< Previous30 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Central. More laid-back lounge than flashy club, it’s shaping up as the kind of spot where creative mixed drinks and sunset city views collide. Expect woven chairs, leafy corners, and an open-air terrace that might just sneak in a Burj Khalifa sighting. Details are under wraps but the promise is clear: chic but casual vibes, easy sipping and late- night hangouts. O Opening date TBC. One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre. Le Trottoir de Paloma This popular Beirut-born mixed drinks bar, is set to debut in Dubai this October at 25 Jump Street, the city’s first licensed street. Known for its very cool ambience and French-inspired street food, the venue offers an all-day experience – from laid-back mornings with coffee and light bites to lively evenings featuring signature drinks. If we’re going by the Beirut outpost, the menu boasts creamy goat’s cheese, guacamole, mac-and-cheese fingers, smoky grilled octopus and the signature Paloma burger. O Opening date TBC. One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre. LucyLu Beirut’s beloved speakeasy LucyLu is bringing its playful, secretive vibe to Dubai. Mixed drinks take centre stage, reimagined classics paired with a Latin-inspired menu featuring chicken tacos, marinated salmon and tuna tostadas. LucyLu promises a night of music and lively al fresco dining. O Opening date TBC. One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre. Mandarin Oriental Downtown The luxe hotel is opening its second Dubai venue on Sheikh Zayed Road inside the new Wasl Tower and it’s dressed to impress. Set to be over 300 metres tall, the hotel will come with 259 rooms as well as ten sparkly new restaurants to eat your way around. Arriving in October 2025, the building will also be boasting 259 plush rooms, a helipad and an in-house spa, making for a dreamy winter staycation spot. O Opening Oct 2025. Sheikh Zayed Road, mandarinoriental.com Nobu One Za’abeel One of Dubai’s longest-standing Japanese restaurants is opening its third location at The Link. The latest venue promises to offer a stylish dining room, private dining spaces, an elegant lounge and a bar with floor-to- ceiling windows that offer skyline views. The design and interiors of the restaurant Orilla Son of a FishNew openings TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 31 New stores dropping soon Chemist Warehouse Australia’s largest beauty and wellness retailer, Chemist Warehouse is set to open a brand- new store at B1 Mall in Al Barsha. Stocked from floor to ceiling with discounted health and beauty products, you’ll be able to rummage around and find discounts on all your favourites. O Opening date TBC. B1 Mall, Al Barsha, chemistwarehouse.ae. Haribo The iconic candy brand is launching a first-of-its-kind concept, Haribo Happy World, which promises to be a fun universe consisting of four zones – each celebrating all things Haribo. First up, the Experience will tell the fascinating story behind Haribo’s legendary treats, while the Retail Store will stock exclusive merchandise and delicious gummy creations. The F&B Outlet will offer Haribo-inspired treats and tasty confections while the Birthday Room is primed for kids to celebrate their special days. O Opening date TBC. Dubai Festival City Mall, dubaifestivalcitymall.com. Primark After years of speculation, Primark is finally coming to Dubai and three flagship stores have already been announced. The best part? The prices will still remain the same. Primark’s the go-to UK fashion shop where you can sift through loads of options (essentially a grown-up treasure hunt) and score stylish styles at generously low prices. It’s one of the few places where you could snap up a full outfit, a Harry Potter duvet cover, a novelty mug and a pack of micellar cleansing wipes in one lunchtime dash. We’ll have to wait until next year. O Opening late 2025. