Ready to dive into one of Dubai’s most vibrant hidden gems? Even though Satwa does not have the glitz of Downtown, this buzzing neighbourhood has personality and quirky finds at every corner. From legendary shawarma spots to bargain-hunting in tiny shops, a day in Satwa is anything but ordinary. Buckle up and keep reading to know more.
Shopping In Satwa
To experience Satwa’s old-world charm, explore on foot. The neighbourhood’s narrow lanes and bustling streets were designed for pedestrians, as you discover hidden gems at every turn. Stroll through these iconic streets to travel back in time to old Dubai:
1. Hudaiba Street (Plant Street)
Al Hudaiba Street is Satwa’s green paradise, lined with a range of plants, from budget succulents to towering palms. This lane is also where you’ll find tailors stitching affordable outfits, aromatic perfumeries, and hidden bakeries serving sweet ensaymada. The adjacent blocks buzz with fabric shops, Persian carpet dealers, and legendary shawarma spots like Automatic Restaurant. Hunting for houseplants or just soaking up local atmosphere? Plant Street delivers an authentic multicultural charm at every turn.
2. 2nd December Street
2nd December Street (Al Diyafah) is the heart of Satwa’s old-school shopping scene, offering a refreshingly authentic Dubai experience. This lively strip is packed with wallet-friendly finds – from textiles, jalabiyas, and spices to perfumes, books, and quirky trinkets. Beyond the bazaar vibe, you’ll find Iranian cafés, sizzling kebab joints like Sadaf Restaurant, and skilled tailors for custom outfits. Evenings buzz with locals browsing fabric shops and grabbing shawarma under retro neon signs. For a mall alternative, tiny Al Ghazal Mall provides basics. A true slice of multicultural Dubai, where the city’s working-class spirit shines.
3. Satwa Souk
Satwa Souk is Dubai’s vibrant open-air market where the city’s multicultural energy thrives. These bustling narrow alleys offer an authentic shopping experience, from custom-tailored outfits to fragrant spice stalls and bargain textiles. By day, haggle for Persian carpets; by evening, join locals grabbing sizzling shawarma and karak chai under twinkling market lights. This is a living piece of old Dubai, where tailors, spice merchants, and food vendors keep the city’s spirit alive.
Location: 72 – 88 4A St – Dubai
Timings: Every day from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4. Satwa Fabric Market
Satwa Fabric Market is Dubai’s vibrant textile hub, where rolls of silk, cotton, and lace spill onto bustling sidewalks. This budget-friendly bazaar offers fabrics from just AED 5 per meter, and tailoring-skilled craftsmen who stitch outfits in 24 hours. The air hums with sewing machines as generations-old shops recreate designer looks for a fraction of mall prices. A colourful, multicultural corner of old Dubai that’s resisted the city’s glitzier transformations.
- Location: Al Bada’a – Dubai
- Timings: Saturday – Thursday – 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM; Friday – 3:30 PM – 10:30 PM
5. Al Ghazal Mall
Al Ghazal Mall is a humble, no-frills shopping centre that offers a refreshing contrast to Dubai’s glitzy mega-malls. This compact local favourite packs in all the essentials. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in authentic neighbourhood charm, being a convenient pit stop for residents. The mall’s straightforward, old-school vibe takes you back to a simpler era of Dubai shopping. While you won’t find luxury brands here, you’ll discover practical bargains and a glimpse of everyday local life.
- Location: Al Bada’a – Dubai
- Timings: Every day from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Dining In Satwa
Here are some classy old restaurants you can try out while taking a break and recharging yourself.
1. Ravi Restaurant
Ravi Restaurant in Satwa is a Dubai restaurant that has been dishing out bold, no-nonsense Pakistani flavours since 1978. This simple eatery is where you’ll find the most addictive curries, kebabs, and spiced karak chai – at prices that seem frozen in time. The chicken kadhai arrives bubbling in a cast-iron pan, and the buttery garlic naan is famously irresistible. With its fluorescent lighting, plastic chairs, and 24/7 service, Ravi offers zero ambience but maximum flavour.
- Location: 8 9th St – Al Satwa – Dubai
- Timings: Every day from 5:00 AM TO 2:00 AM
- Contact: +971 4 331 5353
For more information, visit Ravi Restaurant’s Instagram.
