Sports City: Dubai's lively, affordable community

Dubai - And the residents are not complaining of traffic jams.

To live in a relaxed community that's pedestrian-friendly and pocket-friendly - that's the consensus of most residents who have taken the leap to move inward from the hustle and bustle of Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Sports City.
A community that first came up in 2008, this lively sports-themed neighbourhood has come into its own over the past few years.
Aside from being the go-to spot for the world's biggest cricketing events as well as playing host to some of the biggest musical acts in the world, including Drake, Dubai Sports City has become a resting spot for many expatriates in the city, from teachers to young families.
The standout landmark in the vicinity is the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, affectionately called the "ring of fire". With a capacity to fill 25,000 seats, it has since become a hub for sports enthusiasts around Dubai and is now in its eighth year of operation.
Living in a neighbourhood of 1,183 residential complexes including 39 towers and 1,144 villas and townhouses, residents tell Khaleej Times why life in Dubai Sports City works for them.
"I moved to Sports City from Mirdif, so naturally the area feels much more central than what I've experienced before. I love the community feel and the atmosphere here. There's always something going on and everyone seems genuinely happy in the area," a British resident, Aisha Victoria Deep, said.
As someone who likes to remain active, she said it's perfect if you enjoy going for walks as it's "one of the most pedestrian-friendly places I've lived in, in 23 years of Dubai living".
For Tracy McNaughton, Sports City has offered the perfect relief from her last home spot in the Marina.
"I was there for three years and I do not miss it one bit. Sports City feels more like a normal community, as opposed to a tourist destination. The traffic is certainly better, too, as are the noise levels on weekends."
Unlike before, McNaughton said the biggest bonus of living in an area away from the coast is the lack of road congestion.
"Now, it can take the same time to get to JLT as it did some days for me to even get out of the Marina traffic around 8am. And saving Dh30,000 a year on rent helps, too."
When you drive through the area, the Canal District is probably one of its most central features. Set to be fully complete in November 2019, the 1.2km-long, 15m-wide, manmade canal has four bridges linking the promenades on either side of the waterway.
Expansion in the works
Though already well established, there is a lot of construction still ongoing in the area and the vision is to host a community that boasts of 103 residential towers, 1,254 villas and townhouses, and a total population of 70,000 people. Currently, it is home to 15,000 residents.
Among some of the projects soon to come up is Marbella Village. Breaking ground this month for handover in April 2020, it will be the last village - the ninth - to be developed in Victory Heights. It will give buyers the opportunity to buy off plan in the area.
Just last month, online portal Property Finder also noted Dubai Sports City as one of the best areas to invest in real estate in the city.
Popular for its affordable apartments, the report stated that rental yields have remained consistent at seven to 8.7 per cent per year and current prices average Dh890 per square foot.
For John Owens, affordability has definitely been a big bonus while living in the neighbourhood.
"It's a lot cheaper than most areas in Dubai and it has loads of traffic routes and options, so congestion is never an issue. We're two minutes from Hessa Street, which takes you straight through to the Sheikh Zayed Road. Best of all, if you do like socialising, you can get to almost all the lively spots for just a Dh30 taxi ride."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai