About Business Bay
Business Bay is a major commercial and residential district in central Dubai, developed by Dubai Properties as an extension of Dubai Creek. The area was launched in 2003 as part of a plan by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to create a new commercial centre for the city, with the vision of becoming the Manhattan of Dubai.
The district covers approximately 64 million square feet and contains more than 240 towers, with Grade-A offices occupied by international companies, freehold apartments, serviced residences, hotels and branded residences. A section of the Dubai Water Canal runs through Business Bay, linking it with the Arabian Gulf.
Location & Connectivity
Business Bay is located directly south of Downtown Dubai and next to DIFC, close to the city centre and the main business and financial areas. Al Quoz is located to the south-west, while Dubai Design District is to the east. DIFC and Za’abeel are located across Sheikh Zayed Road to the west.
Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) runs along the northern edge of Business Bay, while Al Khail Road (E44) provides access from the south. Both roads connect the area with other parts of Dubai and provide direct routes towards Abu Dhabi.
Business Bay Metro Station is on the Dubai Metro Red Line and provides direct connections to Downtown Dubai, DIFC and Dubai International Airport. Additional transport options include water taxis and several bus routes.
Amenities & Lifestyle
- Offices & business district
- Dubai Water Canal & marina
- Bay Avenue Mall
- Restaurants & cafés
- Schools & nurseries
- Canal promenade & parks
Lifestyle & leisure
- Dubai Water Canal promenade – a 3.2-kilometre waterfront route for walking and cycling, with restaurants, cafés and seating areas along the water.
- Marasi Business Bay – a marina and waterfront destination with restaurants, cafés, leisure facilities and views across the canal.
- Al Habtoor City – a waterfront destination near Business Bay, home to hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and the La Perle theatre.
- Bay Avenue & Bay Square – pedestrian-friendly, low-rise areas near the canal with shops, cafés, restaurants and outdoor spaces.
- The Opus – a landmark designed by Zaha Hadid, known for its distinctive glass structure and home to restaurants, residences, offices and the ME Dubai hotel.
- Hotels & dining – JW Marriott Marquis, Taj Dubai, SLS Dubai and Paramount Hotel add restaurants, lounges and evening venues to the area.
Everyday essentials
- Daily shopping – supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores are available throughout the residential buildings. Bay Avenue also provides everyday retail and services.
- Education – Blossom, Maple Bear and NUMU nurseries operate in Business Bay. Jumeirah English Speaking School and Safa British School are around 10 minutes away by car.
- Healthcare – clinics and pharmacies are available within Business Bay. Mediclinic City Hospital is around 10 minutes away in Dubai Healthcare City.
- Fitness – gyms, fitness studios and wellness facilities are available throughout the district.
- Mosques – several mosques are located in Business Bay and the surrounding areas.
Ownership and Market Context
Business Bay is a freehold area with a broad property market covering studios, one- to three-bedroom apartments, duplexes, penthouses, serviced apartments and branded residences. Commercial property is also a major part of the district, with around 18.5% of the area allocated to commercial development and Grade-A office buildings such as Vision Tower and The Bay Gate.
Most residential buyers are investors, supported by rental demand from professionals working in Business Bay, Downtown Dubai and DIFC. Gross rental yields typically range from 6% to 8%, with studios and one-bedroom apartments generally recording the higher yields. Business Bay also records a high volume of property transactions, giving owners an active resale market and a large pool of comparable sales.
The branded residential segment continues to expand, with projects such as Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, Vela Viento by Omniyat with Dorchester Collection, and Lumena by Omniyat. Apartment resale prices averaged AED 2,115 per square foot in H1 2026, based on 1,363 transactions.
The reports below track apartment resale activity in Business Bay, including transaction volumes and average price per square foot.
