Al Barsha
A central, established area beside Mall of the Emirates.
Living in Al Barsha
Al Barsha is one of Dubai's most central residential areas, stretching back from Sheikh Zayed Road behind Mall of the Emirates. It is split into several parts. Al Barsha 1 has apartment buildings, hotels and offices close to the metro, Al Barsha 2 and 3 are mostly quiet villa streets, and Al Barsha South is a newer area of apartment buildings further inland.
Life here is practical and convenient. Supermarkets, clinics, restaurants and schools are everywhere, the metro is a short walk from much of Al Barsha 1, and the beach, Media City and Downtown are all within easy reach. It has a settled, lived in feel that many newer communities do not have yet.
Property types
Studios to three bedroom apartments in Al Barsha 1 and Al Barsha South, plus four to six bedroom villas in Al Barsha 2 and 3.
Best for
Professionals who want a central address near the metro, and families who want an established villa area close to good schools.
Prices and rents in 2026
Typical ranges for 2026, based on Dubai Land Department transactions and listing reports. Prices are higher close to the mall and the metro.
Studio
Around AED 550,000 to 650,000 to buy
AED 42,000 to 50,000 a year to rent
One bedroom
Around AED 800,000 to 950,000 to buy
AED 65,000 to 75,000 a year to rent
Two bedrooms
Around AED 1.3 to 1.6 million to buy
AED 100,000 to 115,000 a year to rent
Four bedroom villa
Around AED 4.4 to 5 million to buy
AED 240,000 to 280,000 a year to rent
For investors
Apartments in Al Barsha usually return around 7% gross, helped by the central location and the metro. Tenants include hotel and retail staff, office workers and families, so demand stays steady through the year.
Not every home in Al Barsha is open to foreign buyers. Many apartment buildings in Al Barsha 1 and Al Barsha South are freehold, but much of the villa area is not. We check the title of any property before you go further, and compare service charges, which are around AED 14 to 19 per sq ft in many buildings.
For families
Al Barsha has some of the best known schools in Dubai, including the American School of Dubai, Dubai American Academy and Kings School Al Barsha. Parks such as Al Barsha Pond Park are popular for walking and cycling, and hospitals including Mediclinic and Saudi German Hospital are close by.
Getting around
The Mall of the Emirates and Sharaf DG metro stations on the Red Line serve Al Barsha 1. Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road run along the edges of the area. Dubai Marina is about 15 minutes away by car, Downtown Dubai about 15 to 20 minutes and Dubai International Airport about 25 minutes.
Nearby
Mall of the Emirates, with Ski Dubai and a large cinema, is the heart of the area. Al Barsha also has many hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Dubai Hills Estate, JVC and Media City are all a short drive away.
What people like
- Central location with metro access
- Top schools close by
- Established, with everything nearby
- Short drive to the beach
What to watch
- Much of the villa area is not freehold
- Older buildings in parts of Al Barsha 1
- Busy traffic around the mall
- Few new developments
Common questions
Can foreigners buy in Al Barsha?
Many apartment buildings in Al Barsha 1 and Al Barsha South are freehold. Much of the villa area is not open to foreign buyers, so we check each property.
How much is rent for a one bedroom in Al Barsha?
Around AED 65,000 to 75,000 a year in 2026, depending on the building and how close it is to the metro.
Is there a metro in Al Barsha?
Yes. The Mall of the Emirates and Sharaf DG stations on the Red Line serve Al Barsha 1.
Is Al Barsha good for families?
Yes. It has several well known schools, parks and hospitals, and quiet villa streets in Al Barsha 2 and 3.
What is Al Barsha South?
Al Barsha South is the newer inland part of Al Barsha, with apartment buildings near Arjan and Dubai Hills.
Similar communities
This guide gives general information, last reviewed in October 2026. Prices, availability and project details change, so ask an advisor for current figures before making a decision.