Barsha Heights, still widely known by its old name TECOM, is one of Dubai’s most practical residential districts. It sits beside Sheikh Zayed Road, a short distance from Dubai Internet City, Dubai Marina and Al Barsha, and it attracts professionals who want to be close to work without paying Marina or Downtown prices.
Within this community, Al Shaiba Tower A has long been a popular choice for tenants and investors looking for ready-to-move-in apartments with a good set of amenities. This guide covers where the tower is, how to reach it by metro, bus and road, what facilities it offers, what the surrounding area provides and what to check before you rent or buy.
About Al Shaiba Tower A
Al Shaiba Tower A is the taller half of a twin-tower complex. Al Shaiba Towers consist of Al Shaiba Tower A and Tower B, and the 34-storey Tower A offers one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Key project details
The complex was commissioned in 2008, developed by Al Shabiba Family, with architectural design by Al Wasl Al Jadeed Consultants. The towers include one building with 34 floors and another with 27 floors. Another source gives Tower B’s height as 28 floors, so floor counts differ slightly between listings. If this detail matters to you, confirm it with the building management or a registered broker.
Bayut’s rental overview lists Tower 1 as having 286 units across 34 floors, and Tower 2 as having 268 units. That is a large residential community by Barsha Heights standards, which means a reasonably active rental market.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Building | Al Shaiba Tower A (Tower 1) |
| Community | Barsha Heights (TECOM), also referenced as Al Thanyah First |
| Floors | 34 |
| Completion | Commissioned in 2008 |
| Unit types | 1- and 2-bedroom apartments |
| Status | Ready, completed building |
| Pets | Listed as pet-friendly |
Bayut lists the building as pet-friendly, which is a meaningful point in a city where many buildings restrict pets. Policies can change and can vary by landlord, so confirm in writing before signing.
Location: Where Exactly Is Al Shaiba Tower A?
Al Shaiba Tower A is in Barsha Heights, in the area Dubai’s official records call Al Thanyah First. The neighbourhood is a compact grid of high-rise residential, commercial and hotel-apartment towers, running parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road.
Why the location works
Barsha Heights is near Dubai Marina, Dubai Internet City and Knowledge Village, which also makes it attractive for investors. That placement puts you close to major employment clusters in media, technology, education and business services.
Barsha Heights combines residential and commercial buildings and sits near several major highways, giving easy access to other parts of Dubai. In practice, that means Sheikh Zayed Road to the north and Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road reachable within a reasonable drive.
Nearby landmarks and business hubs
The area around the tower includes a cluster of business towers and hotels. Nearby business hubs include DAMAC Executive Heights and DAMAC Smart Heights in Barsha Heights. Hotels near the tower include Byblos Hotel and Metro Central Hotel Apartments, both in Al Thanyah First.
Other commonly cited nearby areas, based on general Dubai geography, are Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, The Greens, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. A similar Barsha Heights tower listing mentions that Dubai Marina, Al Sufouh, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Emirates Hills are within a 10- to 15-minute drive. That is a helpful benchmark, since towers in this grid share the same general access points.
Connectivity & Transport
Transport is the biggest selling point of Barsha Heights, and Al Shaiba Tower A benefits from it.
Dubai Metro
The nearest metro stop is Dubai Internet City Station on the Red Line. Al Shaiba Towers is within a 10-minute walk of the Dubai Internet City Metro station. The Red Line connects you to Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Business Bay, Union and onward to Dubai International Airport terminals.
For daily commuters, that direct rail link is a major advantage. In summer, a 10-minute walk can feel long, so many residents combine the walk with a short taxi or a ride-hailing hop. Check the route yourself at different times of day before committing.
Buses
Bus stops at Mazoon Hotel & Apartments 1 and 2 are within a 10-minute walk of the towers. RTA buses and feeder routes link the neighbourhood to the metro and to nearby areas. Routes and frequencies change from time to time, so it is best to check the RTA’s official journey planner.
By car and taxi
Road access is a strength. Sheikh Zayed Road is close, and the area sits near the interchanges that lead to Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. A neighbouring Barsha Heights tower is described as being within two minutes of Sheikh Zayed Road. Taxis and ride-hailing services are plentiful in the district, particularly during business hours.
