Al Salam Tower, Dubai Media City (Al Sufouh 2): Grade A Offices, Metro & Road Access, Facilities, Leasing Costs and Transport Guide (2026)

Some towers are known for their apartments, others for their views. Al Salam Tower is known for something more practical: it is a large, well-established Grade A office tower in the heart of Dubai Media City, within the Al Sufouh 2 area, and it has been home to some of Dubai’s most recognisable corporate occupiers. It also includes serviced apartments, which makes it a mixed-use building rather than a pure office block.

If you are a business owner, an office manager, a corporate real estate planner or an investor, you probably have a familiar set of questions. Where exactly is the tower, and how do you get there? How good are the metro and road links? What facilities does the building provide? How much parking comes with the lease? What do offices cost, and how do fitted and furnished options compare? And what are the downsides?

This guide answers those questions in detail. It covers the building’s profile, the Al Sufouh 2 and Media City setting, connectivity by metro, road, bus and taxi, facilities and parking, office types and pricing, nearby services, pros and cons, and practical checklists. Naming around this building is confusing, with several names in use, so I untangle that first.

Al Salam Tower at a Glance

Cushman & Wakefield describes Al Salam Tower as a Grade A commercial office building in Dubai Media City, in the TECOM district, with 46 floors and a completion date of 2006. It lists 23 floors for office space and 15 floors for serviced apartments, including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, plus a six-level podium providing 900 car parking spaces. The same agency lists single building ownership, a free zone licence type, G+46 floors and a parking ratio of one space per 500 sq. ft. A typical floor has about 14,903 sq. ft. of gross leasable area, and the tower has a total office space of 364,361 sq. ft.

Anchor tenant

The tower serves as the headquarters for the telecom group du, which tells you a lot about the building’s corporate profile. An anchor tenant of that size usually reflects building quality, services and technology infrastructure that meet large-company standards.

A Note on Naming and Conflicting Data

If you search online, you will meet several names and a few different data points. It is worth sorting them out before you start comparing listings.

Different names. Wikipedia says Al Salam Tower used to be known as Chelsea Tower because it was previously leased and operated by Chelsea Hotel Group, and that during construction it took the name Al Salam Tower II after an older neighbouring building. Structurae lists the other names as Al Salam Tower II and Peace Tower. Some brokers call it Al Salam Tecom Tower. All appear to refer to the same building, but check the exact name and address in any contract.

Completion year. Sources disagree. Wikipedia says it was completed in 2005, Cushman & Wakefield says 2006, and another broker says the project was commissioned in 2008. The difference may reflect different milestones such as topping out, handover or fit-out completion. For a tenant, the building is simply a mature tower in operation for roughly two decades, so the key point is the condition of the specific floor and systems.

Floor count and height. Cushman & Wakefield gives G+46 floors, while another broker says 47 storeys. Wikipedia gives a height of about 250 metres and a floor area of 65,920 square metres. The difference between 46 and 47 usually comes from whether the ground level is counted.

Different building with a similar name. Do not confuse this tower with Al Sufouh Towers, a separate multi-building complex that has been described as under development in Dubai Media City, Al Sufouh 2. One broker describes Al Sufouh Towers as a prominent multi-building complex under development in Dubai Media City. That project is not the same as Al Salam Tower, and any unit details for it do not apply here.

Developer and owner. Wikipedia lists SRG Holding Limited as the developer and Atkins as the architect. Another source names Abdul Salam Al Rafi Group as the client. Ownership histories can be complicated, so ask the leasing agent or landlord who currently owns and manages the building.

Understanding Al Sufouh 2 and Dubai Media City

What is Al Sufouh 2?

Al Sufouh is a long coastal district of Dubai, and it is divided into two sub-areas. One portal describes Al Sufouh 1 as closer to the sea and luxury resorts like Mina A’Salam, and Al Sufouh 2 as the business, education and skyscraper hub. Wikipedia notes that Al Sufouh 2 is located south of Palm Jumeirah and contains free zone clusters such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai Media City. It also houses Dubai College, the International School of Choueifat and the American University in Dubai.

Dubai Media City and TECOM

Al Salam Tower sits within the TECOM cluster of free zones. Cushman & Wakefield describes it as strategically located in the centre of Dubai Media City, with easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Sufouh Road, and close to supermarkets, hospitals and prominent landmarks. That cluster is home to thousands of media, technology and communications companies, and it offers businesses a recognised free zone environment.

