Dubai City Walk Area Guide 2023

Introduction

Dubai, a place where ultramodern design meets ancient traditions, is home to an extraordinary area known as City Walk. Nestled within the bustling heart of the city, City Walk is a dynamic urban space that truly captures the cosmopolitan essence of Dubai. From its innovative outdoor shopping concept to its diverse entertainment options, this mixed-use development has quickly become a beloved lifestyle destination for residents and tourists alike. This article will take you on a journey through the City Walk area, exploring its unique blend of sophisticated shopping, high-end dining, and incredible public art. We'll delve into the area's distinctive architectural design, rich cultural offerings, and dynamic calendar of events. Buckle up as we set off to explore Dubai's City Walk, a vibrant symbol of the city's relentless pursuit of innovation and luxury.

History of Сity Walk Area

Located in the Al Wasl Community, City Walk covers over 900,000 square meters of land and was developed in two phases, including commercial and residential areas. The project was launched in 2011 and completed in 2016. The area was developed by Meraas, a leading UAE-based developer, with the architectural consulting of Holford Associates and Hyder Consulting (ME) Ltd.

The history of City Walk Dubai begins with the vision to create a dynamic and pedestrian-friendly destination that would cater to both residents and visitors. The development aimed to redefine the concept of a traditional shopping district by incorporating open-air spaces, landscaped streets, and modern architecture. The project drew inspiration from international city centers and aimed to provide a cosmopolitan lifestyle in Dubai. With its prime location and contemporary design, City Walk Dubai quickly became popular, attracting tourists, shoppers, and residents alike.

Over the years, City Walk Dubai has evolved and expanded, becoming an iconic landmark within the city. It boasts many high-end retail outlets, luxury residences, gourmet restaurants and entertainment venues. The development has successfully blended urban sophistication with a relaxed ambiance, making it a preferred destination for leisurely strolls, shopping sprees, and social gatherings. Today, City Walk Dubai continues to grow and thrive, offering a unique blend of modern amenities, cultural experiences, and a vibrant community atmosphere, firmly establishing itself as a premier lifestyle destination in Dubai.

Geography and Architecture

City Walk is an open, design-inspired neighborhood in the heart of Dubai, sprawling over an expansive area. The community includes 34 low-rise residential buildings showcasing a unique architectural style and design. Furthermore, the area is distinguished by a stunning collection of contemporary street art murals, adding a vibrant touch to the urban scenery.

Every building in the City Walk region has its unique architectural character, with many kinds of façade materials used, including glass, terracotta, aluminum cladding, GRC fins, stainless steel railing, louvers, and decorative fins spanning up to 14m. The façade types have many irregular shapes and interfaces with other trades, requiring extensive façade details and calculations; mass production was impossible. A notable architectural feature is the City Walk Glass Box, a 5m tall structure supported by glass fins and spider support, engineered in-house and verified by a third party.

City Walk's architecture is distinctive, with 22 different types of low-rise residential and commercial buildings, each with unique architectural features.

City Walk was designed as a part of Dubai’s vision for a wider Central Park Masterplan. The goal was to create a unique, multipurpose destination that meets the diverse needs of residents and tourists and provides a dynamic cultural and retail hub for the Gulf Region. The design took advantage of existing public spaces and views, creating a contemporary, open-air destination that integrates well with the surrounding streets and buildings. The area is said to have captured the civic heart of central Dubai, leaving a positive legacy for the region.

The geographical layout of City Walk is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with tree-lined avenues. The area is a creative hub, with a stunning collection of contemporary street art murals and events that transform the destination into an artistic hub, featuring musical and art performances, workshops, and interactive experiences.

Key Attractions

Here are some of the main attractions that the City Walk Area in Dubai offers:

• City Walk Street Art Tour. Visitors can take a tour to admire the funky murals and artwork that add a creative touch to City Walk.

• La La Land. An edutainment spot where children can enjoy arts & crafts, play video games, or even dress up as their favorite superhero or Disney princess.

• Kerastase Salon. Visitors can get a luscious makeover at this ladies' salon and enjoy the ultimate personalized hair experience.

• Mattel Play! Town. An attraction where children can enter a world of imagination with Barney & Friends, Bob the Builder and many more.

• The Green Planet. This unique attraction is a bio-dome that recreates a tropical rainforest with over 3,000 species of plants and animals.

• Hub Zero. A one-of-a-kind entertainment hub with immersive gaming experiences that transport you into different realms.

