10 Best Residential Areas in Dubai, the UAE – The City of Luxury and Opulence

Are you looking for the best residential areas in Dubai as you need to move to this world-class city? If yes, you will find here the genuine information about top residential areas of Dubai, the UAE.

Dubai, a land where dreams come true! The largest city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the land of superlatives. It has been lovingly called the City of Gold, the City of Dreams, the City of Luxury & Opulence, the City of Attractions & Holidays, and the City of Skyscrapers.

Living in Dubai would be a great experience. There are so many things in this world-class city that make your life here enjoyable and worth living.

If you are planning to move to Dubai then you must decide on any particular place or residential area that works best for you. Finding the best residential area in Dubai to live in can be a tricky and challenging task for you.

But if you gather information on some of the top residential areas of Dubai then it would be easier to find out the right place there.

With Dubai’s rising population and growing demand for space, it may get tricky to find a suitable place that suits your taste and budget. It is very important to do some research before you make the shift.

There are many properties for residential purposes and here, are a few of them for you to choose from.

1. Mirdif

Located on the Northside of the international city and east of the Dubai International Airport, Mirdif is one of the affordable options for residential areas in Dubai. If you are an ex-pat and want to find a place close to the center without spending too much, then you must look for a property in Mirdif.

You can move here with your family as it has all the amenities nearby. It has a public park, GCSE and IB schools, a local super mall, and a tennis and basketball court.

This is considered as the popular areas to rent villas as it has eclectic villas that attract many people. Midriff was developed to cater to the needs of the residents rather than a tourist destination, which is genuine.

The properties are big, but one can find apartments at affordable rates. One can rent a two-bedroom villa at around AED 55k. You can pick a villa with a private pool or opt for a shared one. If you are interested in buying an apartment here, then for a 1-bedroom apartment you may have to pay around 890k.

2. Downtown Dubai

Having malls and other institutions of needs is always a plus point. If you need all these facilities nearby, then you can opt for Downtown Dubai. Here, is the worlds’ largest mall, “Dubai Mall” which welcomes more than 50 million visitors per year.

As it is the heart of the city, the property rates are one of the highest. The price may be high, but the accommodation is also quite lavish.

You can get lavishly furnished A-grade rooms and this place has many big companies opening their offices here. There is an underwater zoo, Dubai fountains, and an ice rink close to Downtown Dubai.

3. Dubai International Media City

Planning to work in the creative industries after moving to Dubai then Media city is the area you would like to shift to. You get online media, publishing agencies, news agencies, broadcast facilities, etc. here.

If you are in Media city, you take in the beauty of large lakes and the Scenic Park, and different picnic destinations. Even if you find apartments here. Not many live here as the workers prefer to stay in areas like Dubai Marina, which is close by and less expensive.

4. Arabian Ranches

Want a peaceful surrounding and don’t want to become a part of a bustling city then go for Arabian Ranches. This place is located in the East of Motor city and Autodrome, with lavish accommodation just like Bel Air. This is a gated community that sits proudly close to the golf course and has apartments and houses. It also has hospitals, well-established schools, and equestrian center.

5. Dubai Sports City or DSC

If you try to do some research on the properties of Dubai before you settle down then there one special feature about the city. The areas are all themed and unimaginative or descriptive names.

Sports city is one such name. If you are planning to have an active lifestyle including stadiums, sports clubs, academics, and the gymnasium then it will be best to rent a property here.

This area is not just popular amongst sports enthusiasts but it’s quite affordable too. You can easily get a residential unit of different sizes at affordable rates.

The rent starts from as low as AED 20k. If you are planning to buy a unit you then the flats range in between AED 250k to 2M. There is a wide range of stylish apartments such as Royal Residence, Elite Sports Residence and for villas, you could consider Bloomingdales and Victoria Heights.

It is close to two major highways – Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. It is also close to Internet City and Media city for convenient transportation for those working in these areas.

6. Motor City Dubai

Spacious properties, picturesque streets, and a clean environment are all about the iconic community Motor city.

For a motorsports enthusiast, this place is heaven. A self-contained community has grown into a coveted residential area and has all the important facilities and amenities for its residents.

From educational institutions to healthcare facilities, from recreational areas to fitness activities, it has everything one can need. It has plenty of educational institutions like GEMS Metropole School for residents.

There is a rehabilitation center near the area. It is home to the city’s own motorsport circuit, Dubai Autodrome. Hence, the name.

People can easily get a place to buy or rent and one can find a place for a varied range of people. You can rent a single bedroom apartment for AED 41k.

If you are planning to buy a single bedroom apartment then it can cost you an average of 815k. If you are looking for top renting areas to stay in Dubai especially Motor city then you can try your luck in Uptown Motor city.

7. Dubai Marina

People looking to buy a property before shifting to Dubai start with Dubai Marina. This area has high-rise ultra-modern apartments with a great view of the sea.

The impressive community, a wide range of entertainment and dining options make people want to buy a place here.

