Dubai South residents urge authorities to add ATM access and boost public transport

Dubai: Dubai South, one of the UAE’s fastest-growing and family-friendly communities, is thriving with modern amenities, green spaces, and an increasing population, but residents say it’s missing a few critical elements: ATM facilities and better public transport.

Spread across 145 square kilometres, Dubai South boasts sleek residential buildings, lush parks, multiple mosques, and convenient retail hubs such as the newly opened Spinneys Supermarket, as well as established options like Lulu Hypermarket, and Quick Supermarket. Families enjoy proximity to GEMS Founders School, vibrant restaurants like Domino’s Pizza, Royal Dining, and global fast food chains surrounding the ENOC petrol station. With its thoughtful urban design and accessible lifestyle, the area has become a magnet for families and professionals alike.

Yet, as the community continues to grow, residents are voicing concerns over the lack of basic financial infrastructure and public transportation, services typically expected in a well-established Dubai neighbourhood.

Surprisingly, Dubai South currently has no functioning ATM machines within walking or even short driving distance for most residents. While digital banking is common, the need for cash remains, especially in emergencies, deliveries, or travel.

Mohamed Ayman, a resident of Pulse Residence Park for nearly three years, says the lack of ATMs is a growing frustration.

“Dubai South has everything, supermarkets, schools, restaurants, but not even one nearby ATM,” he said. “I often have to drive 20 minutes just to withdraw cash. It’s a basic need, not a luxury.”

Ayman suggests installing at least one or two ATMs, ideally at the ENOC petrol station or in high-traffic areas like supermarkets.

He also highlighted the need for better public transport.

“Buses every 90 minutes aren’t practical. Many residents don’t have cars. We need more frequent buses and better connections to places like Expo City and DIP.”

He added, “Dubai South has amazing potential, but it’s time to fix these daily-life issues.”

A long-time resident of MAG 5 building, who preferred to remain anonymous, shares: “I once had to drive 40 kilometers just to withdraw cash. There are times when online banking isn’t enough. If I need to travel or receive a shipment, I need cash, and there’s no ATM nearby. The nearest ATM in Dubai South is at Al Maktoum International Airport, which is a 20-minute drive. It is very inconvenient and there’s always the risk that it might not be working or could have withdrawal limits.”

Others echoed the same concern, pointing out that the nearest ATMs are located at Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Investment Park (DIP), or Aloft Hotel in Emaar South, all 20–30 minutes away by car.

The other major concern is inadequate public transport. With buses arriving only once every 90 minutes, daily commuting has become a challenge, especially for residents without private vehicles.

“When my car broke down, I couldn’t even consider using public transport,” the MAG 5 resident added. “I’d have to wait 90 minutes for a bus to Expo City, then wait again to return. Taking a taxi just to get cash isn’t affordable.”

Amber Fernandes, who lives in the Hassan Al Jassim Building, highlighted how a "bus on demand" service could ease this burden.

“The current RTA bus route is not keeping pace with how fast this community is growing. If we had better frequency, more stops, and smarter coverage, it would help a lot of families who rely on public transportation.”

“We need basic connectivity improvements, both roads and transport. Why should anyone have to drive 20 minutes just to withdraw cash?”

While lack of ATMs and limited public transport top the list of frustrations, residents say other quality-of-life concerns are being overlooked.

Rob, a long-time resident, put it plainly:

“An ATM, more frequent buses, and a few basic services, that’s all we’re asking for. Dubai South has huge potential; it just needs a few missing pieces to truly feel complete.”

He also pointed to dimly lit streets, which raise safety concerns for evening walkers and families. Pigeon infestations are becoming a health hazard, especially for those with asthma, and the absence of indoor sports facilities like padel or badminton courts is increasingly felt in a growing family-friendly community.

Another growing frustration among residents is the lack of direct road access. Reaching key routes like Expo Road (E77) or Al Yalayis Road often means taking long, winding detours through E611, turning what should be a quick drive into a time-consuming journey.

“It doesn’t make sense,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “To get out of Dubai South, we first have to go in the opposite direction. It adds unnecessary time to even the shortest trips. A direct link to Expo Road would make a huge difference.”

Gurjit Singh Bal, a pilot and flight instructor at Emirates, who lives in The Pulse Beachfront community, highlighted the daily inconvenience caused by insufficient road links.

“If I want to go to DIP, I have to drive in the opposite direction first, which makes no sense,” he said. “The actual distance is just 3 to 4 kilometers, but we end up driving almost 19 kilometers because of the current road layout. It’s frustrating.”

Gurjit believes a simple infrastructure upgrade could change everything:

“A flyover or direct access from the Dubai South Residential District to Expo Road would save us time, fuel, and stress. Better connectivity to Expo Road is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity.”

Dubai South is undeniably on the rise. With a visionary master plan that includes vibrant residential communities, major logistics hubs, and the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, it is well on its way to becoming a cornerstone of Dubai’s future.

As the area grows, residents are respectfully appealing to Dubai South authorities, developers, the RTA, and local banks to consider their evolving needs, from installing basic banking facilities like ATMs to enhancing public transport frequency and road connectivity. These are not luxuries, but essentials that support daily life and well-being in a modern community.

By proactively addressing these gaps, stakeholders can ensure Dubai South isn’t just a place to live, but a truly complete, connected, and thriving community for all.