International City

International City is one of the most affordable housing areas of Dubai’s ever-expanding real estate market. According to Bayut’s Annual Dubai Rental Report 2023, investing in apartments is a popular option with the best rental yield recorded. Investors and end-users can browse the sales transaction analysis for apartments in International City recorded by DLD over the past 12 months.

• An abundance of studios and 1-bedroom apartments
• Freehold properties on offer expected to reap lucrative returns
• Close-knit clusters of low rise buildings with unique architecture
• Self-contained communities with shops, salons, launderettes etc.
• Home to the massive Dragon Mart 1 and 2
• Close to Dubai Safari Park and Academic City

In a city as cosmopolitan as Dubai, it makes perfect sense to have a community named after the global vibe of the emirate. International City is essentially a residential compound offering people access to community living without a hefty price tag. The 10 prominent building clusters housing the apartments in International City are named after countries around the world, earning the development the moniker of ‘International’ City.

As for the residential side, there is a range of properties from studios to townhomes and villas. Besides the unit and configuration type, one can decide between a wide range of options based on what suits them best. If you’re on a budget, you can rent one of the unfurnished apartments in International City costing around AED 14k, per annum at the minimum. Likewise, those looking to move-in and settle down immediately without paying a hefty amount can buy ready studios in International City.

The development did have a rocky start with some concerns about sanitation, but things have stabilised now and it’s developing into a sought-after location to live in Dubai. Living in International City will never be boring thanks to the two huge Dragon Marts: full of obscure finds, budget deals, restaurants and cinemas.

There are over 500 apartments in International City spread over the 10 residential clusters. The second phase of the project is also under development where a few buildings have even been opened up to buyers and renters. Rental properties in International City are popular among expatriate families and individuals.

The residential clusters are named Persia, Greece, Spain, Morocco, England, France, Italy, Russia, China and Emirates. The Central Business District, located in the centre of the clusters, features some of the larger 2 and 3-bedroom apartments for those looking for a little more space. The freehold properties in International City include a range of villas and townhouses currently restricted to Warsan Village, located on the south-western boundary.

Residents in Dubai International City enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle with lush communal areas, lakes and an overall tranquil ambience of an expat community.

The neighbourhood also offers freehold properties for those looking to invest in the real estate market of Dubai. If you are looking to buy an independent unit, you can choose between villas and townhouses in International City.

A typical 3-bedroom villa or townhouse costing around AED 1M is expected to generate a 5.8% returns on investment.

Each residential cluster within the community features exclusive architectural theme and a range of amenities. Those deciding on where they can get the best deal can consider the popular communities in International City based on the user-generated views on Bayut’s official website.

Interested tenants can take a look at International City floor plans for popular communities/buildings in the neighbourhood.

Parking is free in most parts of International City but not all buildings feature dedicated residents’ parking. Residents and visitors will both have to find a free spot on the street.

As for public transportation near International City, the area is not directly connected to the metro. Instead, there are four bus routes for the area, taking you to popular metro stations like Centrepoint Metro Station, Etisalat Metro Station and Al Nahda Metro Station. Access to the main roads is not an issue because it’s situated between Interchanges 5 and 6 of Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, but traffic congestions are common during the peak hours on weekdays.

Residents can enjoy shopping at the grand Dragon Mart and access a range of reputed educational institutes. Also, the residential clusters in International City are self-sustained offering all basic lifestyle amenities within reach.

The Carrefour in Dragon Mart 2 is the place to go if you have to do a monthly shop and stock up on essentials. Other popular supermarkets in International City include smaller versions of Lulu and Growth Mart.

The clusters of flats in this neighbourhood feature convenience stores to cater to your daily needs, even home delivering groceries over a phone call. The speciality ethnic stores in the clusters are well known for stocking authentic goods from their respective countries.

The most notable mosques in International City are Persia cluster’s Cabin Mosque, Spain cluster’s Sheikh Abdel Hameed Masjid and England cluster’s Masjid-e-Noor. Residents will have to travel a bit far to visit the top churches in Dubai, Dubai City Church and St. Mary’s Church in Oud Metha are located a 30-minute drive away. The nearest temples include Krishna Temple and the Shiva Temple in Bur Dubai, accessible in around half an hour.

