Dubai Media City

Established in the year 2000, Dubai Media City (DMC) has grown into a regional hub for media companies. It is a community where freelancers, SMEs, start-ups and large enterprises co-exist. The integrated infrastructure has made it one of the most fertile grounds for the development of media industries, making a distinguished spot on the globe.

Dubai Media City is the reflection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision as he wanted to transform Dubai into a knowledge-based society. Following his concept, it was designed to be the headquarters for global and local media houses. That being said, there are mostly offices and only a few apartments and villas for rent in the area as it was primarily intended to be a purely commercial territory in Dubai.

• Officially launched in 2001
• Mostly features commercial spaces
• A free zone with the liberty of 100% foreign investment
• The area is business-friendly supporting media industry
• Dubai Media City is operated under Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone Authority
• A hub for the media industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Middle East

Media City is a heavily commercialised area with most buildings comprised of offices and commercial floors offered for rent. Despite, one will find a few apartments and villas and a wide range of hotel apartments since it is predominantly a business community.

There are over 1,500 companies in this primary commercial district including companies in the digital, publishing and electronic media sectors. The area is home to the offices of BBC, MBC, CNN, Forbes, Sony, Thomson Reuters, ITP Media Group and many more. Moreover, Dubai Media City accommodates over 20,000 employees also facilitating them with a wide range of restaurants, shops and entertainment points in reach.

Some of the top real estate agencies in Dubai Media City include Driven Properties LLC, CORE Real Estate Brokers L.L.C., Provident Real Estate and Real Choice Real Estate to name a few.

Dubai Media City is mainly populated with skyscrapers and high-rise towers that represent modern engineering and state-of-the-art architecture.

Rental apartments include studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom flats. These residential units have spacious bedrooms, storage, fitted bathrooms and a kitchen. Also, there is dedicated parking space in most complexes for each apartment. The buildings have 24-hour security and a maintenance team to ensure the safety and wellness of residents. Cordoba Residence is among the famous residential towers offering upscale apartments with a beautiful view.

On the other hand, there are 2 to 4-bedroom villas. Those interested in private properties can opt for these residential units. The homes are comfortable and embody the modern lifestyle of the free zone district.

For those interested in renting a reasonable space for some time, hotel apartments are the best bet. They come with the ease of a flexible lease and the resident can settle down in the property which is serviced by the hotel itself. A rental hotel apartment in Media City will cost around AED 78k to AED 355k, annually. One can consider Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites Hotel Apartments offering full sea views and easy access to public transport.

Media City Dubai also has commercial properties on rent. There are offices built with contemporary commercial space designed specifically for media-related bureaus. Most units have wooden parquet flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private kitchen, washrooms, glass partitions and a storeroom. An office for rent in Dubai Media City is offered for AED 88k at the minimum. The price depends on the size of the office. You can also rent duplex offices for AED 200k, approximately.

There are few shops for rent in Media City Dubai ranging between AED 150k per annum and AED 650k per annum.

Besides residential and commercial properties, there are several hotels in Dubai Media City adding to the wide range of accommodation options. Some notable ones include:

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
• Arjaan by Rotana
• Media One Hotel
• Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City

Out of the various branches of Radisson Blu Hotels in Dubai, the one in Media City is on Al Falak Street right at the heart of the community. It offers 246 rooms and suites ideal for both tourists and business guests. Corporate guests can facilitate free shuttle services within Media City, Dubai. Also, this hotel provides easy access to the Nakheel Metro Stop, Media City Tram Station and Sheikh Zayed Road E11. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City also features 12 meeting rooms, 3 outdoor terraces and several dining options. They also have a full-service Executive Lounge that provides a private workspace for Suite and Executive Room guests.

