Dubai Internet City: Area Guide for Residents and Businesses

Published Date:

Sep 19, 2025

Last Updated:

Sep 19, 2025

A guide explaining everything about Dubai Internet City.
A guide explaining everything about Dubai Internet City.
A guide explaining everything about Dubai Internet City.

Dubai Internet City (DIC) leads as one of the UAE’s premier technology and business hubs, attracting SMEs, global companies, and entrepreneurs alike. It offers a dynamic ecosystem where innovation meets opportunity. 

Here’s a simple guide to what Dubai Internet City offers for businesses and residents.

Overview of Dubai Internet City

Launched in 1999, Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a freezone tech district that aims to attract IT companies and boost digital growth in the city. It is home to over 3500 companies in Dubai, including tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM. 

While Dubai Internet City is a commercial area, its strategic location near Barsha Heights and The Greens allows easy accessibility to residential options, transport, and daily essentials. 

Professionals and businesses can enjoy a connected and efficient lifestyle close to work, with a metro station, services within a walking distance, and proximity to major roads. 

“For more than 25 years, our district has played a pivotal role in providing an integrated and attractive ecosystem for innovators, start-ups, and technology leaders from around the world, consolidating Dubai’s and the UAE’s position as a global hub for the digital economy, in line with the visionary goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy.”

Ammar Al Malik, 

Executive Vice President,

Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City. 

Community Overview

Dubai Internet City includes select retail and dining venues within its community, though its primary focus remains on tech and business infrastructure. Women comprise more than 25% of Dubai Internet City’s workforce 

The residential areas in the district offer business professionals a convenient lifestyle close to their workplaces. The district is situated along Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, with a dedicated metro station that ensures reliable and straightforward commuting.

Properties in Dubai Internet City 

Properties in Dubai Internet City feature a combination of hotel apartments, penthouses, and commercial spaces.

Residential Properties 

Most of the apartments here range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, and are in high-rises, including in Dubai Jewel Tower, a 41-storey building. 

Some of the standard features in these properties include high-speed elevators, intercom systems, steam rooms, gyms, concierge services, pools, and spas. Some of them also have special facilities for people with physical challenges. 

Penthouses in the area usually offer 3-4 bedrooms and feature full or half floors with large, spacious layouts, with sea-facing floor-to-ceiling windows. Besides this, there are hotel apartments available in studio and 1-bedroom units. 

Commercial Properties 

In terms of commercial properties, DIC has plenty of choices in Office Park, Business Central Towers, Al Thuraya Tower 1, and other business towers. For retail spaces, the options are limited, but are available in some selected locations. 

Hotels 

Dubai Internet City is located less than 1 km away from the coast and is closer to several luxury hotels such as  Al Salam Grand Hotel Apartments, Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, and Holiday Inn Express Dubai. All of them are located within Dubai Internet City, and are only a few minutes from key offices and amenities.

A picture of the Dubai Internet City board at the entrance to the digital district. 

Transportation and Parking Spaces 

The buildings in the DIC offer ample parking spaces for residents. Similarly, penthouse residents also get multiple covered car parking spaces. Residents also have the option of paid parking spaces, which are used mainly by visitors and those who work in the area. 

Public Transportation 

The DIC Metro Station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro offers direct access to the district, making it very convenient for daily commuters. It is also one of the busiest metro stations in the emirate. 

Barsha Heights and Al Barsha 1 are two of the reliable residential areas to rent near the Dubai Internet City Metro Station. There is also Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Metro Station, Nakheel Metro Station, and DAMAC Properties Metro Station near the area. They are all reachable within a 12-minute drive. The bus stops in the area are served by routes 83 and 84, offering easy connectivity to the areas nearby. 

Amenities, School, and Healthcare

Supermarkets 

There are many utility stores and supermarkets around the development. Some of the most popular ones within a 10-minute drive are Choithrams, Aswaaq, Almaya Supermarket, VIVA Supermarket, and West Zone Supermarket.

Places of Worship

Dubai Internet City has many places of worship, all within easy access. The nearest options are as follows: 

  • Tecom Masjid, the nearest mosque: 5-minute drive.

  • St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church: 15-minute drive

  • Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, a Sikh temple: 15-minute drive.

  • Shiva Temple in Bur Dubai: 30-minute drive.

Schools

Families in and around DIC have access to quality education from schools and nurseries, all within easy access. 

Eleven minutes away from the district, Regent International School and The International School of Choueifat Al Sufouh offer SABIS (UK/US) and UK curriculum. For early education options, the British Orchard Nursery and Blossom Nursery are good choices, both of which follow the British EYFS framework and are within a 6- to 12-minute reach. 

Whereas for US-accredited higher education, the American University in Dubai (AUD) is within a 5-minute drive. 

Clinics and Hospitals 

Residents and professionals have easy access to world-class healthcare.  Within a 14-minute drive away, Al Zahra Hospital and Saudi German Hospital, located in Al Barsha, offer a wide range of specialised care. 

