Reehan 1

TL;DR: Reehan 1 is a completed low-rise residential building in Old Town, Downtown Dubai, developed by Emaar Properties and delivered in 2007. Part of the 8-building Reehan sub-district, it offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments (770–2,200 sqft) with traditional Arabian architecture, Burj Khalifa views, and walking-distance access to Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall. Resale prices range from AED 1.4M to AED 3.15M, with gross rental yields of 6%–8%.

Introduction to Reehan 1

Reehan 1 is a distinguished low-rise residential building nestled within the historic Old Town district of Downtown Dubai, developed by Emaar Properties — the visionary force behind the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the broader Downtown Dubai masterplan. Completed in 2007, Reehan 1 is part of the 8-building Reehan sub-district, which forms the largest cluster of residential buildings within Old Town's traditional Arabian-inspired community. The building rises 10 floors above ground in a configuration consistent with Old Town's strict architectural guidelines that limit construction heights to preserve the district's intimate, village-like character. This low-rise format stands in deliberate contrast to the soaring glass towers of greater Downtown Dubai, creating a unique residential enclave where traditional Arab vernacular design meets world-class modern amenities — all within walking distance of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and one of the world's largest shopping destinations.

Reehan 1 is a boutique-scale building with approximately 5–6 units per floor, offering a level of exclusivity and privacy that is increasingly rare in the heart of Downtown Dubai. All units are classified as freehold and are open to all nationalities, making it equally attractive to expatriate owner-occupiers and international investors seeking a trophy address in one of the world's most iconic urban neighbourhoods.

Location and Connectivity

The location of Reehan 1 within Old Town, Downtown Dubai, is nothing short of extraordinary. The building sits at the epicentre of Dubai's most prestigious residential and commercial district, offering unmatched proximity to global landmarks and essential amenities.

The Dubai Fountain — the world's largest choreographed fountain system — is within a 5–7 minute walk, approximately 850 metres via the pedestrian walkway through Souk Al Bahar. The Souk Al Bahar itself is directly adjacent to the Old Town community, connected by a pedestrian pathway, and houses over 100 retail shops and 22+ restaurants, cafes, and lounge bars, many positioned on the waterfront with direct views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. The iconic Burj Khalifa (828 metres, 160 floors) is approximately 1.0–1.4 kilometres on foot, reachable within a 5–7 minute walk. The Dubai Mall — one of the world's largest retail and entertainment destinations — is approximately 7–10 minutes' walk via the pedestrian bridge from Old Town.

For daily commuting, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (Red Line) is accessible within approximately 15–20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car, with a covered 800-metre pedestrian walkway (completed 2012) connecting the station to Dubai Mall. The Business Bay Metro Station is approximately 10 minutes by car. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai's premier financial hub, is roughly 15 minutes' drive away, while Dubai International Airport is reachable in 15–20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

The Old Town community is anchored by several prestigious hospitality addresses, including the Palace Downtown Hotel (a 5-star lakefront property within the community), The Address Downtown Hotel (immediately adjacent), Al Manzil Downtown Hotel (within Old Town), and Vida Downtown Hotel (within walking distance). Healthcare needs are served by Mediclinic Dubai Mall (inside Dubai Mall, approximately 10 minutes' walk), Emirates Hospital Clinic in close proximity to Downtown, and Excellency Centers physiotherapy clinic located on Old Town Island within walking distance. The American Hospital Dubai is approximately 15–20 minutes by car.

For families, nursery-age education options including Toddler Town British Nursery, Blossom Nursery, and Jumeirah International Nurseries are available within the Downtown vicinity, while primary and secondary schools including GEMS Wellington Primary School and JSS Private School are approximately 15–20 minutes' drive away.

Architecture, Design, and Unit Specifications

Reehan 1 exemplifies the Old Town district's signature architectural language — a thoughtful interpretation of traditional Arab vernacular design featuring arched walkways, Mashrabiya-style lattice balconies, stone facades in earthy sandstone and warm yellow tones, sinuous decorative elements, and Arabian lantern-style lighting. The building's exterior integrates seamlessly with the 35 low-rise buildings that comprise Old Town's six sub-districts (Yansoon, Reehan, Zaafaran, Miska, Zanzabeel, and Kamoon), creating a cohesive, pedestrian-friendly residential environment that is unique within the steel-and-glass landscape of modern Downtown Dubai.

The residential inventory spans three configurations. One-bedroom apartments range from 770 to 1,112 square feet (averaging approximately 850 square feet), featuring en-suite master bathrooms, dedicated dressing rooms, laundry areas, and private balconies. A distinctive feature of Reehan 1 is that ground-floor one-bedroom units include exclusive large private garden areas, providing rare outdoor living space in the heart of Downtown. Two-bedroom apartments range from 1,220 to 1,410 square feet, featuring dual dressing rooms in both bedrooms, larger balconies, and open-plan living, dining, and kitchen configurations. Three-bedroom units are configured as penthouse-style residences averaging approximately 2,034 square feet, representing the largest footprint in the building. The overall unit size range across all configurations spans 780 to 2,200 square feet.