Looking at the area from a transport perspective, it is connected to two metro stations – DMCC and DAMAC properties. These are the best ways to travel during busy traffic.

To get around the neighborhood it’s best to use Dubai Tram. With a bustling lifestyle, it has all the facilities and amenities close at hand.

The area has been planned meticulously, to provide all facilities and amenities to the residents. One can rent a studio to 4-bedroom apartments and even a penthouse suite.

If you are looking for a single bedroom apartment for rent, then it can cost you around AED 40k. If you are planning to buy a single-bedroom property, then it can go up to AED 2.8M.

The area doesn’t come at cheap rates so, if you want to spend on something luxurious then plan on buying a property here.

8. Business Bay

The location that brings both professional and residential together at the elegant Dubai Canal in Business Bay. Close to Downtown Dubai, this is the 9th most popular place to buy property in Dubai.

With ultra-exclusive amenities and an upscale cosmopolitan lifestyle, it is growing to become a central business hub such as NYC and Manhattan. Especially the lifestyle here is ideal for working professionals and has many leading hotel chains like Marriot to attract luxurious foodies.

It is home to mesmerizing hotel apartments, apartments, and hotels that it is getting swarmed by buyers, renters, and foreigners. The one-bedroom apartments can cost you a yearly rent of AED 46k to AED 150k.

If you are planning to buy one then 1-bedroom freehold flats it may cost you around AED 850k. By buying if you invest in the property, with this pace you may receive great returns.

Most professionals working in DIFC, Downtown Dubai, and Sheikh Zayed Road prefer to have an apartment in this area for its fast-paced vibe. It also has a multi-cultural neighborhood to make anyone feel welcome.

9. Al Barsha

A vast sandy area, Al Barsha, transformed into one of Dubai’s key residential areas. This happened after the mall of Emirates opened in 2005.

Now it has emerged as a residential and commercial hub with affordable housing options and has become the third popular area for renting villas in Dubai. It has safe and family-friendly available with lifestyle amenities.

It is connected to two major roads that’s make it easy for workers from Internet City, Media City, and Emaar Business Park to commute.

Here, you can get apartments but mostly you will get detached and semi-detached villas. It is a popular choice for young professionals because of its affordable living, lifestyle amenities, and convenient living.

All villas are quite spacious and larger areas that give off a suburban vibe.

The average rental of a single bedroom will cost you AED 51k, whereas for a two-bedroom villa you may have to pay AED 93k as a starting price.

While you are thinking about residential shifting in Dubai you can give this area some serious thought.

10. Jumeirah Islands

You must have seen those breath-taking views of the Jumeirah Islands in pictures. These man-made islands are the epitome of the utmost luxury.

Located between Dubai Marina and Jumeirah lake towers, these have become hot spots for residential areas with high-end lifestyle.

Since 2006, many expatriates have made this place their home irrespective of their ethnicity and background. It has upscale projects, with vibrant streets giving off the vibe of the close-knit suburb.

If you are planning to move to Dubai and have a dream for a luxurious lifestyle then this place is it. If your annual income lies in the upper bracket, then you can afford to rent a 4-bedroom at around AED 220k.

Dubai has been a dream for many people around the world. Over the years many have made Dubai their homes and lived with content.

You have plenty of options when it comes to choosing one place while you are shifting to Dubai. All the above-mentioned areas are alluring and have specialty attached to them.

You can take the help of different packers and mover companies for a comfortable shift. If you are one of those looking for an affordable option, then we have a list prepared for you as well.

Everyone dreams of a beautiful place to call home, Dubai has innumerable places for one to select from. It has a variety of places with different themes and structures.

From palatial mansions, sea-facing apartments to fuss-free studios Dubai has it all. Is it in your budget? For a budget-friendly property, you may have to do some exploration. In this cosmopolitan haven, you can easily find areas based on your salary.

In most cases, people spend around 30 to 50% of their income on housing and to find an affordable residential area with a minimum salary. You can get a property by paying the rent bi-yearly, or an annual lump sum.

Here, we have information on affordable places for you to consider before moving to Dubai.

Best Places to Rent in Dubai If You Are On a Salary of AED 5K to AED 8K

Are you just starting out on the career ladder? Is your salary between AED 5,000 and AED 8,000? Then you can easily rent a home in Jumeriah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Al Nahda.

Tenants in the income bracket of AED 5k and AED 8k will likely have an average rental budget lying between AED 24k and AED 38k. These areas are ideal for such a budget.

The affordable suburb of JVC has apartments that lie around 20 minutes away from the commercial hub including Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City.

You can also have a studio flat for rent in JVC – they cost around AED 18k on the lower end.

Al Nahda and DSO also offer cheap apartments for rent in Dubai – they cost around AED 15k and AED 18k respectively.

In case you are looking for more space, you may also consider a 1BHK or 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Dubai.

You may be surprised there are plenty of good options for 1-bedroom flats in these neighborhoods that would fall within your budget.