Why companies choose this area

• Free zone benefits. Many businesses licence through the relevant free zone authority, subject to its rules.
• Concentration of peers. Being near other technology and media companies helps with networking, hiring and partnerships.
• Good transport links. Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Sufouh Road and the metro all serve the district.
• Lifestyle nearby. Dubai Marina, JLT, Palm Jumeirah and Mall of the Emirates are within a short drive.

Location of Al Salam Tower

Where it sits

Al Salam Tower is in the centre of Dubai Media City, with easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Sufouh Road. A contractor’s project page describes the tower as situated along Sheikh Zayed Road in the heart of Dubai’s business district. Those two statements place the building in the corridor between the main highway and the coastal road, a spot with strong visibility and good access.

Views

Views are a selling point in many listings. Several office listings mention sea views and high-floor locations. Because the tower is tall (around 250 metres by one source), higher floors can offer views toward the Gulf, the Palm and the Marina skyline, depending on orientation.

Nearby landmarks

From the tower, you are within easy reach of:

• Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City
• Dubai Knowledge Park and Barsha Heights (TECOM)
• The Greens, Emirates Hills and Dubai Marina
• Palm Jumeirah
• Mall of the Emirates and Al Barsha
• Madinat Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim

Approximate travel times

These are rough guides based on typical conditions and general area knowledge. Always check live traffic.

Rush-hour traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Sufouh Road can lengthen these times significantly.

Connectivity and Transport

Dubai Metro

Metro access is one of the tower’s main attractions for staff. Several office listings for Al Salam Tower carry the label “Near Metro.” The Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, and stations serving Dubai Internet City and neighbouring areas connect to Dubai Marina, JLT, Mall of the Emirates, Business Bay, Downtown, DIFC and the airport.

A practical caution: I did not find a verified walking time from the tower to the nearest station in the sources I reviewed. “Near metro” in a listing can mean anything from a short covered walk to a longer outdoor trek, and in summer that difference matters. Walk the route yourself at the time of day your team will use it before assuming it works.

Buses and feeders

RTA buses and feeder services serve the TECOM area and connect with metro stations. Routes and frequencies change, so check the RTA’s journey planner for the latest options. For many staff, a short taxi or feeder ride bridges any gap between the metro and the office.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate throughout Media City and Internet City, and visitors can reach the tower easily from across Dubai. Weekday peak times can see higher demand, so allow extra time for client arrivals.

By road

Road access is a strength. Easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Sufouh Road is highlighted by the leasing agent. From there you can reach Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and the routes to the airport, Downtown, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates. Morning and evening congestion is common on the main roads, so staff who drive should plan for it.

Parking

For a large office tower, parking provision is a key factor, and here it is substantial. The podium has six levels providing 900 car parking spaces. Offices come with a parking ratio of one space per 500 sq. ft. That means a 2,000 sq. ft. office would typically receive about four bays, and a full floor of roughly 14,900 sq. ft. would receive around 30.

That ratio is generous by central Dubai standards, but it may still be tight for staff-heavy teams. Ask how additional bays are priced, how visitor parking works and how access is controlled.

Walking

Media City and Internet City are among Dubai’s more walkable business districts, with a mix of office towers, cafes and shops within short distances. In cooler months, staff can walk for lunch. In summer, the heat makes covered routes and short rides essential.

Facilities and Amenities

Office building features

Public information on Al Salam Tower’s facilities is somewhat limited, but the main elements are consistent across sources:

• Grade A office floors. Cushman & Wakefield describes the tower as a distinguished Grade A commercial office building.
• Large, efficient floor plates. A typical floor spans around 14,903 sq. ft. of gross leasable area, which suits mid-sized and large teams.
• Flexible office configurations. Offices are available as fully fitted, partitioned and full-floor options.
• A large podium car park. As above.
• Serviced apartments in the building. Fifteen floors house serviced apartments, including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. That can be useful for visiting staff or short corporate stays.
• Hotel-style services in the basement and technical areas. A contractor’s page notes that basement floors house hotel services and technical areas as well as ample parking.

Office finishes

The tower offers a range of options:

• Fitted offices, with partitions, ceilings and basic finishes ready for your own furniture
• Fully fitted and furnished offices, ready to move in with desks, meeting rooms and pantries. Some listings describe these as all-inclusive, fully furnished offices with sea views.
• Full-floor options, for larger corporate teams. One listing offers a fitted, full-floor office of 13,022 sq. ft.

Licensing

Several listings mention a DED licence, while others reflect free zone licensing. Whether you can operate under a particular licence from a particular unit depends on the rules of the relevant authority and the landlord’s terms, so confirm that your intended licence type is allowed before you sign.

