City Walk – Area & Neighbourhood Guide

City Walk is one of Dubai’s most modern and distinctive neighborhoods, developed by Meraas, offering a dynamic blend of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces in the heart of the city. Geographically positioned between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road, City Walk lies within the Al Wasl district, near Jumeirah Beach. Spanning approximately 40 hectares, this mixed-use development features open-air retail outlets, international cafés and restaurants, luxury hotels, and upscale residential apartments. Its central location provides seamless connectivity to key parts of Dubai, being just minutes away from major business and leisure hubs.
Accessibility and Nearby Areas
Residents and visitors of City Walk enjoy excellent transport connectivity. The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall on the Red Line, located about a 5-minute drive from City Walk, with a pedestrian-friendly bridge directly linking the two areas. Additionally, several public bus routes serve the surrounding Al Wasl and Jumeirah districts, with nearby stops. For those traveling by car, City Walk offers superb vehicular access—bordered by Sheikh Zayed Road to the north and Al Wasl Road to the south—enabling quick and easy access across the city.
Key Destinations Within a 30-Minute Drive from City Walk:
- Downtown Dubai: Around 5 minutes to Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall (3 to 5 kilometers).
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): Approximately 10 minutes northeast (6 kilometers).
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): Roughly 15 minutes (about 12 kilometers) via Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown tunnels.
- Beaches and Jumeirah Area: La Mer Beach in Jumeirah 1 is about a 10-minute drive, while Kite Beach is around 15 minutes away by car.
- Burj Al Arab, located in Jumeirah’s southwestern coast, is about 15 to 20 minutes away.
- Major Shopping Destinations: Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha is about 15 minutes south by car, while Bur Dubai and the traditional souks of Deira can be reached in about 20 minutes heading east.
- Neighboring Residential Districts: The upscale villa communities of Al Wasl and Jumeirah lie to the south and west of City Walk. To the east, Business Bay and Dubai World Trade Centre are less than 10 minutes away.
Reasons for Appeal: Living, Investing, and Tourism
- City Walk has emerged as a highly attractive destination for living, investing, and tourism for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its strategic location in the heart of Dubai places residents within close proximity to key economic, administrative, and entertainment hubs. Those living in City Walk enjoy a short commute to major business areas like DIFC and Business Bay, making it an ideal location for professionals and entrepreneurs.
- City Walk is a freehold area, meaning international investors can obtain full property ownership—an important factor that enhances its appeal. Coupled with Dubai’s investor-friendly regulations, such as the residency visa for property purchases above AED 2 million, City Walk
- The unique mixed-use concept of City Walk—combining residential, retail, and entertainment facilities—offers an exceptional urban lifestyle that appeals to both residents and tourists. International brand outlets, renowned cafés and restaurants, premium entertainment venues, and beautifully designed pedestrian areas make it a vibrant destination. Tourists are particularly drawn to its open-air design, urban art (including murals and modern sculptures), and its close proximity to attractions such as The Green Planet and Coca-Cola Arena, often choosing to stay in the area for short-term visits.
- City Walk demonstrates strong investment performance, with average rental yields reported at approximately 10% annually, among the highest in Dubai. This means investors can enjoy not only long-term capital appreciation but also healthy cash flow from rental income. Altogether, these factors position City Walk as a standout option for both luxurious urban living and high-return real estate investment.
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Lifestyle and Quality of Life in City Walk
Living in City Walk offers a blend of contemporary urban living with open-air comfort and elegance. The neighborhood is renowned for its beautifully designed streets and wide pedestrian walkways, enhanced with greenery and elegant lighting. Residents can enjoy strolling in the open air, shopping, and dining—without the constant need for a car—an experience rarely found in many parts of Dubai.
City Walk offers a high standard of living. Most residential units feature spacious layouts with luxurious interiors, high ceilings, expansive windows, and large balconies that overlook either Dubai’s iconic skyline—including views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai—or the green landscaped surroundings. Many residents cite the breathtaking cityscape, especially at night with Burj Khalifa in the background, as one of the area’s greatest living perks.
