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Al Satwa in Dubai – a guide to a lesser-known district

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Bartosz Jaglarz

Bartosz Jaglarz

1 października 2025

The Al Satwa district in Dubai

Between skyscrapers, busy motorways and palm-lined beaches lies Al Satwa, one of Dubai's oldest districts, famous for its landscape that has remained unchanged for many years, delicious and inexpensive restaurants, and local shops. Today, let's explore these non-touristy places in Dubai where you can feel the true atmosphere of the city. Al Satwa Dubai guide – we invite you to read on.

Discover the Al Satwa district in Dubai

Al Satwa is one of the oldest districts in Dubai. It is here, between skyscrapers and sandy beaches, that the authentic Dubai lives – full of bustling streets, shops and traders, restaurants serving Arabic, Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and traditional karak tea at every turn. Why is Al Satwa called the lesser-known district of Dubai? Because not many tourists come here, and local life in Al Satwa Dubai is the ordinary, everyday life of the local population and the authentic atmosphere of a city untouched by the frenzied development of the rest of the city.

Old Dubai and its guide will show you all the most popular attractions of the old part of the city. The Al Satwa district will make you feel the atmosphere of old Dubai without the popular tourist attractions. Low-rise buildings, affordable shops and delicious street food are the hallmarks of this place. Let's take a closer look at one of the oldest districts of Dubai, Al Satwa.

Attractions in the Al Satwa district

What attractions are there in the Al Satwa area? It is not a district famous for its captivating tourist attractions, but that does not mean there is nothing to do or see here. What to see in Al Satwa as a tourist? Definitely take a walk along the main street, 2nd December. Some of the best street food places in the city, a variety of shops selling clothes, household appliances and local art – all on one street. On Al Hudaiba Road, you will find dozens of florists and plant shops. You can relax in Al Satwa Park or Al Khazzan Park. The rest of the district consists of residential buildings and local services for residents. Interestingly, you will hear many languages spoken in the Philippines here, as Al Satwa is called Little Manila in Dubai and boasts the largest percentage of Filipino population in the city.

Al Satwa Dubai attractions: if, in addition to visiting the most important points of the district, you are looking for a place to plan your holiday, take advantage of our offer of attractions in Dubai or purchase a trip to Dubai with accommodation, excursions and insurance included in the price.

Restaurants and shops in Al Satwa

Is Al Satwa a good neighbourhood for shopping and eating? It is one of the best places in the city for such activities! Want to shop cheaply in Dubai? Do it in the Al Satwa neighbourhood – here you can buy inexpensive and good quality clothes, fabrics, souvenirs and even household products. It is the best place in Dubai for shopping in drugstores. What about food in Al Satwa? Can you eat well here? Yes, the street food and cuisine in Al Satwa are among the best in Dubai. You can eat cheap and tasty Arabic, Indian and Filipino dishes here, as well as drink delicious coffee in local cafés. What are the best restaurants in Al Satwa? The highest-rated restaurants are: BEST MAZA RESTAURANT B1 with oriental food, Arhan Restaurant with Pakistani cuisine, مطعم شاورما البرنس with Arabic cuisine and Kusina Natin To - Satwa with Filipino cuisine.

Accommodation in the Al Satwa district

Which district is the best place to stay in Dubai? We definitely recommend Dubai Marina and accommodation in Dubai in private apartments of the highest standard. You can also choose to stay in a less touristy area. Is Al Satwa a good place to stay in Dubai? Yes, the Al Satwa district in Dubai is a good and inexpensive place to stay during your holiday. You can find really good hotels here at budget prices, and the closer the accommodation is to the metro, the better. Additionally, by booking a hotel in the Al Satwa district, you can feel like a local in Dubai and experience the real life of the city.

How to get to the Al Satwa district in Dubai?

Are you planning to visit the off-the-beaten-track districts of Dubai? The easiest way to get to the Al Satwa district in Dubai is by metro. Al Satwa is located right next to Sheikh Zayed Road and the red metro line that runs along it. You can get off at Emirates Tower Metro Station or World Trade Centre Metro Station, and after a few minutes' walk from the station, you will find yourself in Al Satwa. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or hire a car. The taxi journey from Dubai Marina to the Al Satwa district takes about 20-30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ):

  • Where is the Al Satwa district in Dubai?

The Al Satwa district is located in the central part of Dubai, between the beaches of the Jumeirah district and the skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road. Al Satwa is close to the metro station, which makes it easy to get to the district and explore it.

  • What is worth seeing in Al Satwa?

Despite the lack of typical tourist attractions, Al Satwa offers an authentic experience, ideal for getting to know local life. It is worth taking a walk along 2nd December Street, known for its best street food and diverse shops. This district, known as ‘Little Manila’, also surprises with its large number of flower shops and parks, such as Al Satwa Park, where you can relax.

  • Is Al Satwa a safe place for tourists?

Yes, the Al Satwa district is a very safe place for visitors. The same is true of Dubai, which has been named one of the safest cities in the world several times.