Popular areas for British expats to live in Dubai

• Popular Areas to Rent Flats
• Popular Areas to Rent Villas
• FAQs

British expatriates love Dubai and have plenty of reasons to do so. The rents are lower, fuel is less expensive, salaries are tax-free, and there’s year-round sunshine! Want to make the most of those mightily tempting factors by settling down in the emirate? Here are the most sought-after areas for British expats in Dubai based on consumer interest.

Popular Areas for British Expats in Dubai to Rent Apartments

Based on trends observed, the most popular places to live in Dubai for British expats, for those who prefer flats include Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

Dubai Marina 

The first area on our list is Dubai Marina. This bustling neighbourhood is perfect for expats who prefer flats with stunning waterfront views.

British nationals moving into the area with families can find UK-curriculum schools nearby. These include the Dubai British School Emirates Hills, located just 12 minutes from the area.

The Bayut rental market report for H1 2024 also sees Dubai Marina ranking well for luxury apartment rentals in the city. Flats here are available in a range of different configurations.

Those considering renting apartments in Dubai Marina can opt for studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units.

• The average cost for 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Dubai Marina is AED 100k.
• The 2-bedroom flats for rent in Dubai Marina have an annual rental cost of AED 163k.
• The 3-bedroom Dubai Marina apartments for rent will set you back by AED 256k per year.

BUSINESS BAY

Located near Downtown Dubai, Business Bay is one of the most popular areas for British expats. It is, without a doubt, one of the vibrant districts in the emirate and features an array of luxurious apartments, restaurants, hotels, retail outlets and the mall – Bay Avenue. For more options, Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Opera are located within a 10-minute drive away.

Business Bay is a prime location in Dubai, renowned for its stunning skyscrapers that shape the city’s iconic skyline. This vibrant district offers many residential options, from studios to 1,2 and spacious 3-bedroom luxury apartments and penthouses.

• On average, the price to rent 1-bedroom apartments in Business Bay is AED 95k.
• A 2-bedroom flat for rent in Business Bay has an average price of AED 147k.
• Spacious 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Business Bay will set you back AED 216k.

DOWNTOWN DUBAI

Downtown Dubai, also known as ‘the centre of now’, is another area in demand among the British expats living in Dubai. The area offers luxury apartments, some of which come with private pools and spectacular views. 

This community is home to the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa and many other spectacular landmarks, such as Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and Dubai Opera.

Counted among the most popular areas for British expats in Dubai, this posh neighbourhood is also famous for being the ultimate leisure destination. There are plenty of things to do in Downtown Dubai, guaranteeing your weekends will never be dull.

You can dine in at any of the luxurious restaurants in Downtown Dubai or enjoy an upbeat night with your friends at the bars and lounges in the 5-star hotels in the area. The Double Decker pub and its menu are particularly popular with the British community in Dubai. 

If this area has sparked your interest, make sure to do your homework on the pros and cons of living in Downtown Dubai.

The apartments for rent in Downtown Dubai come in various sizes, from cosy studios and 1-bed units to larger 3-bedroom flats and even bigger penthouses that are perfect for families. 

• The 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Downtown Dubai have an average annual rent of AED 132k.
• The 2-bed apartments for rent in the area cost around AED 218k annually.
• The average yearly cost to rent 3-bedroom apartments in Downtown Dubai is AED 363k.

PALM JUMEIRAH

If you’re keen on getting the most from the city’s sunny beachside living, Palm Jumeirah – one of the best areas for British expats in Dubai – is a good option.

The iconic man-made island is one of the popular places to live in Dubai for British expats. You can find a mix of apartments and villas in the neighbourhood, each offering exceptional waterfront views and easy beach access.

People from all over the world come to Palm Jumeirah to visit its renowned attractions like Atlantis, The Palm and Palm West Beach.

Popular with British expats living in Dubai, flats for rent in Palm Jumeirah come with excellent amenities. You can also find a range of sea-view apartments for rent in Palm Jumeirah. 

• The average per year cost to rent 1-bedroom apartments in Palm Jumeirah is AED 164k.
• Similarly, the average yearly cost to rent 2-bedroom apartments in Palm Jumeirah is AED 239k.
• Whereas 3-bedroom apartments for rent in the area cost AED 309k.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

English expats in Dubai prefer to rent flats in JBR and there’s more than one reason for it! The area is home to JBR Beach – a leisure, shopping and entertainment hub. Its strategic location and access to sun-soaking eateries and exciting watersports activities make it one of the most popular areas in Dubai.

Setting up base here means having some of the finest Dubai lifestyle destinations, such as Barasti, The Buddha Bar and Zero Gravity in the vicinity.

Expats looking for British schools near Jumeirah Beach Residence can consider GEMS Wellington International School in Al Sufouh located 11 minutes away from the area, which follows the National Curriculum of England.

A look at the average prices of the apartments for rent in JBR can help you find suitable housing in the popular beachfront area.

• The rent for 1-bedroom apartments in Jumeirah Beach Residence is AED 132k.
• On average, 2-bedroom apartments for rent in JBR have an annual cost of AED 170k.
• For 3-bed apartments in JBR, the average rent is AED 229k per annum.