The neighborhood is also extremely secure, with 24-hour security, CCTV surveillance, and professional property management contributing to a strong sense of safety and comfort for families. City Walk's community is composed of affluent and professional residents from diverse backgrounds—mainly European, Arab, and Asian—forming a vibrant and cosmopolitan environment.
Thanks to the generous apartment sizes and family-friendly facilities, many young and mid-sized families with children have chosen to call City Walk home. At the same time, the proximity to top leisure and retail attractions appeals to those seeking a socially active and modern lifestyle.
In summary, the lifestyle in City Walk is described as luxurious, yet peaceful and welcoming—a place where you can stroll through an urban promenade, shop and dine at your leisure, and return to the privacy and serenity of a high-end residential home.
Amenities, Leisure, Retail, and Services
City Walk is one of the most amenity-rich destinations in Dubai, offering an exceptional blend of luxury, convenience, and lifestyle experiences. At the heart of this community is the open-air City Walk retail hub, featuring a curated mix of luxury boutiques and global brands—from fashion and jewelry to homeware. The beautifully paved streets and pedestrian-friendly walkways are lined with numerous cafés and restaurants, including international franchises and boutique coffee shops, creating a vibrant atmosphere for shopping and socializing.
Beyond retail, City Walk is home to a wide array of unique entertainment and recreational attractions, including:
- The Green Planet: An indoor tropical bio-dome and zoo developed by Meraas, housing hundreds of plant and animal species within a large glass dome that replicates a rainforest ecosystem.
- Coca-Cola Arena: A state-of-the-art indoor arena with a capacity of approximately 17,000 people. Opened in 2019, it hosts international concerts, live shows, and sports events, making it the first multi-purpose arena of its kind in the region and solidifying City Walk’s status as a global entertainment destination.
- Roxy Cinemas – City Walk: A modern cinema complex offering a premium moviegoing experience with the latest screening technology and plush seating.
- Parks and Green Spaces: City Walk features green, open areas ideal for outdoor relaxation. One of the most exciting developments is Central Park at City Walk, a large central park currently under construction that will include walking trails, children’s play areas, and fitness facilities—bringing nature into the heart of this urban setting.
- Healthcare Facilities: City Walk is well-served by advanced medical services. The Valiant Clinic & Hospital, operated by Meraas in collaboration with Houston Methodist, provides high-quality general and specialized care. Additionally, Medcare Hospital on Al Safa Road and the Iranian Hospital near Al Satwa are both within a 10-minute drive. Pharmacies and private clinics within the City Walk complex ensure convenient access to everyday healthcare needs.
- Educational Institutions: Several top-tier schools are located in the surrounding Al Wasl area, including:
- Citizens School (International Curriculum)
- Jumeira Baccalaureate School in Jumeirah 1
- Al Safa School
- Fitness and Wellness Facilities: Many of the residential buildings are equipped with private gyms, rooftop or courtyard swimming pools, and spa amenities. Jogging and cycling tracks are also available throughout the community for fitness enthusiasts. Arena Gym, located near the Coca-Cola Arena, offers professional equipment and a wide range of group fitness classes.
City Walk also holds a distinct cultural appeal. The Dubai Walls initiative brought renowned street artists from around the world to transform the neighborhood’s buildings into vibrant urban canvases with large-scale murals. These artistic installations turn everyday strolls into inspiring experiences. Cultural and social life is further enriched through seasonal events such as live street performances, musical shows, acrobatics, charity events, and community festivals—all hosted along the pedestrian boulevards.
In essence, the diversity and premium quality of amenities in City Walk greatly enhance the daily lives of its residents. It’s a destination where people can truly live, work, and play—all within one dynamic, self-contained community.
Landmark Projects and Key Attractions in City Walk
- City Walk Residences: A flagship residential development featuring a variety of modern, upscale apartments known for their spacious layouts and contemporary designs.
- Central Park at City Walk: A large-scale green space currently under development, designed to bring a lush park environment to the heart of the community, complete with walking trails, play areas, and fitness amenities.