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, malloftheemirates.com. will feature all the Nobu aesthetics but with a futuristic element and even a selection of live performances throughout the week when it opens its doors at the end of 2025. O Opening date TBC. The Link, One Za’abeel. Orilla Jumeirah Village Triangle is set to welcome Orilla, a new Mediterranean restaurant from chef Saradhi Dakara, this October. Inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle, Orilla promises long lunches, shareable plates, golden-hour drinks and dinners that linger past midnight. The coastal-chic space blends laid-back comfort with a touch of Dubai glamour, perfect for breezy lunches or buzzy late-night dinners. While the full menu is still under wraps, guests can expect fresh seafood and Asian-inspired nods to the chef’s culinary roots. Orilla is poised to put JVT firmly on Dubai’s dining map. O Opening date TBC. Jumeirah Village Triangle. Solara Opening later in the year, Solara is due to be a Mediterranean-Arabic mish-mash. Signatures include an elevated hazelnut hummus, truffled veal carpaccio decorated with crispy caper flowers, winter truffle and rocket leaves. For the carnivores, the Solara sounds like the one. In terms of atmosphere, expect fire pits, an open grill and views of the Downtown skyline. O Opening 2025. Downtown Dubai . Son of a Fish The seaside taverna is due to open in autumn 2025, bringing the breeze of Greek fishing towns to Dubai Harbour. Nestled next to Bar Du Port in the brand-new Harbour House, the Aegean-inspired spot will be offering everything from traditional live performances to themed music and day- to-night menus. Serving up authentic dishes with a few twists from around the world, expect floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping coastline views. O Opening autumn 2025. Dubai Harbour. The MAINE Announcing a brand-new venue on Palm Jumeirah, The MAINE will join Club Vista Mare as an adjoining venue with the soon-to-open Canary Beach. Bringing its signature raw bar, grilled fish and meats to the beachfront destination, the seafood restaurant is also creating some seasonal dishes exclusively for the Palm. O Opening 2025. Palm Jumeirah. WOOHOO A robot in the kitchen isn’t new. But a robot with opinions, mood-based flavour pairings and a creative partnership with one of Dubai’s top chefs? That’s a first. Say hello to WOOHOO, a soon-to-open Asian-inspired restaurant that will be helmed by an AI chef named Aiman. He’ll be working directly with chef Reif Othman on a menu that fuses international flair with Asian influences. The space is all cyberpunk meets fine dining. O Opening date TBC. Downtown Dubai. Yù & Mì Inspired by 1960s Hong Kong, the first addition to the new Mandarin Oriental Downtown is set to reel you in for a meal surrounded by neon lights and sweeping views of the skyline. Opening in October, the Chinese restaurant and bar is made up of two halves, Yù, where you can sip in style with a moody after-dark mixed drink, and Mì, a hidden dining room serving sizzling Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. O Opening Oct 2025. Mandarin Oriental Downtown. 32 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Living in Dubai 101Where to rent TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 33 O ne cheque, two cheques, three cheques, four. Renting in Dubai is a feat that most of us will take on during our time in the city, and it can be a lot to get your head around. Once you’ve got past choosing which neck of the woods you’re going to put your stamp on, there are still rental costs to get a hang of, DEWA bills to pay and the constant battle to get the best deal. That’s why we’ve stepped in with top tips and expert advice on how to make your day- to-day admin as easy (and cost-effective) as possible. If you’re searching for a new spot to call home, it might be determined by the price. According to the latest data from real estate marketplace Property Finder, these are the cheapest (and most spenny) neighbourhoods in town. Cheapest areas to rent Ras Al Khor Average rent price: Dhs45,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). Located next to Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor is a slowly growing neighbourhood not too far from Downtown Dubai. Known for its gigantic wildlife sanctuary (home to hundreds of flamingos), rent here is currently lower than anywhere else in the city. Time for a move? Where to eat: Dining options are limited within Ras Al Khor itself, but nearby Dubai Creek Harbour is home to restaurants including Mondoux (mondoux.ae) or pop across to Melia Desert Palm (melia.com). Your complete guide to renting in Dubai, right now. By Sian Traynor Downtown Dubai34 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Families: The area mostly features one or two-bedroom apartments, though Dubai Safari (dubaisafari.com) is just up the road for a family day out. Transport: Conveniently accessible via major roads like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Ras Al Khor Road. Public transport options include buses and taxis. Dubai South Average rent price: Dhs56,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). Home to the soon to be new Al Maktoum International Airport, this neighbourhood is