Al Shahed Tower, Barsha Heights (TECOM), Dubai: Location, Metro Access, Facilities, Rents and Transport Guide (2026)

Barsha Heights, still widely called TECOM, is one of those Dubai districts that works quietly. It does not have the glamour of Downtown or the beach of JBR, but it has something many people value more: a central position on Sheikh Zayed Road, a short hop to Dubai Internet City and Media City, a large pool of mid-priced apartments and a steady stream of professionals who live and work nearby.

Al Shahed Tower is one of the established residential buildings in this community. It is a mid-rise apartment tower with studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, aimed at working professionals, couples and small households. It does not pretend to be a luxury landmark. It is a practical, well-located building in a district built for practical living.

This guide covers what you need to know before renting or buying. You will find the tower’s profile, its location on Hessa Street and Sheikh Zayed Road, how to get around by metro, bus, taxi and car, the facilities and parking arrangements, apartment sizes and indicative rents, the neighbourhood’s services, a balanced list of pros and cons and practical checklists. Where sources disagree, which happens with older mid-market buildings, I flag it so you know what to verify yourself.

Al Shahed Tower at a Glance

Metropolitan Real Estate describes Al Shahed Tower as a 16-storey residential complex in Barsha Heights at the intersection of Hessa Street and Sheikh Zayed Road. Another broker describes a completed 17-storey residential building by Tameer with 168 apartments, from studios to two-bedroom configurations. That broker’s detailed page says the building has a basement, a ground floor and 16 residential floors, which likely explains why some sources say 16 and others say 17.

A note on naming and data quality

You will find this building spelled Al Shahed Tower and Al Shahd Tower, and listed under both. They appear to be the same building. I could not find a verified completion year in the sources I reviewed, and unit sizes differ between portals, so confirm key details in writing with the landlord or building management before you commit.

Understanding Barsha Heights (TECOM)

What is Barsha Heights?

Bayut notes that the community was formerly known as TECOM and is now called Barsha Heights or Al Barsha Heights. Cushman & Wakefield describes Barsha Heights as a free zone and leasehold area governed by the TECOM Authority, close to Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City and other TECOM business parks.

In practical terms, that means a dense grid of residential towers, serviced apartments, hotels and commercial buildings. Bayut says Barsha Heights is a mixed-use community with several commercial and residential properties, and buildings around Al Shahed Tower include hotels, apartment buildings and commercial spaces.

Why people choose Barsha Heights

• Employment hubs nearby. Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Park house thousands of employees, including many from global technology and media firms.
• Central position. The district sits between Dubai Marina, JLT and the Mall of the Emirates corridor.
• Relative value. Rents are often more moderate than in Marina or Downtown for similar space.
• Metro access. The Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, and nearby stations serve the district.
• Established rental market. The building stock is mature, with many ready-to-move apartments.

The trade-offs

Barsha Heights is not a leisure district. Bayut notes that living in Barsha Heights has different benefits but that it has only a few parks and malls. The area is functional, dense and traffic-heavy at peak times. If you want beach access, big green spaces or a resort feel, you will need to travel.

Location of Al Shahed Tower

The address

Al Shahed Tower sits where Hessa Street meets Sheikh Zayed Road, which places it on the edge of the Barsha Heights grid with direct access to one of Dubai’s main arteries. That position is a real strength for drivers, taxi users and anyone who values quick access to the highway.

Views

Because of its position, some apartments enjoy views over nearby landmarks. One broker’s description says the tower overlooks the Emirates Golf Club, Madinat Jumeirah and Wild Wadi Waterpark. Views depend on floor and orientation, and neighbouring towers can block sightlines, so check the specific unit.

Nearby areas

From Al Shahed Tower, you are within easy reach of:

• Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City
• Dubai Knowledge Park
• The Greens and Emirates Hills
• Al Barsha and Mall of the Emirates
• Dubai Marina and JLT
• Al Sufouh and Umm Suqeim

One listing highlights proximity to Dubai Internet City and to The Greens and Al Barsha.

Distances to key places

Here the sources give some useful numbers. A broker listing says the tower is about a 10-minute drive from Mall of the Emirates and about 15 minutes from Dubai Mall and central Dubai attractions. These are typical-traffic figures, and rush hours can stretch them.

As rough guides based on general area knowledge, not the listings:

Connectivity and Transport

Dubai Metro

Metro access is one of Barsha Heights’ main selling points, and Al Shahed Tower’s listings often highlight it. Some listings on Bayut are titled “Close To Metro” and “near to metro” for apartments in the tower. The broker’s detailed page also notes proximity to Dubai Internet City Metro Station.

