Al Jaddaf- translated to “The Rower” in Arabic, is a prominent community known for its historical roots. The development of Al Jaddaf along the western banks of Dubai Creek and its deep-rooted heritage of dhow building has recently transformed into a growing modern hub with a rich cultural legacy still embedded.
If you’ve ever wondered about the UAE’s shipbuilding heritage, look further than Al Jaddaf. Traditionally known for dhow building (wooden boats), and the community is one of the last places in Dubai where dhows are still built by hand.
Found in western Bur Dubai, Al Jaddaf spans roughly 7.3 km² and borders Dubai Creek, between Oud Metha, Zabeel, and Dubai Festival City.
Interestingly, the word “Al Jaddaf” translates to “The Rower” in Arabic, reflecting its maritime history as Dubai Ship Docking Yard.
The population, which was less than 3,000 in the early millennium and was formerly a low-density maritime zone, is now estimated to be 30,000, with about 60% of the population being expats from the subcontinent.
There are currently a variety of residential, business, and hospitality developments in Al Jaddaf. Manazel Al Khor, Dubai Wharf, and Binghatti Avenue are a few of the notable developments in this area. As a result, the neighborhood is developing into a burgeoning hotel hub serving multi-cultural lifestyles.
This economic housing district is near several notable neighborhoods, including;
Al Jaddaf’s most common real estate type is apartments, which include studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, and a few penthouses and duplexes. The prices and sizes of the various apartments range from AED 900,000 to AED 1,800,000. On average, a three-bedroom home costs about AED 1,750,000. There are fewer penthouses and duplexes—just a few dozen are advertised.
Less common, but luxury villas or townhouses are available—typically higher-end, larger layouts. Villas listed as 1‑ to 3‑bedroom in small clusters; townhouses often downscaled modern or traditional style.
Townhouses typically priced between AED 3,500,000–5,500,000. 2–3 bed villas often around AED 1,700,000 –1,800,000. One-bed villas can be around AED 5,800,000.
A few hotel-hospitality locations and land plots are also available; these are frequently linked to the Jaddaf Waterfront master plan. New projects ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments are available in developments including Binghatti Twilight, Moonlight, Ghost, Ivory, and Celeste. These projects are frequently off-plan, with handover dates in 2025–2027.
This project is a collaboration with Ellington and Dutco. Offers studios to 3 bedroom apartment units with launch prices starting from approximately AED 1,800,000. The anticipated delivery is Q3 of 2026. Ellington Art Bay is a culture‑inspired design involving waterfront setting and bespoke interiors by Ellington.
There are studios, 2, and 3-bedroom units (445 to 1,694 sq. ft.) available in this 18-story residential building starting from AED 870,000 with a 20% booking fee and the completion being set for Q3 2027. The handover has been scheduled for Q4 of 2026. The building involves a basement level, 13 residential floors, 3 podium levels, and a rooftop.
The project has a total of only 44 boutique residences with a collection of 1,2,3-bedroom apartments spanning between 671 and 2,003 sq. ft. The starting price is capped at AED 1,650,000. The project is to be handed over in Q1 2027. Features of the property complex features a waterfront infinity pool, yoga studios, wellness spaces, panoramic creek views
Capped at AED 1,100,000 as launch price, Montage by Key Mavens is scheduled for Q4 of 2027. The project offers 1–2 bedroom apartment units spanning between 667 and 957 sq. ft. with a limited inventory of only 258 units.
Studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, and a few penthouses, make up the majority of the market at Al Jaddaf. Villas and townhomes are feasible, although they are typically pricey. There are still a few hotel plots and pieces of land for development. Future Al Jaddaf skyline development is being shaped by contemporary mixed-use and waterfront building complexes.
With good rental yields of 6%, Al Jaddaf currently offers flexible entry prices that are up to 30% lower than previous peaks. Demand for short-term rental properties is still strong, and rents for these apartments—especially those with 1 bedroom—are rising quickly. With the help of new tech-focused projects, freehold conversion, and infrastructure improvements (Etihad Rail, Metro), the future outlook is bright.
