Al Barsha 1

Al Barsha 1 is one of Dubai’s well-connected neighborhoods, located along Umm Suqeim Road and forming part of the wider Al Barsha district. Known for its affordable apartments, serviced units, villas, and hotels, the area blends residential and commercial use with supermarkets, offices, and retail outlets. Families appreciate the presence of Al Barsha Pond Park, schools, clinics, and nearby hospitals, while professionals enjoy proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and major business hubs. Mall of the Emirates is a highlight, providing shopping, dining, and leisure all within walking distance. Surrounded by Al Quoz, Barsha Heights, Al Sufouh, and Dubai Internet City, the community balances convenience with comfort. Its wide choice of housing and easy metro access make it attractive to both residents and investors.
Al Barsha 1 at a Glance
Category | 2026 Snapshot |
Location | Central Dubai, near Mall of the Emirates |
Best For | Families, professionals, long-term renters, and investors |
Property Types | Apartments, villas, serviced apartments, offices, and retail units |
Average Apartment Rent | Around AED 70,000 to AED 86,000 per year |
Nearest Metro | Mall of the Emirates Metro Station |
Commute to Downtown Dubai | Around 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic |
Freehold | Limited to selected properties and developments |
Rental Demand | High |
Walkability | Excellent around the metro, mall, shops, restaurants, and central residential streets |
Apartment ROI | Around 7.6% overall, with returns varying by unit type |
Key Features of Al Barsha First
- It is located along Umm Suqeim Road, close to Sheikh Zayed and Al Khail Roads.
- Home to apartments, serviced apartments, villas, hotels, offices, and retail spaces.
- Affordable mid-rise apartment buildings are widely available for residents.
- Walking distance to the Mall of the Emirates and Al Barsha Pond Park.
- Direct access to Dubai Metro stations and feeder bus routes.
- Surrounded by Al Quoz, Barsha Heights, Al Sufouh, and Dubai Internet City.
- Wide range of supermarkets, restaurants, and community services.
Who Would Enjoy Al Barsha 1?
- Families & Couples: Mid-rise apartments and villas with schools and parks nearby.
- Professionals & Executives: Easy access to Dubai’s business districts and Dubai Internet City.
- Investors: Affordable property with strong rental demand due to proximity to the Mall of the Emirates.
- Visitors & Short-term Residents: Hotels and serviced apartments with metro and retail access.
Detailed Features of Al Barsha 1
Hotels in Al Barsha First
- Hilton Garden Inn – comfortable stay with business and leisure facilities.
- Novotel Suites – serviced accommodation close to the Mall of the Emirates.
- Ibis Hotel – an affordable option for travelers and residents on short stays.
Malls in Al Barsha 1
- Mall of the Emirates: World-class shopping, cinema, and Ski Dubai.
- Al Barsha Mall: Community shopping and dining options nearby.
Parks in Al Barsha 1
- Al Barsha Pond Park: Jogging track, cycling path, lake, and children’s play areas.
- Neighborhood Parks: Green spaces for family picnics and outdoor relaxation.
Things To Do in Al Barsha 1
- Shopping and dining at the Mall of the Emirates.
- Stroll or exercise at Al Barsha Pond Park.
- Visit nearby attractions like Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden.
- Access cultural and leisure hubs in Downtown Dubai within 20 minutes.
Accessibility & Transport in Al Barsha 1
Metro Stations in Al Barsha First
- Mall of the Emirates Metro Station (Red Line) – 1 km away, the main transport hub.
- Sharaf DG Metro Station (Red Line) – 1.8 km away, serving nearby residences.
- Dubai Internet City Metro Station (Red Line) – 5 km away, linking to Media City and Knowledge Park.
- First Abu Dhabi Bank Metro Station (Red Line) – 6 km away, offering quick access to Jumeirah and Business Bay.
Bus Stations in Al Barsha 1
- Feeder buses from the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station connect to different parts of Al Barsha.
- Local bus stops throughout the community, including near Al Barsha Pond Park.
- Direct bus routes to Dubai Mall, Jumeirah, and Al Quoz Industrial Area.
- Easy taxi availability and ride-hailing services are widely used by residents.
Key Landmarks in Al Barsha 1
- Mall of the Emirates – <1 km.
- Al Barsha Pond Park – 1.2 km.
- Dubai Internet City – 6 km.
- Barsha Heights – 4.5 km.
- Al Quoz Industrial Area – 5 km.