The Red Line connects the district with Dubai Marina, JLT, Mall of the Emirates, Business Bay, Downtown, DIFC and the airport. For employees at TECOM-area companies, it is one of the most convenient commutes in the city.

A practical caution: “near the metro” is a marketing phrase. The actual walking distance from the building entrance to the platform can range from a few minutes to well over ten, and in summer heat that makes a big difference. I did not find a verified walking time for this specific building in the sources I reviewed, so test the route yourself before you sign.

Buses and feeders

Bus stops serve the Barsha Heights grid and connect to metro stations and neighbouring areas. Routes and frequencies change, so use the RTA’s official journey planner to check current options. For many residents, buses and short taxi rides serve as feeders to the metro.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate throughout the district and are easy to find, especially around Sheikh Zayed Road. Short trips to the metro, Internet City or nearby malls are cheap and quick outside rush hours.

By road

Road access is excellent. The tower’s position at the junction of Hessa Street and Sheikh Zayed Road puts you right next to the highway. From there you can reach Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and the routes to Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown and the airport. Peak-hour congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road and the Barsha Heights streets is a daily reality, so factor it into your commute.

Parking

Parking is a practical concern in dense districts like this. Bayut says parking in Al Shahed Tower is convenient and safe because the parking area is covered. That is a strength, but allocation matters. One one-bedroom listing shows zero parking spaces included, which suggests that parking may not always come with the apartment, or may carry an extra fee. Always ask how many bays your lease includes, whether parking is covered, what visitors can use and what extra bays cost.

Walking

Barsha Heights is a compact grid, and many everyday needs can be reached on foot in cooler months. In summer, walking is uncomfortable for much of the day, and some pavements and crossings are not ideal. Plan for short taxi rides when needed.

Facilities and Amenities

What public sources say

Detailed amenity information for Al Shahed Tower is limited and varies between sources. Based on broker and portal descriptions, the most commonly mentioned features are:

• Covered parking. As noted above.
• 24-hour security. Bayut says security staff at the gates ensure 24-hour security of the building.
• A swimming pool. One broker lists an outdoor residents’ pool.
• A gym. The same broker lists a well-equipped fitness facility.
• A children’s play area and retail. The broker’s summary says the tower has a swimming pool, gym, children’s play area and retail shops.
• Chiller supply. Bayut notes that Empower supplies a chiller to the apartment units. That is a district cooling provider, which means cooling costs may be billed separately in some units. Some listings advertise “chiller free” units, meaning the landlord includes cooling in the rent. Always clarify.

I did not find a verified full amenity list from building management. If a feature such as the pool, gym or play area matters to you, ask the landlord for confirmation and check it on site.

Apartment types and sizes

With about 168 apartments, the tower offers a modest mix. Units range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, with sizes between about 400 and 1,300 sq. ft. according to one broker. Other sources give smaller figures for studios. Bayut says studios in the tower average 320 to 350 sq. ft., and one studio listing shows 350.58 sq. ft. Size ranges vary between portals, so always check the actual area listed in the tenancy contract.

One-bedroom apartments are the most commonly listed type. One listing shows a 689 sq. ft. one-bedroom, another shows 633 sq. ft. with two bathrooms and a balcony, and a third shows a 603 sq. ft. one-bedroom with two bathrooms. Those are reasonable sizes for a mid-market building.

Who the layout suits

• Studios (around 350 sq. ft.) suit single professionals who work nearby.
• One-bedroom units (about 600 to 700 sq. ft.) suit couples and singles who want more space.
• Two-bedroom units suit small families or sharers.

What to verify on site

At a viewing, check:

• Whether the pool, gym and play area are open and in good condition
• Lift reliability and waiting times at peak hours
• Condition of corridors, lobby and common areas
• AC performance and who pays for chiller charges
• Water pressure and plumbing
• Noise from Sheikh Zayed Road and neighbouring construction
• Balcony condition and views
• Parking arrangements for residents and visitors

Rents and Prices

Indicative rents

Rents depend on size, floor, condition, view and whether chiller is included. Recent listings from broker and portal pages give a snapshot:

• Studio: a 351 sq. ft. studio was listed at AED 55,000 per year.
• One-bedroom: a 632 sq. ft. one-bedroom was listed at AED 70,000 per year, a 633 sq. ft. one-bedroom with two bathrooms and a balcony at AED 75,000 per year, and a 689 sq. ft. one-bedroom at AED 75,000 per year. Property Finder shows a 603 sq. ft. one-bedroom at AED 74,990 per year.