• Roxy Cinemas. A high-end cinema complex that offers a luxurious movie-watching experience with premium options like Platinum Plus and Director's Lounge.

• Reel Cinemas. Another top-notch cinema experience that brings the best of Hollywood, Bollywood, and regional movies to Dubai.

• Coca-cola arena. The Coca-Cola Arena is a notable landmark in the City Walk area of Dubai. This state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor arena is the first of its kind in the region. It offers a capacity of up to 17,000 attendees, making it a significant venue for live events. Its design allows for many event formats, including concerts, sporting events, conferences and galas.

• Canadian University Dubai. The Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has a campus in the City Walk area of Dubai. This campus provides a range of services and departments that cater to both new and returning students. These include the Student Enrolment Office, Registration Department, Student Accounts Department, Community Outreach, and Student Services Department.

Tips for visitors

When planning a visit to City Walk Boulevard, remember that the area is vast and has a lot to see and do. Therefore, allocating a good amount of time for your visit is best. Also, consider visiting during the evening when the area comes alive with lights and activities.

City Walk often hosts special events and promotions, so it's worth checking out their official website or social media platforms for the latest updates. For instance, if you spend more than Dhs150, you can exchange your receipts to take an art masterclass.

Lastly, don't forget to bring your camera! City Walk Dubai has Instagrammable spots, from stunning architecture to vibrant street art murals and interactive installations.

Culture and Lifestyle

A Walk Through the Metropolitan City

City Walk Dubai uniquely blends outdoor retail complexes, promenades, beautiful parks, children’s play areas, swimming pools, fitness centers, and more. As you walk around this metropolitan city under the shadow of skyscrapers, you can catch glimpses of fairy lights and palm trees along the way. The unique architecture, holograms, statues, and wall art add a magical feel to the area. For relaxation, residents can stroll on the boulevards beneath glass roofs, casting a glow of natural light all over.

Reflection of Dubai's Cultural Norms

Despite its Western appearance, Dubai is an Islamic state, and visitors are expected to comply with local cultural norms. Excessive drinking, inappropriate public displays of affection, and offensive gestures are all behaviors that can get one into trouble. Visitors are advised not to shake the hand of an Emirati woman unless she offers first and to use the right hand for eating and drinking. The dress code is also a part of Dubai's culture, and modest dress is expected of all visitors, except around hotel pools. Dressing indecently can potentially attract attention and is punishable under law, though actual arrests are rare.

Cultural Events and Activities

City Walk often hosts events celebrating creativity with music, art, and fashion. These events provide an opportunity for local and international artists to showcase their work across multiple weekends. The design-inspired open-air lifestyle destination also promotes the future of the creative economy, attracting a diverse range of visitors.

City Walk is a melting pot of culture, tradition, and modern lifestyle, making it a unique destination in Dubai. The area is not only a residential and commercial hub but also a vibrant space that reflects the local culture and customs, inviting visitors to engage with the traditions while enjoying the modern amenities of the city.

Culinary Scene

The dining scene in City Walk is diverse and cosmopolitan, reflecting Dubai's status as a global city. You'll find everything from high-end restaurants serving international cuisine to casual cafes and street food vendors. The City Walk area is particularly known for its outdoor retail complex, including numerous dining outlets.

Here are some of the restaurants and coffee shops in the City Walk area of Dubai:

• Baku Café. This café is a great place to have breakfast in the City Walk area. The café provides the finest Azerbaijani sweets and savory pastries. Baku Café aims to start your day with a smile.

• Big Fernand. This is a French franchise that specializes in burgers. Big Fernand uses fresh and superior quality ingredients to make their burgers. You will not be disappointed with the flavors.

• Bouchon Bakery is one of the best places to find French sweets and pastries in Dubai.

• ARABICA is a popular Japanese coffee shop in the City Walk area. It's the perfect place to go for a refreshing cup of coffee.

• Burger Pit. They are reviving the 1960s American diner in a modernized setting.

• Butcha. Butcha is a butcher and steakhouse. All meats are premium and dry-aged for a minimum of 15 days.

• Coya. Experience the flavors of Peruvian cuisine at Coya, set in an immersive artistic environment.

• Eggsplosion. Embark on a journey of eggs at Eggsplosion. It is the perfect breakfast or lunch spot.

  Also, you can find some interesting dining places near the City Walk Area:

• Café Coco. Café Coco is a whimsical café and restaurant that you can visit at any time of the day.