For routine check-ups and regular medical requirements, American Hospital Clinic Media City Mediclinic Meadows, and Mediclinic Al Sufouh are reliable options, all within a short drive.

A wide aerial view of the Dubai Internet City. 

Nearby Areas in Dubai Internet City 

Dubai Internet City boasts an intriguing blend of residential and commercial areas, enhancing its convenience and appeal.

Nearby residential areas include Al Sufouh, The Greens, and Barsha Heights. Commercial districts such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park are within a 15–20 minute drive. Major business hubs, including Dubai World Trade Center and One Za’abeel, are also easily accessible from the community.

Lifestyle in Internet Dubai City 

Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife

Dubai Internet City is primarily commercial, so it has only a few restaurants and cafes in the immediate area. For better options and varieties, residents typically drive to nearby malls.

Malls Near Dubai Internet City

The malls near Dubai Internet City include:

Golden Mile Galleria Mall 

Golden Mile Galleria Mall, located along Palm Jumeirah next to Al Ittihad Park, offers a variety of shops, cafés, salons, healthcare services, and a fitness club. It also connects to walking paths and outdoor leisure spaces, making it a convenient spot for residents of the island.

Mall Of The Emirates

As one of Dubai’s most popular shopping destinations, within a 10-minute drive away, Mall Of The Emirates features international brands, diverse restaurants, and the famous Ski Dubai indoor ski resort.

Ibn Battuta Mall

Known for its themed spaces inspired by the travels of the famous explorer Ibn Battuta, the Ibn Battuta Mall is around a 10-minute drive away from the Dubai Internet City. It offers a versatile range of eateries, shops, and entertainment options. 

Restaurants Near Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City has many dining choices, all within a short drive, featuring a versatile range of cuisines. Some of these options are 

  • Paratha King offers affordable Indian meals

  • Mantoushe serves authentic Lebanese flavours

  • Popeyes is a go-to for fast food

  • Taqado Mexican Kitchen ranked among the top 8 Mexican restaurants in Dubai. 

For nightlife, nearby options include ICON Bar in Dubai Media City and The Rooftop Terrace at One&Only Royal Mirage, both just minutes from DIC.

Beaches 

The Dubai Internet City location near the Gulf residents gives the community within the district access to the coastline. Al Sufouh Beach, famous as one of the best beaches in Dubai, is only 13 minutes away. The beaches offer scenic views between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. 

The JBR beach is also closer to the district, popular for its outdoor gym equipment, waterfront restaurants, and a lively retail strip known as The Beach. 

A lush view of the Dubai Internet City showing green spaces and waterfront. 

Leisure Activities and Notable Landmarks

The Emirates Golf Club is a popular golf and leisure destination near the Dubai Internet City. It offers practice facilities, a serene course, and a clubhouse with dining and plenty of recreation choices. 

The Golf Club is a well-known leisure destination, while Jebel Ali Racecourse is a renowned venue featuring an uphill track and seasonal horse racing events.

The community in the Dubai Internet City is surrounded by many leisure destinations that are suitable for families and those looking to do something adventurous. Within a 12-minute drive by car, residents can find the Dubai Marina Walk. It offers a beautiful waterfront promenade home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and play areas, ideal for a relaxing walk or a bike ride. 

Those looking for something more adrenaline-spiking, the Sky Dive Dubai is only a 16-minute drive away, one of the best options in the city for skydiving courses, and tandem jumps with views over Palm Jumeirah and the coast.

Outdoor Activities, Fitness, and Beauty

There are many choices near the Dubai Internet City to stay active, relax, or just unwind after a long day. The area features trading centres, gyms, wellness facilities, salons, and spas. 

The proximity of the district to beaches and calm green spaces makes it easy to explore and enjoy outdoor activities, whether it is just walking, jogging, or relaxing by the water. 

A scenic view of the Dubai Internet City with clear blue sky.

Is Dubai Internet City Right For You? 

Dubai Internet City, as a popular free zone in the city,  has its own benefits and limitations. Whether it is right for you or not depends on the type of lifestyle you want to live and your priorities. 

One of the main drawbacks is that this district only has limited residential space, which may not be ideal for professionals who do not want to live closer to their workplace. 

Regardless, the area has strong connectivity with nearby neighborhoods such as Al Sufouh, The Greens, and Barsha Heights, offering housing facilities within a few minutes' drive by metro, or on foot.

TEC Workspace Solutions Near Dubai Internet City 

At TEC, as one of the leading premier destinations for premier workspace solutions, we understand the need to stay connected to growing digital and commercial ecosystems. 

Strategically located in DWTC and One Za’abeel, TEC offers modern, flexible, and accessible workspace solutions near Dubai Internet City, one of the region’s leading technology hubs.  

From private offices, coworking hubs, event spaces, to virtual offices, meeting rooms, and enterprise solutions, TEC services are constantly adapted to meet the modern workspace needs of businesses. 

