Community Guide: Dubai Design District (D3)

Dubai Design District, or D3, as commonly referred to, is fast becoming the epicenter of social activities in Dubai. The vibrant neighborhood is a place for all the innovators and abstract thinkers to converge and give birth to revolutionary ideas. Because of its uniqueness, the district is also used extensively for concerts, art shows, and cultural exhibitions.

1. Community Overview

The idea of D3 was conceived when Dubai’s real estate was booming - the concept was to develop a community that centers on creative expression and multi-cultural activities. Situated relatively on the fringes of Dubai, the district is divided into three phases. The first phase was developed and unveiled in 2015; featuring 11 mid-rise buildings with more than 1000 office and 100 retail units.

2. Amenities

Supermarkets:

Since Phase 1 is fully developed, all the basic necessities are available nearby. For groceries, the All Day Gourmet in Building 1 can be reached easily. The minimart carries all essential everyday items in stock. A little further down Business Bay and Downtown, one can shop at F Mart at DAMAC Towers, West Zone Fresh Supermarket at Fairview Residency, and Spinneys at West South Ridge, Business Bay.

Education:

It comes as no surprise that D3 is home to Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation; offering Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree. The program is meticulously designed to include workshops and hands-on learning to enable students to carve their own path. The university is located in Building 4. In Building 2, is Blossom Nursery, which is highly rated in Dubai. The nursery is convenient for parents to drop their kids on their way to work and pick them up in the afternoon. What’s unique about this nursery is that it appoints qualified nurses and pediatricians to help kids learn the fundamental aspects of life and education.

Healthcare:

D3 is surrounded by international standard healthcare facilities. Most of the healthcare centers are reachable in 10-15 minutes. Emirates Hospital and Clinic is capable of taking cases related cardiology, dermatology, dentistry, ENT, obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, physiotherapy, pediatrics, and general medicine.

3. The Neighborhood

Properties in Dubai Design District

Designated as a free zone, D3 offers extremely favorable business environment. D3 enjoys all the perks of a free zone; including full ownership of the company, and 100% repatriation of capital and profits. This is in line with Dubai government’s initiative to welcome and retain talent.

As far as properties are concerned, they are divided into co-working spaces, showrooms and retail outlets. The buildings that are completely furnished offer ultra-modern facilities; such as, high speed internet connectivity, exquisite options in the pantry, and sophisticated interior décor. The offices are available to companies as a whole or as co-working spaces. The latter in particular are ideal for freelancers working in design, fashion or DIY.

4. Connectivity

There are no metro stations that operate out of the area, but Dubai Design District does have a designated bus stop, which serves routes D03 and D03A. Getting on these buses take you to Dubai Mall as well as the surrounding metro stations.