Al Jaddaf saw a slight 2.3% jump in sales over the previous 12 months, with about 1,090 transactions, although the whole value fell by roughly 53% to AED 1.4 billion. This points to a trend toward more affordable offers. The average for the area is AED 1,662 per sq.ft., which is around 16% less than it was a year ago.
With average unit prices of AED 1.38 million and average listing prices of AED 1,703/sq.ft., there has been a 23% yearly decline in average unit price and a 3.8% YoY decline in price per square foot. At the moment, average prices (AED 1,790 per sq.ft.) are 30% less than the area's historical highs (AED 2,543 per sq.ft.), making them inviting entry points for purchasers.
Road access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail, water transportation alternatives across the Creek, and dual metro access (Al Jaddaf and Creek stations) are all perks of Al Jaddaf. Al Jaddaf and other surrounding areas are predicted to see a 15% increase in property values due to the upcoming Etihad Rail hub, which will further strengthen connectivity.
The annual rent for a studio is about AED 42,000, while that of a 1-bedroom apartment is AED 62,000. AED 78,000 would get you a 2-bedroom apartment, and AED 110,000 would get you a 3-bedroom one. Early in 2025, a number of Al Jaddaf plots became eligible for freehold ownership, increasing their allure as an investment.
Depending on the building and view, studio or 1-bedroom apartments often sell for between AED 1,100,000 and AED 1,600,000. Two-bedroom apartments usually sell for AED 1,500,000 to AED 1,800,000, while 3-bedroom apartments can sell for AED 2,000,000 to AED 2,300,000.
Right now, Al Jaddaf has good rental yields of 6% and desirable entry prices that are up to 30% lower than previous peaks.
Rents for short-term rental units, particularly those with one bedroom, are rising quickly, and demand is still strong.
The conversion to freehold, new tech-focused projects, and infrastructure improvements (Etihad Rail, Metro) are driving the bright future.
Although studios and one-bedroom apartments provide good liquidity and flexible income options, two- and three-bedroom apartments are seeing stronger capital value appreciation and will eventually yield a higher total return on investment.
Jaddaf Waterfront (Sculpture Park and Green Wall)
The UAE’s first open-air public art area, Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, is located next to Jameel Arts Centre and effortlessly blends art and landscape. This vibrant 3.7 million square meter mixed-use cultural development along Dubai Creek includes residential, retail, and exhibition spaces connected by a 6-kilometer promenade.
Waiwai (UAE studio by Wael Al Awar and Kenichi Teramoto) created the park, which makes use of a subtle, ripple-like, circular geometry. The park comprises a 200-seat amphitheater for talks, films, and plays; a kids’ playground with sand play areas and rubber surfacing; a special area for food trucks; and built-in board game tables. To adjust for arid conditions, art is also shown on a long-term rotating cycle.
With 80,000 plants growing 6 meters high and 212 meters long, the Green Wall is the largest living wall in the area. It helps improve air quality and provides shade while assisting in the annual offset of around 4.4 tonnes of CO₂.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few urban reserves in the world, with around 10.13 km² (620 ha) of protected wetlands at the mouth of Dubai Creek.
Mangroves, lagoons, sabkhas, salt flats, and intertidal mudflats are all part of the sanctuary’s diverse ecosystem. Over 470 fauna (birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates) and about 47 flora species are among its estimated 472 species.
Three bird hides are located: the Mangrove Hide (south), which overlooks mangrove trees; the Flamingo Hide (west), which is close to the flamingo roost; and the Al Buhaira Lagoon Hide (north), which is close to Al Jaddaf.
Seasons affect the hours of operation. You can visit between October and March (winter) from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The perfect time to visit is from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer months of April through September.
Visitors usually arrive on Friday afternoons between 2:00 and 5:30 p.m. Individual visitors are usually not required to make a reservation – large groups must register in advance. Admission is free.
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai
The Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) opened its doors in 2015 after being established in 2012. There are now over 2,500 students from over 100 different countries, compared to just 250 at the start. The school is located at Dubai Healthcare City.
In 2024, it became a member of the Nord Anglia Education organization, becoming the first boarding school in Dubai and one of four Nord Anglia schools in the UAE. SISD’s learning and campus culture are shaped by its BEST ideals, which are Bilingualism, Excellence, Sustainability, and Togetherness.