2. Moonrise
Moonrise Café is a gem that blends bohemian charm with Middle Eastern flavours, offering a cosy escape from Dubai’s hustle. This artsy, plant-filled space serves creative takes on Levantine cuisine, from za’atar-spiced manakish to rosewater-infused desserts. By day, it’s a sunlit spot for speciality coffee and working remotely; by night, the twinkling fairy lights and shisha terrace attract a laid-back crowd. The café stands out for its commitment to local art – rotating exhibitions adorn the walls, and live acoustic nights add to its eclectic vibe.
- Location: Eden House – Al Satwa – Dubai
- Timings: Tuesday – Saturday – 6:00 PM – 11:59 PM, Sunday – Monday – Closed
- Contact: +971 50 697 2946
For more information, visit Moonrise’s website.
3. Al Baik
Al Baik brings Dubai’s favourite fried chicken craze to one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. This unassuming branch of the legendary Saudi fast-food chain serves up the same famous golden-brown broasted chicken that has inspired cult-like devotion across the Gulf. While smaller than some locations, the Satwa outlet delivers those iconic crispy, juicy flavours at unbeatable prices, with meals starting under AED 20.
- Location: 37 Al Diyafah Street – Al Hudaiba – Dubai
- Timings: Every day from 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM
- Contact: +971 56 500 5324
For more information, visit Al Baik’s website.
4. Panadero Pastry Shop
Panadero Pastry Shop is a hidden gem bringing a taste of Manila to Dubai’s vibrant streets. This cosy bakery is a beloved spot among the local Filipino community and adventurous foodies, offering freshly baked classics like ensaymada (soft, buttery buns topped with cheese), pandesal (crusty breakfast rolls), and ube halaya (purple yam jam). The aroma of warm bread and sweet pastries fills the air, making it impossible to leave without a box of treats.
- Location: 23 – Al Bada’a – Dubai
- Timings: Every day from 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Contact: +971 4 458 0515
For more information, visit Panadero Pastry’s website.
5. Za Za Slice
ZaZa Slice serves up authentic New York-style pizza with that perfect thin-yet-chewy crust locals crave. The no-frills spot buzzes with energy as pizzaiolos hand-toss dough behind the counter, crafting everything from classic pepperoni (with those iconic crispy curled edges) to creative weekly specials. Generous with toppings and melted mozzarella, each foldable slice delivers big flavour at small prices – most under AED 15.
- Location: Za Za Slice Satwa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Timings: Sunday – Thursday – 1:00 PM-1:00 AM; Friday-Saturday – 1:00 PM-4:00 AM
- Contact: +971 4 337 6679
For more information, visit ZaZa Slice’s website.
Staying In Satwa
For travellers who prioritise location and local culture over luxury, Satwa’s hotels offer a genuine and budget-friendly taste of the city. Here are some hotels you could look at:
1. Royal Ascot Hotel
A no-frills favourite in the heart of old Dubai, Royal Ascot Hotel offers comfortable accommodations without the luxury price tag. While the decor feels slightly dated, this hotel delivers where it counts – clean rooms, friendly service, and an unbeatable location for exploring Satwa’s vibrant streets.
- Location: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd – BUR DUBAI – Dubai
- Contact: +971 4 508 8333
For more information, visit the Royal Ascot website.
2. Emirates Grand Hotel
Located on the edge of vibrant Satwa, Emirates Grand Hotel offers a comfortable mid-range stay with surprisingly good amenities for its price point. While not a luxury property, it delivers clean, modern accommodations with easy access to both old and new Dubai.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 1 – Dubai
- Contact: +971 4 541 6355
For more information, visit the Emirates Grand website.
3. Al Khoory Executive Hotel
A modern 3-star hotel in the lively Al Wasl area, Al Khoory Executive Hotel offers clean, comfortable accommodations with easy access to both business hubs and tourist attractions. While not luxurious, it delivers reliable service and good value in a central location.
- Location: Opposite Iranian Hospital – Al Wasl Rd – Dubai
- Contact: +971 4 376 5999
For more information, visit Al Khoory Executive’s website.