Situated in the heart of the neighbourhood, Arjaan by Rotana is a luxurious hotel offering 242 furnished rooms, 1, 2 & 3-bedroom suites including 18 premium suites with private pools. Amenities offered include high-speed internet, laundry & dry-cleaning service, daily housekeeping, ensuite bathrooms, well-equipped kitchen, IDD telephone, in-room safe, media hub connectors, LCD TVs and complimentary coffee and tea makers. There are also a variety of fully furnished 1, 2 and 3-bedroom hotel apartments and studio units in Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City.

Media One Hotel offers stylish contemporary rooms with incredible views of the city skyline, Palm Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road. You can choose from Hip Room, Cool Room, Calm Suite and Chill Out Suite. Meeting rooms are categorised into several types such as Cabaret, U-shaped, Theatre, Classroom and Boardroom. It offers 9 restaurants and bars perfect for socialising. Also, there’s Coco Lounge at the hotel offering some of the best summer pool deals in Dubai.

Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City is a 5-star hotel perfect for business guests and leisure travellers. It offers 235 spacious rooms and suites inspired by Middle-Eastern culture. This hotel facility also offers a state-of-the-art convention centre with a ballroom that can accommodate up to 800 guests. It is an ideal location for hosting meetings, conventions, weddings and celebrations. All 9 meeting rooms are equipped with cutting-edge audiovisuals and lighting equipment.

Parking can be an issue here. Offices do come with reserved parking in the commercial towers but these are often not enough for all the staff. There are paid parking lots but this can cost quite a bit over time and parking can be difficult to find.

Living in Media City is also ideal for those who prefer public transport in Dubai. The area is reachable by metro, tram and buses. There are two bus stops within the area, one closer to Middle East Broadcasting Center. Bus 83 shuttles from both bus stations.

For people who travel through Dubai Metro, Dubai Internet City metro Station and Nakheel metro station are close by. There is also a tram station within the community for those using the Dubai Tram.

Despite a limited number of residential units, there are numerous supermarkets in Dubai Media City. The closest supermarkets are Swiss Mart Supermarket and Plus Point Supermarket. Stripes supermarket is just 4 minutes away, it is known for snacks, drinks and other high-tea items. Choithrams supermarket is situated in The Greens community and is 7 minutes away. There is also an Aswaaq supermarket, which is located close to Dubai Knowledge Park.

Dubai Media City is a workplace of thousands of people that follow different beliefs. There are churches, temples and mosque situated close to it.

Yalcin Malikanesi is the nearest church which is at 9 minutes’ drive while Fellowship Church of Dubai is 8 minutes away.

Hindu residents will have to travel to the Shiva and Krishna temples in Bur Dubai, roughly 30 minutes away. Sikh residents can visit the Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Gurudwara in Jebel Ali, at a distance of 12 km or 15 minutes.

Mosques are not present in the area, however, almost all the buildings have a prayer room. Mosques near Dubai Media City consist of the beautiful Mohammad Bin Ahmed Almulla Mosque, which is 10 minutes away. Hamel Al Gaith Mosque is also 8 minutes away and is located in the neighbouring residential area of Barsha Heights.

Raffles Nursery, British Orchard Nursery and Blessings Early Learning Centre are nearby options for toddlers. Schools in Dubai Media City include The International School of Choueifat which features the SABIS curriculum, Dubai College which offers the British curriculum and GEMS Wellington International School which follows the UK/IB curriculum.

The area is close to Knowledge Park where there are numerous universities and technical institutes. Middlesex University, University of Manchester and Hult International Business School are few names among many other university and graduate schools. Other institutes within a 10-minute drive are Eton Institute which has many languages courses on offer, Alliance Francaise is known for its expert French language courses and the Online Trading Academy teaches courses on trading on the local and international stock market.

American Hospital Clinic and Black Diamond Dental Clinic are two of the hospitals in Dubai Media City. Various clinics, dental clinics and hospitals are located in neighbouring areas of Dubai Media City. These include MediCentre in The Greens, Dentaline Clinic in Knowledge Park and Al Zahra Hospital in Al Barsha. The Saudi German Hospital in Al Barsha is also close by.

