About Al Badaa Dubai
Al Badaa, also known as Al Bada’a or Al Bada a, is a quiet, low-rise residential community in western Dubai. Known for its central location and relatively affordable rents compared with neighbouring areas, it offers a more relaxed way of living while keeping residents close to the heart of the city.
Tree-lined streets, community parks and neighbourhood cafés give Al Badaa a settled, residential feel, while areas such as Downtown Dubai and the World Trade Centre remain within easy reach. Schools, clinics, supermarkets and everyday services are also conveniently located nearby, making daily life easier for residents.
For families and professionals looking for a peaceful neighbourhood without giving up easy access to central Dubai, Al Badaa offers a practical balance of comfort, convenience and connectivity.
Al Badaa at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Between Al Satwa & Jumeirah 1, off Sheikh Zayed Road |
| Community Type | Low-rise residential — villas, townhouses & apartments |
| Freehold Status | No — leasehold/rental only |
| Best For | Families, professionals, budget-conscious renters |
| Property Types | Villas, townhouses, studio–3BR apartments |
| Lifestyle | Quiet, walkable, community-focused |
| Connectivity | Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Towers & World Trade Centre Metro |
| Landmarks Nearby | Al Ghazal Mall, Al Badaa Park, City Walk, La Mer |
Quick Summary: Al Badaa Dubai is a centrally located, low-rise rental community offering a genuine mix of villas and apartments, three community parks and quick access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown and the beach at rents noticeably below neighbouring Jumeirah and Al Wasl.
Where is Al Badaa Located?
Al Badaa sits in western Dubai, sandwiched between Al Satwa to the west and Jumeirah 1 to the east, with Al Hudaiba to the north and Al Wasl to the south. Being closely connected both physically and administratively to Al Wasl, it is often known as its sub-community.
The neighbourhood is bound by Al Wasl Road (D92) on one side and Al Satwa Road (D90) on the other, with Al Badaa Street (also referred to as Al Badaa St) running through the community as one of its main internal roads. Second December Street (formerly Al Diyafah Street) and Al Hudaiba Street border the area and host much of its retail and dining life.
Key Distances
| Destination | Approximate Drive Time |
| Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) | 5–9 minutes |
| Downtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa | 6–10 minutes |
| DIFC | ~11 minutes |
| Business Bay | ~14 minutes |
| City Walk & La Mer Beach | 5–8 minutes |
| Jumeirah Beach | 8–10 minutes |
| Sharjah (neighbouring emirate) | ~10 minutes |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | ~20 minutes |
| Red Line Metro (Emirates Towers / World Trade Centre) | 5–8 minutes |
The drive time may vary as per traffic conditions.
This prime Al Badaa area location ensures easy commuting while placing residents close to Dubai’s top business districts, beaches and destinations.
Types of Properties Available in Al Badaa
Al Badaa is primarily a leasehold community, so foreign individuals generally look here for rental opportunities rather than freehold property purchases. The area offers a varied mix of properties giving rents options to suit different space, budgets and lifestyle requirements.
Villas – Villas in Al Badaa usually range from 3 to 5 bedrooms, with areas typically between 1,900 and 7,000 sq. ft., and a number of larger luxury units spanning 10,000–15,000 sq. ft. Many feature duplex-style with private gardens, covered parking for two cars, maid’s rooms, separate dining areas, while some areas also include balconies overlooking the neighbourhood towards Jumeirah.
Townhouses- Al Badaa has a smaller selection of 3-bedroom townhouses,typically around 2,000 sq. ft. They can be a practical option for renters looking for a villa-styled space at a lower budget.
Apartments- Apartment ranges from studios through 3-bedroom units and are mainly found along Al Badaa Street and 2nd December Street. Depending on the building and unit size, residents may get features such as covered parking, shared facilities and maid’s rooms.
Why Does Al Badaa Stand Out?
Al Badaa Dubai has established itself as a residential area with necessary amenities rather than being flashy. Here’s what makes Al Badaa stand out from the rest:
- Central Location – Minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC and Downtown Dubai, without the density of a high-rise district.
- Genuine Housing Mix – Villas, townhouses and apartments coexist in one small community, rarely found together at this price point.
- Lower Rents – Rents sit 20–30% below comparable communities like Al Wasl and Jumeirah 1.
- Green Space – Three parks within easy reach: Al Badaa Park, Al Wasl Park and Al Satwa Park.
- Walkable Daily Life – Groceries, clinics, salons and restaurants are all within a short walk or drive, especially along 2nd December Street and Al Ghazal Mall.
- Old Dubai Character – Low-rise buildings and a settled, multicultural community give it a lived-in feel that newer developments lack.
