Free zone and residential district · Dubai
Za'abeel
A central Bur Dubai district connecting historic Dubai with the city's financial and commercial centres.
- Projects listed
- 2
- From
- AED 1.45M
- Developers
- 2
- Handover
- Dec 2026
Live from the listings on this platform. No yields, returns or forecasts.
Discover Za'abeel
Za'abeel is a central district in Bur Dubai, eastern Dubai, covering approximately 10 square kilometres. It functions as an urban bridge between historic Dubai and modern commercial hubs like Downtown Dubai and DIFC. The area is split into two sub-communities: Za'abeel 1 and Za'abeel 2, bounded by Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Oud Metha Road (E66), and Second Za'abeel Road (D73).
The district developed organically following the establishment of Za'abeel Palace in the 1960s and 1970s. Za'abeel 2 predominantly features low-density royal palaces, private estates, and equestrian grounds. Za'abeel 1 contains private villas alongside contemporary high-rise and branded developments such as One Za'abeel, Address Residences Zabeel, and the DIFC Zabeel District expansion.
There is no single master developer for Za'abeel. Municipal infrastructure is managed by Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), with individual plots and master developments delivered by firms including Ithra Dubai, Emaar Properties, and DIFC Developments.
- Covers approximately 10 square kilometres across Za'abeel 1 and Za'abeel 2
- Gained prominence after the establishment of Za'abeel Palace in the 1960s and 1970s
- Bounded by Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Oud Metha Road (E66), and Second Za'abeel Road (D73)
- Adjacent to Downtown Dubai, DIFC corridor, Al Kifaf, and Dubai World Trade Centre
- Features mixed-use developments by Ithra Dubai, Emaar Properties, and DIFC Developments
Sales activity in Za'abeel
Registered sales per month. Counts and values only, as published; nothing here is a forecast.
Registered sales per monthLatest month: October 2026 · month in progress, to the export date
- Nov 25November 2025: 2 sales
- Dec 25December 2025: 15 sales
- Jan 26January 2026: 1 sale
- Feb 26February 2026: 3 sales
- Mar 26March 2026: 1 sale
- Apr 26April 2026: 98 sales
- May 26May 2026: 1 sale
- Jun 26June 2026: 3 sales
- Jul 26July 2026: 9 sales
- Aug 26August 2026: 5 sales
- Sept 26September 2026: 13 sales
- Oct 26October 2026: 8 sales
- Sales in the last 12 months
- 159
- Total value, 12 months
- AED 761M
- Off-plan share, 12 months
- 88%
- Median price, October 2026
- AED 4.18M
Source: Dubai Land Department open data (registered sales transactions), imported 13 October 2026. Figures are registrations with the land authority, not a forecast, a return or a recommendation.
Why buyers look at Za'abeel
Central connectivity
Direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Oud Metha Road places Downtown Dubai and DIFC within a 5- to 10-minute drive.
Major green spaces
Home to the 50-hectare Zabeel Park, offering walking paths, sports facilities, and a boating lake.
Designated freehold zones
Selected master projects like One Za'abeel and Address Residences Zabeel offer freehold ownership to all nationalities.
Transit accessibility
Close proximity to Dubai Metro Red Line stations including World Trade Centre and Al Jafiliya (Max).
Landmarks and lifestyle
- Parks
- Metro station
- Sports facilities
- Boating lake
- Schools
- Healthcare centre
- Restaurants
- Stadium
Za'abeel Palace
Official residence of Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family, surrounded by private landscaped grounds.
Zabeel Park
A 50-hectare public park featuring landscaped gardens, sports facilities, walking paths, and a boating lake.
Dubai Frame
An observation attraction in Zabeel Park providing panoramic views of historic and modern Dubai.
The Link at One Za'abeel
A horizontal cantilever structure hosting dining concepts, viewing lounges, and infinity pool facilities.
Za'abeel Stadium
A sports stadium with over 8,400 seats that serves as the home venue for Al Wasl FC.
Dubai World Trade Centre & Za'abeel Halls
Major convention and exhibition complex situated along the northwestern boundary of the district.
Zabeel Health Centre
Local primary healthcare facility serving the neighbourhood.
Off-plan projects in Za'abeel
Every published project in the area with its starting price, payment plan and handover.
Homes on file in Za'abeel
By bedroom count, from the unit types of the published projects.
Where Za'abeel sits
Questions buyers ask about Za'abeel
Can foreigners buy freehold property in Za'abeel?
Yes, but only on designated plots and projects. Mixed-use and off-plan towers such as One Za'abeel, Address Residences Zabeel, and The Residences DIFC Zabeel District are designated freehold for all nationalities.
Who is the master developer of Za'abeel?
There is no single master developer for the entire district. Infrastructure is overseen by Dubai Municipality and the RTA, while individual developments are built by developers such as Ithra Dubai, Emaar Properties, and DIFC Developments.
What types of property exist in Za'abeel?
The district contains standalone private villas, royal estates, and modern high-rise buildings offering one- to four-bedroom apartments, branded residences, and duplex penthouses.
Which public transport options serve Za'abeel?
The community is served by Dubai Metro Red Line stations along Sheikh Zayed Road, including World Trade Centre and Al Jafiliya (Max), as well as municipal bus services.
What are the primary road connections to the area?
Za'abeel is directly accessible via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Oud Metha Road (E66), and Second Za'abeel Road (D73).
AIArea profile drafted by Emir AI from public sources and checked by our team on 2026-10-08. Information only, not advice.
Sources (20)
- 1. wikipedia.org
- 2. dubizzle.com
- 3. penthouse.ae
- 4. bayut.com
- 5. metropolitan.realestate
- 6. christiesrealestatedubai.com
- 7. propsearch.ae
- 8. mediaoffice.ae
- 9. tanamiproperties.com
- 10. cavendishmaxwell.com
- 11. goldpillars.ae
- 12. binayah.com
- 13. dxbproperties.ae
- 14. opr.ae
- 15. drivenproperties.com
- 16. landezine.com
- 17. middleeast-energy.com
- 18. luxhabitat.ae
- 19. gaiarealty.ae
- 20. 1newhomes.ae
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