- Downtown Dubai – 17 km.
- Dubai International Airport – 27 km.
Education Near Al Barsha 1
Nurseries in Al Barsha 1
- Dewdrops Nursery – 0.9 km away.
- Cherry Town Nursery – 1.4 km away.
- Happy Learning Nursery – 2.2 km away.
Primary & High Schools in Al Barsha 1
- GEMS Dubai American Academy – 2.5 km away.
- Dubai National School – 2.8 km away.
- American School of Dubai – 3.5 km away.
- Dubai International Academy – 4 km away.
Universities in Al Barsha 1
- University of Wollongong Dubai – 6.5 km away.
- Middlesex University Dubai – 7 km away.
- American University in Dubai – 7.5 km away.
Healthcare Facilities in Al Barsha 1
- Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai – 2 km away.
- Aster Clinic – 1.8 km away.
- Mediclinic Al Sufouh – 5 km away.
- Saudi German Hospital – 6 km away.
Community Lifestyle: Dining, Shopping & Wellness
The daily lifestyle in Al Barsha 1, Dubai, is quite easy to settle into. You can pick up groceries, grab karak, visit a clinic, or meet someone for dinner without planning a long drive.
Restaurants & Cafes
Food options are scattered across the community and around the Mall of the Emirates. You will find casual cafeterias, coffee shops, bakeries, family restaurants, and late-night food spots. The variety is the best part. Some residents prefer the mall, while others stick to small places on side streets because they feel less crowded.
Shopping & Supermarkets
Mall of the Emirates is ideal for big shopping days, but daily groceries usually happen at nearby supermarkets and smaller stores. Most parts of the Al Barsha 1 area provide convenient access to Carrefour, Lulu, pharmacies, salons, gyms, and wellness clinics. That is one of the reasons the area feels practical for everyday living.
Why Live in Al Barsha 1?
Al Barsha 1 works particularly well for residents who want to stay close to established employment districts without paying for a waterfront address. Sheikh Zayed Road is nearby, Mall of the Emirates Metro Station serves the Red Line, and Dubai Internet City, Media City, Barsha Heights, Al Quoz, and Dubai Marina can all be reached without crossing the entire city.
Everyday services are another strong reason to consider the neighborhood. Supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, schools, clinics, gyms, hotels, and Al Barsha Pond Park are spread across the area, reducing the number of trips residents need to make elsewhere. Housing also covers several budgets, from older apartment buildings to serviced residences and larger family villas.
For households that rely on public transport, the location has an advantage over many residential districts farther inland. Residents living close to the mall and metro can manage many daily trips without a car, although driving remains useful for schools and destinations away from the Red Line.
Who Should Avoid Al Barsha 1?
Anyone prioritizing a quiet, gated setup with low traffic and private internal roads will likely find a better fit elsewhere in Dubai. Streets near Mall of the Emirates get congested during evening peaks, school runs, weekends, and busy retail periods. Buildings facing main roads pick up road noise too, which not everyone can work around.
The neighborhood also requires a careful building selection. Some apartment blocks are older, parking arrangements vary, and facilities differ considerably between properties. Buyers seeking a broad selection of freehold villas, offices, or retail units will find fewer choices than in communities developed primarily around individual property ownership.
Pros vs Cons of Living in Al Barsha 1
Al Barsha 1 delivers on the practical side. Transport, schools, shopping, healthcare, and daily services are all within reach without much effort. The drawbacks are real, though. Traffic gets heavy, building quality varies more than it should, and buyers looking for freehold options will find fewer choices here than in newer Dubai communities.
Pros | Cons |
Mall of the Emirates and Red Line metro access | Traffic can increase sharply during peak periods |
Central position near major employment districts | Some apartment buildings have older specifications |
Strong selection of supermarkets, restaurants, clinics, and daily services | Parking can be limited around certain older properties |
Apartments available across several rental budgets | Street noise varies according to the building location |
Al Barsha Pond Park provides nearby outdoor space | Limited freehold supply compared with newer investment communities |
Schools and nurseries within the wider district | Villa purchase opportunities are comparatively restricted |
Good conditions for residents who prefer walking for short trips | Not every street offers the same pedestrian experience |
For most residents, the decision comes down to the exact street and property rather than the neighborhood alone. A newer building close to the metro may suit a professional, while families may place more value on quieter internal roads, larger layouts, and easier access to schools and Al Barsha Pond Park.
