Yansoon 4

TL;DR: Yansoon 4 is a 5-storey low-rise residential building within the Yansoon cluster of Old Town, Downtown Dubai, developed by Emaar Properties and completed in November 2006. Offering 1-bedroom (732–820 sq. ft., from AED 1.3M), 2-bedroom (1,443–3,040 sq. ft., from AED 2.35M), and 3-bedroom apartments (from 1,766 sq. ft., AED 5.9M+), it sits just 500 metres from the Burj Khalifa on Burj Khalifa Boulevard. Old Town is Downtown Dubai's only low-rise apartment complex—35 buildings across 6 sub-districts with 1,500+ units in traditional Arabian architecture inspired by the historic Al Bastakia neighborhood—delivering average price per sq. ft. of AED 2,643 and rental yields of 5.5–8%.

Introduction to Yansoon 4

Yansoon 4 is a prestigious low-rise residential building situated within the Yansoon cluster of Old Town, one of the most architecturally distinctive and culturally significant communities within the sprawling Downtown Dubai master development. Developed by Emaar Properties—the UAE's largest listed property developer by market capitalization (AED 143.19 billion), creator of Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, and Dubai Opera, with more than 118,400 units delivered since inception—and completed in November 2006, this building offers a premium selection of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments designed to provide a traditional Arabian living experience with world-class modern facilities.

What makes Yansoon 4 and the broader Old Town community singular within Downtown Dubai is its deliberate low-rise character. While the surrounding Downtown skyline is defined by soaring glass towers, Old Town was designed as a 4-to-7-storey counterpoint—the only low-rise apartment complex in all of Downtown Dubai. This intentional design philosophy, drawing inspiration from Dubai's historic Al Bastakia (Al Fahidi) neighborhood, creates a village-like atmosphere of pedestrian-friendly lanes, shaded courtyards, and traditional architectural detailing just 500 metres from the world's tallest building.

Location Within Old Town and Downtown Dubai

Yansoon 4 occupies a position along Burj Khalifa Boulevard and Dubai Fountain Street in the northeastern segment of the Old Town development, close to Financial Centre Road (D71). It is one of 9 buildings within the Yansoon sub-cluster (numbered Yansoon 1 through Yansoon 9), administered by Emaar Community Management (ECM).

Old Town's 6 Sub-Districts: | District | Buildings | |---|---| | Yansoon | 9 | | Reehan | 8 | | Zaafaran | 5 | | Miska | 5 | | Zanzabeel | 4 | | Kamoon | 4 | | Total | 35 |

Additional named components include Al Tajer Residences, Attareen, and Souk Al Bahar.

Proximity to Key Landmarks:

• Burj Khalifa: 500 metres, approximately 5–10 minutes on foot (3-minute drive)
• Dubai Fountain: 4–5 minutes on foot (directly adjacent to Old Town)
• Dubai Mall: 2-minute drive, 10–13 minutes on foot
• Souk Al Bahar: 3–5 minutes on foot (directly adjacent)
• Dubai Opera: 8–15 minutes on foot (800 metres)
• DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): approximately 2.6 km, 5–8 minutes by car via Financial Centre Road (D71)
• Business Bay: approximately 5–10 minutes by car
• Dubai Marina: approximately 25 minutes by car
• Mall of the Emirates: approximately 15 minutes by car

Yansoon 4's position along Burj Khalifa Boulevard provides residents with a direct pedestrian axis to the Burj Khalifa Fountain plaza—widely considered one of the most valuable walkable lifestyle positions in all of Dubai.

Architecture and Design

Old Town's architecture is one of its most defining and valuable characteristics. The design takes its cues from the historic Al Bastakia (Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood) of Bur Dubai, with earthy tones and textures that replicate the gypsum, clay, and sarjool plastering used in early 20th-century Gulf architecture.

Architectural Features:

• Traditional wind towers (barjeel) motifs incorporated into rooflines
• Arched doorways and colonnaded walkways at ground level
• Wooden lattice (mashrabiya) screens providing privacy and filtered light
• Stone facades with natural cladding materials
• Narrow pedestrian lanes and shaded courtyards
• Earthy color palette: sand, terracotta, and cream tones throughout
• Balconies with ornate railings and traditional decorative elements
• Interior palettes use cream and brown tones with oriental decorative accents

The design was intentional—a deliberate low-rise counterpoint to the high-rise towers of the surrounding Downtown master plan, creating visual contrast and a sense of historic urban scale that is entirely unique within Dubai's modern architectural landscape.

