.png)
If you’ve looked into moving to Dubai, you’ve surely come across the famous neighbourhoods of Dubai Marina, Downtown or even The Palm - But Dubai has so many more beautiful areas to live in! And the most amazing part is that each location has a different “feel” to it - Some are “busier” with lots of people and events happening, while others are more calm, quiet and family friendly.
It’s important to research the neighbourhood before renting an apartment, because the last thing you want to do is make a long term renting commitment in an area you don’t like. What’s more, different Neighbourhoods have different price ranges, so you definitely want to make sure you’re looking at areas that fit your budget. And that’s exactly what we’re gonna help you do in this blog, where we’ll go over the most friendly areas for renting as an Expat in Dubai.
1) Things to consider when picking a neighborhood in Dubai
2) The different areas of Dubai
3) Best neighbourhoods to live in Dubai:
You’re about to move to Dubai, and you’re searching different areas that maybe are close to your work, to schools or generally more Expat-friendly. Don’t worry - you came to the right place! Before we jump into different neighbourhoods, there are a few considerations you should take into account when picking where to live. These will help you define your criteria, and make sure you choose the right place for you.
Sign Up to Matutto to learn more about how Home Rentals work in Dubai
Dubai is a city that’s constantly growing, and new neighbourhoods come up altogether every few years. However, there are some basics in regards to how the city is structured that you should know before you start looking for your ideal neighbourhood.
Below you can find a map of Dubai. Highlighted in red you can see the Metro line, so every area that is directly next to it, has station access. We highlighted in yellow different residential neighbourhoods which are directly located next to the metro line. We then circled in blue areas which are hotspots for tourists - these are very popular, but that means you will see high price tags for rentals. We then highlighted with stripes multiple areas in green , which are, not all of them, but most of the neighbourhoods chosen by Expats who live and work in Dubai.
.png)
There’s really no such thing as the best area to live in Dubai. Each person will have different lifestyles, priorities and budgets, so below we split neighbourhoods into 3 categories: Best areas for single expats, neighbourhoods for expat families and best budget areas. Although this is not the full list of places to live in Dubai, it’s a pretty comprehensive guide to help you kickstart your search. And if you are looking for specific places or support finding a place to live, sign up to Matutto to speak to an Advisor who can better guide you.
Dubai Marina is a popular neighbourhood for expats and young professionals, offering a great view of both the Marina and the sea. The area is known for its high-end restaurants, bars and proximity to JBR beach (The most popular public beach in Dubai). The Marina is super popular for tourists as there’s a bunch of hotels around. Knowing this, landlords use their units as holiday rentals, making it less affordable for Expats to rent long term. Generally, if you’re single, outgoing and have a relatively high disposable income, this can be a great place to live.
Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 90,000 to AED 130,000 per year.
Barsha Heights is located near the metro, and it has a combination between residential, commercial and leisure options. You can be in a high rise similar to those in the Marina, but for a much more affordable price, as there are no views to the sea, and generally less tourists. Barsha Heights is well located for people who work in Internet City, Media City, JLT and the surroundings, as it’s a short trip away by metro or bus. The area has plenty of supermarkets, gyms, beauty salons and is near one of the most popular malls in Dubai: The Mall of The Emirates.
Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 70,000 to AED 90,000 per year.
Downtown Dubai is the perfect option for Expats who want to have the classic High-end apartments with stunning skyline views. This can be the perfect location for single Expats on a high salary who like to be at the heart of the city. There are many rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, cultural and networking events and top class shopping and entertainment options. Although traffic can be quite intense in some areas of Downtown, it can also be very well located if your workplace is going to be around Business Bay, DIFC, Emirates Towers or D3 and surroundings.
Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 90,000 to AED 120,000 per year.
Dubai Sports City is a more budget-friendly and active neighborhood, ideal for single expats who value fitness, space, and community living. Like the name hints, this is a neighbourhood with a lot of gyms as well as all types of sports facilities, so if your ideal activity is to go out and play a sport with other people, this might just be the place for you. In this area it is more common to see low to mid-rise buildings, with more space but less modern. Overall it feels more detached from Dubai as it’s a good 25 minute drive away from the center, but that also means it’s less chaotic.
Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 55,000 to AED 75,000 per year.
Sign Up to Matutto today to speak to an Advisor about your House Search
Arabian Ranches is a quiet residential area primarily designed for families. It is surrounded by parks, pools, walking trails and beautiful villas, so it’s perfect for families who prefer to live in a relaxed area. This is a spacious neighbourhood that is not too far from the main business hubs in Dubai, but it does require residents to have a car as there is very limited public transport nearby.
