Best Areas to Live in Dubai

There are plenty of reasons to move to Dubai. As a thriving global trade hub, it boasts a steadily growing economy and serves as a tax haven conducive to business operations. Residing in Dubai promises both comfort and security. With a year-round summer climate, along with consistently warm sea temperatures, it presents an appealing environment. 

It's no wonder that expatriates from around the globe are drawn to move here. The city is undergoing rapid development, evident through its extensive large-scale construction projects spanning across the landscape. Each passing year witnesses the emergence of numerous novel real estate ventures. Fortunately, Dubai boasts ample space, encompassing a total area of 4,110 square kilometres, which is more than two and a half times the size of London. The diversity within the real estate market is truly remarkable. Whether you seek villas and townhouses nestled in serene low-rise neighbourhoods or apartments within the city centre's towering skyscrapers, Dubai offers an impressive array of housing options. 

If you’re considering a move to Dubai, continue reading to ensure an informed decision. 

• Dubai Marina
• Arabian Ranches
• Jumeirah
• Downtown Dubai
• Emirates Hills
• Palm Jumeirah

Dubai Marina 

Situated in the western part of the city, this stands out as a highly sought-after and auspicious locale. Its focal point is a man-made water canal with marinas, lending its name to the entire vicinity. Extending 3.5 km across the desert landscape, this canal is poised to become the world's largest harbour catering to small vessels upon its completion.  

Presently, Dubai Marina boasts a skyline adorned with more than 150 skyscrapers, a count projected to surpass 200 in the near future. The option to acquire an apartment with captivating views of the marina or the expansive sea is readily available. Given its proximity to the ocean, the area occasionally plays host to remarkable marine visitors, including whales and whale sharks.

Dubai Marina's distinctive appearance is brought to life through its expansive promenade, striking architecture, and meticulously planned landscape design. Amidst lush gardens and parks, skyscrapers gracefully ascend, harmoniously merging with the surroundings. The area encompasses an impressive eight kilometres of interconnected walkways and cycling lanes, offering an inviting setting for leisurely strolls and energetic rides. Notably, Dubai Marina proudly hosts one of the UAE's premier public beaches, further enhancing its allure.

This locale encompasses a comprehensive array of amenities: from healthcare facilities to a plethora of dining options including restaurants and cafes, as well as indulgent luxury spas and well-equipped gyms. Additionally, the presence of Marina Mall, featuring approximately 140 retail outlets, adds to the convenience and vibrancy of the area. 

Dubai Marina boasts excellent transportation connectivity. The presence of two metro stations, a tram line, and a comprehensive bus network ensures convenient mobility. For those who favour travelling by car, strategically positioned interchanges along the main motorways provide easy access, while a substantial number of both public and paid parking spaces cater to various needs. 

While Dubai Marina hosts a selection of nurseries, it doesn't have any schools within its boundaries. Nevertheless, it is situated adjacent to Knowledge Village, the UAE's largest educational hub, offering a range of academic institutions. 

Dubai Marina is one of the largest freehold areas in the emirate, so foreigners can buy and own real estate here without any restrictions.

Arabian Ranches 

This gated suburban community showcases a collection of high-end villas and townhouses. Renowned for its lush surroundings, Arabian Ranches stands as one of Dubai's most verdant locales. It proves to be an idyllic haven for families with children seeking respite from the city's fast-paced environment. 

The construction of Arabian Ranches dates back to 2004, and since then, the community has burgeoned to encompass three distinct sub-areas. Positioned along Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road and in close proximity to Dubai Global Village, Arabian Ranches boasts a sprawling presence. Comprising over 4,000 villas and townhouses, the community is organised into 20 themed complexes.

Arabian Ranches I features a golf course alongside an Andalusian-style equestrian centre, renowned for its focus on polo, show jumping, and desert horse riding. Commencing in 2012, the development of Arabian Ranches II has yielded 11 village communities, each reflecting Spanish and Arabic architectural influences. This segment of Arabian Ranches encompasses a collective count of over 1,700 villas and townhouses. Unveiled in 2019, the third phase of Arabian Ranches remains an ongoing project, set to introduce three- and four-bedroom townhouses to the community's offerings. 

The amenities within Arabian Ranches adhere to the highest standards. Foremost, a diverse array of sports facilities is available, including swimming pools featuring dedicated children's areas, a football field, volleyball and basketball courts, a skate park, tennis courts, running tracks, and designated cycling lanes.

In addition, Arabian Ranches hosts hospitals, medical centres, nurseries, and educational institutions. The community boasts an abundance of shopping options within its local malls – the Arabian Ranches Retail Centre and The Ranches Souk. Furthermore, an array of cafes, restaurants, street food vendors, spa and beauty salons, and more can be found within the vicinity.

Foreign nationals can buy and own freehold properties in Arabian Ranches. 

Jumeirah 

Jumeirah is one of the most famous and popular areas that garners admiration from locals, expatriates, and tourists alike. Significantly, Dubai's construction boom ignited here during the late 1960s, drawing the first wave of western immigrants to settle in Jumeirah. Presently, Jumeirah proudly showcases a collection of upscale and sought-after real estate, ranging from opulent mansions to towering residential complexes and luxurious hotels, notably including the iconic Burj Al Arab tower.