Building Specifications

• Floors: 5 above-ground floors
• Building Type: Low-rise residential
• Completion: November 2006
• Developer: Emaar Properties
• HVAC: District cooling (chiller costs included within service charges—no separate chiller bill)
• Parking: Covered basement/podium level; one space per unit
• Elevators: Multiple high-speed elevators
• Security: 24-hour CCTV and security personnel
• Concierge: 24-hour front desk and concierge service
• Pet Policy: Pets not permitted

Residential Units and Configurations

Yansoon 4 offers three apartment configurations, each delivering spacious layouts within the traditional Arabian design framework:

1-Bedroom Apartments (732–820 sq. ft.): Classic one-bedroom residences featuring traditional architecture, modern fitted kitchens, built-in wardrobes, and private balconies with views of the community's landscaped courtyards. Current sale price: AED 1,300,000–2,900,000. Annual rental income: AED 70,000–110,000.

2-Bedroom Apartments (1,443–3,040 sq. ft.): A wide range of configurations from efficient layouts to expansive family residences. Standard units of 1,479–1,480 sq. ft. start from approximately AED 2,350,000, while premium large-format units of up to 3,040 sq. ft. command up to AED 5,900,000. Annual rental income: AED 120,000–160,000.

3-Bedroom Apartments (1,766–1,900 sq. ft.): The building's most exclusive residences, designed for families requiring generous space within the Old Town setting. Units of 2,067–2,070 sq. ft. are priced at AED 5,900,000–6,250,000. Annual rental income: AED 180,000–320,000.

All apartments are designed to maximize natural light while maintaining the traditional and cozy atmosphere that defines Old Town living. The interiors feature classic architectural elements harmonized with modern conveniences, including quality fitted kitchens, premium bathroom finishes, and private balconies that frame views of landscaped courtyards and, for select units, the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.

The average price per square foot across the Yansoon cluster stands at approximately AED 2,643, with the overall Old Town community average apartment price at approximately AED 2.8 million.

Amenities and Community Facilities

Yansoon 4 residents have access to shared amenities within the Yansoon cluster (across all 9 buildings) as well as the broader Old Town community facilities:

Yansoon Cluster Amenities:

• 25-metre temperature-controlled swimming pool
• Children's swimming pool
• Fully equipped gymnasium / fitness center
• Steam room
• Sauna
• Jacuzzi / spa facilities
• Landscaped promenades with palm trees
• Barbecue areas
• Children's daycare centre
• Kids' play area
• Recreational lawns

Broader Old Town Community:

• Tennis courts
• Squash courts
• Additional swimming pools
• Landscaped pedestrian walkways connecting all 35 buildings
• 24-hour security and professional maintenance (Emaar Community Management)

The community's pedestrian-first design means cars are kept to the perimeter, with landscaped walkways lined with palm trees connecting all residential buildings to retail, dining, and recreational facilities. This creates a village-like atmosphere unique within the high-density Downtown Dubai environment.

Souk Al Bahar: The Cultural Heart

Souk Al Bahar ("Market of the Sailor") is Old Town's signature retail and dining destination, located within a 3–5 minute walk from Yansoon 4. Designed as a recreation of an ancient Arabian bazaar with stone archways, intricate woodwork, and ambient lighting, the souk features:

• Over 100 retail shops
• More than 20 restaurants, cafes, and lounges
• Direct waterfront positioning overlooking the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa
• One of the most photographed vantage points in Dubai for nightly Fountain shows (daily at 6pm, 8pm, 9pm on weekdays; additional shows on weekends)
• Connected to Old Town by a pedestrian bridge

Souk Al Bahar represents the perfect synthesis of Old Town's traditional aesthetic with modern luxury retail and gastronomy, offering residents a world-class dining and shopping experience within walking distance of their homes.

Transport and Connectivity

Metro: The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station on the Red Line (Line 1) is approximately 15–20 minutes on foot from Yansoon 4. The station connects via a covered, air-conditioned pedestrian walkway (approximately 0.5 miles) to Dubai Mall, with airport-style travelators reducing the walk to approximately 10 minutes. The Red Line provides direct connections to Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 and 3), DIFC, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, JLT, and Mall of the Emirates.