set to be one of the most up-and-coming spots in town. Ideal if you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’re not far from the Al The renting lingo to know Chiller-free Definition: A place that is advertised as chiller-free means that the tenant does not pay for air conditioning usage. How to use: “The apartment is chiller-free.” DEWA Definition: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority is the authority that supplies electric and water to residents’ homes. How to use: “I need to pay my DEWA bill.” Ejari Definition: An online registration system initiated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) that all tenants and landlords must use when living in Dubai. How to use: “I need to sort the Ejari out for my new apartment.” RERA Definition: RERA stands for the Real Estate Regulatory Agency – a government agency responsible for regulating the real estate sector in Dubai. How to use: “I’m going to contact RERA and use the Smart Rental Index to find out if my landlord is allowed to increase my rent this much.”Where to rent TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 35 Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve and the Al Qudra cycle track. Construction is ongoing but currently Dubai South is one of the most budget-friendly areas in Dubai, however you will most likely need a car to get around, so it’s better if your drive. Where to eat: Take a trip to JA The Resort (jaresortshotels.com) for a range several playgrounds. There are also plenty of nurseries for those with little kids. In general, it’s a vibrant community with a mix of cultures and activities. Transport: Well-connected via Al Karama Metro Station and several bus routes. Ample parking is available, but public transport is a convenient option for residents. Deira Average rent price: Dhs59,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). This neighbourhood was once the centre of the city, and if you look at a map now, it’ll show you just how much things have expanded over the last few decades. But despite new neighbourhoods popping up all the time, Deira has remained one of the coolest places to be, with incredible restaurants, top-notch transport and a real community atmosphere. Where to eat: Grab a seafood feast at Dampa Seafood Grill (@dampaseafoodgrill) or pick up fresh cream puffs from Habib Bakery (habibbakery.ae), which has been serving Dubai’s sweet tooth since 1987. For a gorgeous Creekside oyster, nip along to Twiggy at Park Hyatt Dubai (twiggy.ae). Families: There’s plenty for families nearby, whether you want to whizz around of restaurants from Italian to pub grub or Indian to check out. Families: There’s set to be a beach front, golf course and more. It’s also close to Jebel Ali and Dubai Parks and Resorts (dubaiparksandresorts.com) for theme parks including Motiongate. Transport: You’re near Al Maktoum International Airport, but you’ll want a car. Karama Average rent price: Dhs56,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). Located in the heart of Old Dubai, Karama is one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods (and one of our favourites). It might not be huge, but this little rectangle of Dubai packed with incredible culture, flavours and things to do. It’s a must-visit for residents and tourists alike. There’s a treat around every corner in this neighbourhood – whether it’s a freshly fried samosa or an Insta-worthy mural. Where to eat: Enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine at Saravana Bhavan (saravanabhavan.com) or or try the much- loved famous spot Ravi Restaurant (@ravirestaurantsuae) for Pakistani dishes. Families: Karama is family-friendly, with the amazing Al Karama Park, home to Ras Al Khor Karama36 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM the Galleria Ice Rink (hyatt.com), ride the carousel at Fun City (funcityarabia.com) or take the whole gang to the Magic Planet arcade (citycentredeira.com). Transport: One of the best connected spots if you’re without a car. Grab a bus or visit one of the multiple metro stations that can whizz you through the city – head to Union Station to access the red and green lines. Dubai Silicon Oasis Average rent price: Dhs59,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). A little further out, Silicon Oasis is one of the most budget-friendly neighbourhoods when it comes to renting, and it’s got everything you need within walking distance. Neighbours with the up-and- coming foodie hot spot Nad Al Sheba, you’re also just along the road from IMG Worlds of Adventure if you’re in the mood for a day out on the roller