For more details, request a quote, call at +971 4 526 4673 or WhatsApp at +971 4 526 4710. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Dubai Internet City is a premier hub for technology, business, and innovation.

  • The community offers a mix of residential convenience and commercial opportunities.

  • Residents benefit from nearby schools, shopping, dining, and leisure facilities.

  • Businesses enjoy free zone advantages, modern offices, and networking opportunities.

  • Its strategic location connects easily to Dubai Media City, Knowledge Park, and other commercial hubs.

  • DIC balances professional growth with a vibrant lifestyle for residents and professionals alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai Internet City a free zone?

Yes. Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a technology-focused free zone under TECOM Group, regulated by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). It’s one of TECOM’s ten business districts serving more than 12,000 companies across key sectors.

Is Dubai Internet City a good place to live?

Yes. The Dubai Internet City is well-connected with a metro station on the Red Line, providing convenient access to public transportation. The district also has many bus routes and taxi services operate nearby for easy commutes for residents and visitors.

How many companies operate in DIC?

DIC hosts over 1,600 tech companies and more than 24,000 professionals, including global names like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.

How big is Dubai's Internet City?

Bordered by Knowledge Village and Dubai Media City, DIC freezone business district spans over 1.5 million square feet catering to a wide range of professionals.

Where is the best place to live near Dubai Internet City?

Al Barsha 1  and Barsha Heights are among the best residential areas to rent near the Dubai Internet City Metro Station. Nakheel Metro Station, DAMAC Properties Metro Station, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Metro Station are other options offering residential options reachable within a 12-minute drive.

What licences are available and how do I set up?

Businesses can register as an FZ-LLC, branch, or GoFreelance permit holder for individual professionals. Setup runs through DIC’s “Set Up Your Business” platform and the AXS one-stop government gateway.

Do I need an office, and how are visa quotas set?

Yes. Every licence must link to a physical space - office, flexi desk, or co-working unit. Visa quotas depend on workspace size. Freelancers under GoFreelance can operate with shared or hot desks.

Is Dubai Internet City a free zone?

Yes. Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a technology-focused free zone under TECOM Group, regulated by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). It’s one of TECOM’s ten business districts serving more than 12,000 companies across key sectors.

Is Dubai Internet City a good place to live?

Yes. The Dubai Internet City is well-connected with a metro station on the Red Line, providing convenient access to public transportation. The district also has many bus routes and taxi services operate nearby for easy commutes for residents and visitors.

How many companies operate in DIC?

DIC hosts over 1,600 tech companies and more than 24,000 professionals, including global names like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.

How big is Dubai's Internet City?

Bordered by Knowledge Village and Dubai Media City, DIC freezone business district spans over 1.5 million square feet catering to a wide range of professionals.

Where is the best place to live near Dubai Internet City?

Al Barsha 1  and Barsha Heights are among the best residential areas to rent near the Dubai Internet City Metro Station. Nakheel Metro Station, DAMAC Properties Metro Station, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Metro Station are other options offering residential options reachable within a 12-minute drive.

What licences are available and how do I set up?

Businesses can register as an FZ-LLC, branch, or GoFreelance permit holder for individual professionals. Setup runs through DIC’s “Set Up Your Business” platform and the AXS one-stop government gateway.

Do I need an office, and how are visa quotas set?

Yes. Every licence must link to a physical space - office, flexi desk, or co-working unit. Visa quotas depend on workspace size. Freelancers under GoFreelance can operate with shared or hot desks.

Is Dubai Internet City a free zone?

Yes. Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a technology-focused free zone under TECOM Group, regulated by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). It’s one of TECOM’s ten business districts serving more than 12,000 companies across key sectors.

Is Dubai Internet City a good place to live?

Yes. The Dubai Internet City is well-connected with a metro station on the Red Line, providing convenient access to public transportation. The district also has many bus routes and taxi services operate nearby for easy commutes for residents and visitors.

How many companies operate in DIC?

DIC hosts over 1,600 tech companies and more than 24,000 professionals, including global names like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.

How big is Dubai's Internet City?

Bordered by Knowledge Village and Dubai Media City, DIC freezone business district spans over 1.5 million square feet catering to a wide range of professionals.

Where is the best place to live near Dubai Internet City?

Al Barsha 1  and Barsha Heights are among the best residential areas to rent near the Dubai Internet City Metro Station. Nakheel Metro Station, DAMAC Properties Metro Station, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Metro Station are other options offering residential options reachable within a 12-minute drive.

What licences are available and how do I set up?

Businesses can register as an FZ-LLC, branch, or GoFreelance permit holder for individual professionals. Setup runs through DIC’s “Set Up Your Business” platform and the AXS one-stop government gateway.

Do I need an office, and how are visa quotas set?

Yes. Every licence must link to a physical space - office, flexi desk, or co-working unit. Visa quotas depend on workspace size. Freelancers under GoFreelance can operate with shared or hot desks.