Dubai is a tourist paradise for good reason. There are a ton of things you can do in the city that don’t involve the majestic desert! From theme parks to shopping avenues, there’s something for everyone in the city of gold!
One such place, which perfectly sums up Dubai in a nutshell, is the beautiful City Walk. A retail complex featuring an exciting mash-up of high fashion outlets, restaurant concepts, and fun, family-friendly attractions. Described as an “urban living concept” by the developers, Meraas Holdings, City Walk also has residential housing to boot!
Join in as we peek a look at all that City Walk Dubai holds and the things that make it special.
Background
Jumeirah, a posh residential locality, with small businesses and shops on every corner and the staple late-night Shawarma joints, became home to City Walk. Realising the potential for an open retail space that matches the taste and opulence of Dubai residents in the affluent Jumeirah, the developers launched the ambitious project. From there on there’s been no stopping the rapid development of the neighbourhood between Al Wasl and Al Safa, thanks in part of the City Walk project.
Reminiscent of a busy London street with street-side cafes and shopping outlets, City Walk Dubai boasts a classy Mayfair vibe with oodles of Dubai magic thrown in for good measure. There are even the iconic British phone booth on display here. The first phase of this ambitious project opened in 2013, with a follow up phase officially opening for visitors in 2016 with 60 additional concepts.
Next, let’s look at all that the 13000 square foot complex houses.
Mapping City Walk Dubai
Image Source - SkyscraperCity.com
As you can see in the map above, City Walk is a massive, massive place with some sections developed completely and some others labeled coming soon. Like we stated previously, the project was rolled out in stages, which means that while most of the complex is developed, there’s still some work-in-progress, represented here by the grey blocks. The complex features sunny sidewalks lined with cute cafes and reputed shopping brand outlets. There’s also free basement parking of upto 2000 cars available here, which means unlike most other popular tourist spots, you won’t have to break a sweat to park your car.
The City Walk is home to more than 140 outlets, which include everything from high-end brands to exciting restaurant concepts. There are attractions for families as well, along with quirky wall art and last but surely not the least, a chichi residential complex.
What are these shops we keep talking about, you ask? Here’s a tantalising tease of what’s in store for you inside City Walk Dubai.
Play
What’s a family outing without some fun activities and attractions? Luckily for you, City Walk has some amazing attractions lined up for visitors that can be enjoyed by families together. Here are our top picks.
1. Hub Zero
A state-of-the-art indoor gaming zone for casual gamers and gaming aficionados alike, Hub Zero offers a one of kind experience. With over 70 gaming stations and eight private booths, there’s plenty of room to play with friends and family in this indoor arcade. Also included in the package is fabulous virtual reality arena that will wow everyone from parents to kids!
Hub Zero features over 70% attractions that are unique to it, unavailable anywhere else in the world! If that’s not enough reason to visit it, wait till you hear what Headout, an online concierge of fun activities and experiences in Dubai, is selling Hub Zero tickets for!
*Official tickets available at AED 160
Timings
Saturday to Wednesday: 2PM – 10PM
Thursday to Friday: 2PM – 12AM
2. Green Planet
In the middle of the desert and the sea lies a bio-dome that welcomes visitors to discover the wonders of a tropical forest. The Green Planet puts the spotlight square on our planet’s wondrous flora and fauna, putting together an experience that is entertaining and enlightening in equal measures.
Take your kids along on an adventure as you explore over 3000 plants and animals, including the largest man-made and life-sustaining tree in the world!
Timings
Ramadan: Sunday - Thursday: 3pm – 12am
Friday - Saturday: 1pm – 12am
3. Mattel Play Town
The amazing characters of Mattel are now in Dubai! A play area for kids between 2 to 10, Matter Play Town is the perfect eduplay attraction for your kid. Explore the magic and wonder of popular characters like Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, and Fireman Sam, along with live shows! The best part about Mattel Play Town at City Walk Dubai is that in all the fun your child will have, they will also be developing social skills and discovering the power of imagination!
Timings
Sunday -Thursday: 10am - 10pm
Friday - Saturday: 10am - 12am
Eat
Food, believe is not, is often the deciding factor when you’re planning a day out with family. Well, the smart developers of City Walk Dubai did take that into consideration, which is why there’s everything from sugary highs to spicy lows available at each step of the way. Here are some of our favourite restaurants in City Walk.
1. Aubaine
A London-based French restaurant famous for its artisan breads, delectable patisserie, and classic French cuisine. The decor is chic, airy and classy, clearly inspired by Parisian salons that are so becoming of that region.
