Al Thanyah First Area Guide
Al Thanyah First is a mixed-use neighborhood located in west Dubai. It is located along Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite to Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowledge Park. Offices sit alongside residential towers, serviced apartments, and hotels, offering a steady weekday rhythm and a reliable tenant base.
Apartments are the standard here, from compact studios to spacious multi-bedroom layouts. The district is a good option for those who want to live close to their workplace, with a metro station next door and daily necessities around.
This guide has details of location, rents, sale prices, transport links, and nearby places. It helps you decide whether Al Thanyah works for you as a home or as an investment.
Al Thanyah Quick Overview
Below is a snapshot of Al Thanyah First. It is still called Barsha Heights or TECOM by most residents and agents.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Area Type | Mixed-use residential and commercial district |
Location | Western Dubai, along Sheikh Zayed Road, between The Greens and Al Barsha |
Property Types | Apartments, hotel apartments, and serviced residences |
Popular With | Young professionals, tenants working in the nearby tech and media zones, and investors |
Nearby Communities | The Greens, The Views, Al Barsha, Al Sufouh, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Marina |
Major Roads | Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Al Khail Road (E44), Hessa Street (D61), First Al Khail Street |
Nearest Metro | Dubai Internet City Metro Station (Red Line) |
Schools Nearby | GEMS Dubai American Academy, American School of Dubai, Dubai Heights Academy |
Healthcare Nearby | Aster Clinic, Prime Medical Center, Saudi German Hospital, Al Zahra Hospital |
Property Market | Apartment-led. Studios start from around AED 650,000; one-bedroom sells for roughly AED 1.1 million and two-bedrooms for roughly AED 1.3 million to AED 1.6 million |
Best For | Professionals and investors who want metro access, a short commute to Internet City and Media City, and an apartment-focused market |
Where is Al Thanyah First Located?
Al Thanyah First is in west Dubai, around two kilometers inland from Palm Jumeirah. It is located between The Greens and Al Barsha and is bounded by Sheikh Zayed Road, Hessa Street, and First Al Khail Street.
The district is adjacent to the Dubai Internet City Metro Station on Sheikh Zayed Road. Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Knowledge Park are on the opposite side of the highway.
Nearby communities include The Greens, The Views, Al Barsha, and Al Sufouh Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, which are just a short drive away.
Why Live in Al Thanyah First?
The district appeals to those who want to live close to work and keep daily errands simple. This convenience is the main reason people choose to live in Al Thanyah First.
- Just across Sheikh Zayed Road, there is Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Knowledge Park
- There are a lot of serviced and hotel apartments, from studios to larger apartments
- The district is home to supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, gyms, cafes, and restaurants
- Sheikh Zayed Road and First Al Khail Street provide direct routes to Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Downtown Dubai
- A short drive will take you to GEMS Dubai American Academy and other highly regarded schools
Driven Properties has recently partnered with GEMS, offering exclusive benefits to families who have chosen GEMS as their preferred educational destination.
Who Would Enjoy Al Thanyah First Area?
That combination of offices, apartments, and transport connections makes it perfect for the below groups.
- Professionals and first-time buyers: Studios and one-bedroom apartments place Internet City and Media City within easy reach, and the metro covers longer commutes. Entry prices are lower than for larger family homes.
- Families: Those who prefer apartment living can choose from two and three-bedroom layouts. GEMS Dubai American Academy, the American School of Dubai, and Dubai Heights Academy are all nearby.
- Property investors: Steady tenant demand from the surrounding business zones and a range of sizes give investors flexibility. Studios and one-bedroom apartments make up most of the rental stock.
- Car-light residents: With a metro station, supermarkets, clinics, and gyms close together, they can meet many daily needs on foot.
Detailed Features of Al Thanyah First
Hotels Near Al Thanyah First
- Address Creek Harbour: upscale waterfront option
- Vida Creek Harbour: serviced mid-range hotel
- Palace Hotel: hotel adjacent to Creek Harbour promenade
Malls Near Al Thanyah First
- Dubai Festival City Mall: a large retail, cinema and dining complex
- Creek Harbour Boulevard: mixed retail strip within the community
- Mall of the Emirates: comprehensive shopping destination ~20 min away
Beaches Accessible from Al Thanyah First
- Jumeirah Open Beach: ~18.7 km
- Kite Beach: ~19.9 km
- Al Mamzar Beach: ~22.4 km
Things To Do in Al Thanyah First Area
- Creek Harbour Boardwalk: promenade with skyline views
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: nearby flamingo habitat
- Creek Marina Yacht Club: waterside cafés and leisure
- Dubai Frame: iconic landmark at ~10 min drive
- Downtown Dubai: access to shopping, dining and nightlife
Transport & Connectivity in Al Thanyah First
Connectivity is one of the district’s strongest assets. Here’s how locals get around.
- Metro: Dubai Internet City Metro Station is located on Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Thanyah First and Dubai Internet City. It’s on the Red Line, which links residents to Dubai Marina, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai International Airport.
