old Sharjah push – commuters heading back to Sharjah after work – the E311 can back up past Mirdif City Centre anytime from 3pm. If there’s an accident you need a new route altogether as things can end up pretty congested.

 

 

Good for

1. It’s a quieter suburban community for those looking for a family-friendly lifestyle.

2. Value for money for accommodation compared to some of Dubai’s more central addresses.

3. Plane spotters!

4. Play areas and recreation facilities are nestled within landscaped gardens and public parks across the development.

5. Situated on Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311), former Emirates Road, means easy access to all main roads.

 

Bad for

1. Situated on the flight path, the sound of aircraft overhead is a given. The A380 has been known to ‘shake’ apartments in Uptown Mirdif.

2. Depending on where you work it could be a bit of a commute.

3. Can be a trek to see friends if most are situated in new Dubai.

 

 

5 to try in Mirdif

1. Musrif Park

With basketball, sand football, tennis courts and acres of open space, you’ll be hard pushed to find a quieter park in Dubai. To book the tennis courts visit park security at gate seven (Al Khawaneej Road) between 6am and 8pm daily.

Phone 04 288 3624

 

2. Mellow Yellow, Uptown Mirdif 

An independent café sidling up to the likes of Starbucks and Caribou Coffee next door. Friendly staff, homemade cakes and freshly cooked menu options make it a more popular choice than the usual coffee-spot giants. 

Phone 04 259 1500

 

3. Mirdif City Centre Mall

The superior leisure and entertainment playground with Playnation, iFLY Dubai - an indoor sky-diving centre, Little Explorers - a children’s edutainment centre, Soccer Circus Dubai, Yalla! Bowling, Magic Planet, Aquaplay and VOX Cinemas. 

Phone 800 6422

 

4. Mirchi 

A sort of non-descript eatery you could easily overlook. A spacious outdoor terrace and tasty Indian food at bargain prices are just three reasons you shouldn’t. Dishes are toned down a little for international palates, but not to the extent that the original flavours are masked. 

Phone 04 288 8040

 

5. Tennis Training Academy 

The former home of the Dubai Netball League, this facility is tucked away from view making it a hidden gem. 

Phone 04 288 0535.