What to verify on site

Because amenity lists are brief, a careful viewing matters. Check:

• Lift performance and waiting times at peak hours, especially in a building of this height
• Reception, lobby and security standards
• Air conditioning and chilled-water billing
• Meeting rooms, lounges or any shared business facilities
• Parking access, visitor parking and extra-bay costs
• Fit-out rules, approval timelines and landlord requirements
• Internet providers and connectivity options
• After-hours access and security procedures
• Condition of the specific floor and any planned works

Office Types, Sizes and Pricing

Sizes

Offices in Al Salam Tower range from small suites to full floors. Recent listings on one agency’s tower page include a 968 sq. ft. fitted office, 1,546 sq. ft., 1,593 sq. ft., 2,217 sq. ft. and 2,368 sq. ft. units, and a 13,022 sq. ft. full floor. That range suits small teams, mid-sized firms and larger corporate occupiers.

Indicative office rents

Asking rents vary widely by finish, floor, view and inclusions. The same agency’s listings give a useful snapshot:

• A 968 sq. ft. fitted office was listed at AED 290,334 per year, roughly AED 300 per sq. ft.
• A 1,546 sq. ft. fitted office near the metro was listed at AED 386,500 per year, roughly AED 250 per sq. ft.
• A 13,022 sq. ft. fitted full floor near the metro was listed at AED 2,930,036 per year, roughly AED 225 per sq. ft.
• A 1,593 sq. ft. fully fitted and furnished office was listed at AED 714,975 per year, roughly AED 450 per sq. ft.
• A 2,368 sq. ft. all-inclusive, fully furnished office with sea views was listed at AED 1,199,000 per year, roughly AED 506 per sq. ft.
• A 1,550 sq. ft. fully furnished, high-floor office with sea views and a DED licence was listed at AED 823,900 per year, roughly AED 530 per sq. ft.

So, in these examples, fitted offices cluster at roughly AED 225 to AED 300 per sq. ft. per year, while fully fitted and furnished or all-inclusive offices run at roughly AED 450 to AED 530 per sq. ft. Full floors get a lower per-square-foot rate than small suites. The premium for furnished space usually reflects furniture, fit-out and services that would otherwise cost you upfront.

These are asking prices, not final deals. Negotiation, lease length, rent-free periods and payment terms (for example the number of cheques) can change the effective cost. Always get written quotes from several brokers and compare similar units.

Serviced apartment rents

I did not find reliable current rents or sale prices for the serviced apartments in the tower in the sources I reviewed, so I will not quote any. If you need short-stay accommodation, ask the landlord or operator directly for terms and rates.

Service charges and other costs

I also did not find a verified current service-charge figure for Al Salam Tower. Budget for:

• Service charges, which you should request in writing
• Chilled water or district cooling, if billed separately
• DEWA electricity and water
• Internet and telecoms
• Fit-out costs, if you lease a shell or lightly fitted space
• Free zone licence and visa fees
• Parking fees, for additional bays
• Ejari registration and agent commission

Dining, Shopping and Services Nearby

Everyday needs

Media City and Internet City have a variety of cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and services within short distances. Cushman & Wakefield notes the tower’s proximity to several supermarkets, hospitals and prominent landmarks. For staff, that means lunch, errands and coffee meetings rarely require a car.

Dining

The area offers everything from quick-service outlets to sit-down restaurants, and nearby Marina, JLT, Madinat Jumeirah and Palm Jumeirah add upscale options for client dinners. The area also houses a Hard Rock Cafe, one of the well-known venues within Al Sufouh 2.

Shopping

Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina Mall are a short drive away for larger shopping, entertainment and services.

Hotels and accommodation

Because the tower includes serviced apartments and the area has many hotels, visiting colleagues and clients can find accommodation close by. The building’s own serviced apartments include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

Leisure

After work, staff can reach the beach at Umm Suqeim and JBR, golf courses and sports clubs within a short drive, and Palm Jumeirah’s waterfront venues are close.

Education and Healthcare

Schools and universities

Al Sufouh 2 has a strong education footprint. Dubai College, the International School of Choueifat and the American University in Dubai are listed in the area. That matters for a business tower because it helps employees with families, and it supports a talent pipeline through nearby universities and Knowledge Park institutions. School quality, fees and admissions change, so check the education authority’s current information.

Healthcare

Clinics, pharmacies and larger hospitals are within a short drive in Umm Suqeim, Al Barsha and Dubai Healthcare City. If employee healthcare access matters, check provider distances and insurance networks.