Road Access: Direct connections to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Financial Centre Road (D71) ensure rapid access to all major business districts. Abundant paid parking is available within the Old Town development, and RTA taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.

Developer Profile: Emaar Properties

Emaar Properties, founded in 1997 and listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM: EMAAR), is the UAE's largest listed property developer by market capitalization at AED 143.19 billion. The company's net asset value stands at AED 177.5 billion (USD 48.3 billion), with a land bank of approximately 1.7 billion square feet across UAE and international markets. Emaar has delivered more than 118,400 residential units and sold over 171,200 units since inception.

Emaar's flagship portfolio includes the world's most recognizable real estate landmarks: Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building), The Dubai Mall (world's largest mall), Dubai Opera, and the Downtown Dubai master development in which Yansoon 4 is situated. The company also operates Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels, and The Palace Hotels, and holds the distinction of being the largest company by market capitalization in the MSCI MENA Index.

Investment Analysis and Market Performance

Yansoon 4 benefits from the structural scarcity and finite supply that defines the Old Town investment proposition:

Pricing and Yields:

• Average price per sq. ft. (Yansoon): AED 2,643
• Community average apartment price (Old Town): approximately AED 2.8 million
• Gross rental yield (1BR): 5.5–6.25%
• Gross rental yield (2BR): 5.5–6.19%
• Yansoon cluster average ROI (broker-reported): 6–8%
• Annual sales price appreciation: approximately 7%
• Annual rental price growth: approximately 5%

Service Charges:

• Downtown Dubai residential service charges generally range AED 17–29 per sq. ft. per year
• Emaar developments include district cooling (chiller) costs within the service charge—no separate chiller bill, a significant cost advantage versus non-chiller-free buildings
• Estimated annual charge for 820 sq. ft. 1BR at AED 18/sqft: approximately AED 14,760

Structural Investment Advantages:

1. Finite Supply: Old Town comprises exactly 35 buildings with 1,500+ units—a fixed stock with no further development possible within the district. This scarcity creates permanent value support.
2. Freehold Ownership: Available to foreign nationals with full title.
3. Burj Khalifa Proximity: The 500-metre walking distance to the world's tallest building and Dubai Fountain drives premium valuations and exceptional short-term rental demand.
4. Holiday Home Premium: Old Town is highly popular for vacation rental listings, with Fountain-view units commanding significant nightly rate premiums during tourist season.
5. Low-Rise Exclusivity: The only low-rise apartment complex in all of Downtown Dubai, offering a residential experience that cannot be replicated by any high-rise tower.

Lifestyle and Surroundings

Yansoon 4 residents enjoy immediate pedestrian access to some of the world's most celebrated attractions and cultural destinations:

• Burj Khalifa Observation Decks: At the Top (124th floor) and SKY (148th floor)
• Dubai Fountain: The world's largest choreographed fountain system, performing nightly on the lake directly adjacent to Old Town
• Dubai Fountain Lake Ride: Abra boat tours on Burj Khalifa Lake
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Within Dubai Mall
• Dubai Ice Rink: Within Dubai Mall
• The Dubai Mall: 1,200+ retail stores, 200+ food and beverage outlets
• Dubai Opera: 2,000-seat performing arts venue, 800 metres from Yansoon
• Five-Star Hotels: Address Downtown, The Palace Downtown (adjacent to Old Town), Armani Hotel (within Burj Khalifa)

The community character is defined by its quiet, village-like atmosphere—pedestrian-friendly internal streets and promenades where cars are kept to the perimeter. Strong owner-occupier presence alongside an international rental population creates a stable, engaged community. Regular events coordinated by Emaar Community Management and on-site daycare facilities support families with young children. The low population density per unit, compared to Downtown's high-rise towers, reinforces the sense of exclusivity and tranquility that makes Old Town a premium residential address.

Data sourced from Bayut Building Guide, PropertyStellar, Metropolitan Premium Properties, FazWaz, Emaar Community Management, Dubai MLS, Property Finder UAE, Wikipedia (Emaar Properties), Global Property Guide, and RERA/DLD Service Charge Index.