coasters. Where to eat: Enjoy a variety of dining options. Clove Tree Restaurant (clovetreerestaurant.com) is great for when you fancy Indian and The Monk (themonk.ae) for tasty Indochinese cuisine, or grab a quick bite at Jones The Grocer (jonesthegrocer.com). Families: The area is very family-friendly, with numerous parks, playgrounds and great schools, making it an ideal place for families to reside. You can even take your pet on staycation at the pet-friendly Radisson Red (radissonhotels.com). Transport: Having a car is ideal, but there are bus routes that make travel easy. Most expensive areas to rent Bluewaters Average rent price: Dhs307,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). A pricey part of town, this exclusive neighbourhood is home to Ain Dubai and a selection of plush waterfront apartments with sea views. Filled with restaurants, nightlife and attractions, if you’re looking for a fun day or night out, you’ll find it here. Where to eat: Start the day with a giant croissant at Bakerist (@bakerist), or go really extra and sip a caramel latte out of a block of ice at The Pods (thepods.ae). Deira Dubai Silicon OasisWhere to rent TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 37 There’s also the chic Alici (alicidubai.com) as well as newish pub BrewDog (brewdog.com). Families: Head to Ribambelle (ribambelle. ae), complete with full play area and grape menu for mum and dad. Or reach some new heights at Tr88house (tr88house.com) trampoline park, or try the mini golf course. Transport: You can catch the F57 bus if needed to get you to Dubai Marina. City Walk Average rent price: Dhs179,000 a year (one-bedroom apartment). Made up of swish modern apartments, this neighbourhood has it all. Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Sheikh Zayed Road, you’re also within walking distance of the Coca- Cola Arena and some premium properties even come with Burj Khalifa views. Where to eat: Grab a slice at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (anticapizzeriadamichele.ae), where anything burrata loaded has our vote, or fill up on souvlaki and calamari at Mythos Kouzina and Grill (mythosdubai.com). For an insta-worthy brunch try eggspectation (eggspectation.com). Families: Get their cogs going with an experience at one of the themed NoWayOut escape rooms (nowayout.ae), visit a tropical Renting FAQ What is the Smart Rental Index? This snazzy system was launched by the Dubai Land Department in 2025 and offers rental evaluations across the emirate. Each building is evaluated on specific criteria, including the location, services and structural characteristics. Landlords can only raise the rent within the bracket recommended by the SRI and you can see for yourself what that is by putting your details and Ejari number. How much can your rent be legally raised? The landlord is only entitled to raise rent within the limits prescribed by the Dubai Land Department’s Decree Number 43 based on the rental values displayed on the Smart Rental Index. The rental index, previously called the RERA calculator, uses the rating of the building, the existing and fresh rental contracts in the building, the location of the property and the condition of the real estate market to determine the rental value in a building. Your landlord must notify you in writing or electronically, if your rent is to be raised, within the 90-day period. How do I cut my DEWA bill? The Smart Living Initiative can tell you when you’re using too much electricity or water, as well as where to cut down. A DEWA spokesperson says: “The Smart Living Initiative allows DEWA customers to monitor their daily, monthly and yearly consumption of energy and water. This data is presented in an easy-to-read format, allowing customers to track and manage their consumption trends, becoming more energy and water efficient and reduce their consumption.” Bluewaters Dubai38 OCTOBER 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM indoor rainforest (and outdoor play area) at The Green Planet (greenplanetdubai.com) or watch the latest flick at Roxy Cinemas (theroxycinemas.com). Transport: It’s a short walk to Burj Khalifa metro station, so you can zip up and down the city in no time. As well as some bus routes, you’re right next to Sheikh Zayed Road, but watch out for traffic congestion at peak times. Palm Jumeirah Average rent price: Dhs173,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). An iconic luxe hangout in Dubai, it’s no surprise that Palm Jumeirah makes the list. Filled with luxury hotels, sea view apartments and beach clubs galore, being a resident here gives