Areas and suburbs in Dubai

There are three main styles of housing in Dubai and, similarly, three main factors that expats will need to consider when choosing the area or suburb in Dubai in which to look for accommodation.

Factors to Consider

• Proximity to your children's school
• Proximity to your place of work
• Area that maximises important lifestyle elements

Once these factors have been considered and your priorities become clearer, it will then be down to the type of accommodation preferred, and of course the housing budget or allowance, which in the case of most expatriates is included in the employment package.

Expatriates generally live in residential “compounds”, as these provide additional communal facilities like parks, playgrounds, gyms and swimming pools (depending on the community).

Styles of Housing

• Apartments - generally don’t have a garden, and may have a balcony
• Townhouses - are duplex or triplex and have a small garden
• Villas - free-standing and have a garden

It’s also important to bear in mind that because Dubai has grown so rapidly some residential areas in “New” Dubai are still being finished off, which means not all the planned facilities (pools and parks) may actually be complete. This will often be reflected in the rental prices, so while you get more for your money in a place that is not yet finished, it will mean that you may have to live with some inconvenience in the short term.

Beach Lovers

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

A massive residential development comprising six clusters of several high-rise apartment blocks overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The towers are built over an ocean-front promenade called “The Walk” which is lined with retail outlets, restaurants, cafés and hotels. Each cluster includes several swimming pools for use by the residents, and a few gyms. Apartments with sea-views are sought after and command higher rentals, but in general the area is good value. Good for young professionals or those who wish to feel like they are always on holiday.
►Pros: holiday vibe all year round; shops, restaurants and the beach all within walking distance so no car needed; easy metro access
►Cons: access and exit tricky at peak times; noisy and busy; no gardens.

Palm Jumeirah

A man-made island in the shape of a palm leaf that extends into the Gulf. Here you will find two main types of accommodation: medium-rise apartment blocks on the trunk, most with communal beach access; expensive villas with private beaches and pools on the fronds. The apartments here are popular and prices remain stable due to limited supply; however, as some of the last blocks are still to be completed, you may still pick up a bargain. Good for young couples and families.
►Pros: quieter than JBR but still with beach access; greener, with more gardens.
►Cons: a car is a must here; no metro access; the ocean gets trapped due to the shape of the island and the water can smell bad at times.

Jumeira and Umm Suqeim

Older villas make up small compounds in this part of Dubai. The area is more established, with less construction and the villas near Beach Road are within walking distance of the beach. If you look carefully you can still find a bargain here, but beware that some of these villas are not well maintained. Each compound will normally be built around a communal pool and garden. Great for families with pets, the villas also often include a maid’s room.
►Pros: good central location; easy to get taxis; area is peppered with schools; more cosmopolitan.
►Cons: the call to prayer will wake you every morning due to the number of mosques in the area; villas are older and less spacious.

City Dwellers

Marina

Built around a man-made marina, and set one road back from JBR, Dubai Marina is a popular residential area of high-rise apartment blocks, some with great views of the Palm. Several Hotel Apartment towers can also be found here offering serviced accommodation for short- or long-term lets. Prices are average and availability is good. Again good for those accustomed to apartment living.
►Pros: great metro access; good views; quieter than JBR but still close to the sea.
►Cons: Ongoing construction makes it noisy, no gardens.

DIFC and Downtown

Downtown Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, highest building in the world. This is a fairly new and modern area built for mixed use; residential apartment towers are mixed in with office blocks and hotels. Prices are medium to high, but the build quality is normally very good. Well suited to hip and trendy high-flyers.
►Pros: very trendy area close to the metro and Dubai Mall; good access to the older parts of Dubai; very central.
►Cons: no beaches, not many gardens; may be considered “far” by those living in “New” Dubai