DIFC with the Family : Would you live in the Financial Hub with Kids?

I don’t know a lot of about DIFC, other than the very few times that we have been there for lunch and dinners, and the night outs a lifetime ago. For me, DIFC as it is – a Financial Hub. I would not imagine that it is suitable for families. Or is it?

Anjum, mum of 2 girls and owner of Toys and Tools beg to differ. She writes this piece, explaining to all of us that the DIFC is much more family-friendly that what we all think. Read on.

D.I.F.C- Dubai International Financial Center, famously known as the business locality of Dubai has a plethora of benefits to offer for a family living. If you have always thought DIFC is synonymous with just finance and business, then come along let me help you explore the fabulous family-friendly world of DIFC.

Nestled in between the famous landmarks – The Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers, DIFC is a buzzing locality hosting a few of the city’s best restaurants, recreational areas, unique art galleries, retail, supermarkets, etc…,

To us, DIFC is a self-sufficient neighborhood which has been home for 5+years and we couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Now, the whys of our decision:

1.It’s all in the location

Positioned on Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC grants quick and easy access to diverse areas of busy Dubai. To name a few,

The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa: 6 minutes
Kidzania: 10 minutes
Dubai Festival City: 16 minutes
Dubai International Airport: 20 minutes
City Walk: 9 minutes
Satwa Park: 5 minutes
Khazzan Park: 10 minutes
Jumeriah Beach: 10 minutes
Laguna Waterpark: 15 minutes
Extreme Fun Indoor play area: 8 minutes

Phew! The list is endless.

2. A pedestrian-minded community

If you thought 10 minutes is a bit too much travel time with kids, then I have news. Pull out your sneakers, dust the strollers, oil those bikes- The uber chic DIFC comprises a zillion options accessible by foot. Be it an indoor play area, a quick pizza dinner, nursery school, or an ice-cream treat. Yes, we have it all in the measure of footsteps.

3. The outdoor tales

Enjoy all the fresh air from the huge breezy Gate Avenue Terrace with loads of seating places, the promenade water fountains, the grassy areas under the arch. There is ample space in the community for children to let loose, scoot around or play a game of hopscotch.

4. Public Transport

There is no dearth to availability of public transport anytime. I personally love the metro accessibility. We don’t have just one but two stations to choose from (now who doesn’t love superfluous options)

5. The Date Night Flaps

DIFC boasts the city’s best dining restaurants, enjoy a fancy date night at a hop from your apartment. Our personal favorites are

Zuma– a contemporary Japanese restaurant and lounge.
La Petite Maison – a French restaurant with a romantic set-up and yummilicious food.

6. Picnic with the peacocks

And when we have no plans, we picnic with the peacocks, in the heart of the concrete jungle. Oh yes! We do. Walk towards The Emirates Towers from the emirates towers metro station exit, you will enter the world of stunning grassy areas where there are loads of peacocks fluttering around. Park your blanket underneath a shady spot and enjoy a fab picnic.

I am Anjum, mum of two girls. I am awful with DIY’s although sometimes I do succeed with persistent effort just to see the twinkle in my girl’s eye. 😉

When I am not busy with baby talk, I unwind myself with Toys And Tool – an educational resource website offering free downloadable activities for children.

I love pretty things- hence I started to design good-looking printable activities for my girls. When I noticed that my pretty printables started to pile up as just another saved documents on my laptop, I set-up my website “Toys And Tool” for my free downloadable resources.

Dubai has been home for 5+ years and we are loving every bit of it.

This is one of a series of posts which forms “Is Dubai suitable for families?“