Downtown Dubai is the central business district of the city, in the Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It is the modern commercial and entertainment heart of Dubai, and it is also known simply as Downtown or City Centre.
What to see
The area is home to some of the city's best-known landmarks, most notably the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Visitors often come for the skyline alone, which is at its most striking in the evening, when the towers are lit against the sky.
What kind of visit it makes
Downtown suits a visit built around the city's contemporary side rather than its older quarters. Most people spend their time here on a mix of:
- Walking along the waterfront and past the tall towers
- Shopping and eating at the Dubai Mall and its surroundings
- Entertainment and leisure, which the district is designed around
- Seeing the business side of the city, with its offices and commercial buildings
Because it is the centre of commercial and leisure life, Downtown is a practical base for exploring the rest of Dubai, with the wider city within easy reach.
Planning your visit
Downtown is best approached as a place to wander rather than a single attraction. Allow time to see the landmarks, to browse the malls, and to take in the view of the skyline from different points. Check current opening times and visitor arrangements for individual sites before you go, as these can change.