About Al Manara
Al Manara, meaning “the beacon” in Arabic, is a sophisticated residential community in western Dubai. Surrounded by Al Safa, Umm Suqeim, and Umm Al Sheif, the neighbourhood is strategically positioned along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), ensuring seamless access to Dubai’s major business and leisure destinations. Just 13 minutes away from Jumeirah Beach, the area provides a balanced lifestyle with proximity to the coast while being well connected to the city.
Primarily a villa community, Al Manara is designed for families who prefer spacious independent living. The locality offers both residential and commercial villas, with shops and restaurants adding vibrancy along Sheikh Zayed Road. While it has a reputation as a peaceful residential pocket, Al Manara is equally famous for its award-winning dining spots, making it a sought-after destination for residents and visitors alike.
In a Nutshell
- Villa-only community with spacious units
- Famous for fine-dining restaurants and cafes
- Direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)
- Ideal for families seeking privacy and comfort
- All essential amenities located nearby
Community Overview
Al Manara has transformed into one of the most desirable neighbourhoods near Jumeirah. The area features large villas in 4- to 6-bedroom configurations, offering luxury facilities such as elevators, staff quarters, and private gardens. Families enjoy a tranquil lifestyle with schools, clinics, and lifestyle amenities within minutes.
The community is highly residential, yet it retains a lively edge through its commercial frontage on Sheikh Zayed Road. Dining establishments, boutique shops, and leisure outlets line the outer boundary, while quiet residential streets stretch into the heart of the neighbourhood. This dual nature makes Al Manara a well-rounded community offering both convenience and exclusivity.
Properties in Al Manara
Villas in Al Manara are available in a variety of layouts, starting from 4-bedroom units and extending to larger 6-bedroom homes. These residences typically include maid’s rooms, study rooms, multiple kitchens, and spacious living areas. Some deluxe villas also feature elevators, separate dining areas, and landscaped gardens.
While rental prices are higher compared to other villa communities in Dubai, the premium reflects its prime location and top-tier living environment. Villas are available for rent to all nationalities, but ownership is limited to GCC and UAE Nationals. For those seeking commercial spaces, shops and deluxe villas for business use are available for rent, with annual prices ranging from AED 348k to AED 1.2M depending on size and location.
Compound Living in Al Manara
The neighbourhood also offers compound living options that combine privacy with shared facilities. Utamah Villas, Bahwan Villas, and 34 Lake Villa Compound are some notable developments. These compounds feature semi-detached or standalone villas, each with private gardens and access to communal amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, saunas, and party halls.
Bahwan Villas, for instance, consists of 4-bedroom homes with a built-up area of 4,582 sq. ft., while 34 Lake Villa Compound offers semi-detached homes with maid’s rooms and gardens. Such compounds are ideal for families looking for a community-focused environment within Al Manara.
Rental Trends in Al Manara
- 3-Bedroom Villas – Average rent around AED 190,000 per year
- 4-Bedroom Villas – Average rent around AED 399,000 per year
- Commercial shops and villas available for rent starting from AED 348k annually, depending on size and amenities
Churches, Temples and Mosques in Al Manara
The multicultural fabric of Dubai is reflected in Al Manara’s accessibility to various places of worship. Within the community, residents will find Al Manara Central Mosque, an impressive landmark, along with Al Manara Mosque and Masjid Qasim. Several others, including Masjid Musabah Bin Rashid Al Fattan Mosque, are spread across the neighbourhood.
For Christian residents, Debi Hammerle Church lies within Al Manara, while other churches such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are only a 10-minute drive away. Hindu and Sikh residents can access temples such as Guru Nanak Darbar, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Yaba, and Mahamevnawa Buddhist Temple within a 15–20-minute commute.
Schools and Universities in Al Manara
Al Manara is ideal for families with young children thanks to numerous nurseries, including Zaya Early Learning Centre, Hopscotch Nursery, and Mon Ecole Bilingual Montessori. For older students, Emirates International School provides the IB and British curriculum, while Collegiate American School offers an American syllabus up to Year 12. Horizon International School is another strong option nearby.
University hubs in Knowledge Park, just 11 minutes away, feature leading institutions such as Middlesex University Dubai, The University of Manchester Dubai, and Michigan State University Dubai. This accessibility makes Al Manara suitable for families with children at every educational level.
Hospitals and Clinics in Al Manara
Healthcare is conveniently accessible with HealthBay Polyclinic located between Al Manara and Umm Suqeim. Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, located on Sheikh Zayed Road, offers world-class orthopaedic care, while Medcare Women and Children Hospital is just 10 minutes away in Al Safa 2.
Other nearby facilities include Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital, as well as several clinics and pharmacies on Al Wasl Road. These include Blue Tree Clinics, Osteopathic Health Centre Dubai, and cosmetic clinics such as Dr Kayle Aesthetic Clinic, ensuring residents have comprehensive healthcare choices close to home.
Transport & Connectivity
Al Manara’s strategic location along Sheikh Zayed Road ensures quick and convenient travel across Dubai. The community is well-served by taxis and buses, while nearby metro stations such as Noor Bank and Business Bay are just a short drive away. Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai are under 15 minutes by car, while Dubai International Airport can be reached within 20 minutes.
Families benefit from the ease of commuting, whether for work in central business districts or leisure trips to the beach, malls, or neighbouring communities. Its proximity to Al Wasl Road also provides an alternate route to Jumeirah and other coastal areas.
Future Developments / Real Estate Outlook
Al Manara continues to attract attention as one of Dubai’s premium villa communities. With limited availability and strong demand from families, rental values remain high and stable. The area’s proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road and key lifestyle hubs strengthens its appeal for long-term investment.
Future growth in the area is expected to come through new villa compounds and enhancements to nearby leisure, dining, and retail offerings. Given its exclusivity and focus on luxury villas, Al Manara will likely remain a stronghold for those seeking upscale, family-friendly living in Dubai.
Things to Consider
Al Manara combines the tranquillity of suburban living with quick connectivity to central Dubai. While rental prices are relatively high, families benefit from spacious villas, reputable schools, and healthcare within easy reach. The community is also quieter compared to bustling neighbourhoods, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a peaceful yet well-connected lifestyle.
