DIFC or Sheikh Zayed Road?
Side by side on published prices, yields, new developments and drive times.
Pictured: Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at DIFC by H&H Development
Where each one leads
Drawn only from published figures and the developments we list, each with its source.
Lower entry price
The lowest developer price we list in Sheikh Zayed Road is AED 1,434,000 at AYKON City Tower C, against AED 4,737,000 at Eden House Za'abeel in DIFC.
Closer to Downtown Dubai
DIFC is about 8 minutes from Downtown Dubai by car, against about 12 minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road.
Side by side
| Measure | DIFC | Sheikh Zayed Road |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai |
| Tenure | Freehold | Mixed |
| Developments we list | 3 | 5 |
| Lowest developer price | AED 4,737,000Eden House Za'abeel | AED 1,434,000AYKON City Tower C |
| Drive to Downtown Dubai | about 8 minutes | about 12 minutes |
| Drive to Dubai International Airport | about 15 minutes | about 15 minutes |
Each figure is shown as its publisher states it, with the period it covers. A row appears only where both areas have a figure.
New developments in each
DIFC
- Eden House Za'abeelH&H DevelopmentAED 4,737,000
- Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at DIFCH&H DevelopmentAED 23,000,000
- Janu Dubai Hotel & ResidencesH&H DevelopmentOn request
Sheikh Zayed Road
- AYKON City Tower CDAMAC PropertiesAED 1,434,000
- Safa GateDAMAC PropertiesAED 2,149,000
- VoltaDAMAC PropertiesAED 2,457,000
- Safa Two de GRISOGONODAMAC PropertiesAED 3,263,000
- Burj AziziAzizi DevelopmentsAED 9,331,000
What each area is like
DIFC
Dubai's financial free zone between Downtown Dubai and the Trade Centre, with its own common-law courts. A dense office district with a small, high-priced residential market and several branded towers under construction.
Who it suits
- Professionals working in DIFC, Downtown or Business Bay
- Buyers who want a walkable, central address near the metro
- Branded-residence buyers looking at Four Seasons or Janu
In its favour
- Emirates Towers and Financial Centre metro stations within walking distance of most buildings
- About 8 minutes to Downtown Dubai and under 15 minutes to Dubai International Airport on Bayut's estimates
- Gate Avenue shops and restaurants inside the district
Worth weighing
- Dense and busy, with rush-hour congestion and limited taxis at peak times, according to Bayut
- Visitor parking costs about AED 25 an hour in the main garages, according to Bayut
Sheikh Zayed Road
The tower strip along the E11 from the Trade Centre area towards Al Safa and Al Wasl, lined with apartment, office and hotel towers beside the metro Red Line. Central and well connected, but busy at peak hours.
Who it suits
- Professionals working in DIFC, Downtown Dubai or the Trade Centre district
- Tenants and buyers who want to live by the metro rather than drive
- Investors in serviced and hotel apartments
In its favour
- Most of the Dubai Metro Red Line runs alongside the road
- About 12 minutes to Downtown Dubai and 15 minutes to Dubai International Airport on Bayut's estimates
- Studios to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and serviced hotel apartments
Worth weighing
- Bayut notes that rents tend to be on the higher side and that traffic is an issue at peak times
- Parking can be difficult, especially at weekends and peak hours
DIFC or Sheikh Zayed Road: quick answers
Which is closer to Downtown Dubai, DIFC or Sheikh Zayed Road?
DIFC, at about 8 minutes by car against about 12 minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road. Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Which is closer to Dubai International Airport, DIFC or Sheikh Zayed Road?
Both are about 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport by car. Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Can foreigners buy property in DIFC and Sheikh Zayed Road?
DIFC is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. In Sheikh Zayed Road, tenure varies by project: some are freehold for all nationalities, others leasehold. Sales in Dubai are registered with the DLD.
Which new developments can I buy in DIFC and Sheikh Zayed Road?
In DIFC: Eden House Za'abeel from AED 4,737,000, Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at DIFC from AED 23,000,000 and Janu Dubai Hotel & Residences. In Sheikh Zayed Road: AYKON City Tower C from AED 1,434,000, Safa Gate from AED 2,149,000, Volta from AED 2,457,000 and Safa Two de GRISOGONO from AED 3,263,000.
Not sure which area fits?
Tell us your budget, your timing and whether you will live there or let it, and we will set the two areas against each other for you.
- Current price list and availability, direct from the developer
- No fee to you on off-plan purchases: the developer pays us
- One salaried adviser, not on commission, from first call to handover