- Bus: The district is served by bus routes such as the F36 to Mall of the Emirates and the 84 to Al Quoz and JBR. Feeder services also link the metro station with nearby communities such as The Greens.
- Driving: Residents enjoy direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road and 1st of Al Khail Street. The second is a viable alternative if Sheikh Zayed Road is congested. Dubai Marina is around 12-15 minutes away, and Palm Jumeirah is around 9 minutes away.
- Major Roads: The district is bounded by Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) to the west and Hessa Street (D61) to the north. Al Khail Road (E44) borders the east side of the site, and First Al Khail Street borders the south side.
- Airport Access: Al Thanyah First It is 22 to 25 minutes away by car or 40 to 45 minutes by metro from Dubai International Airport. Al Maktoum International Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive away.
Nearby Areas & Key Destinations
Most of Dubai’s major business and leisure attractions are within a 25-minute drive. The table below shows approximate drive times from Al Thanyah First.
Destination | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|
Nearest major business district (Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City) | Under 10 minutes |
Nearest mall (Mall of the Emirates) | 8 to 10 minutes |
Downtown Dubai | 16 to 25 minutes |
Dubai Marina | 12 to 15 minutes |
DIFC | 15 to 20 minutes |
DXB | 22 to 25 minutes |
Drive times are estimates and will vary with traffic conditions, particularly during rush hour.
Education Near Al Thanyah First
Nurseries Al Thanyah First
- Blossom Nursery: 6.3 km
- Jumeirah International Nursery: 7.4 km
- Cambridgeshire Nursery: 8.5 km
Primary & Secondary Schools Al Thanyah First
- Swiss International Scientific School: 5.2 km
- GEMS Winchester School: 9.8 km
- Dubai English Speaking School: 10.4 km
- Hartland International School: 7.8 km
Universities Al Thanyah First
- University of Dubai: 10.9 km
- Al Ghurair University: 11.7 km
- Zayed University: 17.6 km
Healthcare Facilities in Al Thanyah First
- Nadd Al Hamar Health Centre: 7.1 km
- Mediclinic City Hospital: 9.3 km
- Emirates Speciality Hospital: 10.2 km
- American Hospital Dubai: 11.5 km
- Aster Clinic Al Jaddaf: 8.8 km
Average Rent in Al Thanyah First
Al Thanyah First rents differ between buildings, floors, views, and furnishing. The table below lists typical yearly rents for apartments in the district.
Property Type | Average Annual Rent |
|---|---|
Studio | AED 65,000 to AED 70,000 |
1 Bedroom | AED 73,000 to AED 83,000 |
2 Bedrooms | AED 100,000 to AED 115,000 |
3 Bedrooms | Around AED 180,000 |
Data from registered rental contracts in the last year shows a median of around AED 78,500 per year across all apartment sizes. Some buildings include the cooling charges in the rent, and some charge separately, so it is a good idea to look at the full annual cost rather than just the headline figure.
Average Property Prices in Al Thanyah First
The sale price depends on the building, unit size, and view. The table below sets out typical figures based on recent registered transactions.
Property Type | Average Sale Price | Average Price/sq. ft. |
|---|---|---|
1 Bedroom | Around AED 1.1 million to AED 1.2 million | Around AED 1,500 to AED 1,570 |
2 Bedrooms | Around AED 1.3 million to AED 1.6 million | Around AED 1,000 to AED 1,240 |
3 Bedrooms | Limited availability, varies by building | Varies by building |
Villas | Not available in the area | Not applicable |
The gross rental yields on apartments are about 6% to 8% based on the ranges of rent and prices shown above. Service charges and periods of vacancy will reduce these figures, so compare buildings before you buy.
Is Al Thanyah First a Good Place to Live?
Al Thanyah First is ideal for those who prefer convenience over space. The district offers metro access, is only a short commute from Internet City and Media City, and has most daily necessities.
It's good to know the trade-offs. This is a practical area, more than a leisure one, and bigger malls like Mall of the Emirates are 8 to 10 minutes' drive away. Sheikh Zayed Road can also require longer journeys during peak hours.
It’s a strong option for professionals, couples, and investors looking for an apartment in a well-connected location. If you are looking for a villa or large garden, you may find better options in the neighboring communities.
Future Plans for Al Thanyah First Area
Al Thanyah First is set to expand with several off-plan developments, including Albero, Altan, Creek Palace, Mangrove, and Creek Rise. These projects will introduce a range of one to three-bedroom apartments, with design plans focused on modern amenities and integrated green spaces. Future enhancements include wider walkways, landscaped areas, and improved retail and leisure facilities. The area’s master planning also supports improved internal road connectivity and access to surrounding transit links. With its central location, upcoming infrastructure, and growing range of properties, Al Thanyah First is expected to appeal to both end-users and investors seeking urban convenience and mid-market housing options.