Amenities in Al Badaa
- Al Wasl Park and Al Badaa Park – Al Badaa park is a convenient neighbourhood green space with a dedicated children’s play area, shaded walking paths and seated areas where residents can relax in the evenings. Al Satwa Park is another nearby option, with larger parks like Al Wasl Park offering open lawns, sports courts and running tracks. Having parks and open spaces in the area adds to Al Bada a’s family-friendly character.
- Shopping Center – Al Ghazal Mall, located on the border of Al Satwa is one of the most convenient shopping options for the residents. It has a wide range of shops together with a Carrefour hypermarket, a beauty salon and retail brands. For a wider range of shopping and entertainment, City Walk, Mercato Mall and Dubai Mall are all a short drive away.
- Cafés & Restaurants – Much of the area’s popular dining places can be found along the 2nd December Street, where residents have access to cafeterias, bakeries and shisha lounges. Options also include popular places like Lebanese restaurant Sidra Restaurant and Cafe and the Pakistani buffet restaurant Nayaab Hand. Jumeira Rotana also offers fine dining with international cuisine.
- Supermarkets and Regular Retail – Everyday grocery shopping is convenient with markets like Union Coop, Nesto and Carrefour all within easy reach. Smaller supermarts and neighbourhood stores spread throughout the area also makes it easy to pick up daily necessities without travelling far.
- Beaches and Recreation – One of the advantages of living in Al Badaa is the proximity to both the city and the coast. La Mer Beach and Jumeirah Beach are within a short drive, while City Walk and the Etihad Museum are also nearby . For waterfronts and dining, the Dubai central is just 13 minutes away by car.
Schools & Healthcare Near Al Badaa
| School | Curriculum | Distance |
| GEMS Wellington Primary School | British (FS1–Grade 6) | Nearby |
| Jumeirah Baccalaureate School | International Baccalaureate (IB) | Jumeirah 1 |
| Al Shurooq Private School | Ministry of Education | Al Badaa area |
| Ambassador School | Indian | ~2.0 km |
| New Academy School | American | ~2.1 km |
| Salma Al Ansari Elementary School | — | Within Al Badaa |
| Kids Campus / Safari Kids / British Berries Nurseries | EYFS | Within Al Badaa |
Schools- For university options, Knowledge Park (University of Manchester Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, University of Wollongong Dubai) is about 20 minutes away.
Healthcare
The Al Badaa area is well-served for everyday healthcare, with the Community Health Centre, Herche Medical Centre and Arya Clinic all located within the neighbourhood. Iranian Hospital sits less than a kilometre away, making it one of the closest full-service hospitals. Belhoul European Hospital is on the northern edge along Al Diyafah Street, while Emirates Hospital and Neuro Spinal Hospital are both roughly 9 minutes away for more specialised or emergency care.
Connectivity of Al Bada a Dubai
Getting around from Al Bada a via public or private transportation is fairly easy due to high connectivity with neighbouring areas.
- Metro – Emirates Towers and World Trade Centre are the two closest Red Line stations, both roughly 2–3 km away and reachable in around 5–8 minutes by car, with the Financial Centre station a short distance further.
- Bus – Multiple RTA bus stops are dotted through the community, including stops on Al Badaa Street, 2nd December Street and around Satwa Bus Station.
- Taxi & Ride-hailing – Careem, Uber and Dubai Taxis operate throughout the area at all hours.
- Road Access – Direct access onto Sheikh Zayed Road puts Downtown, DIFC, Business Bay and Dubai Marina all within a 20-minute radius, without needing to navigate through denser parts of the city first.
Community Lifestyle: Dining, Shopping & Wellness
It’s simple to adapt to life in Al Badaa. A quick coffee before work, shopping on the way home, a pharmacy nearby or a laid-back meal with friends are examples of everyday routines that don’t require much labor in this neighborhood. The majority of necessities are close by. The region doesn’t revolve around major attractions; rather, it works because daily life is easy and practical, and some of Dubai’s most famous sites are always only a short drive away.
Restaurants & Cafés on 2nd December Street
2nd December Street gives Al Badaa much of its daily energy. Along the stretch you’ll find cafeterias, grills, bakeries, shawarma spots, small cafés, and family restaurants — the kind of variety that makes quick meals easy. Grab a karak tea after work, go for a shawarma run, or settle in for a casual family dinner. Nothing here is too dressed-up, and that’s part of the charm.
Shopping & Supermarkets
Shopping for daily needs is just as easy. Small supermarkets, pharmacies, laundries, tailoring shops, mobile stores, and salons are usually close by, so day-to-day errands rarely mean leaving the neighborhood. For bigger shopping trips, a handful of malls are a short drive away:
- Al Ghazal Mall — Small but useful, with a supermarket and a few fashion outlets for everyday shopping.
- City Walk — Just a few minutes by car, and a great spot for shopping or meeting friends.
- Dubai Mall — About 10 minutes away, for luxury brands and family-friendly entertainment.