Following the International Baccalaureate (IB) teaching methods, the curriculum is available to students ages 3 to 18 (Pre-KG through Grade 12). It is fully bilingual and offers three streams: English-French bilingual, English-German bilingual, and English STEAM with additional languages (Arabic plus French or German) for younger students.
Dubai English Speaking School
Established in 1963 the Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) at Oud Metha is Dubai’s oldest British-curriculum school. The school offers Foundation Stage 1 and 2, then Year 1–6 based on the English National Curriculum. With a KHDA-rated Outstanding, the current student population is more than 1000 with over 60 teachers. The community represents at least 50 different nationalities.
Dubai International School Garhoud
Dubai International School, which began modestly in a villa in Al Garhoud, currently serves more than 2,000 students in grades KG1 through 12. The school incorporates Arabic language instruction, Islamic education, and UAE social studies into its American curriculum.
In Grades 11–12, students prepare for SAT I, SAT II, and the TOEFL/IELTS. French, robotics, football, debate, karate, art, and music are just a few of the clubs that are part of the school’s extensive extracurricular program.
Universal American School
Universal American School (UAS) is an international school situated on Rebat Street in Dubai Festival City that was established in 2005. With 1400 students representing more than 70 different nations, the school offers the IB Diploma curriculum.
UAS has a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as Model UN, Emirati, National Honor Society, sports teams, and performing arts.
Clemenceau Medical Center
Located in Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2, Clemenceau Medical Center offers a luxurious hospital environment with spacious private rooms, visitor areas, cafes, and high-end services. The hospital has various specialized centers, including: Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Neonatal ICU, and Digestive Disease and Liver Center. With multi‑lingual staff, the hospital runs a 24/7 operation.
Latifa Hospital
A premier women and children’s hospital, Latifa Hospital is located at Oud Metha Road and maintains a supportive patient environment. Facilitating easy accessibility, the hospital has successfully delivered on average 5,000 babies per year.
Mediclinic City Hospital
The first multidisciplinary private hospital in Dubai Healthcare City was Mediclinic City Hospital, which opened its doors in 2008. Being a very cutting-edge medical facility, the hospital was the first in the UAE to perform total or partial knee replacement surgery using robotic assistance.
The Tea Room (Al Jaddaf Rotana)
Mediterranean and international café dining, with healthy and light options in a hotel lounge setting. This is the Tea Room set in the five star Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel lobby area.
Visitors on the go can choose from the nicest ornate cakes and pastries in this part of town, and fabulous variations of unique tea and coffee blends. High Tea sessions are priced at AED 150 per person and are served from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The café is open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Café Saula
Known as “Europe’s Award winning Coffee brand Café,” Café Saula is a well-liked neighborhood favorite in Al Jaddaf that serves good coffee at affordable prices in a laid-back setting. Every coffee served is expertly brewed.
Besides, there are falafel options and other collections of delicious cakes. Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 1 AM and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 AM are the hours of operation. Takeaways are available while there’s no need for table reservations.
Amalfi at Palazzo Versace Dubai
Found at the west lagoon pool, Amalfi brings together an al fresco dining venue. Enjoy the lively ambiance of the restaurant and bar by the pool, which serves traditional, rustic cooking techniques to form a traditional Mediterranean fare, including crisp wood-fired pizzas and nutritious salads. It’s the perfect spot for outdoor gatherings with friends or family or for casual outdoor dining. Every day from 10 AM to 7 PM, the pool is open.
Trouvaille Restaurant
Excellent for breakfast, lunch, artisanal coffee, or supper in a cozy Parisian setting, Trouvaille Restaurant is a chic café-restaurant merging French and Lebanese cuisine that is situated in the Khansaheb Residence neighborhood. They have a kids’ menu, vegan alternatives, and happy hour fare.
