Barsha Heights area guide: what to eat, see and do in this Dubai spot

Barsha Heights or, as it was formerly known, Tecom, could very well be most famous for its affordable apartments, but there’s plenty more to the area than residences and roundabouts. From mid-range restaurants galore to a bevy of small supermarkets and numerous spas, everything you need is within walking distance - and, thankfully, it’s an extremely pedestrian-friendly area, too.

There are always a medley of restaurants and cafes in the area, serving all types of cuisines, from health-conscious bites at Brambles and Krave, which both serve cafe classics such as for example acai bowls and superfood salads, to Thai favourites in everyday spot Fuchsia and the more upmarket venue Wise Kwai, plus Middle Eastern mezze and more at Manoushe Street and Jabbour. For some nightlife, head to Barbary Deli + Cocktail Club for moody atmospheres, great bar bites and an upbeat soundtrack, or take your turn on the mic at karaoke hot spots Lucky Voice or Kung Korean Restaurant, both of which offer private rooms for you to sing your hearts out in. The latter is popular for its real Korean cuisine, too.

You’ll never go short of pantry essentials in Barsha Heights, as there are a good amount of small convenience stores, three Carrefour supermarkets, among which is open a day, along with Baladi Butchery and a number of pharmacies. There are several speciality stores aswell. For fine chocolates and surprise items, check out i-Rise Tower for Papillon Chocolate. If you’re a cyclist, have a look at Bike Shop in Al Ameri Tower, where they sell bicycles for all ages and abilities, in addition to a variety of accessories.

You are spoilt for choice for spas and salons in this area. Get yourself a mani-pedi at Dial a Nail or book a massage at D’Stress Spa in DusitD2 Kenz Hotel. Look after your mind, body and soul by trying a hatha or vinyasa class at Ananda Yoga Centre, which offers a classic method of the practice. For something more offbeat, have a look around the annals of Cinema Museum, formerly referred to as the Dubai Moving Image Museum, where items date back again to the 1730s and cover the earliest days of film. Tickets cost Dh30.

Many new residents to Dubai will see themselves in a hotel-apartment in Barsha Heights at least for the first couple of weeks they’re here. It also offers cheaper accommodation for travellers than top tourist spots. A few of the more popular hotels in the region include Grand Millennium Dubai, which has a range of on-site restaurants and bars to provide, plus Tryp by Wyndham and Signature 1 Hotels, thanks to their more stylish interiors.

It’s less expensive. This extends from the rents on apartments and other residences to eating out and enjoying the area’s buzzing nightlife scene. Barsha Heights simply offers better value for money than many other, perhaps more popular, destinations in Dubai.