Living in Dubai is a central topic for all expatriates coming to the UAE. The city is large and so is the selection of residential properties. Therefore, many people ask themselves where they should live and which residential area is best for them.
This question is answered in this article with an overview of the most popular residential areas in Dubai and their advantages and disadvantages.
Where to stay in Dubai? 5 criteria
Here are the 5 most important criteria when it comes to choosing the right apartment, villa or townhouse. Because there is no single best residential area in Dubai. You should always make your choice individually and consider the following criteria.
Location
The most decisive point for many, arguably, is the location. Dubai is large, and traffic has also increased in recent years. Therefore, it's important to find the right property in a location where you feel comfortable and that is also close to the most important routes you regularly travel.
For instance, someone working in Downtown probably shouldn't live in the Marina. The commute can take over an hour during rush hour.
Price
Crucial, of course, is the price of the property and your own available budget. Hardly any city offers such a wide range of prices. Starting from studio apartments costing €250 per month to villas costing over €25,000 per month.
Infrastructure
What has become increasingly important is the infrastructure within a community or residential area. This is because anyone who has a gym, hairdresser, chemist, and supermarket within walking distance saves a considerable amount of time and money. Big developers have now recognised this and are planning not just buildings, but entire communities in a targeted way. This is then called a master developer. However, not all areas have one.
Quality
Another important aspect is the quality of the residential area in terms of construction quality. There are big differences here, as different communities are built by different developers. Sometimes there are differences within a community, as several developers are building simultaneously in some. Creek Harbour, for example, is built exclusively by Emaar, whereas Meydan has a mix.
The best residential areas in Dubai
Here is an overview of the best residential areas in Germany that have been particularly popular with expats for years.
Creek Harbour
Among German expats, Creek Harbour is probably the number one choice. This relatively new residential area is just 15 minutes from the city centre and only 10–15 minutes from the airport. It also offers stunning views of the city centre and the Dubai skyline at sunset.
The community itself offers everything you need for daily life, from supermarkets and restaurants to pharmacies and even a hospital (Mediclinic Creek Harbour).
In the centre of Creek Island, you'll find a park for children to play in or for jogging. All around the island, there's also a promenade stretching for kilometres.
Emaar Beachfront
Miami Beach in Dubai. That's exactly what you get with Emaar Beachfront. The artificial sandbank between the Palm and JBR offers beachfront living with a brilliant view of the skyline and the open sea. Prices in the area have risen considerably, but it is still affordable for most expats.
Anyone seeking a holiday vibe is heading to Emaar Beachfront.
However, the infrastructure is not quite as good as in other areas, as the project is not yet completely finished and space is also limited.
Dubai Hills
The heart of Dubai is in Dubai Hills, as it lies right in the middle between the two centres of Downtown and Marina/JBR. Those who travel a lot will likely find Dubai Hills to be the best location, as you can get everywhere relatively quickly from here.
The community itself offers the largest park in Dubai and, arguably, the best mall. The Dubai Hills Mall is completely untouristy yet offers everything you could need. Consequently, it's very popular with residents.
Additionally, located in Dubai Hills is King's College Hospital, one of the best hospitals in Dubai.
Anyone who wants to live here will find everything from exclusive villas to terraced houses and simple studio apartments. The area has now become very large and well-developed.
Port de La Mer
European seaside living can be found in Port de La Mer. Recreated in the style of the port town of Tivat in Montenegro, you'll find low-rise buildings here in a beautiful waterfront community. All residents have access to the marina and the beach, which is located on the other side of the peninsula.
From a location perspective, you are more in the north of Dubai, which is something to be aware of. Price-wise, you are also above most new communities here due to the limited residential units, quietness, quality and infrastructure.
City centre
Big city life in Dubai can definitely be found in Downtown. Numerous skyscrapers stand here, including the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Furthermore, the world-famous Dubai Mall with the fountain show is located right next to it.
Here you can find everything you need for daily life in terms of infrastructure, except for a park to walk in.
In terms of price, it's also in the mid-range compared to other residential areas in Dubai.
Square
A new, up-and-coming district with a good location is Meydan. The neighbourhood is close to Downtown and has developed enormously in recent years. However, it remains a large construction site with building work going on everywhere. The location and new buildings make the district very popular.
Shobha, one of the best developers in Dubai, is also building a lot here, which leads to higher build quality. However, many other developers (Nakheel, Ellington, Azizi...) are also building in Meydan, which makes for very varied prices and availability.
Al Barari
“Life is better in Dubai!”. You’ll probably know this sentence, it comes from Prince Marcus von Anhalt. He is also known for his large villa and the Halloween party in Dubai. This takes place in Al Barari. The green residential area is a bit away from the hustle and bustle, but offers a lot of peace and green spaces. You could almost think you were in Europe. It takes 20-30 minutes to get to Downtown and The Palm, however, you also have the most important things on site here and you can have anything delivered.
However, it is definitely above average in terms of price. Here you are paying for peace and exclusivity.
FAQ
The most frequently asked questions about living in Dubai at a glance.
How expensive is living in Dubai?
The price range is enormous, with hardly any other city offering living at such a varied price. However, for a decent one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay €2,000-€2,500.
Wo leben Deutsche in Dubai?
The majority of German expatriates live in Creek Harbour, Dubai Hills, and Marina.
Emiratis in Dubai live in various areas, but tend to favour traditional Emirati neighbourhoods. These include:* **Deira and Bur Dubai:** Historically significant areas with a strong sense of community.
* **Jumeirah:** A more affluent area known for its villas and proximity to the beach.
* **Umm Suqeim:** Also a desirable residential area popular with families.
* **Nad Al Sheba and Al Barari:** Newer developments offering larger properties and more green spaces.Many Emiratis also retain family homes or properties in other Emirates, particularly Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, and commute for work or social reasons.
Locals, or Emiratis, predominantly live in the Jumeirah 1-4 beach districts. While expats are allowed to rent here, ownership is reserved for Emiratis.
Summary
Living in Dubai is a comprehensive topic, as the choice and differences between residential areas in Dubai are enormous. Therefore, it is advisable to inform yourself well in advance, even to rent on a monthly basis and to test several areas initially. Location, price, quality and infrastructure are crucial factors.