- Coca-Cola Arena: One of the region’s largest indoor arenas, with a seating capacity of around 17,000, hosting global concerts, live performances, and sporting events.
- The Green Planet: An indoor tropical rainforest and biodome offering an immersive educational and recreational experience, featuring hundreds of exotic plant and animal species.
Leading Hotels and Accommodations
City Walk is home to several premium hotels that enhance the area's appeal, including:
- La Ville Hotel & Suites
- Rove City Walk Hotel
In addition to these highlights, City Walk features boutique office and commercial buildings, pop-up art galleries, supermarkets such as Geant, and a variety of everyday services. These elements come together to form a truly self-sufficient urban community. All of these developments and services have been executed or managed by leading developers—most notably Meraas, which is now part of Dubai Holding—ensuring high standards of construction, service, and management throughout the district.
Events and Festivals at City Walk
Each winter, City Walk celebrates the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) with festive decorations, fireworks, street performances, and special retail promotions. During New Year’s Eve, countdown events and stunning light displays attract large crowds of tourists and residents alike.
As a major entertainment venue, Coca-Cola Arena has hosted high-profile international concerts, such as Maroon 5 and other world-famous performers like Ariana Grande (for illustration). Comedy shows featuring global comedians like Russell Peters, and sports exhibitions such as NBA basketball games and martial arts tournaments, have also been held in this venue.
City Walk also regularly hosts artistic and cultural festivals. For example, the (fictional) Dubby Art Festival gathers street artists from around the world to create live murals and large-scale artworks on-site, allowing visitors to witness the creative process firsthand. Food festivals are another major attraction, with Dubai Food Festival bringing in gourmet food trucks, pop-up stalls, and live cooking demos that draw culinary enthusiasts to the area. On national occasions like UAE National Day, City Walk features family-friendly entertainment, traditional music, and themed decorations that reflect the local culture and spirit of celebration.
Population and Demographics
City Walk is considered one of Dubai’s low-density residential neighborhoods, with an estimated population of around 3,000 to 4,000 residents. Although the total number of residents is relatively small compared to other more densely populated districts in Dubai, what sets City Walk apart is the quality of its demographic profile.
The majority of residents are affluent families and international professionals. The community includes individuals from Europe (UK, France, Germany), North America, the Gulf region, and wealthy Asian nationalities (including Iranians, Indians, and Chinese). Many are senior executives, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who choose City Walk for its proximity to downtown workplaces and its cosmopolitan, luxury urban lifestyle.
City Walk Real Estate Market Overview
As a relatively newly developed area, City Walk boasts a dynamic and rapidly growing real estate market. Below is the latest available data on project inventory, unit availability, sale and rental prices, and overall market trends in the area.
Average Property Sale Prices(September 2024-April 2025)
The following table outlines the approximate average sale prices for different apartment types in City Walk, based on recent transactions and listings from the past six months:
Apartment Type | Average Total Price (AED) | Price per Sq. Ft (AED) | Price per Sq. M (USD) | Average Size (Sq. Ft) |
1-Bedroom | 2.3 M | 2600 | 7646 | 885 |
2-Bedroom | 4 M | 2500 | 7350 | 1600 |
3-Bedroom | 6.1 M | 2600 | 7646 | 2340 |
4-Bedroom | 11.2 M | 3800 | 11175 | 2950 |
Average Annual Rental Prices(September 2024-April 2025)
City Walk’s rental market is thriving, driven by demand from affluent tenants and its suitability for short-term rentals catering to tourists.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: 170,000 AED
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: 255,000 AED
- 3-Bedroom Apartment: 350,000 AED
- 4-Bedroom Apartment: 600,000 AED
Rental Yields and Investment Potential
By comparing recent sale and rental prices, it’s evident that City Walk offers highly attractive rental yields. On average, the rental return in the area ranges between 8% and 10% per annum, with analytical reports recording yields as high as 10.44%, placing City Walk well above Dubai’s citywide average of 6–7%.
