Jebel Ali is a large district located in the south-west of Dubai, and is home to the largest sea port in the Middle East called Jebel Ali Free Zone, which is one of the oldest free economic zones in Dubai. The district includes the Palm Jebel Ali development and several inland residential communities.
Residential construction in Jebel Ali Village began in the 1970’s where the first community was built to provide housing for expatriates. As of today, some of the properties have recently been renovated and resold as affordable homes to reside in. Jebel Ali Downtown and Discovery Gardens were established later on. The construction in the area is still in progress and many of the residential quarters, as well as retail and hospitality venues will be built in the future.
The district houses a variety of villas and townhouses ranging from expensive to budget-friendly property, to suit all types of buyers. There is also a good choice of affordable housing in family-friendly multi apartment complexes to either rent or buy as well. Jebel Ali Hills by Meraas Holding, is a newly launched residential project, and will add one more premium community to its site in the future.
Developed from a small fishing village, Jebel Ali has become one of the most prominent areas in the city to offer outstanding opportunities and preferential conditions for businesses. The leading role in this process belongs to the successful operation of the free investment zone, as JAFZA houses around 7,500 companies with 135,000 employees, and is currently recognized as the world’s largest freezone. The area offers special financial benefits for foreign companies, like income tax exemption, 100% capital exports rights, as well as many others.
Jebel Ali Port was historically part of the Maritime Silk Road, which is now called the world’s largest man-made harbour, and the ninth busiest port globally, due to its capacity, depth and size (67 berths and covering 52 sq. mi). Around 50% of all exported goods of the UAE transition through that port.
Apart from its industrial quarters, Jebel Ali is home to the popular Jebel Ali Resort (JA Resort) and Palm Jebel Ali, which attract tourists, locals and foreign investors throughout the whole year.
Jebel Ali is becoming more popular every year, and its amenities are steadily improving, which are mostly noticeable in the residential parts of the district.
Daily food shopping is not a problem in the Jebel Ali communities, since there are a lot of supermarkets and larger market places within the area. Hypermarkets in Jebel Ali include several Nesto hypermarkets, a Village Hypermarket, Talal Plaza Hypermarket and Talal Center, Hilal Al Madina Hypermarket and many more. Jebel Ali Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall are the closest shopping malls to the Jebel Ali communities. The second IKEA outlet in the region is located in Festival Plaza.
The area is packed with restaurants offering both local and international cuisines which are mainly situated in the hotels. Establishments such as Sette at JA Beach Hotel, Shooters at JA Shooting Club, Wadi Al Arayesh Restaurant in JAFZA, and Republic Gastropub and White Orchid Restaurant & Lounge are just a few of the most popular dining options in the area. For casual dining and fast food residents can head to Starbucks, KFC and The Warehouse Café, which are all located in JAFZA 1 as well as the Artisan Cafe, or the slightly more upscale Shakespeare in Palm Jebel Ali.
Schools and nurseries within Jebel Ali include The Winchester School Jebel Ali, Ghaf Primary School, GEMS World Academy, Jebel Ali Village Nursery and Littlewoods Early Learning Center. Nikon School, which offers photography training courses and classes in both Arabic and English is located in Downtown Jebel Ali. More learning options are available in the neighbouring Dubai Investment Park or in Knowledge Village which are located 25 minutes away from Jebel Ali. Within the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Industrial area one can learn how to drive at Belhasa Driving Center, Galadari Motor Driving Center or Al Ahli Driving Center.
Medical treatment facilities in Jebel Ali include two branches of Noor Al Shefa Clinic, Aster Clinic, Lifecare Clinic in Jebel Ali Industrial Area, Access Clinic, iCare Blue Clinic in JAFZA, DP World Clinic/NMC Polyclinic, Dr Ismail Polyclinic Br. Jebel Ali, Aster Clinic, Nuzul Camp Clinic and Anaya Medical Center.
There are also a variety of places to worship for residents of all religions in the local community. Muslims may visit the Masjid Mosque, DP World Camp Mosque, Jebel Ali Mosque, New East Accommodation Mosque and several other locations. Christian and Catholic churches include St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Christ Church Jebel Ali, United Church Jebel Ali and United Christian Church Jebel Ali.
Jebel Ali is a seafaring area with several public beaches, including Jebel Ali, and Watercooled Jebel Ali Resort. There are also several private beaches that are owned by hotels, like Captain’s, JA Beach Hotel, XO Beach and the Mina Yacht Beach Resort.
Jebel Ali lies close to Al Maktoum International Airport ( 25-minute drive from the port) and is adjacent to Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Production City and Dubai Sports City. Dubai Parks and Resorts is one of the most well known leisure venues in the region with four theme parks in one, and is only 15 minutes’ away from Downtown Jebel Ali.
The district lies within easy reach of the main transport arteries of the city. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd (E311) and Sheikh Zayed Rd (E11) are very easily accessible and provide links to the rest of the city.
Jebel Ali is on the Red line of the RTA metro system with the following stations nearby: UAE Exchange, Danube Metro Station Seaside, Energy Station and Ibn Battuta, as well as the more recently opened – Jebel Ali Metro Station. Three more new stations will be added to the Jebel Ali metro line as part of a new extension of the Dubai Metro route.
