Moving to Dubai is an exciting opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant communities and stunning views and architecture. At Remitly, we’re here to help you find the perfect neighbourhood in Dubai to match your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly vibes, unparalleled luxury, or culture on a budget, this guide highlights some of the best areas and will allow you to make the most of your adventure.
Best neighbourhoods in Dubai: an overview
Dubai may be famous for its towering buildings and glamorous lifestyle, but it’s a city of contrasts. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront penthouse, a four-bedroom villa, or a studio apartment close to your job, there’s a neighbourhood to suit your needs.
Factors to consider when choosing a neighbourhood
Workplace and traffic: Dubai’s rapid growth and car-friendly design lead to heavy peak-hour traffic. Many current residents recommend living close to work or school for a smoother commute.
Walkability and amenities: Some communities offer amenities like restaurants, parks, and gyms within walking distance, while others require driving.
Budget: Set a budget, but also allow some flexibility in case you find a property you truly love just outside your budget.
Property types: Decide whether you prefer an apartment, townhouse, or villa. Not every neighbourhood offers every option.
Build quality: While there are some older areas of Dubai, most buildings are modern. However, not all buildings are built to the same standard, which can affect your quality of life and maintenance costs.
Community feel: Some areas are more fast-paced and modern, while others are slow and family-centric.
Future development plans: Check if there are any upcoming projects in a neighbourhood or development. Things like metro expansions or construction could impact your living experience.
Freehold areas: If you’re buying a property, it’s important to know which areas are freehold areas in Dubai, as foreign nationals are only permitted to buy property in those zones.
Let’s look at some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Dubai. Bear in mind that prices are approximate and will likely increase due to the ongoing surge in the Dubai property market.
Top family-friendly neighbourhoods in Dubai
Arabian Ranches
Overview: This suburban haven is one of the most family-friendly and pet-friendly communities in Dubai. It offers plenty of green space, with over 4,000 villas and townhouses.
Rental pricing: AED 150,000-2,200,000/year (around GBP 31,500-460,000)
Buying prices: AED 3,000,000-48,000,000 (around GBP 640,000-10,000,000)
Amenities:
- Schools
- Pools
- Retail centres
- Clinics
- Golf courses
- Parks
- Cycling paths
- Playgrounds
Nearby areas and attractions: Dubai Miracle Garden, Global Village, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Autodrome, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
Transport: There’s limited bus service, but the area is a 15-30 minute drive from most major Dubai areas, including Downtown and airports.
Dubai Hills
Overview: This eco-friendly, mixed-used development blends family living and nature. It has a wide variety of properties available, including apartments, townhouses, villas, and mansions.
Rental pricing: AED 80,000-2,000,000/year
House prices: AED 1,110,000-45,000,000
Amenities:
- Schools and nurseries
- Retail centres
- Clubhouse with pool and gym
- Community events like farmer’s markets
- Playgrounds
- Splash Park
- Walking and cycling paths
- Hypermarkets
- King’s College Hospital
Nearby areas and attractions: Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai Hills Park
Transport: There’s a bus route that takes residents to the nearest metro station. It’s a 15-30 minute drive to places like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and airports.
Town Square
Overview: Perfect for families on a budget, this bustling gated community has plenty of green space and amenities. It has apartment towers, townhouses, and small villas.
Rental pricing: AED 38,000-240,000/year
House prices: AED 530,000-4,000,000
Amenities:
- Parks and playgrounds
- Close to good schools and nurseries
- Retail centres and hypermarkets
- Cycling trails
- Communal gym
- Skate park
- Community centres
- Co-working spaces
Nearby areas and attractions: Town Square Recreational Park, Kids Wonderland, Trampoline park
Transport: A car is useful here, but there is a bus route through the community. It’s about 30 minutes to major Dubai locations.
Most luxurious neighbourhoods in Dubai
Emirates Hills
Overview: Inspired by Beverly Hills, this gated community is one of the most expensive in Dubai. It only has custom-built detached villas and mansions available.
