Desert Springs Village

Tucked right at the heart of Dubai, yet not fully explored, Desert Springs Village is located in Barsha Heights (TECOM). Interestingly, this small residential area near Sheikh Zayed Road, E11 and Grand Millennium Hotel SZR Exit 36 isn’t officially considered part of TECOM. This certainly underrated community has an ideal setting for anyone looking to raise a healthy family amidst lush greenery, paved walkways in a friendly neighbourhood with all urban amenities at arm’s length.

Established in 1973, Desert Springs Village is a gated villa community at the edge of Barsha Heights. In fact, it is one of the first villa compounds in Dubai. Hence, gives off the traditional, family-centric, old vibes. Residents who call it home often refer to it as a rare find, calm and serene, unlike the much-hyped communities you’d usually associate with the high life of Dubai.

• A small neighbourhood right off Sheikh Zayed Road E11
• Located in the vicinity of Barsha Heights
• Developed in 1973 and redesigned quite a few times
• Features closely-knit villas in minimal architectural designs
• Rents are considerably low compared to other areas in Dubai

Overshadowed by glittery skyscrapers, Desert Springs in Dubai is a getaway from the bustling city life. Yet, it is in proximity to all the key areas connected via an arterial network of main roads. The gated villa compound lives up to its name and has a traditional Emirati vibe. Streets are dotted with neatly constructed villas and lawns.

An evening stroll down the road will reveal the family-friendly environment of this area. Kids are often found playing outside or taking pets for a walk. Though there might be connectivity issues, residents comfortably use satellite dishes and private conveyance. They like the place for its capacity to grow a home garden, build customised homes that might not be too lavish but speak for their likings and have friendly neighbours around. It is an ideal residential address for those who prefer close-knit communities.

While it is a smaller neighbourhood, one can expect a similar family-oriented experience to that of living in Barsha Heights.

Since it is a villa compound, you will mostly find independent residential properties in Desert Spring Village for rent. The gated complex has a limited number of units. Most houses are customised to the residents’ likings. Rents for villas in Desert Spring start from AED 200k, per annum. Whereas, buying Desert Spring villas may cost AED 2M.

The surrounding community, Barsha Heights, also known as TECOM, is a sought-after neighbourhood. Since the options are limited at the moment, one may want to check out other rental villas in TECOM and villas for sale in Barsha Heights.

There are no hotels in Desert Springs Village, Barsha Heights as it is only a small villa compound. But there are quite a few within the vicinity. First, the community is in proximity to Grand Millennium Hotel. Atana and Mercure Dubai are 4-star hotels close by and those planning a longer stay can consider Class Hotel Apartments. Right across the main road, one can find Two Seasons Hotel Apartments.

Residents mainly prefer private conveyance due to the cluster’s prime location near Sheikh Zayed Road. The compound also has ample parking space for residents. There are dedicated porches with villas and free street parking.

Those who rely on public transportation can walk to Dubai Internet City Metro Station in about 9 minutes. Those who drive can get to this Dubai Metro station in 3 minutes or so. A couple of bus stations are also in proximity. Bus 84 and F31 shuttle from Al Barsha Heights Saleh Bin Lahej Building 2.

Residents can spot grocery shops and supermarkets near Desert Springs Village. Safestway Supermarket and Blue Mart Tecom are worth mentioning. Those who prefer shopping from Carrefour can find an outlet about 4 minutes away.

As for the prayer areas for Muslim residents, there’s only one in proximity. Hamel Al Gaith Masjed is a 4-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the villa cluster.

Other places of worship, including churches and Hindu temples, are farther away in other parts of Dubai. Fellowship Christian Church is a 9-minute drive on SZR. Visiting temples in Bur Dubai might take around 20 minutes by car.

Now talking about schools near Desert Springs Village, GEMS Dubai American Academy in the neighbouring community of Al Barsha 1 is accessible in 5 to 7 minutes by car. As the name suggests, it offers the American curriculum. The institute received an Outstanding KHDA rating from 2011 to 2019.

Other schools close by include:

• American School of Dubai (ASD)
• The International School of Choueifat 
• Regent International School

ASD is accessible in less than 10 minutes in Al Barsha 1. There are many branches of the International School of Choueifat throughout Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well as one in RAK. The closest to Desert Spring Village is 9 minutes away across the road. Moreover, some nurseries close to the area where you can get your toddlers enrolled include:

• British Orchard Nursery in Media City
• Chubby Cheeks Nursery in Barsha Heights
• Gardenia Nursery in Barsha Heights

For those searching for options for higher education, Knowledge Village is across the road, around 11 to 15 minutes away.

In case of a medical emergency, one can head to these facilities close by:

• Al Zahra Hospital
• American Hospital
• Prime Medical Center

Al Zahra Hospital is near Dubai National School, around 9 minutes away. The other two are also nearby in the neighbouring communities, accessible within a few minutes by car.

The area is situated right off Sheikh Zayed Road, E11 in the vicinity of Barsha Heights. Across the road, you’d find business hubs – Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. Back in the day, it took only a few minutes to get to the shoreline. One can still access beaches in Al Sufouh by car in less than 15 minutes. Other residential communities in close proximity include The Greens, Flamingo Villas and Al Barsha 1.

For a quick shopping fix, one can head to some marts close by. However, the Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road is the ultimate shopping mall near Desert Springs in Dubai. This tourist attraction is loaded with retail shops, entertainment and dining options. It is accessible in around 12 minutes.

If you’re planning to dine out with friends and family, these are some popular restaurants near Desert Springs Village, Barsha Heights:

• The Atrium
• Toshi
• Hichki Dubai
• Seven Stones Restaurant

All these eateries in Al Barsha Heights are a short walk from the sub-community.

China Garden Restaurant in Al Barsha 1 is a 7-minute drive from the district.

Less crowded and peaceful, Sufouh Beach is a 10 to 12-minute drive away depending on the traffic on the roads. Also known as Black Palace Beach, it is ideal for family picnics and a romantic walk with your loved one.

As for the entertainment facilities, families hit the Mall of the Emirates where they can find Ski Dubai. The mall is loaded with food and beverage outlets, kids play areas and salons. Besides this, spending a day on the beach is a favourite activity of anyone living close to Al Sufouh. Jebel Ali Racecourse and Emirates Golf Club are two important landmark locations close by.

Al Barsha Pond Park is ideal for enjoying evenings with your family. It has jogging tracks for those who need a peaceful morning walk. However, residents are often found strolling around within the community with their pets and kids. Also, there are some salons within Al Barsha Heights such as Top Style Salon, Posh Nails, Sweet Lilly Beauty Salon and more where you can rejuvenate.

Desert Springs Village, Barsha Heights is family-friendly and has all the basic amenities one would need in a residential area. But, telecom services have not yet fully developed for this area so residents prefer using satellite dishes. Moreover, options are limited for properties in Desert Spring Village for rent and sale.

• Reach Sheikh Zayed Road in 9 minutes or less
• 3.8 km from Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City
• A 6-minute short drive from Emaar Business Park
• Dubai Internet City Metro Station is 3 minutes away
• Mall of the Emirates is 11 minutes away