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Commonly referred to as Garhoud, this area in Old Dubai is home to a diverse mix of residential and commercial use
15 December 2019
| Last updated on 6 January 2020
A popular pick for families, couples, and singletons in Old Dubai, find out if Al Garhoud is the neighbourhood for you...
Situated just opposite Dubai International Airport is the long-established and well-known community of Al Garhoud. Commonly referred to as Garhoud, this neighbourhood is the site of a diverse mix of old and modern villas, apartments, offices, shops, and restaurants.
It's an ideal and incredibly sought-after location for UAE residents who work or study in Old Dubai, as well as those who do not drive. Garhoud is well-connected to many parts of the city by public transportation and the Sheikh Zayed Road. Its accessibility, combined with a wide selection of schools, hospitals, supermarkets, parks, and other facilities, can be a great place for single expats to start in and continue to live in as their professional and family life grows.
All in all, Garhoud is a tranquil residential community. To help you in knowing more about the district, this area guide is a compilation of everything you must know about Garhoud, from the average price of the local property to the noise levels.
Where is Al Garhoud in Dubai
Public transport in Al Garhoud
Three Dubai metro stations can be found within or are next to Al Garhoud. The nearest Dubai metro station in Al Garhoud is the GGICO metro station which runs on the red line. Towards the airport side, you will find Airport Terminal 1 metro station, Airport Terminal 3 metro station, and you can access Emirates metro station near the Emirates Group Headquarters.
Several buses run through the neighbourhood, with some connecting directly to metro stations. RTA taxis frequent the area so you will usually have no trouble finding a cab. Otherwise, if all taxis are busy, car-hailing services Careem and Uber are popular in the area.
Commute times by car from Al Garhoud
- to Dubai International Airport: 4 minutes
- to Deira City Centre: 9 minutes
- to Jumeirah: 18 minutes
- to Al Quoz: 20 minutes
- to Dubai Academic City: 22 minutes
- to Downtown Dubai: 18 minutes
- to Dubai Motor City: 30 minutes
Amenities and facilities in Al Garhoud
Garhoud is home to the following amenities:
- Supermarkets and grocery shops such as Choithrams
- Restaurants and cafes offering a diverse menu with takeout and delivery options
- Primary to high schools teaching international curriculums
- Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities
- Prayer and worship facilities - mosques
- Community parks
- Gas stations
- Hotels and short-term accommodation
- Indoor gyms
- Salons and spas
- Bank office branches and ATMs
Click here for a guide to nurseries in Dubai to help you find the right one for your child. For bigger kids, have a look at at our dedicate guide to schools in Dubai, here.
What's life like in Al Garhoud?
Home to a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones, Garhoud is a blend of city, suburban, and working lifestyles combined together in Old Dubai.
The district's proximity to some of Dubai's oldest but still popular shopping malls such as Deira City Centre, Al Ghurair Mall, Dubai Festival City, and Burjurman Centre gives residents access to more retail, dining, and leisure options. Garhoud is an accessible area that is well-connected to other parts of Dubai thanks to the Sheikh Zayed Road and the three Dubai metro stations located in the area.
On top of the number of gyms in the neighbourhood, there are a few community parks that have ample green space for outdoor sports, exercises, and activities, making it easier for residents to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These are frequented by kids who are usually accompanied by parents or nannies. Garhoud's proximity to Dubai International Airport makes for tighter security in the residences, so it's very safe in the area.
Although Garhoud is part of Old Dubai, it is one of the well-developed areas this side of town. Some of the apartments are generously spaced between each other, allowing for pedestrian-friendly routes that are perfect for jogging and cycling. While more common the villa area, you might often see a pet owner walking their dog at the apartments zone.
Living in Garhoud can truly spoil you for its convenience, amenities, and accessibility.
However, it's worth noting that Garhoud residents will experience heavy traffic in the morning, especially in the afternoon due to drivers heading to Sharjah.
Al Garhoud by day
From the morning to the afternoon, Garhoud is quite peaceful with the exception of rush hour when cars and buses are queuing up on the roads.
Al Garhoud by night
It's quiet and peaceful where the villas are located. As you go closer to the apartments and Garhoud hotspots - namely The Irish Village and The Meridien Village - there's more activity as the restaurants, pubs, and bars of these two places are popular haunts among Dubai expats.
Garhoud can be quite busy when there's an event happening, for the Dubai Tennis Stadium is a frequent host for sports and music events throughout the year. Expect some road congestion and noise as a result due to visitors driving to the venues.
Properties for rent in Al Garhoud
Average annual rental prices for properties in Al Garhoud are as follows:
- 3 bedroom villa: AED 120,000
- 4 bedroom villa: AED 170,000
- Studio apartment: AED 55,000
- 1 bedroom apartment: AED 74,000
- 2 bedroom apartment: AED 85,000
- 3 bedroom apartment: AED 110,000
- 4 bedroom apartment: AED 135,000
What are properties like in Al Garhoud?
Properties in Al Garhoud are made up of residential apartment buildings and villas. The flats range from low to mid-rise. These are more popular among singles and smaller families due to its price, as well as the property's proximity to metro stations, generous living space, and private gym and swimming pool for its residents.
The villas in Al Garhoud vary with some including a private swimming pool, maid's room, and garden. Most of the houses have their own private parking area, and the larger villas can accommodate up to two vehicles in its parking slots. Although Garhoud villas are quite old and don't look modern compared to the units found in emerging Dubai neighbourhoods, the contemporary-designed villas in Al Garhoud are a popular choice among families and couples who prefer the privacy and tranquility of suburban living while residing close to Old Dubai.
Although the rent's price tag is not too steep, the only downside is that it is very close to the airport and can be a bit noisy.
Who lives in Al Garhoud?
- Expats and Emiratis
- Working singles and couples
- Families
Due to Garhoud's proximity to Emirates Group Headquarters, Dubai International Airport, and the Emirates Training College, it's no surprise that many of the residents in the area are Emirates staff from cabin crew to engineering members.
Parking in Al Garhoud
There are plenty of paid parking spots in Al Garhoud, more so towards the commercial side of the area. Moving towards the villa residences, parking can be limited.
What are noise levels like in Al Garhoud?
In the neighbourhood's villa side, it is fairly peaceful with little disruptions. You might hear the occasional roar of a supercar engine, sounds from heavy gardening tools next door, and construction noises from villa projects.
Towards the apartment and commercial side of Al Garhoud, you'll hear more vehicles as these buildings are closer to the main roads, construction noises from upcoming projects, sounds of celebration and partying from your neighbours, and vacuum cleaner noises from neighbours.
As Al Garhoud is located opposite of Dubai International Airport, you will no doubt hear the sounds of aeroplanes flying overhead quite often. This may be bothersome to residents who are light sleepers, have babies and young children, and you might get annoyed by how frequently the sounds happen.
However, if you are a heavy sleeper, the noise of the aeroplanes should be no trouble, and eventually, the daily sounds of aeroplane engines passing by will be part of the routine.
