Once known as a satellite district and sometimes referred to as Mina Jebel Ali, this part of Dubai is a continuously growing region slowly gaining more significance. It is a mixed-use development divided into commercial, industrial, trading, entertainment and residential areas. There’s Jebel Ali Port (the world’s largest man-made harbour), Palm Jebel Ali, JAFZA, dedicated industrial area and Jebel Ali Village home to many churches and temples.
The community also holds a great importance for the industrial life in the emirate as it is primarily a large commercial port and business hub located next to Dubai Marina. It has the largest marine port in the Middle East and the 9th busiest port in the world. Moreover, the development of Jebel Ali Free Zone contributes to 23% of Dubai’s GDP. There are more than 7,000 companies in JAFZA active in trade, logistics, manufacturing and a range of different industrial and service sectors.
The importance of the area is only growing, and a significant part of its growth is also seen in tourism with the beautiful resorts that it has. It is also home to Palm Jebel Ali, one among the trio of Dubai’s artificial islands built in the shape of a palm tree. Besides, there is a golf resort, beach hotel and diving centres.
Jebel Ali is one of the few areas in Dubai with best public transport links. First, it has Jebel Ali Metro Station on the red line of Dubai Metro. The station is also the first stop of Route 2020 Extension all the way to Al Furjan Station. Other stations located on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) within the boundary include Ibn Battuta Metro Station, Energy Metro Station, and UAE Exchange Metro Station.
As for schooling facilities, residents will never run out of options. For preschoolers, there are many nurseries and primary schools in Jebel Ali Dubai such as. Little Woods, Bubbles and Giggles Nursery and Jebel Ali Village Nursery. Hamilton Primary School is also a notable option here.
There is also a ballet school here called Harmony Ballet & Music Centre. Moreover, there is a variety of other options within and outside the community. Jebel Ali School offers the UK curriculum. Another reputable option for those who prefer UK curriculum is The Winchester School within the area. Delhi Private School is also one of the popular schools following the Indian curriculum.
You can get most of your shopping needs fulfilled from the Jebel Ali Mall. Another recently opened option is the Dubai Festival Plaza open to the public. The plaza is home to many high-street fashion brands, retail stores and dining options. It also has LuLu Hypermarket and an outlet of IKEA.
For a more extravagant experience, you can reach Ibn Battuta Mall in the Jebel Ali Village area just under 25-minutes from most points in the district. Besides a range of shops, the mall has entertainment venues including Fun City, Sky Zone and Novo Cinemas.
For the ones that love some coastal fun, there is the Jebel Ali Open Beach, one of the best public beaches in Dubai. It is located in between the private beach of Jebel Ali Resort & Spa and the Lama Beach Club. The beach can only be reached by car and is known for being a suitable place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Also, it is found to be suitable for quite a range of things such as a quiet family gathering around BBQ or for wild jet-ski adventure.
