Satwa is in the shadows of Dubai's skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed road. Built in the
late 1960s by Sheikh Rashid to provide decent housing for nationals. Consisting
of identical 60x60 plots nationals eventually moved out to outlying suburbs and
turned the houses over to low-income workers. The area has one of the highest
densities in the city and houses a variety of nationals. It also has a high
crime rate. One of the curious sights in the district is the presence of shacks
built of metal. The area has many narrow alleyways, and an active and vibrant
street life. In addition there are many signs of graffiti on many of the hidden
alleyways. Located in the districts center is the Satwa bus stop a major node
in the public transportation network. In the month of Ramadan a large parking
area bordering the bus stop is converted into an eating space serving the
breaking fast meal or
Iftar to the city’s poor.
As of May 2008, a decision has bee made to demolish the entire district and
replace it with an upscale residential community