For example, in the Al Nahda neighborhood, near the Dubai-Sharjah border, the 1-bedroom flats start from AED 24k. You may even get 2-bedroom apartments in Al Nahda starting from 33k.

These are some of the most affordable apartment options in Dubai. However, if you could extend your commute, there are some affordable options in neighboring emirates.

Most people also choose to live in Sharjah while working in Dubai in order to save on accommodation costs.

Popular and affordable areas to rent in Dubai for a salary between AED 8,000 and AED 12,000

Where can you live if you earn between AED 8k and AED 12k in Dubai? Assuming you have an annual budget of AED 38,000 to AED 58,000 in this income bracket, you can check out some decent accommodations in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Al Nahda.

Additionally, the centrally-located Bur Dubai is also a popular option among tenants of this income bracket. You can check out this centrally-located neighborhood if you earn around AED 12,000.

These are recommended options for single professionals who can get a larger, more upscale studio or a single-bedroom apartment in JVC.

You can also opt for a fully-furnished apartment within your budget. Another option is to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in JVC – they usually start from AED 40k.

If your salary is still on the lower end of the stick, or if you want to save more, you can always find a roommate to split the rent.

The 2BHK allows ample space for two people to live comfortably while maintaining some privacy of space.

Rental options for the higher income bracket also include 3BHK or 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Al Nahda that start from AED 50k.

Furthermore, there’s a large portfolio of brand-new, ultra-modern apartments for rent in Bur Dubai. This includes studios, 1 or 2-bedroom apartments that fall within your accommodation budget.

You can also include locations like Discovery Gardens, JLT, and Dubai Marina while looking for a home within this budget.

Popular areas for renting a home in Dubai for a salary between AED 12,000 and AED 18,000

Increasing your budget considerably, the salary bracket from AED 12k to AED 18k opens up gorgeous spaces for your accommodation. Instead of looking up apartment towers and complexes in Dubai, you can look into beautiful villas.

It not only provides you with privacy but also a lot of additional space. Check out the best locations to rent apartments and villas for an annual budget of AED 58,000 to AED 86,000.

Apartments

When you start earning a considerable amount every month and accumulate more savings, you should start thinking about moving to better accommodations.

While you’re being indulgent in your preferences, if you want to look into apartments, there are a number of choices available.

The most popular area to rent in Dubai for those with a mid-range salary would be Dubai Marina. In the meantime, Bur Dubai and Jumeirah Village Circle still remain good options.

Dubai Marina is the heart of New Dubai, abounding in convenience. Dubai Marina offers mid-and high-rise apartments in the vicinity of some notable restaurants, salons, nightlife, and more.

If you earn between AED 12k and AED 18k, you can easily afford 1- and 2-bedroom apartments or studios. The 1-bedroom flats in Dubai Marina have a pocket pinch of as low as AED 35k.

On the other hand, 2-bedroom apartments for rent in this established neighborhood start from AED 50k.

For families, spacious 3-bedroom apartments in JVC may also be a good choice – they start from AED 62k.

In some cases, the apartment may come with shared facilities like swimming pools and gyms.

Bur Dubai also has some pretty decent options for 2- and 3-bedroom apartments.

Villas

There are many affordable villas in Dubai for those with an income between AED 12k and AED 18k. Some of the most popular options include Mirdif, Akoya Oxygen, and The Springs.

Mirdif has consistently been popular as having the best villas to rent in Dubai as per Bayut’s property market.

The villas for rent in Mirdif start from AED 50k with a range of 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom layouts available.

Families can also get 2-bedroom villas in The Springs. It’s a gated community with plenty of facilities including schools, parks, lakes, and sports courts. These villas in The Springs start from AED 68k.

Akoya Oxygen is also popular for some of the cheapest villas for rent in Dubai. It has some cost-effective choices when it comes to villas for rent that start from AED 39k.

Additionally, the villas in Dubai Land, Al Warqa’a, and Muhaisnah are also good choices.

Best places to rent in Dubai for salary above AED 18k

For those earning above AED 18k, your annual budget for accommodations would be more than AED 86k.

Rental apartments in luxury neighborhoods like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah.

Downtown Dubai is the best option for those who like being in the middle of the action. It hosts a plethora of restaurants, hotels, cultural attractions as well as UAE’s largest shopping mall.

Palm Jumeriah – the man-made island is one of the city’s best places to live in Dubai.

You can also look for affordable places in Mirdif and Arabian Ranches that can help you settle in Dubai comfortably. There are many options available for people with different requirements and at reasonable prices.

Settling in Dubai can open a range of opportunities for you. Select from the above-mentioned places and pick the best packers and movers in the city to help you shift comfortably.

Once you shift you can find a job that can make you grow in your career. It is a city of new opportunities and a beautiful environment to let you enjoy the luxuries of life.

If you are thinking about local shifting within the then you can take the help of one of the best and trusted packers and movers in Dubai. There are many packers and movers in the city that can help you move from one residential area to another.