Approximate travel times
These are rough guides from general knowledge, and traffic can change them a lot:
- Dubai Internet City / Media City: a few minutes by car, or one metro stop
- Dubai Marina and JLT: around 10 to 15 minutes by car
- Mall of the Emirates and Al Barsha: roughly 10 to 15 minutes
- Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa: about 20 to 30 minutes, longer in rush hour
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic
Parking
Parking is typically a pain point in dense Dubai neighbourhoods, but this building addresses it. The project offers underground parking and nearby guest parking. Check how many spaces are allotted per unit, and whether additional spaces carry a fee.
Facilities & Amenities in Al Shaiba Tower
The towers offer a solid amenities package for a building of this age. Residents can enjoy a gym, sauna, spa, swimming pool, children’s playground and playroom, underground parking, nearby guest parking, high-speed lifts, and 24-hour security with video surveillance.
Fitness and wellness
The gym, sauna and spa let residents exercise and unwind without leaving the building. For anyone who works long hours or prefers not to pay for a separate membership, that is a useful saving.
Swimming pool
A pool is standard in Dubai, but it remains a key factor in the city’s climate. Check pool timings, maintenance quality and any restrictions for tenants.
Family facilities
The children’s playground and playroom make the tower practical for small families. Since many units are one- and two-bedroom apartments, it suits young couples and small households best.
Security
The building has 24-hour security with video surveillance. Together with controlled lift access, it gives residents a reasonable sense of security.
Lifts
The presence of high-speed lifts matters in a 34-storey building, especially during morning and evening peaks. Ask current residents how reliably they work, since lift performance can make or break daily life in a high-rise.
Apartment Types and Rental Prices
Unit mix
Tower A offers one- and two-bedroom apartments. Another source describes a broader range of one- to three-bedroom units across the two buildings, with some apartments starting from around 850 sq. ft. For Tower A specifically, rely on the actual listing for unit size and layout.
Typical rents
Rental data from listing portals gives a rough range. Annual rents in Al Shaiba Towers have been listed between AED 50,000 and AED 71,000. Bayut’s rental overview gives an average of AED 51,500 for a one-bedroom and AED 70,000 for a two-bedroom.
These figures come from listing pages that may be out of date. Dubai rents moved significantly in recent years, so treat them as a starting point and compare against current listings and recent Dubai Land Department transactions. A nearby tower’s recent data, for example, shows one-bedroom renewals in the mid-AED 50,000s to high-AED 50,000s range, which gives a feel for the neighbourhood’s price band.
Tips for renters
- Use the RERA rental index to check whether a quoted rent is fair
- Ask whether the rent includes chiller (district cooling) charges, which can add materially to costs
- Request a move-in condition check and photos
- Always register the tenancy via Ejari
- Clarify who pays maintenance and any parking fees
Schools, Healthcare and Daily Needs
Schools and education
GEMS Dubai American Academy is within a five-minute drive of the towers. Capital Education Dubai Campus in Barsha Heights is also listed nearby. At the higher-education level, nearby institutions include the American University in Dubai, Middlesex University and the University of Wollongong, along with Dubai Heights Academy.
Healthcare
An Aster Clinic is reachable within a 10-minute walk. For more complex needs, larger hospitals in Al Barsha, Dubai Healthcare City and Jumeirah are a short drive away.
Shopping and groceries
Here is an honest limitation. At the time of that report, there was no shopping mall in Barsha Heights itself. Residents typically use supermarkets within the neighbourhood and travel to Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall or other malls nearby for larger shopping trips. Convenience stores, pharmacies and small groceries are close at hand within the Barsha Heights grid.
Dining
The area has a wide selection of restaurants. You will find a mix of casual South Asian, Arabic, Filipino and international cafes, along with budget-friendly takeaways, which reflect the district’s working-professional population.