It’s a practical setup overall: daily errands stay within the neighborhood, and weekend shopping never feels far.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Al Badaa
Al Badaa also offers a solid mix of hotel options for visitors or those settling in temporarily:
- Jumeira Rotana — A 4-star hotel known for comfort and convenience.
- Al Khoory Executive Hotel — Reliable service and clean rooms near Satwa.
- Chelsea Plaza Hotel — A long-standing option with restaurants and shops nearby.
Wellness & Beach Time
For sea and sand, two of Dubai’s most loved beaches are within easy reach:
- Jumeirah Beach — White sand, clean water, and easy to reach for a quick escape.
- La Mer — Popular for food trucks, play areas, and seaside cafés, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
Things to Do Around Al Badaa
Beyond the daily essentials, Al Badaa puts a good mix of culture, leisure, and outdoor time within easy reach:
- Walk or jog along Al Wasl Road in the evenings.
- Visit the Etihad Museum, a short drive north, to learn about the UAE’s history.
- Explore the cafés and shawarma joints on Al Diyafah Street.
- Stop by the Jumeirah Mosque, one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, for quiet time or a guided tour.
- Spend a weekend at the Dubai Canal boardwalk, about 13 minutes away, for waterfront dining and walking paths.
- Head to City Walk & La Mer, 5–8 minutes away, for shopping, dining, and beachfront leisure.
- Take a short 6–10 minute drive to Downtown Dubai & Burj Khalifa for the city’s skyline at its best.
Between the everyday convenience of 2nd December Street and quick access to landmarks like Jumeirah Mosque, City Walk, and Downtown Dubai, Al Badaa strikes a rare balance with a neighborhood that feels relaxed day to day, without ever being far from the rest of the city.
Pros and Cons of Living in Al Badaa
Pros
- Rents are 20–30% less than those in nearby Al Wasl and Jumeirah 1 for a similarly central position.
- Downtown, DIFC, and Business Bay are all within 15 minutes of direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Three parks that are easily accessible: Al Wasl Park, Al Satwa Park, and Al Badaa Park
- Strong public transportation coverage, including several bus stops and metro stations at the World Trade Center and Emirates Towers Five to eight minutes away
- A true blend of townhomes, villas, and apartments in a small neighborhood
- Al Ghazal Mall and 2nd December Street offer walking-distance restaurants and shopping.
- Despite the central address, it feels peaceful, low-rise, and family-friendly.
Cons
- Non-Freehold; not an option for foreign nationals looking to purchase
- In comparison to more recent developments, the community’s older building stock demonstrates its age.
- There isn’t much large-scale entertainment or nightlife in the neighborhood.
- During rush hour, there may not be enough street parking close to Al Ghazal Mall and 2nd December Street.
Why Choose Miva Real Estate?
Finding the right property in Al Badaa is easier when you have a team that understands the local market. Miva Real Estate helps renters explore suitable villas, townhouses and apartments based on their budget, space requirements and preferred lifestyle.
Our team can guide you through verified rental options, property viewings and the practical steps involved in renting a home. From shortlisting the right property to handling tenancy paperwork and EJARI registration, we provide clear support throughout the process.
FAQ
What is the average rent in Al Badaa, Dubai?
As of 2026, average annual rents in the Al Badaa area are approximately AED 55,000 for a studio, AED 80,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment, AED 115,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment, and AED 190,000–260,000 for 3–4 bedroom villas. Across all property types, rents range from about AED 50,000 to AED 350,000 per year, with a median around AED 140,000–155,000.
Is Al Badaa freehold?
No. Al Badaa is a leasehold area, meaning properties are available for rent but not for freehold purchase by foreign nationals.
Where is Al Badaa Street?
Al Badaa Street, sometimes written Al Badaa St, is the main internal road running through the Al Badaa community, lined with a mix of villas, low-rise apartment buildings and local retail. It is one of the most commonly referenced addresses in villa and apartment listings for the area.
Does Al Badaa have a metro station?
There is no metro station directly inside Al Badaa, but Emirates Towers and World Trade Centre stations on the Red Line are both around 5–8 minutes away by car, with Financial Centre station also close by. Multiple RTA bus stops run through the community itself.
Is the Al Badaa family friendly?
Yes. Al Badaa offers a quiet, low-rise setting with three community parks — Al Badaa Park, Al Wasl Park and Al Satwa Park — along with several schools and nurseries nearby, including GEMS Wellington Primary School and Jumeirah Baccalaureate School. A genuine mix of family-sized villas and townhouses, walkable everyday amenities, and easy access to healthcare make it a practical choice for families looking to settle in central Dubai.
Looking for a villa or apartment in Al Badaa?
Get in touch with our property advisors for up-to-date listings, current rental rates and a personal viewing tour of the Al Badaa area.