Rental pricing: AED 1,500,000-9,000,000/year
House prices: AED 16,000,000-200,000,000
Amenities:
- Parks and green spaces
- Playgrounds
- Swimming pools
- Pet areas
- Hypermarkets
- Schools
- Close to hospitals and clinics
Nearby areas and attractions: Montgomerie Golf Club, Emirates Golf Club, Topgolf, The Springs Souk
Transport: There are no public transport links directly in the community, but there’s a bus stop nearby, and the closest metro is a short drive away. It takes about 15–30 minutes to drive to areas like Dubai Marina and Downtown.
Palm Jumeirah
Overview: Set on the largest human-made island on the planet, this iconic neighbourhood is a vibrant residential, tourist, and leisure destination. Shaped like a palm tree, it has three neighbourhoods—The Crescent and The Trunk, which mainly have apartments; and The Fronds, with villas and mansions.
Rental pricing: AED 90,000-2,640,000/year
House prices: AED 3,000,000-200,000,000
Amenities:
- Hypermarket
- Nurseries
- Nearby schools
- Medical clinics
- Beaches
- Gyms
- Boardwalk
- Water sports
Nearby areas and attractions: The View at The Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City
Transport: The Palm Monorail runs down the centre of the island and connects residents to the mainland. There are also several bus routes. It takes about 10-20 minutes by car to reach central Dubai destinations.
The World Islands
Overview: Consisting of 300 human-made islands shaped like a world map, this development, while still under construction, is both a tourist attraction and a highly desirable place to live. It offers apartments, villas, hotel apartments, and residential plots.
Rental pricing: No data available
House prices: AED 750,000-150,000,000
Amenities:
- Beaches
- Resident clubs
- Water sports
- Local festivals and exhibits
- 24-hour security
- Fitness centre
- Recreation centre
- Community parks
Nearby areas and attractions: Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach
Transport: The islands are only accessible by boat or aircraft since they’re located 4 km off the coast of Dubai. It’s about a 15-minute boat ride from The World to Palm Jumeirah.
Safest neighbourhoods for peaceful living
Mirdif
Overview: This mixed-use neighbourhood of apartments, townhouses, and villas close to Dubai International Airport has one of the lowest crime rates in Dubai, an already very safe city. It has about 95% fewer reported incidents compared to the city average. It’s a family-friendly area away from crowded tourist zones, with well-lit streets and a neighbourhood watch programme.
Rental pricing: AED 45,000-265,000/year
Sales prices: AED 500,000-6,000,000
Amenities:
- Nurseries
- Schools
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Gyms
Nearby areas and attractions: Mushrif Park, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Crocodile Park, Sport Society
Transport: There’s a regular public bus service from the neighbourhood to the nearest metro station. It’s less than 15 minutes from the airport and about 20 minutes by car from Downtown Dubai.
Dubai Marina
Overview: While a popular tourist spot may not be your first thought when it comes to the safest neighbourhoods, Dubai Marina certainly is. Thanks to security cameras, police patrols, good lighting, and high foot traffic, crime rates are 80% lower than the global average for similar urban areas. It’s a bustling waterfront community with over 200 residential towers and a few standalone villas.
Rental pricing: AED 50,000-2,000,000 per year
House prices: AED 500,000-120,000,000
Amenities:
- Hypermarkets
- Nurseries
- Medical centres
- Beaches
- Water sports
- Bike and jogging promenade
- Gyms
Nearby areas and attractions: Dubai Marina Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Ain Dubai observation wheel, Dubai Harbour, Adventure Island JBR, Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Al Barsha
Transport: One of Dubai Marina’s biggest selling points is its walkability, with dining, shopping, and leisure activities all within walking distance. The neighbourhood also has many bus routes, two metro stops, and a tram to get to other areas of the city. Traffic can get especially busy here, but it’s about a 15-30-minute drive to the main areas of the city.
Deira
Overview: This neighbourhood is located in the oldest part of the city and is also one of the safest, with crime rates 60% lower than similar urban areas worldwide. It has a strong community feel as well as small shops and restaurants with lots of foot traffic. It’s mostly made up of apartments, with a few villas in the Abu Hail and Hor Al Anz areas.