The area's main feature is its extensive shoreline, offering breathtaking vistas of the sea that Jumeirah gracefully borders. In addition to exclusive private beaches, several public areas are accessible, including Jumeirah Beach, Sunset Beach, Kite Beach, and more. These locations are equipped with comprehensive amenities ranging from illuminated nightscapes to Wi-Fi connectivity and convenient mobile phone charging stations.

Within the local residential real estate market, an array of choices awaits discerning buyers. These options span from lavish villas to relatively more economical townhouses, as well as towering hotels and apartments within skyscrapers boasting diverse architectural styles.  

The locale's offerings encompass a wide range of amenities, including numerous healthcare centres, nurseries, schools, colleges, shopping malls, well-known supermarket chains, various entertainment facilities, gyms, beauty parlours, a water park, an aquarium, and much more. 

Jumeirah benefits from both a metro line and a bus route, providing convenient transportation options. Access by car is facilitated via Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road. While many buildings offer private parking, paid parking facilities are readily accessible for convenience.   

Note that only UAE citizens can own properties in Jumeirah as this is not a freehold area. 

Downtown Dubai 

Frankly speaking, Downtown Dubai is an ideal choice if you revel in being immersed in the vibrant pulse of urban life. However, it may not align with those seeking a tranquil and serene lifestyle. This central district is a fusion of commercial and tourist hubs, housing corporate offices alongside Dubai's paramount attractions. 

As an illustration, this area is home to the renowned Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, and Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping complexes globally. Beyond its extensive array of shops, the mall houses a cinema with 22 screens, a dedicated space for children known as KidZania, an expansive aquarium, a captivating waterfall, and a host of other attractions.

Although the seashore is far from here, Downtown has an artificial lake of 12 hectares, surrounded by huge dancing fountains. You can enjoy the water show sitting in one of the restaurants on the lake's coast.  

Basically, Downtown Dubai stands as a bustling city centre replete with remarkable amenities catering to both daily living and leisure pursuits. Essential services such as hospitals, healthcare centres, facilities for children, and supermarkets are conveniently situated nearby. The primary drawback of this locale lies in the persistent traffic congestion that can often result in delays. On a positive note, Downtown boasts the advantage of a metro station, offering a potential respite from road congestion. 

Downtown Dubai presents a diverse range of residential housing choices. The Old Town and The Old Town Island complexes showcase charming low-rise buildings spanning four to seven floors, complemented by luxurious villas surrounded by verdant alleys and courtyards. Among the array of high-rise complexes are notable names like St. Regis Residences, The Address Residences Dubai Opera, Emaar Act One, Act Two, Downtown Views, and South Ridge. Importantly, Downtown operates as a freehold area, adding to its appeal.  

Emirates Hills

Emirates Hills caters primarily to the affluent demographic, boasting the highest property prices and rental rates within Dubai. Functioning as an exclusive gated community, Emirates Hills comprises approximately 600 upscale villas, each distinguished by their unparalleled interiors, breathtaking vistas, and serene ambiance. The area's designers found inspiration in Beverly Hills, California, and aimed to replicate its allure. By providing distinctive choices, Emirates Hills endeavours to allure the most affluent and renowned residents. 

Emirates Hills is home to an array of prominent figures, including former Pakistani President Asif Al Zardari, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the family of the late Benazir Bhutto, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as well as various accomplished businessmen and influential politicians.

Emirates Hills encompasses a comprehensive array of offerings to facilitate a life of utmost enjoyment while ensuring a strong emphasis on safety. Green expanses and meticulously crafted water features, including lakes, ponds, and canals, span across a third of the entire area. This neighbourhood boasts a selection of top-tier restaurants and boutiques, numerous supermarkets, recreational spaces, fitness centres, dedicated cycling lanes, and well-designed running tracks. A source of great pride for Emirates Hills residents is their Montgomerie Championship golf course, complete with 18 holes. Renowned golfer Colin Montgomerie played an integral role in designing this exceptional course. 

Within the vicinity, one can find a selection of hospitals, medical clinics, nurseries, and esteemed international schools catering to children's education, including Raffles Nursery and Dubai British School. Accessibility to Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road from Emirates Hills is notably convenient. 

Emirates Hills operates under a freehold ownership model, making property ownership accessible to foreigners without constraints. Furthermore, in its initial stages, individuals had the opportunity to acquire plots in Emirates Hills to realise their personalised construction projects. This practice has contributed to a diverse range of distinctive offerings within the secondary property market.

Palm Jumeirah 

Palm Jumeirah, an internationally renowned district in Dubai, has garnered immense popularity among affluent and prominent inhabitants. Often regarded as the "eighth wonder of the world," this palm-shaped artificial island holds a special allure. Real estate in Palm Jumeirah consistently remains sought-after. Many individuals are drawn to Palm Jumeirah for its global prestige, opulent properties, exclusive private beaches, and captivating vistas encompassing the sea and Dubai's skyline, which includes iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and other towering skyscrapers. 

The island is structured into three distinct zones: the palm trunk, the fronds or leaves, and the crescent encircling the crown. Among the prominent structures on Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm, a renowned five-star hotel, stands out prominently. At the heart of the hotel's appeal lies the expansive Lost Chambers aquarium, home to a diverse array of marine life including thousands of fish and other aquatic creatures. The aquarium's design is rooted in the legendary tale of Atlantis. Additionally, Atlantis The Palm offers a water park, a dedicated diving facility, a dolphinarium, and various other amenities.