Why did you choose this neighbourhood initially?

It’s close proximity to my husband’s work and the fantastic location; it’s in the heart of Dubai!

Is your neighbourhood fully developed?

It’s pretty much fully developed, but there are more apartment buildings being developed and the new Opera House is on the door step.

Please provide a brief description of the playground facilities and parks in your neighbourhood?

The Old Town has several community playgrounds. There is also large expanses of grassed areas in the nearby parks, Burj Park and the Southridge park and playground. We also have the Dubai slide and my secret little playground in between the Old Town Islands and The Address Downtown (though now it won’t be a secret any more!) It’s also fun scootering up and down The Boulevard and visiting the Dubai Fountains in the evening (a picnic dinner while watching the fountains is our favourite). The Dubai Trolley (free!) is also a hit with my kids.

Describe the communal facilities in your neighbourhood (pool and gyms etc).

Our complex has several private resort style pools and Fitness First, Fly Wheel and several yoga/Pilates studios are located close by too.

Have you found it easy to meet mums in your neighbourhood?

Very easy! I have met some wonderful friends just by visiting the pool or our local cafe. There are also many organised groups in the area.

What are the names of the closest and most recommended schools and nurseries to your neighbourhood?

Blossom Nursery in Downtown is recommended by many of my friends. We go to school further afield but it is a very easy and quick commute.

What are the names of the closest and most recommended supermarkets to your neighbourhood?

Several smaller Spinneys are dotted around and there is a Carrefour Market at Burj Views. Waitrose in Dubai Mall is walking distance for me too.

What are the names of your closest and most recommended local restaurants to your neighbourhood?

Too many to choose from!! Toko at Vida Hotel and  La Serre are my favourites for a special night out and they are 2 minutes walk from me. We also go to Nessaussi at Al Manzil for a casual meal too. There is plenty to chose from with The Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar and so many hotels close by as well as Disc restaurants a quick cab ride away too. Baker and Spice are a firm favourite of ours for a coffee and pastry or delicious meal (they are in Souk Al Manzil and Souk Al Bahar)

What are the names of the closest and most recommended clinics and hospitals to your neighbourhood?

Mediclinic at Dubai Mall is well known. Healthcare City is 10 minutes drive away too.

How long does it take you on average to reach the Mall of the Emirates?

10-15 Min

How long does it take you on average to reach the nearest beach from your neighbourhood?

10-15 Min

How long does it take you on average to reach Dubai International Airport?

10-15 Min

How far away is your nearest metro station?

1 Km

How far away is your nearest bus stop?

1 Km

What is the traffic like during rush hours out of and into your neighbourhood?

It can be quite congested, particularly on The Boulevard. However, we are lucky with our apartment location and can avoid The Boulevard completely.

Can taxis easily find your neighbourhood?

Yes

What are the 3 best things about living in your neighbourhood?

Location, Access to so many wonderful activities (mall, fountain, slide, trolley, Burj Khalifa) and the walkability to everywhere nearby.

What are the 3 worst things about living in your neighbourhood?:

Apartment living means no garden or yard for the kids to play in, traffic at times, living in an apartment means smaller spaces which can feel confined with kids.