The Essential Guide: Barsha Heights
Home to The First Group’s international headquarters and four of its hotel properties, this popular Dubai district appeals to residents, businesses and visitors, thanks to its desirable location and modern facilities
OVERVIEW: Barsha Heights, formerly known as Tecom, is a commercial and residential community located in the heart of Dubai, operated by the government-owned TECOM Group. It is also home to a growing number of serviced apartments and midscale and upscale hotels, four of which have been developed by The First Group, which has also established its global company headquarters there. Barsha Heights is one of Dubai’s best-connected neighbourhoods, close to major road and rail links, and is a popular place for young professionals to live and work.
HIGHLY ACCESSIBLE: One of Dubai’s most accessible districts, Barsha Heights is close to Sheikh Zayed Road, Hessa Street and Al Khail Road, making it easy to reach by car. It is also well served by Dubai’s modern public transport system, from buses to taxis, plus it is home to its own Dubai Metro station, which operates to all Red Line stations, including Dubai International Airport. The station is situated adjacent to The First Group’s Metro Central property and makes commuting or exploring Dubai easy and convenient when residing in this area of the city. Many of Dubai’s major precincts are close to Barsha Heights, including Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the greater Al Barsha area, while Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina Mall are minutes by road.
A VIBRANT COMMUNITY: Barsha Heights benefits from a unique circular road system, which creates the ambiance of a close-knit community. It is home to many creative SMEs and local businesses, as well as cafés, restaurants, multiple supermarkets, pharmacies and salons. It provides residents and visitors access to modern amenities in the heart of the city and at the same time, is fast gaining a reputation as one of Dubai’s most desirable places to dine out or relax with friends, family and colleagues. New hotels such as TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, which was developed by The First Group, have put Barsha Heights on the map as a nightspot. The hotel’s increasingly popular venues and dining concepts, created by TFG’s food and beverage division, include the casual and contemporary Local Social Kitchen & Bar, serving classic European and Mediterranean dishes and a favourite with locals and hotel guests, and BARBARY Deli + Cocktail Club – a cocktail bar and retro lounge with delicatessen that’s recognised as one of the city’s most original and popular venues.
THE FIRST GROUP’S DEVELOPMENTS: The First Group’s global headquarters is located in Barsha Heights’ landmark building, Tameem House, while four of the developer’s hotel and hotel apartment properties are located in the district. TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, Metro Central, Grand Central and First Central all report consistently high occupancy rates above the market average, generating strong returns for TFG’s investors.
TRYP by Wyndham Dubai: The First Group’s newest and most prestigious hotel property in Barsha Heights, TRYP by Wyndham Dubai opened in August 2017, marking the debut of Wyndham Hotel Group’s ‘hip upscale lifestyle’ brand in the city. With 675 guestrooms and suites, it is also the world’s largest TRYP hotel and offersdeluxe leisure facilities including a pool and gym; an innovative pop-up shop concept; ‘VYP’ Lounge for VIP guests and Premium Wyndham Rewards members; and multi-purpose meeting and event venues, including the NEST co-working space. Named ‘Four-Star Hotel of the Year’ at the prestigious Middle East Hospitality Awards 2018, the property has also carved a niche as a dining and nightlife destination, with Local Social Kitchen & Bar and BARBARY Deli + Cocktail Club proving extremely popular with guests and local residents alike.
First Central Hotel Suites: The First Group made its foray in Dubai’s hotel apartment market in October 2011 when it opened the doors to First Central Hotel Suites and the property has reported consistently high occupancies ever since. Its 524 modern apartments, wide range of leisure and business amenities and prime location attract both residents and short- and long-term visitors to Dubai. A mini business centre, rooftop pool, well-equipped gym, high-quality restaurant and café and hotel services add to this property’s appeal.
Metro Central Hotel Apartments: This stylish property, which opened in 2012 on the back of First Central’s success, features 210 elegantly-furnished modern studios and suites and is conveniently located next to Dubai Internet City Metro Station. All apartments offer a living, dining and kitchen area and some have Dubai views, while facilities include a health club and rooftop pool. Known for its excellent customer service, the property has received multiple accolades from TripAdvisor, Hotels.com and Booking.com
Grand Central Hotel Apartments: Since it opened its doors in 2013, Grand Central has established a reputation as a top accommodation choice for business and leisure travellers and is also a Barsha Heights icon, thanks to its stunning curved-glass design. With 72 one-bedroom units and 112 executive suites, it’s popular with short- and long-stay guests and also offers a swimming pool, sun deck, gymnasium and laundry and dry-cleaning services.
NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION: Adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road and Hessa Street
PRECINCT BREAKDOWN: 95 buildings zoned with 76 completed to date
PROJECTED POPULATION: 50,000
TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS: Dubai Metro Red Line station. 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport.