Dubai Festival City
Creekside homes with a mall, golf and airport access.
Living in Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City is a large waterfront community on the eastern bank of Dubai Creek, developed by Al Futtaim. It combines Festival City Mall, hotels, offices, a golf club and several residential neighbourhoods, all a few minutes from Dubai International Airport.
Homes range from apartments in Al Badia Residences and along the waterfront to villas in quiet neighbourhoods such as Al Badia Hillside Village, many set around the golf course. It suits people who want a complete, established community with everything on hand and fast links to the airport and the city.
The creek promenade is popular for evening walks and dining.
Property types
One to four bedroom apartments, plus townhouses and villas in gated neighbourhoods around the golf course.
Best for
Families who want an established villa area near the airport, and professionals who travel often.
Prices and rents in 2026
Typical ranges for 2026, based on Dubai Land Department transactions and listing reports. Golf course and creek views add a premium.
One bedroom
Around AED 1.1 to 1.5 million to buy
AED 85,000 to 100,000 a year to rent
Two bedrooms
Around AED 1.7 to 2.4 million to buy
AED 120,000 to 160,000 a year to rent
Villa
Around AED 6 to 10 million to buy
AED 280,000 to 420,000 a year to rent
For investors
Apartments in Dubai Festival City usually return around 6% gross. Demand comes from airline and airport staff, professionals and families who like having the mall, schools and the airport close by.
Ownership rules differ across the community, so some buildings and neighbourhoods are freehold and others are not. We check the title of any home before you go further, and compare recent rents and service charges with nearby Dubai Creek Harbour.
For families
Families are well served. GEMS Wellington International and other schools are inside or next to the community, and there are parks, pools and a golf club. Mirdif and Al Rashidiya, with more schools and shops, are a short drive away.
Getting around
Dubai Festival City connects to the Business Bay Crossing, the Garhoud Bridge and Ras Al Khor Road. Dubai International Airport is about 5 to 10 minutes away, Downtown Dubai about 15 minutes and Dubai Marina about 30 minutes. There is no metro inside the community, though buses connect to nearby stations.
Taxis are easy to find at the mall and hotels, and water taxis run on the creek at some times.
Nearby
Festival City Mall has a supermarket, a cinema, IKEA and many restaurants on the creek. Al Badia Golf Club and several hotels are in the community. Dubai Creek Harbour, Al Jaddaf and Mirdif are close by.
What people like
- Minutes from the airport
- A big mall and golf club on site
- Established and complete community
- Creek views and waterfront walks
What to watch
- Not every property is freehold
- Aircraft noise in some parts
- No metro inside the community
- Busy roads around the mall at weekends
Common questions
Where is Dubai Festival City?
It is on the eastern bank of Dubai Creek, about 5 to 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
How much is rent in Dubai Festival City?
In 2026 a one bedroom is around AED 85,000 to 100,000 a year, and a villa around AED 280,000 to 420,000.
Who developed Dubai Festival City?
Dubai Festival City was developed by Al Futtaim.
Is Dubai Festival City good for families?
Yes. It has schools, parks, a golf club and a large mall, close to the airport.
Can foreigners buy in Dubai Festival City?
Some buildings and neighbourhoods are freehold and others are not. We check each property before you go further.
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. Photo by Titoni Thomas on Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY SA 3.0.