Latifa Tower is a 45-storey freehold mixed-use skyscraper on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, standing 689 ft (210 m) tall with 37 commercial floors and 8 residential floors. Developed by RKM Real Estate and completed around 2011–2012, it sits in Trade Centre First, next to the World Trade Centre and a short walk from DIFC, and is one of the few buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road where investors can own commercial space outright rather than lease it.
- Latifa Tower at a Glance
- Where Exactly Is Latifa Tower?
- Building Facts: What’s Actually Verified
- Office Spaces in Latifa Tower
- Residential Apartments in Latifa Tower
- Amenities and Facilities
- Dining and Retail Nearby
- Schools Near Latifa Tower
- Landmarks Within Reach
- Latifa Tower vs. Nearby SZR Towers
- Who Latifa Tower Actually Suits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Is Latifa Tower Worth It?
That combination — freehold ownership, a central SZR address, and offices sitting in the same building as residential apartments — is what sets it apart from most towers nearby. This guide covers everything you need to know before deciding on it: location and connectivity, office and apartment specs, amenities, nearby schools and dining, and the practical trade-offs of living or working here.
One disambiguation before anything else: there are two buildings in Dubai called Latifa Tower. This guide covers Latifa Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road (Trade Centre First, next to the World Trade Centre). There’s a separate, unrelated 31-storey residential building also named Latifa Tower in Al Nahda, near the Sharjah border. If a listing mentions 1-bedroom units or Al Nahda, you’re looking at the wrong tower.
Latifa Tower at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Latifa Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road |
| Location | Trade Centre First, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai |
| Building type | Mixed-use (commercial + residential) |
| Height | 689 ft |
| Floors | 45 total — 37 commercial, 8 residential |
| Developer | RKM Real Estate (listed as Al Rostamani Pegel LLC on some portals) |
| Architect | Arkiplan Consulting Architects & Engineers |
| Contractor | Arabtec & Al Rostamani Pegel (joint venture) |
| Construction | Started December 2006; completion listed as September 2011 by most portals, 2012 by Wikipedia |
| Height (metric) | 210 m to roof |
| Ownership | Freehold |
| Nearest metro | Emirates Towers Station (Red Line), 7-minute walk |
| Pet policy | Not pet-friendly |
| Unit types | Offices (shell & core / fitted), 2 & 3-bedroom apartments |
Where Exactly Is Latifa Tower?
It sits on Sheikh Zayed Road in Trade Centre First, between the World Trade Centre interchange and the Defence roundabout, right next to the Crowne Plaza Dubai. It’s part of the original SZR skyline — not one of the newer builds further out toward Business Bay — which is exactly why it’s still relevant: DIFC, the World Trade Centre and Emirates Towers are all within a few minutes’ drive.
Getting There
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Metro | Emirates Towers Station (Red Line) — 7-minute walk |
| Metro (alt.) | World Trade Centre Station — roughly a 9-minute drive |
| Bus | Stops at White Crown Tower, VOCO Hotel Dubai and Durrah Tower, served by routes F11, 21 and F28 |
| Car | Direct access from Sheikh Zayed Road; underground and valet parking on-site |
| Airport | Dubai International Airport is roughly 15 minutes by car, traffic-dependent |
SZR at peak hours is one of the busiest stretches of road in the city. If you’re commuting by car during rush hour, budget extra time — this is the one real downside residents and office tenants mention consistently.
Building Facts: What’s Actually Verified
Property listing sites don’t always agree with each other on Latifa Tower’s numbers, so here’s what’s consistent across the developer’s own site, Cushman & Wakefield, Wikipedia, and major portals — and where sources actually disagree:
- Height: 689 ft / 210 m to roof, confirmed across sources
- Floors: 45 total, split between 37 commercial and 8 residential
- Office GLA: approximately 798,129 sq ft total commercial space
- Office unit sizes: individual units generally range from roughly 1,050 sq ft to just over 4,170 sq ft, though smaller subdivided units and larger combined floors do exist — always confirm current unit size with a listing agent, since floor plans have been reconfigured over time
- Elevators: 19 high-speed elevators, including double-decker units
- Retail: 5 ground-floor retail units
- Contractor: built by a joint venture between Arabtec and Al Rostamani Pegel
- Completion year: most property portals list September 2011; Wikipedia lists 2012. This kind of one-year gap is common for towers that were structurally topped out before interiors and handovers were finished
- Developer naming: RKM Real Estate is the name used on most Dubai property portals, while Al Rostamani Pegel LLC appears as the developer of record on Metropolitan Premium Properties’ listing — likely reflecting the same joint venture structure seen in the contractor credit above, though this hasn’t been independently confirmed
Office Spaces in Latifa Tower
This is where Latifa Tower earns most of its reputation. It’s one of the few freehold commercial buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road, meaning international investors and businesses can outright own office space here rather than lease on a long-term basis — a real differentiator from most towers nearby.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Commercial floors | 37 |
| Office types | Shell & core, fully fitted |
| Standard inclusions | 2 washrooms, kitchen pantry per unit |
| Connectivity | High-speed Wi-Fi, IT support infrastructure available |
| Meeting spaces | On-site conference and meeting rooms |
| Best suited for | Law firms, consultancies, trading companies, fintech and tech startups, regional HQs |
Why businesses pick it: the address itself carries weight — clients associate Sheikh Zayed Road addresses with credibility — and proximity to DIFC means law firms and financial services companies can walk to client meetings instead of driving. If you’re setting up a small consultancy or a regional satellite office, the range of unit sizes means you’re not forced into a full floor.
Where it falls short: it’s an older building (2011) competing against newer Grade-A towers with more modern floor plates and higher ceiling heights. If floor-to-ceiling glass and the latest smart-building tech is the priority, newer DIFC or Business Bay towers will edge it out. It wins on location and ownership structure, not on being the newest thing on the block.