Pros and Cons of Living in Al Shaiba Tower A
Advantages
- Close to Dubai Internet City Metro for easy commuting
- Value for money compared with Dubai Marina or Downtown
- Good amenities for a mid-market building: pool, gym, sauna, playroom
- Pet-friendly status listed on Bayut
- Strong road access to Sheikh Zayed Road
- Large, active rental market, which helps with finding and reselling
Drawbacks
- Older building (2008), so finishes and maintenance quality vary by unit
- A 10-minute walk to the metro can be tiring in summer heat
- Traffic congestion in Barsha Heights at peak hours
- No mall in the immediate neighbourhood
- Parking pressure can still arise in busy periods
- Mixed-use density means noise from construction and traffic is possible
Is Al Shaiba Tower A Good for Investors?
Rental demand
Barsha Heights draws a steady stream of tenants working in nearby tech, media and business districts. The area is promoted as convenient and affordable for both commercial and residential use. That affordability supports strong demand from mid-income professionals.
Things investors should check
- Service charges and how they compare with rental income
- Condition of the specific unit, since older towers vary widely
- Net yield, not gross yield, after fees and maintenance
- Recent sale prices from Dubai Land Department transactions
- Landlord regulations on short-term rentals, if that is your plan
Past yield figures and prices on listing sites can be dated. For any buy decision, rely on current DLD data and consult a licensed Dubai broker.
Who Is This Tower Best For?
- Young professionals who work in Internet City, Media City, Marina or JLT
- Couples and small families who need one or two bedrooms
- Pet owners looking for a pet-friendly building
- Budget-conscious tenants who still want a modern amenities package
- Investors targeting mid-market rental demand
It may be a weaker fit for those who want a brand-new building, a walk-everywhere lifestyle or a quiet suburban setting.
Practical Checklist Before You Rent or Buy
- Visit at different times of day to gauge traffic, noise and lift waiting times
- Walk to the metro station yourself in the heat
- Ask about chiller charges and typical monthly utility bills
- Inspect the exact unit’s view, since neighbouring towers can block light
- Check the building’s service charge and any pending maintenance works
- Verify the broker’s RERA/BRN licence
- Confirm pet and parking policies in writing
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Al Shaiba Tower A located?
In Barsha Heights (TECOM), Dubai, in the area known as Al Thanyah First.
How many floors does Al Shaiba Tower A have?
It has 34 floors, based on listings from Bayut and other portals.
What types of apartments are in Al Shaiba Tower A?
Mainly one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Is Al Shaiba Tower A near a metro station?
Yes. Dubai Internet City Metro Station is within roughly a 10-minute walk, according to a property-portal listing.
What amenities does Al Shaiba Tower offer?
A gym, sauna, spa, swimming pool, children’s playground and playroom, underground parking, high-speed lifts and 24-hour security with CCTV.
Is Al Shaiba Tower A pet-friendly?
Bayut lists it as pet-friendly. Confirm with the landlord or building management before signing.
How much is rent in Al Shaiba Tower?
Listings have shown roughly AED 50,000 to AED 71,000 per year, with averages around AED 51,500 for one-bedrooms and AED 70,000 for two-bedrooms. Current rates may differ.
Which schools are near Al Shaiba Tower A?
GEMS Dubai American Academy is a five-minute drive away, and other schools and universities are within reach in Barsha Heights and Al Barsha.
Is there a mall in Barsha Heights?
Not within the neighbourhood itself, according to one area guide. Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina malls are a short drive away.
Conclusion
Al Shaiba Tower A offers a sensible balance of location, connectivity and facilities for its price band. A walkable distance to Dubai Internet City Metro, quick road access, a decent amenities package and a pet-friendly status make it appealing to professionals and small families. Its age, the summer walk to the metro and the lack of a nearby mall are the main trade-offs.
If you want an affordable base within easy reach of Dubai’s biggest business districts, Al Shaiba Tower A deserves a place on your shortlist. Visit in person, compare similar towers in Barsha Heights and verify current prices before you decide.
Disclaimer: This article draws on public property-portal listings and general area knowledge. Floor counts, rents, amenities and policies can change or differ between sources, so confirm all details with the building management, a licensed broker or official Dubai Land Department and RTA sources before making a rental or purchase decision.