ABOUT AL RAFFA
Al Raffa is a mixed-use community in Bur Dubai featuring low to mid-rise apartment buildings, shops, and offices. The area borders Al Mankhool to the east, Al Mina to the west, Al Fahidi to the north, and Al Hudaiba to the south.
Dubai Al Raffa is largely residential and known for its bustling shopping scene. It is home to the Al Khaleej Center — popular for electronics — and the Baqer Mohebi Supermarket. The New Gold Souk Center also draws residents and visitors looking for gold and diamond jewellery. The neighbourhood is lined with affordable hotels, traditional Arabic cafés, and South Asian restaurants, giving it a vibrant multicultural feel.
IN A NUTSHELL
- A sub-community in Bur Dubai
- Properties include apartments, offices, and shops
- One of the popular residential areas for renting in Bur Dubai
- Close to Dubai Museum and other cultural attractions
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
The highlights of Al Raffa Dubai include:
- Affordable accommodation options
- Family-friendly amenities
- Close proximity to metro and bus stops
Accommodation in Al Raffa is mainly apartment-based, offering budget-friendly studios to spacious 3-bedroom units. The community is well-connected through public transport and surrounded by essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, gyms, and malls. Al Khaleej Shopping Centre and several retail outlets enhance the area’s convenience.
PROPERTIES IN AL RAFFA BUR DUBAI
Residential properties in Al Raffa consist mainly of apartments, ranging from studios and 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom units. Most buildings offer high-quality finishes, security, and essential amenities.
Commercial properties include shops and offices for rent, typically spanning 500 sq. ft. to 1,250 sq. ft. Offices feature CCTV surveillance, balconies, and basic utilities such as broadband internet and intercom systems. Shops range from 250 sq. ft. to 11,000 sq. ft., suitable for retail or service-based businesses.
RENTAL TRENDS IN AL RAFFA
- Studio Apartments: AED 42,000 – 48,000
- 1-Bedroom Apartments: AED 70,000 – 78,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartments: AED 95,000 – 105,000
- 3-Bedroom Apartments: AED 120,000 – 135,000
Rental prices in Al Raffa are considered reasonable for Bur Dubai, especially given its proximity to major attractions and the central business district.
SALE TRENDS IN AL RAFFA DUBAI
- Apartments for sale in Al Raffa come in studio to 2-bedroom layouts, typically priced between AED 750,000 and AED 950,000.
- Residential buildings spanning around 222,000 sq. ft. are occasionally available for investment.
- Investors can also find offices and shops for sale within mixed-use developments.
Given its established location, Al Raffa remains a stable investment option in Bur Dubai’s property market.
POPULAR BUILDINGS IN AL RAFFA
Some of the most well-known buildings in Al Raffa include:
- Al Khaleej Center – a popular shopping and commercial complex with retail and office spaces.
- Al Rais Building – mixed-use building with apartments and clinics.
- Rolla Residence – offering furnished apartments with hotel-style amenities.
- Ramee Guestline Hotel Apartments – ideal for short-term rentals and serviced stays.
These developments cater to both long-term residents and visitors seeking affordable accommodation options in central Dubai.
TRANSPORT AND CONNECTIVITY
- Metro Access: Al Fahidi Metro Station and ADCB Metro Station are the nearest options, both within 5–10 minutes.
- Bus Links: Multiple RTA bus routes connect Al Raffa to Al Karama, Satwa, and BurJuman.
- Main Roads: The community provides quick access to Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Mina Road, and Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street.
- Travel Convenience: Dubai International Airport is approximately 15 minutes away by car.
MOSQUES IN AL RAFFA BUR DUBAI
Residents have several mosques nearby:
- Ibrahim Khaleel Masjid
- Sultan Hassan Belshalat Masjid
Both are within a 3–5-minute drive from the community.
OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP NEAR AL RAFFA
A 14-minute drive to Oud Metha leads to several churches, including St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Bible Baptist Church Dubai, Coptic Church, and Holy Trinity Church.
For Hindu residents, Bur Dubai temples such as Shiva Temple, Shiridi Sai Baba Mandir, Shree Krishna Haveli, ShrinathJi Temple, and Sindhi Gurdarbar are located within 10–12 minutes.
SCHOOLS IN AL RAFFA BUR DUBAI
Nurseries
- Little Diamond Nursery, Al Raffa Residences, Al Mina Road – offers EYFS curriculum in English and Arabic.
Schools
- New Academy School – American curriculum (K–12)
- Ambassador School – CISCE curriculum, located in Al Mankhool (7 minutes away)
- Poundsville Model School Dubai – Al Hudaiba (9 minutes away)
Higher Education
- Al Wasl University, Zabeel Road, Al Karama – 11 minutes away.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS NEAR AL RAFFA
- Vida Clinics, Al Rais Shopping Center – Al Rolla Road
- Kaul Clinic, Al Rais Building, Al Mankhool Road
- Oxford Medical Center Dubai UAE, Al Rais Building
- Aster Hospital, near Sharaf DG – Mankhool
- International Modern Hospital, Port Rashid Road – Al Mankhool
These facilities cover a wide range of specialties from dental to emergency care.
MALLS IN AL RAFFA BUR DUBAI
Residents enjoy convenient shopping at:
- Al Khaleej Center
- Al Rais Shopping Centre
- The New Gold Souk Building Center
- Al Musallah Mall
- BurJuman Mall
Each offers a mix of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS / REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK
Al Raffa is one of Bur Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods, and while major new developments are limited due to its established status, several refurbishment and redevelopment projects are planned to modernize older buildings.
The area’s location between the historic district and the Dubai Creek redevelopment zone will continue to boost its investment potential, especially for rental income. Improved public infrastructure, upgraded roads, and the proximity to future attractions along the Creek and Mina Rashid waterfront will sustain Al Raffa’s appeal as a budget-friendly central Dubai community.
Property values are expected to show steady growth, driven by the demand for affordable housing close to the city centre and cultural landmarks.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Al Raffa offers a lively, family-friendly lifestyle with plenty of amenities, shopping centres, and restaurants. However, being centrally located in Bur Dubai, traffic congestion and limited parking can occasionally pose challenges, especially during peak hours.
