Ranked among the first 10 coolest neighbourhoods by Lonely Planet in 2017, Business Bay was envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai as a global business centre along the lines of New York’s Manhattan. First mentioned to press in 2004, the mega-development was designed and executed by Dubai Properties, the real estate development arm of Dubai Holding.

Fifteen years later, the cluster at Business Bay is the capital of business and returns for small profit to large corporations. In a nutshell, it has grown into the largest number of office towers per km2, with the added benefit of freehold office space and waterfront real estate, a total of 240 towers patch shouldering Downtown Dubai, KM 0 tourist destination.

With cloud-piercing skyscrapers and outrageously glamorous hotels, this location is positioned as urban, self-sustainable and business oriented. Encouraging pedestrian traffic to their jobs during the cooler months, the business district has facilitated a farmers’ market for its residents to supply on fresh local produce, convenient metro station, walking distance to Dubai Mall and access to Dubai Canal promenade.

Here on the banks of the canal, you have retail, food and beverage, playgrounds and a relaxing pathway enabling residents to reach Jumeirah beach. Stop halfway to admire the 570m colourful waterfall springing from Sheikh Zayed Road bridge, motion operated through the bridge in a constant flow. Sensors transform the waterfall in a motorized wet curtain when detecting a boat approaching.

We are not done yet. JW Marriott Marquis double tower hotel holds the record for the tallest in the world and resides in the best spot where the waterfall bridge meets the canal. A few other brands operating in the area: Millennium Atria & Millennium Central, DoubleTree by Hilton, Radisson Blu, Taj Dubai, Steigenberger.