Which district should you choose to live in Dubai?

One of the most important formalities to prepare for a move to Dubai is the choice of accommodation. There are several factors to take into account, depending on the reason for your departure: work, education, or simply a better living environment.

If you’re looking for a better education for your children, then housing close to schools is the way to go. If you’re moving to Dubai for work, the ideal accommodation will be close to public transport or your place of work. Finally, if you’re looking for a better living environment, the choice is rather simple, depending on your wishes: in the city center or by the sea.

Dubai is a surprisingly small city at first glance, but it’s actually very big to the visitor. Dubai real estate is divided into two distinct parts: New Dubai and Old Dubai.

The Different Neighborhoods of New Dubai

Arabian Ranches is the neighborhood of choice for expatriates. A little off the beaten track, it’s a quiet place to be. Most of the dwellings are houses. You’ll find all the amenities you need: shopping centers, restaurants, medical centers, and a school (Jumeirah English Speaking School).

The area is quite expensive, with rental prices ranging from €2,200 (AED 8800) to €6,000 (AED 24,000) per month or from €22,500 (AED 90K) to €35,000 (AED 140K) per year, depending on the type of house you choose.

Dubai Downtown, the Most Sought-After District

This district is famous for the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Dubai Mall. Neighborhood life is very pleasant.

Dubai Downtown is close to other popular areas such as Business Bay and the Dubai International Financial Centre. Close access to Sheikh Zayed Road gives you easy access to the freeway.

This district is home to many luxury hotels. In Dubai, hotels aren’t just for vacationers. You can rent a room or apartment for a year, but it’s still relatively expensive. You’ll enjoy all the services a hotel has to offer, such as room cleaning and meals (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) according to your wishes and, above all, your means.

The area is renowned for its tall buildings, but is relatively expensive. For example, for a studio apartment, you’ll need to calculate between €8750 and €18,750 per year. For a 1-bedroom apartment, it’s between €12,500 and €35,000. For a 2-bedroom apartment, you’re looking at between €17,500 and €50,000. Finally, for a 3 or 4-bedroom apartment, you’ll need to budget between €52,500 and €100,000.

Dubai Marina, Dubai’s Modern District

Located in the heart of the new Dubai, this is one of the city’s most modern districts. Most of the apartments are built around the Marina, home to luxury boats and yachts. At night, the view from Dubai Marina is sublime.

The Dubai Marina district is purely residential and mainly occupied by holidaymakers and expatriates. Numerous restaurants line the Marina Walk, which is well served by the metro. For shopping, there’s a mall nearby: Dubai Marina Mall.

Prices vary according to the number of rooms you choose and the standard of the residence. For example, if you’re looking for a studio apartment, prices range from €10,000 to €21,250 per year. For a 1-bedroom apartment, you’ll need to budget between €12,500 and €31,250 per year. For 2 bedrooms, you’ll need to budget between €15,000 and €38,750 a year. Finally, for a larger apartment with 3 or 4 bedrooms, the budget is between €20,000 and €58,750 per year.

Most residences have a janitor, gym, and swimming pool, and are close to the beach (the nearest beach, JBR Beach, is a 10-minute walk or a 3-minute drive away).

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), the Beachfront District

Jumeirah Beach Residence, also known as JBR, is one of Dubai’s most popular neighborhoods. Located opposite the Dubai Marina district, it’s ideal for families thanks to its seafront location. The area is lively and popular on busy weekend evenings. Numerous stores and restaurants line JBR’s The Walk avenue.

The neighborhood is mainly residential, with prices varying according to your desires. For a 1-bedroom apartment, you’ll need to pay between €13,750 and €25,000 per year. For a 2-bedroom apartment, expect to pay between €15,000 and €38,750 per year. Finally, for a 3 or 4-bedroom apartment, you’ll need to budget between €20,000 and €58,750 a year.

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai Marina’s Neighbor

The Jumeirah Lake Towers neighborhood, also known as JLT, lies opposite the Dubai Marina district. Like its neighbor, the residences offer a splendid view of the lake. This is a purely residential area, where rents are reasonable in view of its location.

For a studio apartment, for example, rents range from €10,000 to €21,250 per year. For a 1-bedroom apartment, prices range from €7,500 to €16,250 per year. For a 2-bedroom apartment, prices range from €11,250 to €21,250 per year. Finally, for a 3 or 4-bedroom apartment, prices range from €17,500 to €50,000 per year.

Palm Jumeirah, the Island Neighborhood

Who wouldn’t dream of living on an artificial island built on water? This image has become one of the symbols of Dubai. Several luxury hotels have been built here, including the Atlantis Hotel, the Sofitel Palm Jumeirah, the One and Only, and the Anantara The Palm Dubai.

On each branch of the island, several villas have been built with direct access to a private stretch of beach. A dream come true, don’t you think? Prices range from €80,000 to €625,000 per year.

For the more modest, there are also residences at different prices. For example, for a T2 apartment, expect to pay between €20,000 and €65,000 a year. For a T3 or T4, expect to pay between €27,500 and €90,000 a year.

Business Bay, the Business District

Business Bay Dubai is a business district located just behind Downtown. It’s a very modern district, created in the late 2000s.

A large number of new buildings are currently under construction. There are both residential and office buildings. Some residences offer a direct view of the Burj Khalifa and are well served by the metro.

The advantage of this district is that rental prices are negotiable, as many apartments are being built and competition remains fierce. Prices for an apartment range from €7,250 to €412,500 per year, depending on surface area and view. For houses, expect to pay between €43,725 and €57,000 a year.