Residential Apartments in Latifa Tower
Only 8 of the 45 floors are residential, which keeps supply tight — a relevant detail if you’re apartment hunting here, since availability turns over less frequently than in purely residential towers nearby.
| Type | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Approx. Size Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom | 2 + maid’s room | 3–4 | ~1,185–2,268 sq ft | Open/closed kitchen, built-in closets, living/dining combo |
| 3-Bedroom | 3 | 3–4 | Larger, no fixed public range confirmed | Closed kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, built-in closets |
Practical note: because these are highway-facing units on a major artery, ask specifically about window glazing and noise insulation before committing — SZR traffic noise is a real factor on lower-to-mid floors, less so higher up.
Amenities and Facilities
- Temperature-controlled swimming pool
- Fully equipped gym and wellness centre
- Sauna and steam room
- Jacuzzi
- Squash court
- 24-hour front desk and concierge service
- 24-hour CCTV security, fire alarms, key-card access
- Underground parking for residents/tenants, valet parking for visitors
- Conference and meeting rooms for tenants
- Not pet-friendly — a dealbreaker for some, so confirm before signing if you have pets
Dining and Retail Nearby
| Type | Names |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | Wagamama, Miyabi Sushi, Sushi Nations, Fibber Magee’s (Irish/English), JJ Charcoal Grilled Chicken, The Andes (American), Bento & Teatro |
| Cafés | Cha Cha Chai, Tim Hortons, Level 43 Sky Lounge |
| Supermarkets | Zoom (ground floor), Al Maya, Eight, Nesto — all within a 10-minute drive |
Schools Near Latifa Tower
If you’re relocating with a family, three schools come up consistently in proximity searches:
| School | Curriculum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jumeira Baccalaureate School | IB | Pre-KG to Grade 12, established 2010 |
| Ambassador School | CISCE (Indian) | Grade 1 to Grade 12 |
| JSS Private School | CBSE (Indian) | KG1 to Grade 12, rated “Very Good” by KHDA |
Landmarks Within Reach
- Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall — short drive via SZR
- Dubai Fountain — choreographed water shows, evenings
- Dubai World Trade Centre — for conferences and exhibitions
- Museum of the Future — walking distance in some traffic conditions
- Dubai Garden Glow — illuminated sculptures, popular at night
Latifa Tower vs. Nearby SZR Towers
If you’re comparing buildings in the same stretch, here’s how Latifa Tower stacks up against its immediate neighbours:
| Building | Ownership | Primary Use | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latifa Tower | Freehold | Mixed-use | One of few freehold commercial towers on SZR; residential + office combo |
| White Crown Tower | Leasehold (mostly) | Commercial | Lower-cost office space, older stock |
| Al Durrah Tower | Leasehold | Commercial | Smaller floor plates |
| Crowne Plaza Commercial Tower | Leasehold | Commercial, hotel-adjacent | Attached to Crowne Plaza hotel |
| Blue Tower | Leasehold | Commercial | Budget-friendly, less prestige address |
The freehold status is the single biggest differentiator — it’s why investors specifically search for Latifa Tower by name rather than just “offices on Sheikh Zayed Road.”
Who Latifa Tower Actually Suits
Good fit if you are:
- A law firm, consultancy, or financial services company wanting DIFC-adjacent credibility
- An investor wanting freehold commercial ownership on SZR specifically
- A small-to-mid-size business that doesn’t need a full floor
- A professional or couple who wants highway-facing city views and doesn’t mind SZR traffic noise
Think twice if you are:
- Looking for the newest Grade-A building tech and finishes — this is a 2011-era tower
- A pet owner — building is not pet-friendly
- Extremely noise-sensitive and considering a lower-floor apartment
- Looking for a large residential inventory — only 8 floors are residential, so availability is limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Latifa Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road the same as Latifa Tower in Al Nahda?
No. They’re two unrelated buildings that happen to share a name. This guide covers the SZR tower; the Al Nahda building is a separate 31-storey residential-only property near the Sharjah border.
Who developed Latifa Tower?
RKM Real Estate developed the tower, with Arkiplan Consulting Architects & Engineers as the architectural consultant. Construction ran from December 2006 to September 2011.
What’s the nearest metro station to Latifa Tower?
Emirates Towers Station on the Red Line, about a 7-minute walk. World Trade Centre Station is roughly a 9-minute drive if you prefer that side of SZR.
Is Latifa Tower freehold or leasehold?
Freehold — one of the reasons it’s specifically sought out by investors on Sheikh Zayed Road, where freehold commercial stock is limited.
Can I keep a pet in Latifa Tower?
No. The building’s management does not permit pets, which is worth confirming directly if this affects your decision.
What size are the office units in Latifa Tower?
Individual office units generally fall between roughly 1,050 and just over 4,170 sq ft, though exact availability and configurations shift over time — confirm current unit sizes with a listing agent rather than relying on any single published figure.
Is parking available at Latifa Tower?
Yes — underground parking for residents and tenants, with valet parking available for visitors.
What are the biggest downsides of Latifa Tower?
Traffic congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road during peak hours, the building’s age relative to newer Grade-A towers, no pet policy, and limited residential inventory (only 8 of 45 floors).
Final Verdict: Is Latifa Tower Worth It?
Latifa Tower isn’t trying to be the newest or flashiest building on Sheikh Zayed Road — it’s trading on freehold ownership, a genuinely central location between DIFC and the World Trade Centre, and a mixed-use setup that lets residents and office tenants share the same building. If those specific things matter to you — ownership structure, address prestige, live-near-work convenience — it’s a strong candidate. If you’re chasing the newest finishes or a large residential community, there are better-suited buildings a few minutes further down the road.