• Chocolate Bar. Indulge your sweet tooth with a Chocolate Bar. All their products are made from premium quality chocolate.

• Bikanervala. A popular Indian restaurant in Dubai, Bikanervala offers a variety of Indian dishes, snacks, sweets, and beverages.

• Bareburger takes a simple, joyful, and organic approach to food. They believe in organic and all-natural burgers.

• Bianca. Experience the best of Italy in Dubai at Bianca. They offer fresh and delicious Italian cuisine.

• Big Chefs. From the shores of Turkey, Big Chefs brings a diverse menu that will take your taste buds on a culinary journey.

Shopping Experience

Here are some of the well-known shops on City Walk, along with brief descriptions:

• Alfa Romeo offers luxury Italian cars known for their performance and style. Experience the thrill of driving a premium vehicle in City Walk.

• Sephora is a renowned beauty retailer offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare products, fragrances, and beauty accessories. Discover the latest trends and top brands in beauty at Sephora.

• Brands for Less is a popular destination for affordable fashion. Shop for clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and kids from a variety of renowned brands.

• Swarovski is a world-famous brand known for its exquisite crystal jewelry, watches, accessories, and home decor items. Explore the stunning collection of Swarovski products and add a touch of elegance to your style.

• Boots Pharmacy is a leading pharmacy chain offering a wide range of healthcare and beauty products. From medications to skincare essentials, find everything you need at Boots Pharmacy.

• Al Jaber Optical is a reputable eyewear retailer offering a wide selection of sunglasses, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. Choose from stylish frames and top-quality lenses to protect and enhance your vision.

For an enjoyable shopping experience at City Walk, here are some tips:

1. Navigation. The area is vast, but finding your way in and out of the crowd is easy. Signboards on every corner guide you toward your desired spot, be it retail, dining, or entertainment.

2. Time Management. Due to the extensive range of shops and the size of the area, it's beneficial to plan your shopping trip. Knowing which shops you want to visit can save time and prevent you from getting overwhelmed by the choices available.

3. Rest and Refresh. City Walk is not just about shopping. There are plenty of dining outlets and cafes where you can take a break from shopping and enjoy some delicious food or refreshments.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation options in the City Walk Area of Dubai are vast and diverse, with 34 tall and mid-rise residential buildings that house 1 to 4-bedroom apartments and 3 and 4-bedroom duplex apartments, all available for rent and freehold. These apartments are exquisitely designed with spacious hallways, glazed windows providing scenic views, attached bathrooms for all bedrooms, walk-in closets in master bedrooms, dining areas, upgraded fully-fitted kitchens, maid's rooms, powder rooms, and laundry areas. The duplex flats, in particular, feature up to two terraces, two living areas, and a private pool. The properties also provide many high-end amenities, including premium healthcare centers, landscaped courtyards, separate swimming pools for children and adults, changing rooms, gyms, large terraces with each unit, and allocated parking spaces. Here are some accommodation options:

• Rove City Walk. Priced at around 70 per night, it is highly rated with a score of 9/10. It includes facilities like a fitness center, bar, and restaurant.

• La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK. This hotel is priced at $137 per night and has a rating of 8.6/10.

• FAM Living - Ultimate Penthouse Experience. A prime location with a private pool and 4 bedrooms, priced at $368 per night and rated 9.6/10.

• FAM Living City Walk - Opposite City Walk Mall. An apartment-style accommodation with a rating of 8.9/10 and priced at $162 per night.

• FAM Living - City Walk Dubai. This accommodation is well-equipped and offers free WiFi. It is priced at $153 per night and has a rating of 8.6/10.

• AYA Boutique - City Walk. Offering free WiFi and private parking, this option is priced at $123 per night and has a rating of 8.1/10.

• Luxury Living in Prime Location - City Walk B-12. Offering free WiFi and private parking, this option is priced at $203 per night and has a rating of 8.5/10.

Whether you are looking to rent or buy, different options cater to various budgets and preferences. Studio apartment rent averages AED 42,000, while 1-bedroom apartments range from AED 100k to 120k. Prices continue to scale up with the size of the apartment, reaching an average of AED 330,000 for a 4-bedroom apartment. If purchasing is your preference, the average sale prices for apartments range from AED 1,917,000 for a 1-bedroom to AED 7,480,000 for a 4-bedroom apartment.