Al Barsha 1 Property Market in 2026
Al Barsha 1 has an active rental market and a smaller ownership market. Apartment prices vary considerably because established buildings compete with newer branded developments, so averages should be treated as a starting point rather than a quotation for every property.
Rental activity is broader. New apartment contracts average about AED 85,720 per year, while renewed contracts average close to AED 70,374. Individual rents still depend on bedroom count, floor area, condition, furnishing, parking, and building facilities.
Average Rental Prices
Rental costs in Al Barsha 1 change noticeably by property size and lease type. Studios remain the lowest-priced option, while larger apartments and villas move into much higher annual brackets, especially when a new contract is signed.
Property Type | 2026 Rental Position |
Studio | Around AED 53,000 to AED 74,000 per year |
1 Bedroom | Around AED 72,550 for a new rental contract |
2 Bedrooms | Around AED 94,900 for a new rental contract |
Villa | Around AED 311,600 for new villa contracts |
One-bedroom renewals average closer to AED 57,500, while two-bedroom renewals average roughly AED 73,500. Villa renewals show a larger difference, averaging about AED 216,500 annually, which shows why lease history can affect the amount paid by two households occupying similar properties.
Average Buying Prices
Buying prices in Al Barsha 1 vary sharply by unit size, building age, and project type. Studios offer the lowest entry point in the current sales data, while larger apartments command higher prices and some property categories have too little active stock for a reliable area-wide average.
Property Type | 2026 Buying Price |
Studio | Around AED 740,000 based on recorded sales |
1 Bedroom | Around AED 1.5 million |
2 Bedrooms | Around AED 2.68 million |
Villa | Limited individual villa sales make a reliable Al Barsha 1 average difficult to establish |
Office | Insufficient active sale stock for a dependable neighborhood average |
Retail | Insufficient active sale stock for a dependable neighborhood average |
The apartment numbers require some context. A one-bedroom residence in an established building can trade near AED 1 million, while newer developments can push considerably higher. Two-bedroom asking prices currently extend from roughly AED 1.57 million to more than AED 4.3 million, reflecting the difference between older resale stock and newer branded residences.
Rental Yield by Apartment Type
Rental returns in Al Barsha 1 differ by apartment size, with smaller units generally producing stronger percentage yields. Studios currently lead the listed categories, while one- and two-bedroom homes offer lower returns because their purchase prices are higher.
Apartment Type | Indicative 2026 ROI |
Studio | Up to 9.1% |
1 Bedroom | Up to 5.3% |
2 Bedrooms | Up to 4.9% |
These are gross headline returns rather than guaranteed owner profits. The actual figure changes after service charges, maintenance, vacancy, agency fees, financing costs, and the final purchase and rental prices are considered.
2026 Market Growth
The latest 2026 market index places Al Barsha 1 property values at approximately AED 1,735 per sq. ft. By July 2026, that represented growth of about 7.7% over the previous 12 months. Apartments alone were close to AED 1,739 per sq. ft., also showing annual growth of roughly 7.7%. (Bayut)
2026 Market Indicator | Current Position |
Overall property price | AED 1,735 per sq. ft. |
12-month price change | +7.7% |
Apartment price | AED 1,739 per sq. ft. |
Studio price | AED 1,465 per sq. ft. |
1-bedroom price | AED 1,591 per sq. ft. |
2-bedroom price | AED 1,797 per sq. ft. |
Price movement across Al Barsha 1 has not been uniform. Two-bedroom apartments recorded the highest rate per square foot among tracked unit types in 2026, while studios stayed toward the lower end. Buyers shopping at different budget levels will find the entry point shifts quite a bit depending on which unit size they target.
Future Plans for Al Barsha 1
The future of Al Barsha 1 is shaped by continuous urban improvements and integration with Dubai’s wider growth. Expansion of pedestrian-friendly areas and shaded walkways is planned to encourage outdoor activity around Al Barsha Pond Park. Retail offerings near the Mall of the Emirates are expected to diversify, adding boutique shops and community services.
Infrastructure projects in Al Barsha South and Barsha Heights will support the overall district, strengthening real estate demand in Al Barsha 1. The road network around Sheikh Zayed and Al Khail Roads will be further optimized, reducing congestion and improving travel times.
Planned investments in smart transport and sustainability features will enhance the neighborhood's appeal. With its central location, strong rental demand, and community amenities, Al Barsha 1 will remain a reliable choice for long-term residents and investors.