Building amenities reflect Old Town's premium positioning. Residents enjoy access to a temperature-controlled swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna and steam rooms, tennis and squash courts, and beautifully landscaped communal gardens. The building operates with a district cooling system (rather than individual air conditioning units), high-speed elevators, 24-hour security with CCTV monitoring, and secured underground parking. Professional concierge services are available, and the building maintains a pet-friendly policy. The interior community environment is entirely traffic-free, with pedestrian-only pathways connecting residents to Souk Al Bahar, the Burj Lake boardwalk, and Old Town's various dining and retail destinations.

Investment Performance and Market Data

Reehan 1 delivers compelling investment returns that outperform many of Downtown Dubai's more prominent high-rise towers. Active resale listings range from AED 1,399,000 to AED 3,150,000, with 1-bedroom units starting from approximately AED 1.4M–2.5M, 2-bedroom units from AED 1.7M–3.15M, and 3-bedroom configurations from AED 3.5M upward. Recent DLD-confirmed transactions across the Reehan complex show an average transaction value of AED 2,280,490, with 50 sales recorded in the trailing 12-month period and year-on-year price appreciation of 6%. Comparable recent transactions include a 944-square-foot 1-bedroom in Reehan 2 sold for AED 2,100,000 (approximately AED 2,222 per square foot) in January 2025, and an 806-square-foot 1-bedroom sold for AED 1,710,000 (approximately AED 2,121 per square foot) in December 2024. The Old Town area-wide median price stands at approximately AED 2,940 per square foot.

Rental performance is a particular strength of the Reehan sub-district. Annual rental rates for 1-bedroom units range from AED 95,000 to AED 120,000 (averaging AED 100,000–105,000), while 2-bedroom units command AED 100,000 to AED 125,000 per year. These rental rates translate to gross rental yields of 6%–8%, as confirmed by Dubai MLS research — significantly above the 4%–6% typically achieved by Downtown Dubai's prime high-rise towers. This yield premium reflects Reehan 1's relatively accessible entry prices combined with strong rental demand driven by the building's unique character, Old Town's walkable lifestyle, and the unparalleled proximity to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

Old Town Community: A Living Heritage

Old Town is a pedestrian-friendly, low-rise residential district developed as an integral part of Emaar's flagship Downtown Dubai masterplan, which was launched in 2003. The community comprises 35 low-rise buildings across six sub-districts, housing approximately 1,500+ residential units with building heights restricted to 4–7 storeys across all sub-districts. No high-rise construction is permitted within the Old Town boundary, preserving the district's intimate Arabian character.

The community's retail and dining heart is Souk Al Bahar ("Market of the Sailor"), a traditional Arabian-style souk directly adjacent to the Reehan buildings. The souk houses over 100 retail shops and 22+ restaurants, cafes, and lounges, many positioned on the waterfront terrace with direct views of the Dubai Fountain's nightly performances and the illuminated Burj Khalifa. Traditional abra (wooden boat) rides across the Burj Lake offer a uniquely Emirati leisure experience. The community also features landscaped gardens, boardwalk promenades, and Old Town Island parks.

Old Town's internal environment is entirely pedestrian — traffic-free sinuous walkways connect residents through arched passages, past Arabian lantern-lit courtyards, and alongside landscaped communal gardens. This car-free living environment, combined with the surrounding world-class hospitality infrastructure (Palace Downtown, The Address Downtown, Al Manzil, and Vida Downtown hotels), creates a resort-like atmosphere that is unique within the broader Downtown Dubai ecosystem.

Developer Profile: Emaar Properties

Emaar Properties, founded in 1997 by Mohamed Ali Alabbar, is one of the world's most prominent and valuable real estate development companies. Listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) under the ticker EMAAR, the company commands a market capitalization of approximately AED 143 billion (USD 39.95 billion) as of early 2026. In 2024, Emaar reported revenue of AED 35.50 billion (a 32.73% year-on-year increase) and net earnings of AED 13.51 billion (up 16.21%).

Emaar's portfolio includes some of the world's most recognizable real estate landmarks: the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building at 828 metres and 160 floors, opened in 2010), Dubai Mall, the Downtown Dubai master-planned community, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Emirates Living communities, Emaar Beachfront, and the Dubai Opera. The company's hospitality brand, Address Hotels + Resorts, operates luxury properties worldwide. Internationally, Emaar has developed projects across Africa, Asia, North America, and the broader Middle East, including Uptown Cairo in Egypt.

Reehan 1 stands as an enduring testament to Emaar's ability to create communities with lasting character and investment value — nearly two decades after delivery, the building continues to command premium prices and above-average yields, powered by its irreplaceable location within Old Town's Arabian heritage district and the timeless appeal of living steps from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.