Bayut Exclusive Report: The most affordable studio apartment renting localities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

Are you new to the UAE and can’t seem to find an affordable studio apartment that fits your needs and budget? If that is the case, you have arrived at the right forum, for Bayut.com’s guide to areas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that have some of the most affordable studio units for rent will certainly get you home. Read our take on where prospective renters can get studio units for the lowest prices, and then consult our website for options in these areas. There, problem solved!

Dubai

While luxuries offered by premium residential spaces in places like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina are stuff of dreams, not everyone can fit the cost in their scheduled budget. For those looking at studio units at the bottom end of the market, we suggest starting in the city’s outskirts. The cheapest area to rent studio units in Dubai, per data from December 2016, was International City, where rent averaged AED 31,000 per annum. The locality is well suited to a comfortable lifestyle, although the distance from city centre and crowdedness might be deterring factors. Still, one can head to the nearby Dragon Mall to rev up the dwindling energy.

Deira, the cultural and oldest township of Dubai was at the second spot with studio unit rent averaging AED 36,000. While living in Deira, you’ll never feel disconnected from your surroundings as activity on the streets goes on until early in the morning. You can enjoy a unique cuisine from around the world every month of the day, and traveling around the city is easy thanks to numerous Metro stations and RTA bus and dhow routes.

International Media Production Zone had studio units with average rent of AED 41,000. The area is close to major settlements like JLT and Dubai Marina and a newer stock of buildings ensure hassle free living. Further away into the city’s suburbs was Dubai Silicon Oasis, a pristine township known for its green spaces and peaceful environment. Studio units in the area cost AED 42,000 to rent for a year on average per stats from December 2016.

At the fifth spot was Discovery Gardens, a southern locality that is characterised by landscaped green acres. Units here could be rented for AED 47,000 per annum, but those looking to rent here must take into account the time for commuting to other parts of the city. Last but not the least on our list was Arjan. This is a locality that is moving up the popularity charts rapidly due to the quality of construction of newly added buildings. It is accessible through the main Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, but tenant planning to spend the AED 48,000 average rent for studio units should rather have a car to make it to and fro the main areas of the city.

Ready to move? Check out apartments in these localities

ABU DHABI

With the rental cap coming back into effect in the UAE capital, renting in Abu Dhabi has become even more affordable. The least costly locality to rent a studio apartment in the emirate was Mohammed Bin Zayed City, where studio unit rent averaged AED 30,000 in December 2016. The locality is tucked away in a quiet corner of the emirate and is laden with amenities like quality schools, parks and malls. Khalifa City A was the next most affordable, offering studio units at an average rent of AED 35,000. The locality is in close proximity to the main island and important recreation and leisure destinations.

Next we had Madinat Zayed and Al Karamah where studio units’ rent was AED 38,000 on average. The centrally located areas are ideal for living in the heart of Abu Dhabi, in close proximity to important commercial and business districts within the emirate. Studio units in Al Mushrif cost an average of AED 39,000 to rent for a year. Al Mushrif is also a popular central neighbourhood that benefits from facilities like a number of quality schools, parks, medical institutes and malls.

Studio units in Al Muroor, which is situated close to the Mangrove National Park, offered plenty of units at an average rent of AED 41,000. The last on our list of affordable localities was Al Ghadeer, a township along Abu Dhabi’s border with Dubai. Rent for studio units here averaged AED 42,000 per annum in December 2016.

Planning to settle down in the UAE capital? Consider these options.