So, in these examples, one-bedroom rents cluster around AED 70,000 to AED 75,000 per year, and a studio is around AED 55,000. Those figures equate to roughly AED 110 to AED 120 per sq. ft. for one-bedrooms and about AED 157 per sq. ft. for the small studio, as the listing itself states.

Compare that with a nearby building. In Al Shaiba Tower B, also in Barsha Heights, listings show one-bedroom apartments at AED 110,000 to AED 140,000 per year, although those units are larger (around 850 sq. ft.) and may be in a different condition or specification. Price differences between towers in the same district can be wide, so compare similar sizes and finishes.

These are asking prices from listings, not final deals. Negotiation, payment terms and market timing can all move the number, so check the Dubai rental index and recent transactions before you agree.

Purchase prices

I did not find verified current sale prices for Al Shahed Tower in the sources I reviewed. One broker lists the starting price as “price on request.” If you are considering a purchase, check recent Dubai Land Department transactions for the building and obtain a professional valuation.

Other costs to budget

• Chiller or district cooling charges, if not included in the rent
• DEWA electricity and water
• Internet and TV
• Ejari registration and agent commission (for tenants)
• Security deposit
• Parking fees, if extra bays are needed
• Service charges and maintenance, for owners
• Furniture costs, if renting unfurnished

The TECOM Job Market and Why It Matters for Demand

Barsha Heights’ appeal is closely tied to its neighbours. Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park together form a combined free-zone cluster that creates structural rental demand, according to one broker. Many technology, media and education firms are based there, and their employees often prefer to live close to work.

That can be a strength for tenants and investors, since a large employment base tends to support steady demand for mid-priced apartments. But it also means that if major employers shift, the local market can feel it. As a renter, it means you will find plenty of options and relatively strong negotiating power in some seasons. As a buyer, it means doing your homework on yields and building quality.

Dining, Shopping and Services Nearby

Everyday needs

Barsha Heights has supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, laundries, salons and clinics, mostly at street level or in the podium of nearby towers. One listing highlights pharmacies and everyday essentials nearby. You rarely need to travel far for basics.

Dining

Bayut lists popular restaurants near the tower, including Café Bateel, Bert’s Café and Arrows and Sparrows. The district also has a wide range of casual restaurants, cafes and takeaways, many serving the professional crowd at lunchtime.

Shopping

Because Barsha Heights itself has few malls, residents typically travel to Mall of the Emirates, about a 10-minute drive according to one broker, or to Dubai Marina and JLT for larger shopping trips. Convenience-level shopping is within the district.

Hotels and serviced apartments

The district has many hotel apartments, which is helpful if you often host visiting friends or family.

Leisure

Parks are limited within the grid, so residents head to nearby areas for green space and the beach. The Greens, Emirates Hills and Marina promenades are within a short drive, and JBR’s beach is about 15 to 20 minutes away in normal traffic.

Education and Healthcare

Schools

Families have a wide choice of schools in nearby communities. One broker’s page notes 38 schools within five miles, measured in straight lines rather than driving time. That is a useful reminder that straight-line distance understates real journey times, particularly during school-run traffic. Check school quality, fees, curricula and admissions with the education authority, and test the commute in the morning rush hour.

Universities and training

Dubai Knowledge Park and nearby institutions provide higher education and professional training options. That adds to the area’s appeal for students, young professionals and academics.

Healthcare

Clinics, pharmacies and medical centres are plentiful in and around Barsha Heights, and larger hospitals are within a reasonable drive in Al Barsha, Umm Suqeim and Dubai Healthcare City. If a specific provider matters, check its distance and opening hours.

Pros and Cons of Al Shahed Tower

Advantages

1. Prime position on Sheikh Zayed Road. The junction with Hessa Street gives quick access to the highway.
2. Close to employment hubs. Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Park are minutes away.
3. Metro access. Listings highlight proximity to the Red Line and Dubai Internet City Station, subject to verification.
4. Moderate rents. One-bedrooms around AED 70,000 to AED 75,000 per year look reasonable for the area, and cheaper than some neighbouring towers.
5. Covered parking and 24-hour security. Both are mentioned by Bayut.
6. Practical layouts. Studios, one- and two-bedroom units suit professionals and small households.
7. Amenities listed. A pool, gym and play area are reported by at least one broker.
8. Everyday services nearby. Restaurants, pharmacies and supermarkets are close.
9. Central location. Mall of the Emirates, Marina and JLT are all a short drive away.

