Area Guide: Oud Metha
This charming little suburb is dotted with restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets
Last updated:
3 MIN READ
Tucked away between Karama and Garhoud the little neighbourhood of Oud Metha, has over the past couple of years, transformed into an amazing food hub dotted with restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. With a mix of low-rise apartment blocks, entertainment centres, offices, places of worship, schools and hospitals, some of which were built as far back as the late 1970s, this charming little suburb has come into its own in the past few years.
Rents here are slightly cheaper (and the apartments bigger) than newer areas like Dubai Marina while not having to deal with construction traffic and unsightly cranes. Everything here is more convenient and accessible by foot, with corner grocers, cafes, and Zabeel Park which is walking distance -- a welcome green solace in what’s otherwise a zig zag series of roads.
The area is desirable and competitive when it comes to finding apartments. With its proximity to schools and entertainment complexes as well as offices in surrounding neighbourhoods, many families with children choose to commute from here to as far as Sharjah.
Where is it located?
Oud Metha is bordered by Karama and Umm Hurair, with Dubai Creek along the periphery.
Rent
The average rent for a two bedroom apartment on the Dubai Government rent is Dh95,000. You can check rents on the Rera Calculator
Transport
Metro Oud Metha Metro Station is near Rashid Hospital. Ticket prices
Bus F18 Oud Metha Metro Station - Lamcy Plaza, American Hospital
Taxi During rush hour the cab queues at central areas like Lamcy Plaza could require up to a half-hour wait. Best bet is to walk down to the Movenpick Hotel, across from the American Hospital, and try to get one from there or hail one down on the street.
Traffic and Parking
Commuters and office-goers create congestion during rush hour, when Deira and Karama crowds ignite traffic. These are minor bottlenecks, however, as several roads like Umm Hurair Road, Oud Metha Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail and Sheikh Rashid Road all border the area and provide smooth exit and entry.
Good for
1. Easy access for commuters to Sharjah and older parts of Dubai.
2. Families seeking a community feel or who have enrolled their children in local schools.
3. Pocket-friendly shopping, dining and services nearby and in neighbouring Karama.
4. Tonnes to do – restaurants, cafes, kids camps, arcades and a dedicated Bollywood cinema.
5. Legendary Thai restaurant Lemon Grass
Bad for
1. There is a lack of trendy, sophisticated venues that Dubai's yuppies and jetsetters tend to seek.
2. Finding free parking, which can add up on a regular basis unless you have your own spot.
5 to try in Oud Metha
Lamcy Plaza
The most popular departmental mall in the area with the affordable Al Maya hypermarket one-stop shop that has everything from home furnishings to a produce aisle and bakery counter with simple bite-size sandwiches made in-house. If you’re hoping to grab a Bollywood flick, their charming old-school cinema will definitely teach you the true meaning of throwback Thursdays.
Phone 043351397
A cafe restaurant shaped like a kettle, with some of the best saffron chai in town. Perfect for meetings, sheesha and Twitter or Facebook time.
Phone 043576677
One of the more glamorous touchpoints in the area, the Singaporean transport is home to a top-rated club, popular restaurants and a spa, and is only a few steps from Wafi Mall.
Phone 043248888
As host to DJs and live acts, this club comprises several rooms with different sounds, plus a huge garden.
Phone 043379470
Nasr meaning ‘victory’ this is one of Dubai’s oldest sport facilities. Football stadium, ice rink, bowling alley (licensed) and a host of restaurants, pubs and clubs keep this all-weather venue a popular choice. Wonderland theme park is just next door if you’d really like to test your nerves.
Phone 04 3371234
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