Dubai Media City is nestled amidst top commercial and residential areas of Dubai. Right across Sheikh Zayed Road E11 is the gated community of Emirates Hills which is known to be inspired by the upscale community Beverly Hills in the US. The Greens is situated close to the areas and fulfils many daily needs of people living and working in Dubai Media City. Barsha Heights is also located across the road from Dubai Media City and is a popular choice for those looking at affordable residential options near the area.

There are no big malls in Dubai Media City. A small community mall near Dubai Media City is The Greens Souk. It is home to a Choithrams supermarket, a few retail stores and cafes. Residents often visit Bert’s Cafe, Costa Coffee or book a massage at Tips and Toes.

Located at the entrance to the Palm Jumeirah, residents can also easily pop into the Golden Mile Galleria Mall, which is a short 15-minute drive from Dubai Media City. It houses many waterfront restaurants and kids activities.

Larger malls such as Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina Mall are under 10 minutes away. These offer many entertainment, retail and dining options. The famous Dubai Mall is just 15 minutes away from the community.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Dubai Media City. Popular ones include Circle Cafe, Pascal Tepper French Barkery, Joga, Cafe Bateel and more. The popular hotels of Radisson Blu and Arjaan by Rotana in Dubai Media City also have a number of fine dining outlets.

Nightlife options include Jetty Lounge and The Beach Bar & Grill in the One and Only Royal Mirage. Another popular club near Dubai Media city is Barasti Beach which is part of the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina.

It is located near the Arabian Gulf where the major beaches of Dubai lie. Al Sufouh Beach which is also known as “the secret beach” is located in the neighbouring Al Sufouh community. Another iconic beach near Dubai Media City is Umm Suqeium Beach, roughly 15 minutes away.

Dubai Media City is surrounded by various recreational and leisure spots. Al Sufouh Beach is a mesmerizing place to visit and its only 1 mile away. The bustling area of Dubai Marina and JBR are close-by. These areas are filled with hotels, restaurants, malls and nightlife options. Skydive Dubai is close to the area and is an option for those who seek adrenaline thrills.

Numerous hotels are located nearby such as Radisson Blu Hotel, Media Rotana Hotel, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Arjaan by Rotana and more are among the most prestigious hotels in the vicinity.

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre is located in the centre of the community and is known for housing many events such as Taste of Dubai, Redfest and more. During the famed New Years Eve fireworks in Dubai, residents of Dubai Media City can take in the spectacular sights from both Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Media City is a smaller area surrounded by larger and more popular residential and commercial areas. There are parks, golf clubs and sports areas in neighbouring communities which can be accessed by visitors and occupants of the area. Emirates Golf Club is 8 minutes away while the JLT Basketball Court is at the same distance too.

For beauty-related spaces, the district is flooded with options. Wow Salon, Nicolas and Jean Beauty Salon are both 6 minutes away. Tulip Ladies Salon and Solo Tre Spa can also be reached by a 5 minutes’ drive.

This place is home to various entertainment houses. From publications to electronic media, the area is occupied by media giants. It is a basecamp for various radio stations as well. Hence, many award ceremonies, concerts and festivals take place here. The Dubai Media City Amphitheatre has hosted many events over the years.

Dubai Winter Festival was the largest festival which was held in 2017 for three days in Dubai Media City. The famous musical band of the 90s, The Backstreet Boys made headlines with their musical concert at Dubai Media City in 2018.

Dubai Media City is primarily a commercial district, which means there isn’t a large portfolio of residential properties to choose from. Even the little availability in the area is restricted to the properties for rent. Residents looking to own their own home will not find freehold property in Dubai Media City.

• Dubai International Airport is 26 minutes away
• Abu Dhabi is at 1 hour 14 minutes’ drive
• Sheikh Zayed Road is right across the road
• Dubai Internet City is 11 minutes away