Drawbacks

1. Limited public information. Completion year, amenity details and exact floor count are inconsistent across sources.
2. Few parks and malls in the district. Green space and large shopping centres require travel.
3. Traffic. Sheikh Zayed Road and Barsha Heights streets can be congested at rush hour.
4. Parking may not be included. At least one listing shows zero parking spaces, so verify.
5. Chiller charges. Some units bill cooling separately, which can add to monthly costs.
6. Mid-market finishes. The building is not a luxury tower, so expectations should match.
7. Noise. Proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road and construction in a dense grid may affect some units.
8. Summer heat. Walking to the metro or shops is uncomfortable for much of the year.

Who Is Al Shahed Tower Best For?

Professionals working in TECOM, Internet City and Media City

A short commute and a decent price make the tower attractive for employees of nearby companies.

Commuters who use the metro

If the walking distance to the station works for you, the Red Line gives access to much of the city without a car.

Couples and small households

One-bedroom units of around 600 to 700 sq. ft. and two-bedroom units suit couples and small families who want reasonable space at a moderate price.

Singles on a budget

Studios at around AED 55,000 per year offer an affordable entry point to a well-located district.

Investors seeking mid-market rental income

Buyers who want exposure to Barsha Heights’ steady employment-driven demand may find the tower interesting, subject to price, service charges and condition.

Who should think twice?

People who want a pool-and-resort lifestyle, large green spaces, a very quiet setting or a short commute to Downtown or DIFC may prefer other districts. Those who need guaranteed parking should confirm it before signing.

Investment Perspective

Demand drivers

One broker argues that the TECOM employment base creates a floor under rental demand, but treat that as a marketing viewpoint, not a guarantee. What is generally fair to say is that Barsha Heights benefits from proximity to major employers, metro access and relatively moderate rents, all of which support tenant interest.

What to analyse before buying

• Net yield. Compare rent with service charges, chiller costs and maintenance.
• Building condition. In an older mid-market tower, inspect lifts, plumbing, AC and common areas.
• Unit specifics. Floor, view, layout, balcony and parking can change both rent and resale value.
• Comparable transactions. Review recent sales in Al Shahed Tower and similar buildings, such as Al Shaiba Tower and Al Fahad Tower.
• Competition. Barsha Heights has many similar towers, which can limit rent growth.
• Exit liquidity. Smaller units in busy districts are usually easier to sell than large or unusual ones, but timing matters.

A balanced view

The district offers steady demand, not spectacular growth. Returns are never guaranteed, and market conditions change. Rely on current data, independent valuation and professional advice rather than marketing claims.

Al Shahed Tower Compared with Alternatives

Versus Al Shaiba Towers

Al Shaiba Towers, also in Barsha Heights, offer larger apartments and a fuller listed amenity package, but rents can be higher. Listings in Al Shaiba Tower B show one-bedrooms of around 850 sq. ft. at AED 110,000 to AED 140,000 per year. Al Shahed Tower generally offers smaller units at lower prices.

Versus Al Fahad Towers and other Barsha Heights residential buildings

Al Fahad Tower 1, for example, is a 25-floor residential building with two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. That makes it a better fit for larger households. Al Shahed Tower’s strength lies in studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms.

Versus JLT

JLT offers lake views, a broader dining scene and metro access, often at similar or slightly higher rents. It is also more spread out, with a more suburban feel in some clusters.

Versus Dubai Marina

Marina offers a waterfront lifestyle and walkable promenades, but at higher prices and with more weekend crowds. Barsha Heights is more practical and less costly.

Versus Al Barsha (south of Sheikh Zayed Road)

Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3 offer a more family-oriented, villa-and-apartment mix near Mall of the Emirates, often with more parks and schools. Barsha Heights is denser and more business-oriented.

Sample Daily Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Internet City employee. An engineer working in Dubai Internet City walks, takes a taxi or uses the metro for a short commute. Lunchtime is spent in a nearby cafe, and evenings are free for the gym or a drive to the Marina.

Scenario 2: The metro commuter to DIFC. A finance professional walks to the metro station, rides the Red Line to the DIFC area and arrives in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on connections. In summer, a short taxi to the station saves the heat.

Scenario 3: The weekend errand. A couple drives about 10 minutes to Mall of the Emirates for shopping and a movie, then returns for dinner at a local restaurant.

