Dubai: What it’s like to live in front of a world-famous landmark

Thousands of people descended on Downtown Dubai to watch the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Burj Khalifa on Friday. But those living at The Residences just need to step out of their homes to enjoy the fireworks as their community is located in Downtown Dubai itself.

But it’s not just proximity to the world’s tallest building that makes The Residences unique. The mixed-use luxury development by Emaar offers a dazzling smorgasbord of urban delights that grows richer by the day.

The self-contained community comprises nine towers surrounded by a scenic lake and verdant greens, with the world’s tallest building looming over the skyline.

The towers offer one to three-bedroom apartments, besides luxurious penthouses and villas located around the 30- acre manmade Burj Lake, home to the famous nightly Dubai Fountain.

Anyone who lives at The Residences has a grand view of the Burj Khalifa. And if they take the path along their homes, the walk or run will lead to the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, with walkways lined with illuminated palm trees, impressive hotels, swanky restaurants and quirky cafes.

Of course, you have to fork out a lot of money if you want to become one of the 5,000-odd people already calling The Residences home.

Two-bedroom apartments here range from Dh2.75 to Dh3 million depending on size and layout. Three-bedroom units cost twice as much while a penthouse could set you back by Dh8 million. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is Dh145,000. Three-bedroom units with fountain and Burj Khalifa view fetch upwards of Dh450,000 annually.

Many reckon it’s a small price to pay for one of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods. That explains why several high-net investors focused their interests on properties in Downtown Dubai during the third quarter of 2021, according to the latest Dubai Property Market Report put together by Bayut and dubizzle.

A European couple said they are paying for the convenience of living near a famous landmark, the luxury of having a park and lake nearby, and the exciting vibe of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.

Amber Waheed, board member for Burj Residences and host of the ‘Expats in Dubai’ podcast, said the community is like a second family. “We have a wonderful relationship with the chairman of Emaar and he really cares about the community. He is very approachable; he listens to our needs and takes necessary action where appropriate,” said the British expatriate who has been living here for the past 10 years. Waheed said her favourite moment was watching the Mariah Carey concert at the Burj Park in October 2019. “I always wanted to see her perform but never got the chance until the pop star kicked off the 365-day countdown to Expo 2020. All I had to do was walk down to the Burj Park to see her,” she recalled.

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Another longtime resident said he loves the place because of its many lifestyle amenities. “We have round-the-clock concierge and guest services besides swimming pools, gyms, spa and badminton and squash courts,” he said.

“There is also a barbeque area and courtyard for parties and a multi-functional room which can be used to organise small events,” he said.