you a very cool edge (and a very large rent cheque). Where to eat: You’ll be spoiled for choice. From the swish spots at The St. Regis Dubai to Palm Tower, the beach clubs of West Palm Beach and Club Vista Mare. You’re never far away from top-notch grub. Try SUSHSISAMBA (sushisamba.com) for delicious sushi, Ibn AlBahar (ibnalbahr.me) for super-fresh seafood, new opening Apollo (@apollothepalm) for innovative comfort food and Trèsind Studio (tresindstudio.com) for intricate Indian cuisine. Families: Family-friendly beach clubs include Koko Bay (kokobay.co), Byron Bathers (byronbathers.com and Limonata (limonatadubai.com). Head to Atlantis (atlantis.com) for the incredible Aquaventure Waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium. There’s also plenty in Palm Jumeirah Mall. Transport: Hop on the Palm Monorail if you want to zip from one end to the other. City WalkWhere to rent TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM OCTOBER 2025 39 How to find a top deal With Dubai’s population now passing four million, it’s no surprise that in many areas, rent costs are on the rise. However, experts say this isn’t the case all over the city. To share some insight, Time Out Dubai speaks to Alec James Smith, Head of Sales and Leasing, Savills Middle East, to understand which areas are seeing a drop. Where rents are dropping “When we say that the Dubai property price has increased 12 percent a year, what we mean is luxuries increased 20 percent and family home villas have increased 15 percent. But areas like JVC, Sports City, Silicon Oasis, they’ve barely increased.” Despite luxe new builds popping up throughout these necks of the woods, Smith explained that an over-supply can lead rent prices to slow down, or turn in the other direction. He adds: “There are a lot of new one-bedroom apartment blocks being built. There are too many of them. Therefore, you’ll start to see in these areas the prices dropping.” Benefits for newcomers “We’ve seen prices drop for rentals in Downtown Dubai, which is a key area. That’s to do with, again, in the last 18 to 24 months, that there’s been a lot of buildings handed over in Downtown. So landlords are having to be negotiable on their prices again, whereas before, because the handovers were quite separated in time, when a new building came available, there were tenants almost waiting to move in.” It might be easier for newcomers than current tenants though. Smith adds: “It’s going to be very hard for owners to believe that their rental prices have dropped. However, for new contracts, we have seen rental prices drop.” DIFC Average rent price: Dhs139,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). DIFC – she’s slick, modern and in the heart of Dubai’s business district. A neighbourhood always dressed to impress; expect tall towers, incredible dining options and offices galore. Where to eat: Try the black cod at Zuma (zumarestaurant.com), steak at Rowley’s (rowleysrestaurants.com), the lamb chops at La Petite Maison (lpmrestaurants.com) or step into a Parisian dinner show at Josette (josette.com). A lunchtime tunacado at Joe & The Juice never hurts either (joejuice. com). You’re spoilt for choice in this area. Families: DIFC is really designed for professionals, but the indoor playground at Fia Fia (fiafiakidsplay.com) will keep the little ones entertained for a few hours. Take the family on ten-minute drive to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary for flamingos and fresh air. Transport: Hop on the metro red line to get through the city quickly, but beware it gets busy at peak times so expect a queue. Jumeirah Average rent price: Dhs138,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment). One of Dubai’s OG neighbourhoods, this coastal part of town is long and thin, stretching alongside by the beach for miles. Home to some of the city’s best restaurants, you’ll have loads of choice, but be prepared for a steeper rent bill. Where to eat: If you’re looking for something special, you can dine at Tasca by José Avillez (mandarinoriental.com) for an amazing Portugese dinner experience, or visit 11 Woodfire (@11woodfire) for delicious grills. Stop into Mimi Kakushi (mimikakushi.ae) for super sushi too. Families: Jumeirah is a perfect place for the kids to grown up. The family-friendly area offers numerous public beaches, parks, playgrounds, and the area is home to some of the best schools in Dubai. There are also plenty of soft plays, like Orange Wheels (orangewheels.com). Transport: Jumeirah Road runs through the entire neighbourhood and has a great public bus system. Palm JumeirahNext >