Scenario 4: The parking check. A tenant discovers during the viewing that the unit comes with no allocated parking. They negotiate a bay as part of the lease, or choose a different apartment. Asking early avoids an unpleasant surprise.

Scenario 5: The chiller surprise avoided. A prospective tenant compares two similar apartments. One is advertised as “chiller free” at a slightly higher rent, while the other bills cooling separately. By estimating the summer chiller cost, they pick the better deal.

Practical Checklist for Tenants

1. Visit at different times of day to gauge traffic, noise and light.
2. Walk to the nearest metro station in the heat and time it.
3. Confirm parking: number of bays, covered or not, visitor options and extra fees.
4. Ask about chiller charges: who pays, and what the typical summer bill looks like.
5. Check the AC, plumbing, appliances and balcony.
6. Test the lifts at peak hours.
7. Confirm the pool, gym and play area are open and accessible.
8. Ask about maintenance and how quickly the management responds.
9. Check the view and any future obstruction from construction.
10. Negotiate payment terms, including cheques and deposit.
11. Register the tenancy through Ejari.
12. Verify the broker’s licence and the listing’s permit number.

Practical Checklist for Buyers

1. Obtain the title deed and confirm unit size, floor and parking.
2. Request service charge statements and check for arrears.
3. Ask for building inspection and maintenance records.
4. Review any current tenancy and rent level.
5. Inspect the unit and consider an independent snagging report.
6. Compare recent transactions in Al Shahed Tower and nearby buildings.
7. Check for mortgages or liens.
8. Understand transfer costs and Dubai Land Department fees.
9. Calculate net yield after charges, chiller costs and vacancy.
10. Plan your exit strategy and holding period.
11. Use a licensed broker and independent legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Al Shahed Tower?
A residential apartment tower in Barsha Heights (TECOM), Dubai, at the intersection of Hessa Street and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Is it Al Shahed or Al Shahd Tower?
Both spellings appear online and seem to refer to the same building.

Who developed Al Shahed Tower?
Most sources name Tameer.

How many floors does it have?
Sources say 16 or 17. One broker describes a basement, a ground floor and 16 residential floors.

How many apartments are there?
About 168, according to broker sources.

What types of apartments are available?
Studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

How big are the apartments?
Studios are around 320 to 350 sq. ft. per Bayut, one-bedrooms around 600 to 700 sq. ft. in listings, and two-bedrooms larger. One broker gives an overall range of about 400 to 1,300 sq. ft.

How much is rent?
Recent listings show roughly AED 55,000 per year for a studio and AED 70,000 to AED 75,000 per year for a one-bedroom. Prices vary.

Is it near the metro?
Listings describe it as close to the metro and Dubai Internet City Station. Test the actual walking route and time yourself.

Does it have parking?
Bayut says the parking is covered, but at least one listing shows no parking space included with the unit. Confirm before signing.

Does it have a pool and gym?
One broker lists a pool, gym, children’s play area and retail. Confirm on site.

Are chiller charges included?
It depends on the unit. Empower supplies chilled water, and some listings are “chiller free.” Ask about each unit.

What is near the tower?
Dubai Internet City, Media City, The Greens, Al Barsha and Mall of the Emirates, about a 10-minute drive away according to one broker.

Is Barsha Heights good for families?
It can be, with many schools within a few miles, but the district has few parks and malls, so check what matters to you.

What is the main drawback?
Limited public information, traffic and a district with few parks and malls, plus the need to verify parking and chiller arrangements.

Final Verdict

Al Shahed Tower is a practical, well-placed apartment building in one of Dubai’s most functional districts. Its position at Hessa Street and Sheikh Zayed Road, its closeness to Dubai Internet City and Media City, its moderate rents, covered parking and range of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments make it a sensible choice for working professionals, couples and small households.

It is not a luxury tower, and it does not try to be. Public information is inconsistent, the district has few parks and malls, traffic can be heavy, and details such as parking allocation and chiller billing differ between units, so careful checking is essential.

If you want a central, affordable base close to major employment hubs and the metro, Al Shahed Tower deserves a place on your shortlist. Visit in person, inspect more than one unit, compare it with other Barsha Heights towers and verify every key detail before you pay a deposit.

Disclaimer: This article draws on property-portal listings, broker materials and general area knowledge. Building details, amenities, rents, prices, service charges, parking arrangements and transport services can change or differ between sources. Please verify everything with the landlord, building management, a licensed broker, the Dubai Land Department and the RTA before making any rental or purchase decision. This is general information, not legal, financial or investment advice.