Rental pricing: AED 20,000-1,400,000/year
House prices: AED 1,600,000-6,000,000
Amenities:
- Nurseries
- Schools
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Museums
- Parks
- Gyms
- Community events
Nearby areas and attractions: Deira City Centre, Al Ghurair Centre, Souks, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Mamzar Beach, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai Islands Beach, Dubai Dolphinarium
Transport: Due to its history, most of Deira is walkable, and it’s well-served by buses, the Dubai Metro, and even multiple abra (a traditional boat) stations along the creek. Unlike in other areas of the city, most apartment buildings here don’t have dedicated parking, so finding a parking spot can be quite difficult. The airport borders the neighbourhood.
Budget-friendly areas to consider
Discovery Gardens
Overview: This residential neighbourhood in South Dubai with lush landscaping has become a top choice for students, couples, and young professionals. It features 300 apartment buildings, and over 30% of the area is open green space. It mostly has one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Rental pricing: from AED 40,000/year
House prices: from AED 450,000
Amenities:
- Clinics
- Nurseries
- Hypermarkets
- Cycling trails
- Sport courts
- Gyms
Nearby areas and attractions: Ibn Battuta Mall, Emirates Golf Club, Knowledge Park Universities
Transport: Discovery Gardens is well-connected to the rest of Dubai, even without a car. It has three metro stations and multiple bus routes. It’s a 10-minute drive to Dubai Marina and a 40-minute drive to the airport.
Dubai Sports City
Overview: As you can probably guess by the name, Dubai Sports City (DSC) is all about staying active. It has tons of green space and fitness centres among its apartment buildings, villas, and townhouses.
Rental pricing: from AED 38,000/year
House prices: from AED 385,000
Amenities:
- Hypermarkets
- Nurseries
- Schools
- Clinics
- Sports facilities
- Gyms
Nearby areas and attractions: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, The Els Golf Club, Dubai Autodrome
Transport: The area is served by several bus routes, but a car makes getting around easier. It’s about a 20–30-minute drive to most major Dubai areas.
International City
Overview: This development reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Dubai with ten country-specific districts, each with its own architectural style. Its central location is filled with apartments, townhomes, and villas.
Rental pricing: from AED 27,000/year
House prices: from AED 295,000
Amenities:
- World markets
- Nurseries
- Clinics
- Children’s parks
- Gyms
Nearby areas and attractions: Dragon Mart, Desert Palm Polo Club, Al Warsan Lakes, Dubai Safari Park
Transport: The area has four bus routes to nearby metro stations. It’s about 25-40 minutes to prominent areas of Dubai, but residents have noted heavy traffic.
Choosing your ideal neighbourhood: tips and recommendations
Choose your priorities: Decide what you prefer in your desired neighbourhood, from proximity to work or school to property type to amenities. Then, decide what’s a must-have and what’s a “nice-to-have” to help narrow down your search.
Online research: When you’ve narrowed down your options to a few neighbourhoods, use online tools to get more information. Look up specific neighbourhoods online, check crime statistics, and get in contact with local real estate agents that have extensive knowledge of the area.
Ask residents about their experiences: Connect with people who live in neighbourhoods you’re interested in, either through social media sites or through mutual contacts. Ask them about their experiences living in the area and any pros or cons they have.
Visit in person: If you can, spend some time in the areas you’re interested in or have a friend who already lives in Dubai do it for you. Make sure to see what different times of day are like—maybe it’s active during working hours but completely quiet at night.
FAQs
Which is the best area to live in Dubai?
The “best” areas to live in Dubai depend largely on what you want. In general, Arabian Ranches is considered best for families, Emirates Hills is the most luxurious, Mirdif is the safest, Dubai Marina is best for walkability and city living, and Discovery Gardens is the best budget option.
What is the nicest part of Dubai?
Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina have the most to do, but are also where most of the tourists go. Arabian Ranches and Emirates Hills are exclusive suburban areas, and Jumeirah offers waterfront luxury and privacy.
What is the richest part of Dubai?
The most expensive neighbourhoods in Dubai are Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. Bluewaters Island, Al Barari, and Umm Suqeim also offer expensive apartments and villas.
Which is the safest area in Dubai?
Dubai in general is very safe, and is the second-safest city in the world after neighbouring Abu Dhabi. Many neighbourhoods are gated, with around-the-clock surveillance. Some of the safest neighbourhoods are Mirdif, Deira, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Downtown Dubai, Arabian Ranches, and Emirates Hills.