4. Ibis Styles Jumeirah
A fresh take on affordable accommodation, ibis Styles Jumeirah combines playful design with practical comforts, just minutes from Dubai’s top attractions. Part of the Accor group, this 3-star hotel delivers bright, modern rooms and a fun atmosphere at wallet-friendly prices.
- Location: Al Mina Road – 2nd December St – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai
- Contact: +971 4 327 7001
For more information, visit the Ibis Styles Jumeirah website.
5. Chelsea Plaza Hotel
Chelsea Plaza Hotel is a practical budget stay near Satwa, offering clean rooms with reliable amenities like a rooftop pool and a 24-hour café. Its real advantage is location – just minutes from Satwa’s famous tailors and curry joints, and a short taxi ride to Downtown. No frills, but perfect for travellers who prioritise exploring over luxury.
- Location: Satwa Roundabout – Al Jaffiliya – Dubai
- Contact: +971 4 398 2222
For more information, visit the Chelsea Plaza website.
Attractions in Al Satwa
1. Al Khazzan Park
Al Khazzan Park is Satwa’s little green sanctuary, a quiet escape where you can take a breather from the neighbourhood’s buzzing streets. Though small, this park offers shady trees, open lawns, and a playground for kids, making it a perfect pit stop between shopping and eating your way through Satwa. Locals love it for its relaxed vibe, and it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a quick shawarma from Al Mallah (just a two-minute walk away) or sip on karak chai from the legendary Ustad Special. Mornings and evenings are the best times to visit, when the weather is cooler and the park feels even more peaceful.
- Location: Al Safa St – Al Satwa – Dubai
- Timings: Saturday – Wednesday – 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Sunday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Contact: 800 900
2. CityWalk
Just a 5-minute drive from Satwa’s gritty charm, City Walk feels like stepping into Dubai’s stylish future. This open-air lifestyle destination mixes European piazza vibes with Middle Eastern flair, creating the perfect contrast to Satwa’s old-school energy. You’ll find designer stores alongside quirky concept pop-ups and gourmet restaurants, as well as casual juice bars. The space comes alive in the evenings when the fairy lights twinkle and the outdoor seating fills with Dubai’s stylish crowd. Don’t miss the ever-changing street art – it’s like an open-air gallery where every corner offers a new photo op.
For families, there’s the Green Planet indoor rainforest, along with plenty of open space for kids to run around. Foodies will love the mix of options, from speciality coffee at Tom&Serg to authentic Italian at GIA. And when you need a sweet break, the gelato spots here are some of the best in town.
- Location: Al Safa St – Al Wasl – Dubai
- Timings: Every day from 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Contact: +971 4 590 5090
For more information, visit City Walk’s website.
How To Get There
Given below are the best ways to reach Al Satwa:
1. By Public Transport
The area has one of Dubai’s main bus stations and plenty of connections across the city. Convenient bus services include F11 from Sheikh Zayed Road and the metro stations there, F12, which runs from Max Metro Station on the Dubai Metro’s Red Line, route 88 from City Centre Deira, and route 32C, which serves Dubai International Airport – all of these stop at both 2nd December Street and Al Satwa Road.
2. By Car
You can reach Al Satwa from Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) via 2nd December Street. And for Al Satwa’s southern end, you can use Al Safa Road (D71) from the Downtown Dubai interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road. Other routes into the area include Jumeirah Beach Road (D94) and Al Mankhool Road/Al Wasl Road (D92), two of the main suburban routes through this part of Dubai.
Note that as a dense commercial and residential neighbourhood, on-street parking can be scarce, particularly in the evenings, but there is ample space in the RTA multi-story car park next to Al Satwa Bus Station.
3. By Taxi
From central locations in Dubai, the fastest way to get to Satwa by taxi is typically within 10-20 minutes. Al Satwa is a well-known area of Dubai, and all taxi drivers will know the area’s main landmarks – but if you’re going somewhere deeper in the district, make sure you confirm the location with the driver first.
Hail a taxi on the street, find one at a taxi stand, or use a ride-hailing app like Careem, Bolt, Yango or Uber.
The next time you want to dip your toes into the past, don’t forget to visit Al Satwa.
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