The Essential Guide: Dubai Sports City
OVERVIEW
Dubai Sports City (DSC) is one of Dubai’s most dynamic mixed-use precincts, combining upscale residential living, popular retail and lifestyle facilities and elite sporting venues in one integrated community. Spanning 50 million sq ft and home to around 25,000 residents, the community comprises three distinct residential districts – Victory Heights, Gallery Villas and Canal Residence West. DSC offers residents a peaceful, family-friendly environment focusing on health, wellness and community spirit.
SPORT CENTRAL
With the 25,000-seat Dubai International Stadium, the ICC Academy, and The Els Club championship golf course all centrally located within the community, DSC lives up to its reputation as the region’s premier sports precinct. DSC’s world-class cricket venues have hosted some of sport’s biggest international tournaments, including the Asia Cup and matches from the IPL and ICC T20 World Cup.
The FIA-standard Dubai Autodrome, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and the Hamdan Sports Complex – which is renowned as the multi-purpose sporting facility in the world – are also located just a short drive away. These facilities, along with numerous professional academies offering training in football, cricket, rugby, tennis and more, make DSC a top destination for athletes and active families.
Ideally located just off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, DSC is a short drive from the city’s major business districts and leisure attractions. Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai International can both be reached within 30 minutes by car.
HOT PROPERTY
DSC ranks among Dubai’s most popular residential districts. According to Bayut’s latest Dubai Rental Report, average rental values in the area increased 15% year-on-year to July 2025, while the average rate per square foot rose 13.3% during the same period. Overall rental transactions jumped 1.5% to more than 8,600, and the total rental value for the area reached AED550 million (US$150 million).
THE FIRST COLLECTION DUBAI SPORTS CITY
Currently under development, The First Collection Dubai Sports City is one of the latest additions to The First Group’s fast-growing lifestyle hotel portfolio. The first upscale hotel set to open in the precinct, the property marks a standout investment opportunity.
Situated in the heart of the community and offering stylish accommodation and first-class amenities, The First Collection Dubai Sports City will help consolidate DSC’s reputation as a lifestyle destination of choice. As chances to invest in this popular area become increasingly rare, the property presents a unique opportunity to capitalise on the precinct’s outstanding long-term growth potential.
Boasting exceptional access to popular destinations and attractions including Global Village, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Marina, Expo City and Downtown Dubai – all within a 15–20-minute drive – the hotel is ideally positioned to appeal to both business and leisure travellers.
THE FIRST GROUP’S DUBAI SPORTS CITY PORTFOLIO
The First Group was among the first developers to recognise DSC’s long-term potential. Alongside The First Collection Dubai Sports City, its portfolio in the area includes:
The Matrix: One of the most popular developments in DSC, The Matrix is a striking 34-storey tower offering sleek, modern apartments, outstanding amenities and premium views.
The Diamond: Ideally located near the cricket stadium and The Els Club, The Diamond features 128 turnkey units and remains a popular choice among residents.
The Bridge: A mixed-use tower combining 24 floors of residential apartments with four floors of state-of-the-art office space operated by Regus.
The Spirit: Designed for active living, The Spirit includes a rooftop jogging track, gym, pool and sundeck, and is located a short walk from DSC’s key attractions.
NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Hebiah Fourth
TOTAL AREA: Approx. 50 million sq ft
PRECINCT BREAKDOWN: Residential, leisure and sports: 88.55%; Commercial: 11.45%
PLANNED BUILDINGS: Over 160 residential towers and plots
TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road; 23 minutes to Al Maktoum International Airport, 25 minutes to Dubai International Airport.