The French Revolution served as the primary source of inspiration for Trouvaille’s concept. Baklawa and mojito eclairs, Middle Eastern fare like akkawi and sujuk mince, and the restaurant’s specialty pastries like the Trouvaille eclair, which has a macaroon shell filled with mousseline cream, rose flavor, and fresh raspberries, are just a few of the treats offered.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is close to Creek Metro Station on the Green Line and located in the Al-Jaddaf area on the banks of Dubai Creek. The building has seven upper levels, a ground floor, and a basement, totaling about 54,000 m².
With its open book shape, it is regarded as one of the biggest and most advanced libraries in the Arab world.
The library hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M., Friday from 2 P.M to 9 P.M., and Sunday is closed.
Jameel Arts Centre
One of Dubai’s top centers for modern art is the Jameel Arts Centre, which sits along the Dubai Creek near Jaddaf Waterfront. Dedicated specifically to artists and cultural movements in the Gulf and beyond, the Jameel Library is open to the public.
Large-scale public artworks and an event amphitheater can be seen at the Center, which is next to the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park along Dubai Creek. The structure has three storeys, a total area of over 10,000 m², and more than 1,000 m² of flexible gallery space.
Inspired by medina-style courtyard layouts and traditional Emirati sha’abi dwellings, the pattern, created by a UK-based architectural firm, comprises interconnected volumes and landscaped gardens. It also has seven gardens with a desert theme.
Visitors can enter for free. Inside is a quaint cafe and bookshop. The center is open Monday through Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM; on Tuesdays, it is closed. It is about a 12-minute walk from Al Jaddaf Metro Station (Green Line).
Dubai Skyline from Jaddaf Creek Views
Al-Jaddaf, a Bur Dubai waterfront neighborhood on the banks of Dubai Creek, was formerly home to dhow shipyards. With the rise of upmarket housing and cultural initiatives, it is currently changing quickly. It is located next to Dubai Creek Station.
Clear scenes of Downtown Dubai can be seen from the Jaddaf Promenade, which includes famous sites like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor, and even a sight of Dubai Creek Harbour across the water. To see the striking colors as the skyline reflects off the creek, the best time to visit would be during sunset.
Abra Ride
Abras are small wooden boats that are traditionally used to transport people between Deira and Bur Dubai across Dubai Creek.The Arabic word abara, which means “to cross,” is where the term “abra” originates.
Approximately 16–20 million people are carried by the 149–150 abras that are currently in operation. Youngsters under two ride free. The usual fee is 1 AED each crossing, paid directly to the provider.
Al Sabkha-Dubai Old Souq and Deira Old Souq-Bur Dubai are the two main routes that cross Creek. They run from five in the morning until about midnight.
Apartments
AED 1,429,999
Al Jaddaf
1, 2 & 3
746 - 1784 Sq Ft
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AED 1,299,000
Al Jaddaf
1, 2 & 3
741 - 1979 Sq Ft
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Studios
AED 850,000
Al Jaddaf
Studio, 1 & 2
476 - 2635 Sq Ft
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Studios
AED 965,583
Al Jaddaf
Studio, 1, 2 & 3
495 - 3400 Sq Ft
Apartments
AED Coming soon
Al Jaddaf
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AED 888,888
Al Jaddaf
Studio, 1, 2 & 3
358 - 2452 Sq Ft
Not acquainted with Dubai? Following is a first-timer’s guide to Dubai that covers all the most-desired neighbourhoods, communities, and areas to help make your real estate investing a little easier. With location being the key factor can make a huge difference in your investment’s success. Over time, the value of having quick access to major public access routes, airports, and transportation hubs in addition to being close to commercial districts, schools, hospitals, and retail malls will considerably add value within market conditions. Developers are making tremendous efforts to contribute to the community’s growth and regeneration by championing stringent Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and net zero carbon ambitions on building mixed-use, smart innovatively sustainable real estate model developments and urban solutions in strategically located regions, resulting in lively and desirable areas to live, work, and play.
Investing in Al Jaddaf can be a wise decision for those who want to invest in the Dubai real estate market. From finding the ideal property to finalizing the buying process, our team of experienced real estate experts is here to help you at every stage.
As We have access to the latest off-plan developments, we can help you find the ideal property to meet your needs as well as your finances. With our expertise and guidance, you can take advantage of the high potential for return on investment that off-plan properties in Al Jaddaf offer.
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