There are many reputed nurseries in International City. For tiny tots, Kids World International and Fly High Nursery is a notable institute. Parents looking at high school options will find plenty of reputable schools nearby located in A Warqaa. International School of Arts & Sciences offers the American curriculum, the full syllabus up till Year 12.

Other options include GEMS Modern Academy, offering the Indian Curriculum until Year 12 and the IB system for Year 11 and 12. Repton School in Nad Al Sheba offers the UK and IB module of education until Year 13.

The neighbourhood is in proximity to Dubai International Academic City which has a range of reputable international and local universities. Residents in International City can access a few of the best universities in Academic City such as the University of Birmingham Dubai, Murdoch University Dubai and Zayed University.

If you are feeling under the weather, the hospitals in International City are at a hand’s reach with at least two clinics in each cluster. Some of the best clinics in Dubai have branches here including Apple Clinic, Aster Clinic and Amber Clinic where you can easily go for a quick consultation. Pharmacies are staples of most building clusters, and both Dragon Marts have large branches of Life Pharmacy.

International City is close to Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Warqaa and Academic City. The most popular tourist hotspot nearby is the Safari Park Dubai launched in late 2017 housing over 2,500 animals, reptiles and birds.

It’s a little difficult to live in Dubai and be far away from a mall!

DRAGON MART

The mega Dragon Mart is one-stop-shop for those looking for malls in International City. It consists of Dragon Mart 1 and Dragon Mart 2 both of which are the largest trading hubs for Chinese goods in Dubai, making it a firm favourite for retail therapy. With over 4,000 stores, these malls have multiple retail outlets featuring brands you may not encounter anywhere else! Walking around Dragon Mart and finding the best deals is one of the biggest advantages of living in International City.

Known as a foodie hub, the restaurants in International City are known for their authentic offerings. Popular chains like Chilis, Le Pain Quotidien and Starbucks are relegated to the malls, while smaller local cafes and shisha lounges dot the clusters of International City.

International City is home to some of the best-hidden gems in Dubai, most of the restaurants in each cluster are known to be authentic eateries. There are no licensed restaurants or bars in the area, so if you fancy a pint, you have to head further into the city centre.

If you fancy a day picnic, the closest beach near International City is Jumeirah Beach, just over half an hour drive away.

Dubai has grown into a city known for its lush green golf courses and International City has not been left behind, the Track at Meydan golf course in Nad Al Sheba is just 15 minutes away.

DESERT PALM POLO CLUB

If you are planning to explore any new sports avenues and things to do in International City, equestrian centres like the Desert Palm Polo Club and the Emirates Desert Equestrian Club are great places to frequent.

Nature lovers can spend hours in the company of migrating birds in the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, just 15 minutes away from the neighbourhood. One of the biggest benefits of living in International City is getting to sight these pink-legged flamingos found in abundance at close quarters during winters!

One of the key updates to the International City development was the launch of the Lake District in Al Warsan. The residential complexes here are under construction, but Al Warsan Lake, fringed by landscaped parks in International City, is popular for walks and jogs in the evening. The neighbourhood also has Paris Children’s Park in the France cluster.

Fitness enthusiasts will be happy to know there are several gymnasiums around the area, apart from the small fitness centres in the buildings. Notable amongst these are V Fitness, Fitness 360 and Target Gym.

International City has become a hallmark of affordable living in Dubai, attracting a large number of residents and investors. But one of the things to consider when you are moving to International City is the limited access to public transportation. However, several buses and taxis shuttle nearby so one can easily get to the metro station in the neighbouring locality, Rashidiya.

The other area of concern is the parking-related issues in the community. As more infrastructure develops around the area, this too will hopefully be resolved.

International City is a freehold area, it mainly offers apartments for sale.

Among the 10 clusters in International City 1 the most popular cluster is Spain Cluster. The buildings feature Mediterranean details such as low pitched roofs, domed windows, stucco exteriors and peach tiling. In International City as a whole, the most popular community is the Phase 2 development.

The closest metro stations are the Centrepoint Metro Station and the Etisalat Metro Station. The best option is to use the Dubai Metro to Centrepoint Metro Station and then take Bus 365 to International City.

• Dubai International Airport is 25 minutes away
• A 30 to 35-minute drive to the central district, Dubai Marina
• Dubai Central Fruit and Vegetable Market is just 8 minutes away
• Sheikh Zayed Road is 30 minutes away
• Academic City and residential hub Dubai Silicon Oasis are close neighbours