Getting Around

City Walk Dubai is located in a prime area of the city and offers various options for transportation. The area is well-served by easily available taxis. Dubai's efficient public transportation system also offers convenient access to City Walk. The Dubai Metro, specifically the Red Line, has a station nearby at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, making it a quick and efficient option. Moreover, City Walk is relatively close to major highways like Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road, facilitating access by private car. Also worth mentioning is Uber and Careem (Middle East's ride-hailing service) availability for a more personalized transportation option. For those who prefer active transportation, the area is pedestrian-friendly, and the layout is conducive to walking and cycling.

Navigating City Walk Dubai can be a pleasant experience due to its well-planned layout and clear signage. It's a walkable neighborhood with many attractions, shops, and restaurants close to each other. While walking, look for handy maps around the area to guide you to various points of interest. If you're driving, be aware of the parking facilities available, as City Walk offers both underground and surface parking. Use GPS or mapping services on your smartphone for precise directions, especially if you're venturing outside City Walk. Lastly, don't hesitate to ask locals for directions or advice - residents and workers in Dubai are generally very friendly and helpful.

Special Events

City Walk Dubai is an area known for its active social scene, hosting a wide range of events throughout the year that appeal to diverse interests. Notably, regular art installations and live performances make the area a hub of creativity and culture. City Walk transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with holiday decorations and festivities adding to the lively atmosphere. In addition to these, the area frequently organizes special promotional events, often in collaboration with the many exclusive shops and dining options available on City Walk. Here are some common events that you can see when visiting City Walk:

• Outdoor concerts and music festivals. City Walk has hosted various live music events and outdoor concerts featuring both local and international artists. These events often showcase different music genres and attract music enthusiasts.

• Art exhibitions and installations. City Walk is known for its vibrant art scene and has hosted numerous art exhibitions and installations. These events provide a platform for artists to showcase their work, ranging from paintings and sculptures to interactive installations.

• Food festivals and culinary events. City Walk has been the venue for food festivals and culinary events celebrating local and international cuisine. These events often feature food stalls, cooking demonstrations, tastings and competitions, allowing visitors to explore diverse culinary experiences.

• Fashion shows and runway events. City Walk has been a hub for fashion-related events, including fashion shows, trunk shows, and designer showcases. These events highlight the latest fashion trends, collections, and styles.

• Sporting events and competitions. City Walk has hosted various sporting events and competitions, such as marathons, cycling races, and outdoor sports tournaments. These events promote an active lifestyle and attract sports enthusiasts and participants.

While specific dates and schedules may vary each year, these events, festivals, and celebrations are spread throughout the calendar. The winter festivities usually occur during the holiday season, from late November to early January. Art installations and live performances are regular features of the City Walk scene, so visitors and residents can expect to see these throughout the year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on events in City Walk Dubai, it's recommended to check the official City Walk website or local event listings.

Practical Information

The official language in Dubai is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas like City Walk. The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED). It's advisable to have a mix of cash and cards. Major credit cards are accepted in most places, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city. The standard voltage in Dubai is 220V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type G, the same as in the UK.

Dubai is generally a safe city with a low crime rate. It's safe to walk around City Walk at any time of the day or night, but as with any destination, it's always advisable to take common-sense precautions to protect your belongings. In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, 998 for ambulance services, and 997 for the fire department. The local time zone is UAE Standard Time, which is four hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+4).

Conclusion

City Walk Dubai is a unique fusion of innovative urban living and high-end lifestyle, set in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities. It offers an array of residential, retail, entertainment, and hospitality options that cater to every preference and budget. City Walk represents the epitome of modern Dubai with its wide range of accommodations, from luxurious apartments to affordable hotel rooms, and its plethora of dining and shopping destinations. The Coca-Cola Arena, a world-class entertainment venue, further elevates the appeal of this area. Coupled with its convenient transportation options and numerous events, City Walk is not just a place to live, it's a place to experience life to its fullest.

There's something for everyone at City Walk Dubai, and the best way to appreciate its offerings is to experience it for yourself. Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer stay, City Walk promises a memorable experience filled with luxury, entertainment and excitement. So, don't just take our word for it—come and see for yourself what makes City Walk a standout destination in Dubai. Discover the vibrant lifestyle, indulge in the diverse culinary delights, shop at exclusive stores, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere that City Walk has to offer. We're confident that City Walk Dubai will captivate you from the moment you step in.