
Area guide, Dubai
Al Jaddaf
For generations Al Jaddaf was where Dubai built its boats. Traditional dhow yards still work along the creek, but the district has also become a cultural and residential quarter, with a national library, a contemporary art museum and a growing number of apartment towers looking across the water.
At a glance
Al Jaddaf is a waterside district of around 7.3 square kilometres on the Bur Dubai bank of Dubai Creek, historically a centre of dhow building. It is served by Creek and Al Jadaf stations on the Dubai Metro Green Line and is home to the Mohammed bin Rashid Library and Jaddaf Waterfront.
- Emirate
- Dubai
- Typical homes
- Apartments, Penthouses
- Guide last reviewed
- Bur Dubai bank of Dubai Creek
- Creek and Al Jadaf stations on the Green Line
- Mohammed bin Rashid Library
- Jameel Arts Centre and Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park
- Latifa Hospital and Dubai Healthcare City nearby
Al Jaddaf in pictures
Al Jaddaf, Dubai, view 2 Developer imagery via Castilion Estates
Bur Dubai bank of Dubai Creek
The settingThe setting
Character
Dubai Creek frames the district to the north and east, with Zabeel to the south. Along the shore, Jaddaf Waterfront, developed by Dubai Holding, combines canals, pedestrian bridges and residential buildings such as Dubai Wharf and Manazel Al Khor with the Jameel Arts Centre and the country's first sculpture park. Inland, the Culture Village zone adds mid and high rise towers and hotels, and the second phase of Dubai Healthcare City is taking shape in the area.
Creek and Al Jadaf stations on the Green Line
Living hereLiving here
Day to day
This is a quieter alternative to the busy coastal districts. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library stands on the creek, the Jameel Arts Centre opened in 2018 with a three storey building by Serie Architects, and Latifa Hospital, formerly Al Wasl Hospital, is within the district. Dubai Festival City lies across the water, and Downtown Dubai and Business Bay are close by.
Mohammed bin Rashid Library
Getting aroundGetting around
Connections
Two Green Line stations, Creek and Al Jadaf, serve the district, and the RTA marine station at Al Jaddaf runs creek services, including an abra across to Dubai Festival City. At weekends, marine line DC3 links Al Jaddaf with Dubai Design District. By road, the creek crossings connect the area with Downtown Dubai, Deira and Dubai International Airport.
Fit
Is Al Jaddaf right for you?
A good fit for
- Professionals working in Downtown Dubai, Business Bay or Dubai Healthcare City
- Buyers who value culture and creek views over beach life
- Investors seeking a central district with metro access
- Healthcare staff based at nearby hospitals
Worth weighing
- Dhow yards and docks still operate along parts of the creek, giving some streets a working character.
- Construction continues on several plots.
- The waterfront is the creek rather than the sea, so there is no beach.
- Building quality varies between towers and developers.
New developments
Developments in Al Jaddaf.
Questions
Asked about Al Jaddaf.
Where is Al Jaddaf?
Al Jaddaf lies within Bur Dubai on the western bank of Dubai Creek, bordered by the creek to the north and east and by Zabeel to the south.
Is Al Jaddaf on the metro?
Yes. Creek and Al Jadaf stations on the Dubai Metro Green Line both serve the district, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Library is a short walk from Creek station.
What is Jaddaf Waterfront?
Jaddaf Waterfront is a mixed use creekside area developed by Dubai Holding, with homes, canals and pedestrian bridges alongside the Jameel Arts Centre and the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, both opened in November 2018.
Can you travel from Al Jaddaf by boat?
Yes. The RTA marine station at Al Jaddaf offers creek services, including an abra to Dubai Festival City, and a weekend line to Dubai Design District.
Sources
- Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)Al Jaddaf location, area, dhow building history, landmarks and metro stationsAccessed
- Mohammed bin Rashid Library (opens in a new tab)Mohammed bin Rashid Library location in Al Jaddaf and nearest metro stationAccessed
- Dubai Holding (opens in a new tab)Jameel Arts Centre and Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park opening, architect and Jaddaf WaterfrontAccessed
- Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)Creek station on the Green Line and Al Jaddaf marine stationAccessed
- Dubai Media Office (opens in a new tab)RTA marine lines DC2 (Water Canal and Business Bay) and DC3 (Al Jaddaf to Dubai Design District)Accessed
Reviewed by Castilion on . Our guides describe settled facts only. For prices, rents and availability, ask us for a current view.

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