Pros and Cons of Al Salam Tower

Advantages

1. Prime Media City location. The tower sits in the centre of Dubai Media City, within the TECOM free zone cluster.
2. Strong road access. Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Sufouh Road are both close.
3. Metro proximity. Listings highlight “near metro” positioning, subject to verification.
4. Large, efficient floor plates. About 14,900 sq. ft. per typical floor suits corporate teams.
5. Generous parking. A 900-space podium and a ratio of one space per 500 sq. ft.
6. Flexible office options. Fitted, furnished, all-inclusive and full-floor choices.
7. Anchor tenant credibility. The headquarters of a major telecom group signals a corporate-grade building.
8. Serviced apartments on site. Convenient for visiting staff.
9. Sea and skyline views. High floors can offer attractive outlooks.
10. Established area. A mature business district with strong supporting services.

Drawbacks

1. Older building. Completed in the mid-2000s, so some floors may feel dated compared with newer towers.
2. Inconsistent public data. Names, completion dates and floor counts vary across sources.
3. Peak-hour traffic. Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Sufouh Road can be congested.
4. Metro walk unknown. Verify the real walking time from the nearest station.
5. Furnished premiums. Fully furnished offices cost significantly more per square foot.
6. Limited public pricing details. Service charges and serviced apartment rents are not readily available.
7. Summer heat. Outdoor walking is difficult for much of the year.
8. Not a waterfront or leisure address. The district is more business-oriented than lifestyle-oriented.

Who Is Al Salam Tower Best For?

Technology, media and telecom companies

The building’s Media City location and anchor tenant profile make it a natural fit for firms in these sectors.

Mid-sized and large corporate teams

With floors of around 14,900 sq. ft. and generous parking, the tower suits companies that need space for dozens or hundreds of staff.

Firms that want a move-in-ready office

Fully fitted and furnished or all-inclusive options let teams start quickly, which is useful for new market entrants and regional offices.

Companies with regular visitors

Serviced apartments in the building, hotels nearby and quick road access help firms that host visiting executives.

Businesses focused on the western side of Dubai

Companies that serve clients in Marina, JLT, Palm Jumeirah and Al Barsha benefit from the central western location.

Who should think twice?

Start-ups with tight budgets may prefer cheaper towers elsewhere. Companies that need a Downtown or DIFC address, or that rely heavily on staff commuting from Deira or Sharjah, may find other districts more convenient.

Investment Perspective

The single-owner structure

Cushman & Wakefield lists the tower’s building ownership as single. That means offices are typically leased by one landlord rather than sold floor by floor to different investors. For tenants, that can mean more consistent management. For investors, it means you are unlikely to be able to buy an individual office unit, so the tower is more relevant as a leasing option than as a strata-sale investment. Confirm ownership structure and availability directly.

What tenants should analyse

• Total occupancy cost. Combine rent, service charges, cooling, parking and fit-out.
• Lease terms. Look at break clauses, renewals and rent escalation.
• Flexibility. Consider whether you may need to expand or contract.
• Building condition and upgrades. Ask about recent renovations, lift modernisation and technology upgrades.
• Comparable towers. Compare with other TECOM and Media City buildings, such as Al Shafar Towers, Dubai Internet City buildings and newer offerings.

A balanced view

The tower offers a credible, established corporate address in a free zone cluster. It is not the newest building in the district, so price negotiation and condition checks matter. Rely on current quotes and independent advice rather than marketing summaries.

Al Salam Tower Compared with Alternatives

Versus Barsha Heights (TECOM) towers

Barsha Heights towers, such as Al Shafar Towers, often offer lower rents and smaller floor plates, with a mix of residential and commercial uses. Al Salam Tower offers larger floors, a higher profile and a more corporate feel.

Versus Dubai Internet City buildings

Internet City buildings may offer more modern specifications and campus-style settings, usually under different leasing structures. Al Salam Tower offers a high-rise address with serviced apartments and generous parking.

Versus DIFC and Downtown

DIFC and Downtown offer prestige, a financial-services cluster and central access, but typically at much higher rents. Al Salam Tower is more affordable and closer to the western business districts.

Versus Business Bay

Business Bay has more office stock and strong metro access, with different positioning and traffic patterns. If your clients and staff are in central Dubai, Business Bay may be more convenient. If they are in Marina, JLT or Media City, Al Salam Tower is closer.

Versus Dubai Marina or JLT offices

Marina and JLT offices offer lifestyle benefits and lower prices in some buildings, though many are smaller and older. Al Salam Tower offers a larger-scale corporate environment.

