Area GuideJune 11, 20173 min read

City Walk Expands: Living in a Walkable District

New phases of City Walk add homes, shops and restaurants in Al Wasl. Why walkable neighbourhoods are in demand and what buyers should consider.

Ahmed Hassan

Regional Director, MENA

20-year veteran of Dubai's property market. Ahmed was instrumental in the development of Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai's residential strategy.

City Walk, the open-air district in Al Wasl, continues to expand with new residential buildings, shops and restaurants. Its tree-lined streets and outdoor spaces have made it one of the most popular destinations in the city, and demand for homes in the district is strong.

What City Walk offers

Walkability: streets designed for pedestrians.
Dining and retail: a wide range of restaurants and shops.
Location: close to Downtown, Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Residences: modern apartments above and around the streets.

Why walkable districts are in demand

Many residents want to walk to cafés, shops and gyms rather than drive everywhere. Walkable districts offer a different lifestyle from car-dependent communities.

Considerations for buyers

Homes in City Walk command premiums. Buyers should consider noise, parking, service charges and the specific location within the district.

Rental market

City Walk attracts professionals and couples seeking an urban lifestyle. Rental demand is strong for well-designed units.

Long-term value

The limited supply of truly walkable districts in Dubai supports long-term demand for City Walk residences.

Urban living and parking

Walkable districts reduce dependence on cars, but in Dubai most residents still own at least one vehicle. Buyers in City Walk and similar districts should check parking allocations for their unit, visitor parking arrangements and access routes in and out of the district. Some residences include one space per apartment; larger units may include two. Traffic on weekends and evenings can be heavy as visitors arrive. For residents who work nearby or use taxis and the metro, the walkable environment may outweigh these inconveniences. Those who drive daily should test commuting routes at peak times before committing, since convenience is a large part of what buyers are paying for.