The area is serviced by plenty of public buses with RTA routes leading to other parts of the city, including Al Karama, Lulu Village, Gold Souq and more.
Travel time from Jebel Ali Downtown across the city will take:
Jebel Ali is heavily occupied by commercial quarters, logistic centers and labour camps but it has a lot more to offer in terms of entertainment. The coastal part of Jebel Ali, where many of the hotels are concentrated, offers an impressive scene for leisure and recreation. The JA Resort alone is worth a visit to the area. This area includes the hotel and an array of leisure amenities. Here one can relax at the luxury spa, try exhilarating watersports or take a seaplane or boat/yacht tours. The complex also houses a golf club which is an important local hotspot for golf-players. The resort provides an excellent 9-hole par 35 course for all golfers of all abilities to enjoy. The JA shooting club with indoor and outdoor space is the place to visit with family and friends or with co-workers for team-building exercises. This is where one can take an exciting shooting session or obtain professional classes. Another great sports facility is the Jebel Ali Equestrian Club, which is open for training, riding as well as stable tours.
Jebel Ali Recreational Club, located in Jebel Ali Village and run by Nakheel Hospitality group, is one of the oldest entertainment centers that first opened its doors to visitors in the 1970’s. Renovated and restyled, it is still a popular family destination with multiple F&B options, including The Ship’s Wheel, a fitness center with an indoor gym, sports courts and a swimming pool. There is also a multi-screen movie theater; Reel Cinemas which is a great activity in the hot summer months.
Another notable landmark in the area is Palm Jebel Ali by the developer Nakheel. The Palm is a group of islands in the shape of the palm tree, housing luxury waterfront properties, leisure attractions, pristine beaches and upscale restaurants. Upon completion, the development will include a 6-berth marina and a waterpark called Sea Village and a 5-star hotel. The construction is not yet completed, but the project promises to be a success when finalised.
While moving down Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road from Jebel Ali one will find Dubai Parks and Resorts. The famous fun and thrill hotspot offers movie studios in the theme parks of Motiongate Parks and Resorts, Legoland and Legoland Water Park, with over 100 attractions, rides and rollercoasters.
JAFZA is an anchoring constituent of Jebel Ali and is always on foreign businesses’ radar. Easy setup and unrivalled privileges continue to attract companies from all over the world willing to be based in JAFZA – on average 16 local and international entities are registered here every month. The businesses are provided with pre-built warehouses for lease, office spaces in various sizes and configurations, allotted plots for large-scale activities such as manufacturing and extensive warehousing needs. The area of the free zone is located close to the sea, air harbours and the main city roads. In addition, there is an opportunity to construct a labour camp on dedicated land plots in the neighbouring communities.
The district has a well-established infrastructure around the port, with a lot of plants and factories set in JAFZA and Industrial areas. This factor defines the real estate property types and their affordability. Those who prefer living not too far from their place of work often choose low-cost apartments as the demand for rent is twice as high compared with those for sale. Return on investment for a one-bedroom apartment in Jebel Ali is 7.7%.
Jebel Ali offers thousands of workplaces, and it is constantly being redeveloped. With the upcoming Palm Jebel Ali, the area should become even more popular among buyers and investors.
The most in demand property types in the area that boast excellent logistic and industrial opportunities are warehouses and labour camps for blue-collar worker accommodation. Due to the vast on-going construction across the emirate, housing for large workforces are always in high demand.
Labour camps are offered in the Jebel Ali Industrial area, which has 4 sub-communities. Plots by Meraas in Jebel Ali are delivered within Industrial development 1 and are connected with all the standard utilities. The project implies affordable housing facilitated with amenities, like a park, a mosque and retail venues. It is worth noting that residential buildings should be no higher than G+4 and commercial premises not higher than G+2. Freehold ownership is available for UAE and GCC-Nationals, non-nationals may acquire a leasehold for 50 years.
Commercial apartments are the most popular residential housing type in the vicinity, as well as villas and townhouses. There is also a strong demand for hotel apartments to buy and rent.
Land plots for residential construction at Jebel Ali Hills is yet another investment opportunity in Jebel Ali. This is an off-plan land development by Meraas with authorisation to build residential (villas G+1), retail and commercial units.
The price for a plot of 9,752 sq. ft in Jebel Ali Hills starts from AED 1,219,000 (USD 332,000).
A furnished townhouse in Palm Jebel Ali with a size of ,7330 sq. ft featuring three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a terrace is priced at AED 6,550,000.
Serviced apartments with two bedrooms at the Suburbia hotel apartment complex in Downtown Jebel Ali have a starting price of AED 1,304,000 (USD 355,000).
*The price is valid for 2023
The rental prices for 702 sq. ft apartments with one bedroom and two bathrooms and conveniently located near a metro station, start from AED 39,000 (USD 11,000) annually.
Villas with four bedrooms in Jebel Ali Hills are offered at a yearly rental cost of AED 125,000 (USD 34,000).
*The price is valid for 2023
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