Sample Daily Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Media City professional. An employee working for a telecom or media firm in the tower drives or takes a short ride from home in Marina or JLT. Parking is straightforward thanks to the podium car park, and lunch is a short walk away.

Scenario 2: The metro commuter. A staff member living in Business Bay takes the Red Line to the station serving Internet City, then walks or takes a short ride to the tower. They test the walk in advance and plan summer alternatives.

Scenario 3: The client meeting. A visiting client arrives by taxi at the lobby, takes a high-speed lift to a high-floor meeting room with sea views and then goes to lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Scenario 4: The relocating team. A regional headquarters moving to Dubai leases a fully fitted and furnished all-inclusive office, so the team can start work within days of signing, while their long-term fit-out is planned.

Scenario 5: The visiting executive. An executive on a short assignment stays in a serviced apartment inside the tower, which saves commuting time and simplifies logistics.

Practical Checklist for Tenants

1. Confirm the exact building name, address and floor, given the multiple names in use.
2. Visit at peak hours to test lifts, parking access and traffic.
3. Walk from the nearest metro station in the heat and time it.
4. Check the specific floor and view, including any future obstruction.
5. Inspect the office condition, including AC, lighting, ceilings and flooring.
6. Clarify parking allocation, visitor parking and extra-bay costs.
7. Request the current service charge and ask what it includes.
8. Ask about chilled-water billing and utilities.
9. Confirm licensing eligibility for your business activity and licence type.
10. Review fit-out rules, approvals and timelines if relevant.
11. Negotiate payment terms, rent-free periods and break clauses.
12. Register the lease through Ejari.
13. Verify the broker’s licence and the listing’s permit number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Al Salam Tower?
A mixed-use tower in Dubai Media City, Al Sufouh 2, with Grade A offices and serviced apartments.

Is it also called Al Salam Tecom Tower or Chelsea Tower?
Yes. Al Salam Tecom Tower is a common broker name, and Chelsea Tower is a former name linked to the hotel group that once operated it. Other names include Al Salam Tower II and Peace Tower.

Who is the anchor tenant?
Cushman & Wakefield says the tower serves as the headquarters for the telecom group du.

How many floors does it have?
G+46 according to Cushman & Wakefield. One broker says 47 storeys.

How tall is it?
About 250 metres, according to Wikipedia.

When was it completed?
Sources say 2005, 2006 or 2008, depending on how the milestone is defined.

What types of space are available?
Fitted offices, fully fitted and furnished offices, all-inclusive offices and full floors. The building also has serviced apartments.

How big is a typical floor?
About 14,903 sq. ft. of gross leasable area.

How much parking is there?
A six-level podium with 900 spaces, and a ratio of about one space per 500 sq. ft. of office space.

How much does an office cost to rent?
Recent listings show fitted offices at roughly AED 225 to AED 300 per sq. ft. per year, and fully furnished or all-inclusive offices at roughly AED 450 to AED 530 per sq. ft. Prices vary.

Is there a metro station nearby?
Listings describe the tower as near the metro. Verify the exact walking distance and time.

Can I buy an office in the tower?
The tower is listed as single-owner, so offices are generally leased rather than sold individually. Confirm with the landlord.

Is Al Salam Tower the same as Al Sufouh Towers?
No. Al Sufouh Towers is a separate multi-building complex described as under development in Dubai Media City.

What is the main drawback?
An older building with inconsistent public information, peak-hour traffic and a premium for furnished space.

Final Verdict

Al Salam Tower is a substantial, established office building in the middle of Dubai Media City, backed by an anchor tenant profile, large floor plates, strong parking provision, flexible fit-out options and good access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Sufouh Road and the metro. The serviced apartments add a useful extra for visiting staff, and the surrounding area offers schools, services and lifestyle options within a short drive.

The caveats are practical. The building is not new, public data on names, dates and floors is inconsistent, service charges and serviced-apartment rents are not readily published, and traffic in the corridor can be heavy at peak times. Furnished and all-inclusive offices carry a notable premium over fitted space.

For technology, media and corporate firms that want a credible address in TECOM with room to grow, Al Salam Tower is worth shortlisting. Visit in person, inspect several floors, compare quotes with other Media City, Internet City and Barsha Heights buildings, and verify every key detail before you sign.

Disclaimer: This article draws on property-agency tower guides, broker materials, technical databases and general area knowledge. Building names, completion dates, floor counts, rents, service charges, licensing rules, parking arrangements and transport services can change or differ between sources. Please verify everything with the landlord, building management, a licensed broker, the relevant free zone authority and the RTA before making any leasing decision. This is general information, not legal, financial or investment advice.