Dubai's Meydan City: A perfect meeting place of modernity and serenity

Photos by Neeraj Murali

Residential areas in Meydan City are among the favourite among Dubai expats because of its strategic location as it gives them quick access to several other key communities and main highways in the emirate.
There are several residential areas inside Meydan, including The Polo Residences, The Polo Townhouses, Meydan Avenue, Millennium Estates and Meydan Heights.
The buildings are close to the Meydan Hotel and the Meydan Racecourse, two very popular locations.
Fadel Ahmad, a marketing manager who has been living at The Polo Residences for two years, said: "It's a central location with easy access to Dubai's major highways, big Spinneys within walking distance, free gym and pool facilities and plenty of parking for residents and guests. It's a safe and peaceful neighbourhood as majority of residents are families.
"There is a French school that's in a walking distance. Also, a pharmacy, hair salon for both genders, exchange centre and a coffee shop are on the way. There is a gym with a coffee shop and a pool with a nice view of the majlis garden. Meydan hotel is also within a 10-minute walking distance, with many facilities and restaurants."
Though, Fadel believes there are a few things that need improvement. He said: "A big park needs to be built behind the Spinneys, which is being planned. The sand patches need to be covered with greenery or beautified."
He added that the rents are "average" for an apartment with a central location, but "can be considered high" as compared to apartments that are further away from the centre.
Rent adverts on Propertyfinder.ae show that a two-bedroom apartment, 1,877sqft in size, in Meydan's Residence 1 is going for Dh100,000 per year. Rents at The Polo Residences range from Dh60,000 to Dh110,000 for one bedrooms to two bedrooms.
Maxine Braddock, an executive personal assistant, has been living in The Polo Residences for the past couple of months. She said her neighbourhood is "modern and low rise", which she finds attractive.
She strongly believes, though, that the area is better suited for business professionals and not families due to the lack of parks and schools nearby.
"Best thing about living here is that it is quiet and peaceful, but only seven minutes into the hustle and bustle of Downtown," she said.
Meanwhile, another expat, Lynn Zeng, is thinking about buying property here. Like the others, she's also impressed with the location of the neighbourhood within Dubai.
"Compared with other areas in Dubai, for example Marina or Creek Harbour, Meydan has the best advantage, with two highways connected," Zeng said. "It's 15 minutes going to every major area - Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha and Silicon Oasis. Secondly, the future development, not only the Meydan Mall, but also the area of D1 will bring a huge development in this area. Meydan Hotel and the stadium can also be considered an added value."
Meydan City
>Location: Alongside Ras Al Khor and Dubai-Al Ain road
>History: Meydan was established in 2007 and the name 'Meydan' translates to 'meeting place' in English
>Residential communities: There are several available, including The Polo Residences, The Polo Townhouses, Meydan Avenue, Millennium Estates and Meydan Heights.
>Major attraction: Some of these communities are very close to the Meydan Racecourse, where the Dubai World Cup is hosted every year.
 
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com