Price for an average 2-Bedroom House/Villa: AED 160,000 to AED 300,000 per year.
Jumeirah is one of the most popular areas in Dubai as it offers a mix between modern convenience and beachfront living. The area is known for the many villas and the serene environment, ideal for families who like to go on walks in the neighbourhood and by the beach. The area has excellent amenities, including top-rated international schools, clinics, and supermarkets. It’s also centrally located in Dubai, which can be convenient for parents to go to work regardless of where they work!
Price for an average 3-Bedroom House/Villa: AED 200,000 to AED 300,000 per year.
The Dubai Hills (and Hills 2) areas have been designed for Expat families, with the incorporation of large green spaces, playgrounds and even cycling tracks. The neighbourhoods have top-tier amenities, including international schools, healthcare facilities, and the incredible Dubai Hills Mall, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Overall, the area has a premium feel to it and it’s near roads that lead directly to the center of Dubai, but do note that a car is necessary to live in the Hills.
Price for an average 2-Bedroom: AED 150,000 to AED 170,000 per year.
JVC is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Dubai. It has a lot of amenities, restaurants, parks and there’s a great sense of community. It’s very well located and it’s often a top choice for both families and single Expats. One caveat is the amount of traffic that accumulates around JVC, and although new roads around it are being built, you can easily find yourself stuck for an hour in traffic a few times a week.
Price for an average 2-Bedroom: AED 75,000 to AED 90,000 per year.
Dubai Silicon Oasis is one of the Tech Hubs of the city with the Tech and Entrepreneur Campus based here. Overall, it’s a quiet area that offers a mix of modern villas and apartments, a new mall, a running track and residential units with communal parks where kids are normally out playing. The neighbourhood is a little bit far from the center and it requires driving if you work outside this area.
Price for an average 2-Bedroom: AED 75,000 to AED 85,000 per year.
Emirates Hills (also known as the Beverly Hills of Dubai) is one of Dubai’s most prestigious and exclusive neighborhoods, offering a luxurious lifestyle tailored to expat families seeking privacy, elegance, and security. The neighbourhood has an excellent location, a lot of green spaces and very well maintained amenities. Near this area there are top international schools, healthcare facilities, luxury retail and dining options.
Price for an average 3-Bedroom: AED 400,000 to AED 600,000 per year.
Sign Up to Matutto to connect with a Real Estate Agent in Dubai
Deira is one of Dubai oldest and liveliest neighbourhoods, with a range of different accommodation types, from shared bedrooms to apartments on a budget. The neighbourhood is connected to several metro and bus stations, and it has a lot of street shops, restaurants and even markets. The area is very popular for South Asian Expats who come to Dubai for better work opportunities, so there is a deep sense of community around.
Price for an average Studio: AED 25,000 to AED 35,000 per year.
Al Barsha South is a growing residential area offering budget-friendly living options, across apartments but also villas. The central location of this area means you are close to popular places like the Mall of the Emirates or the Marina. The zone also has a high number of dining options, supermarkets, healthcare centers and even schools. Overall the neighbourhood is relatively quiet and it has been growing in popularity.
Price for an average Studio: AED 55,000 to AED 65,000 per year.
Al Nahda is a budget-friendly residential area on the Dubai-Sharjah border, popular among expats seeking affordable housing. The neighbourhood has a variety of apartments at more affordable rates in comparison to other areas of Dubai, but it is a little bit further away from most business hubs. The area is close to the main highways and there are also public transport links through the bus and the metro green line. There are many supermarkets, parks and even malls in the area.
Price for an average Studio: AED 25,000 to AED 35,000 per year.
Discovery Gardens is a peaceful and budget-friendly residential community, ideal for expats seeking affordable living in a well-connected location. There is a metro line nearby, a mall, and a lot of landscaped gardens around the whole area. This can be a good place for Expats who are looking for a relaxed neighbourhood that is affordable and accessible via public transport.
Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 60,000 to AED 70,000 per year.
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is a well located and affordable community offering a mix of high-rise apartments, making it an excellent option for expats on a budget. There is a lake with a path for people to run, a range of different dining options, supermarkets, gyms and a metro line nearby. There are also a lot of businesses that operate in this area, but due to its popularity, prices have been growing in recent years.
Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 65,000 to AED 75,000 per year.
.png)