Al Barari

Al Barari is a private residential community off Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, across the motorway from Global Village and close to Nad Al Sheba. It was founded in 2005 by the Zaal family, whose company Al Barari Development still runs it, and it was planned around the landscape first: themed gardens, lakes, streams and mature trees take up most of the land, with the homes set among them.

The result feels unlike most Dubai communities. Villas sit far apart on large plots, the streets are quiet, and from much of the community you cannot see a tower. The early villa collections, such as The Residences, include some of the largest family homes in the city, and later phases added The Nest, Chorisia and other villa groups, as well as low-rise apartments at Ashjar and Seventh Heaven.

There are trade-offs. You need a car for almost everything, there are no schools inside the gates, and keeping that much greenery looking good means service charges deserve close attention. Building continues on some of the remaining plots, so check what is planned near a specific home before you commit.

• 01

  Gardens before buildings

  Themed gardens, lakes and streams run through the community, and many villas back onto planted areas rather than onto neighbours.

• 02

  The Farm and the spa

  The Farm restaurant serves seasonal food in a garden setting, and the Heart & Soul Spa and a gym with tennis and padel courts are inside the community.

• 03

  Space and privacy

  Plots are large and homes are well spread out, which suits families who want a quiet base without moving far from the city.

• 04

  Close for an inland address

  Downtown Dubai and DIFC are about 20 minutes by car, and Dubai International Airport about 25, outside peak hours.

Life in Al Barari is quiet and spent largely outdoors. Residents walk, run and cycle through the gardens, and The Farm is a popular weekend breakfast spot for people from across Dubai. Groceries and errands mean a short drive: Cityland Mall is a few minutes away, the shops at Arabian Ranches and Dubai Outlet Mall are around 15 minutes, and The Dubai Mall about 20.

Nearby leisure options include Global Village in season, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club at Arabian Ranches. Those who want the beach should allow 25 to 30 minutes to reach the Jumeirah coast.

Al Barari is a car-dependent community. There is no metro station nearby and no bus service inside the gates, so residents drive or use taxis and ride-hailing, which are easy to book. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) runs alongside the community, and Al Khail Road (E44) is a few minutes away for Business Bay, Downtown and Dubai Marina. Traffic on both roads builds up at rush hour.

There are no schools inside Al Barari, but several are within about 10 to 15 minutes by car. Repton School Dubai and Kings' School Nad Al Sheba are in Nad Al Sheba, GEMS FirstPoint School is in The Villa, and Dunecrest American School is a short drive away. Most families drive or use school buses. For healthcare, there are clinics in the surrounding communities, and Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai Silicon Oasis is about 15 minutes away.

Most homes are large standalone villas, from the original Residences to later collections such as The Nest and Chorisia, many with private pools and big gardens. A smaller supply of low-rise apartments at Ashjar and Seventh Heaven offers the same setting at a lower entry price. Buyers are mainly end users, often business owners, senior executives and families, along with some investors who let to families on long leases.

When comparing villas, look at what the plot backs onto (garden, lake or road), the age and condition of the house, since the earliest phases date from the late 2000s, and the cost of maintaining a large garden and pool on top of service charges. New launches continue on remaining plots, mostly very large villas, so ask what is planned nearby.