Popular Areas for British expats in Dubai to Rent Villas

Now, let’s explore popular villa areas among British expats living in Dubai.

THE SPRINGS

 The Springs is one of the top places to live in Dubai for British expats. One of the top villa communities, it is known for its elegantly designed properties. The area’s amenities include landscaped gardens, pools, kids’ play zones and dedicated BBQ areas. It is one of the pet-friendly neighbourhoods in Dubai as well.

There are over 4,800 semi-detached and townhouses in Springs Dubai. It provides a refreshing community feel. The villas for rent in The Springs Dubai are available in multiple configurations. 

• Get a comfortable 3-bedroom villa for rent in The Springs for AED 264k annually.
• Tenants looking for spacious 4-bedroom villas for rent in The Springs can expect to pay an average price of AED 300k.

DUBAI HILLS ESTATE

Dubai Hills Estate is a popular off-plan development and one of the most popular areas for British expats to rent villas in Dubai. The area is masterfully constructed with several amenities. A branch of GEMS Wellington Academy is a mere 10-minute drive away.

• The average rent per year for a 3-bedroom villa is AED 353k.
• A 4-bedroom villa for rent in Dubai Hills Estate is available for AED 376k.
• Meanwhile, a luxury 5-bedroom villa for rent costs approximately AED 452k per year.

ARABIAN RANCHES

Another Brit-friendly community in Dubai is the quiet, gated Arabian Ranches. The neighbourhood boasts a spectacular range of villas that feature themed architectural designs and exceptional finishes. Arabian Ranches is known to be one of the sought-after residential areas in Dubai for families.

The neighbourhood has parks to enjoy relaxing strolls and amenities supporting an upscale family lifestyle. There are also plenty of schools and nurseries in Arabian Ranches following the British curriculum. Residents also easily access Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club and its facilities. 

If you’re living in Dubai as a British expat, make sure to explore the pros and cons of Arabian Ranches. The research will help you know why the villas in Arabian Ranches might be the perfect choice for you and your family.

Looking for opulent villas for rent in Arabian Ranches? Tenants will find luxurious homes in varying unit types with impressive amenities.

• On average, the annual price to rent 3-bedroom villas in Arabian Ranches is AED 247k.
• On the other hand, 4-bedroom rental villas in Arabian Ranches will cost AED 390k per year.
• Larger 5-BHK villas for rent are available for an average yearly price of AED 520k.

UMM SUQEIM 

Umm Suqueim is one of the most searched places to live in Dubai for British expats. Predominantly a villa community, the neighbourhood offers a great location and peaceful surroundings.

The villas in this area are popular among British expats due to their proximity to the stunning Jumeirah Beach – one of the best public beaches in Dubai. That’s not it. There are many other incredible benefits of living in Umm Suqeim, including pet-friendly properties and proximity to schools and hospitals.

British curriculum schools like the prestigious King’s School Dubai are part of the community.

In addition, the Jumeirah Beach Road, which runs parallel to the coast and down the entire length of Umm Suqeim, is home to the city’s most trendy eateries, cafes and boutique stores.

Want to call this place home? Check out different layouts of villas available for rent in Umm Suqeim.

• The annual average rent for 3-bedroom villas in Umm Suqeim is AED 318k.
• The 4 and 5-bedroom villas for rent in the area will set you back by AED 346k and AED 437k per year, respectively.

Jumeirah Islands

Those thinking of moving to Dubai from the UK can also consider the Jumeirah Islands as their choice for a home. The development by Nakheel is a gated community with all the amenities, such as private gardens, pools, ample parking space and much more. The area is ideal for expats looking to stay away from the bustle of the main city. Plus, there are many parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Those looking for houses for rent in Jumeirah Islands are spoilt for choice.

• The average yearly cost to rent 4-bedroom villas in Jumeirah Islands is AED 720k.
• 5-bed villas in the area average at AED 1.74M per annum. 

FAQs About Areas Popular with British Expats

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR BRITISH PUBS IN DUBAI?

Dubai is home to many English expats who can unwind and dine at some of the classiest restaurants and trendy pubs. Eloquent Elephant, Crown & Lion and Reform Social are some of Dubai’s frequently visited British pubs.

ARE THERE ANY ENGLISH RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI?

Yes, there are many British restaurants in Dubai that serve delicious traditional fares. That’s not all. There are various popular fish and chips restaurants in Dubai, too, where you can enjoy the UK’s favourite hot dish.

That’s all for our roundup of the areas for British expats in Dubai for renting an apartment or villa. If you are planning to move soon, do your research about moving to Dubai from the UK first.

For more options, Bayut’s Dubai Transactions page offers a detailed index of real estate transaction data from the Dubai Land Department, including property rent history, annual rental volume and values of area-specific rental transactions. This resource enables you to make informed decisions by comparing advertised prices with actual transactional prices for properties of interest.

For those who want to know about apartments and villas’ average price per square foot Dubai, our guide lists the top areas for your consideration.

Best of luck in your search for a new house!