Timings
10am - 10pm everyday
2. BUBO Barcelona Cafe
A literal melting pot of nouvelle cuisine, a high-end pastry shop, and a chocolate factory, BUBO Concepts guarantees good food and a great time. With a pronounced focus on food presentation, this little cafe is iconic in its own right.
Timings
10am - 10pm everyday
3. Butcha
Get the best meat in Dubai at Butcha, a one of its kind steakhouse that dry ages its beef on site to lend it special flavours. There are different types of cts you can opt for and numerous cooking styles to pick from too.
Timings
Sunday - Thursday: 8am - 10pm
Friday - Saturday: 8am - 12am
4. Farzi Cafe
A cute little joint that specializes in spicy food from Arabic and Indian cuisine, Farzi Cafe finally made it’s glorious Dubai debut at City Walk. Get your spice on with lip-smacking dishes created by the finest chefs in the city.
Timings
Sunday - Thursday: 10am - 10pm
Friday - Saturday: 10am - 12am
5. Godiva
Combining tantalising flavors, delicate textures and elegant toppings, Godiva’s chocolatiers use their expertly honed skills to create toothsome masterpieces out of the finest ingredients. Perfect for a fun meal with the family, Godiva is a chocolate lover's paradise!
Timings
8am - 12am everyday
6. Saladicious Grillz
If you are in the mood for something healthy that doesn’t settle on taste, Saladicious is where you should head. Fresh ingredients, various options, and an open, airy setting, all make this restaurant the perfect choice for a breezy lunch on a cool summer day.
Timings
Sunday - Thursday: 8am - 12am
Friday - Saturday: 8am - 1am
Honourable Mentions
The Hummingbird Bakery, Il Caffe Di Roma, Sugar Factory, Yoku Moku, and The Brass.
Shop
A retail complex without shopping outlets is like a dessert parlour without ice-cream options. City Walk Dubai takes care of that with outlets of name brands and designers, along with street shops selling local Dubai handiwork. Here are some of top brands:
Fashion
Calvin Klein, Cavalli Class, JNYB, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, Carven, American Vintage, and more
Jewellery and Eyewear
Chantelle, Alessa Jewelry, Dinh Vahn, Les Nereides, Swarovski, The DEN, Georg Jensen, and more
Beauty Care and Perfumes
Dior, Lush, Hind, Sephora, M. Micallef, and more
Home and Arts
Bea E Martine, Bits and Pieces, Lotus, Lumas, Roberto Cavalli, Polette, Villeroy and Boch, and more
Attractions near City Walk Dubai
City Walk Dubai is located at a prime Dubai locatilty, Jumeirah, which means there are other reasons to plan a trip to retail outlet! Here are some of the best attractions close to City Walk Dubai.
3. Ski Dubai
Another escape from the summer heat is Dubai’s very first indoor Ski resort. If you thought s snow park in Dubai is the stuff of fantasy, well, Ski Dubai is here to prove you wrong. Try rolling down the Giant Ball run, jump a 10-foot ramp, spiral down tube sites, or ride the chairlift before speeding down on your skis!
4. Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is the third tallest hotel in the world, a crowning jewel in Dubai’s tiara of awesomeness. Situated on Jumeirah Island, the luxury establishment offers nine world-class restaurants, a premium spa and 202 luxurious duplex suites. Perfect for a fun day out with the family, don't you think?
Getting to City Walk Dubai
City Walk Dubai is located at 39 Al Safa Street, a mere 3 km away from Jumeirah, a premium Dubai residential locality. Getting to City Walk Dubai is relatively easy, given its strategic location.
The outdoor retail space is only 2.3 km away from Burj Khalifa and a 10 minute drive from Mall of Dubai. The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro at a distance of 2 km. There’s a valet parking facility available at City Walk Dubai and the parking itself can accommodate up to 2000 cars!
Discover more such fun, family-friendly attraction and activities in Dubai and make this summer special for your family.
FAQs:
Meraas, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, (Group Chairman)
City Walk is a large mixed-use urban development, built in phases since 2013, by Meraas, one of Dubai's leading property developers.
City Walk is a high-end, modern, low-rise and the only freehold community in Jumeirah. City Walk Residences comprises 34 buildings built over 13 plots. Every building has a designated retail area on the ground level, therefore all amenities are just a few steps away.
City Walk Dubai serves feasts from around the globe, from Peruvian to Spanish, Lebanese, Italian, Chinese, American, French, Indian and much more like Butcha Steakhouse.
You will get stores selling several high-end international fashion apparels and accessories at City Walk. Apart from that you can shop for modern homewares, books from UK Retailers, art, handcrafted sandals, fine jewelry and more at this place.
