Located in western Dubai in Bur Dubai ,Al Jaddaf is bordered to the north and east by the Dubai Creek, to the south by Zabeel, and to the west by Umm Hurair 2. 

Historically, Al Jaddaf, which literally means The Rower, was primarily a dhow building area. Its shipyards are today the only site for the building and maintenance of these traditional boats. Al Jaddaf also houses the sport grounds and facilities of Al Wasl FC and Dubai Officers Club. Another important landmark is Al Wasl Hospital now named as Latifa hospital.

New developments in the area include Dubai Culture Village, a zoned community dedicated to visual, performing and literary arts, and the second phase of  Dubai Healthcare City. This area is still developing to a huge hotel hub with up to 5 Hotels at present in construction and 3 hotels build namely Marriott Al Jaddaf, Reflection Hotel Apartments and Arabian Park Hotel.