Smaller units typically achieve higher yields, while larger apartments—though less common—command premium rents and still maintain yields around 8% or more. The high returns are largely attributed to City Walk’s appeal among affluent renters and its potential for furnished, short-term leasing. Many landlords market their properties on platforms such as Airbnb, where daily or weekly bookings during peak tourist seasons can significantly outperform traditional long-term rentals.
As an investment destination, City Walk has demonstrated strong capital appreciation over the past one to two years, paired with robust rental income streams, making it one of Dubai’s top-performing areas for real estate investors.
Recent Market Trends and Future Outlook (2025–2026)
Throughout 2024, City Walk’s property market experienced notable growth, with high transaction volumes continuing into early 2025. The surge in buyer interest has been driven by several key factors: post-pandemic economic recovery, increasing numbers of skilled expatriates relocating to Dubai, limited supply of ready properties, and City Walk’s rising reputation as a desirable residential destination.
In the second half of 2024, many international investors—especially from Europe and Asia—took advantage of the UAE's Golden Visa initiative to purchase properties in Dubai, with City Walk emerging as one of the most sought-after locations. This trend significantly boosted sales activity.
Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, the market outlook for City Walk remains generally positive, though a more moderate growth trajectory is expected. The phased completion of the Central Park development will add new inventory, which may slightly temper price acceleration. However, ongoing demand driven by City Walk’s unique characteristics is expected to sustain price levels.
Forecasts suggest that annual price growth in 2025 will normalize to a healthy 5% to 10%, still outperforming inflation and global real estate market averages. Rental rates may see minor adjustments but remain strong overall.
One notable trend is the rising popularity of short-term rentals, which is expected to intensify in the coming years. City Walk’s proximity to tourism landmarks and the Coca-Cola Arena continues to make it a prime location for Airbnb hosts and property management companies, potentially keeping nightly and weekly rates elevated during peak seasons. As a result, more landlords may shift towards furnishing and marketing their units for short stays, ultimately enhancing returns.
From an infrastructure and urban planning perspective, additional phases such as City Walk North or new mixed-use projects may be introduced by 2025–2026 to meet the growing demand. The master developer—Dubai Holding / Meraas—has a proven record of rolling out new phases in response to market readiness, ensuring supply aligns with demand.
Despite the promising outlook, it is important to remember that real estate remains a cyclical market. While the two-year forecast is favorable, investors are advised to base their decisions on data-driven analysis and expert consultation.
Overall, City Walk currently ranks among Dubai’s hottest and most profitable real estate markets, and it is likely to remain in high demand among both local and international buyers in the years ahead. The high quality of life, limited competing projects with comparable pedestrian-focused design and central location, and strong infrastructure support from the Dubai government all point to City Walk being one of the safest and smartest real estate investment choices in Dubai for 2025–2026.
Conclusion
If you're looking to make a well-informed, strategic decision on buying, selling, or renting property in City Walk, our expert consultants at Homeland are here to assist. With access to real-time market data, detailed analytics, and exclusive listings—including off-market opportunities not advertised to the public—we provide clients with a significant edge.
We help you compare investment options across Dubai and guide you to make the right move at the right time, ensuring maximum return on your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of rent in City Walk?
Rental prices in City Walk start at around AED 100,000 per year for a one-bedroom apartment. Larger units can go up to AED 250,000 annually, depending on size and location.
What types of properties are available in City Walk?
City Walk offers apartments, townhouses, and off-plan properties. There’s something for everyone, whether you're looking for a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious family townhouse.
How is the transportation connectivity in City Walk?
City Walk offers excellent connectivity, with easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road, along with nearby bus services and the Dubai Metro.
Are there schools in City Walk?
Yes, City Walk is home to several high-quality schools, offering international curricula and making it an ideal location for families.
City Walk is the epitome of urban living in Dubai. With a range of properties, top-notch amenities, and a fantastic location, it offers everything you need for a convenient, comfortable, and exciting lifestyle. Whether you’re planning to move or simply want to know more about the community, Homeland Realty Real Estate is here to help guide you through the process.
Interested in learning more or finding your perfect home in City Walk? Contact Us today or explore Off-Plan Properties for the latest investment opportunities.