Popular areas to live in Dubai for Pakistani expats

• Areas to Rent Apartments
• Areas to Rent Villas
• FAQs

Dubai has been a highly popular destination among Pakistani expats for a long time now. Estimates suggest that the Pakistani community makes up the emirate’s second-largest group of expats. The competitive job market, host of business opportunities, relatively short flights, an abundance of family-friendly amenities and the emirate’s security standards make Dubai an attractive location for Pakistanis.

Over the years, the incoming population has settled in different residential neighbourhoods. Today, we shall explore the best areas for Pakistani expats to live in Dubai.

BEST AREAS FOR PAKISTANI EXPATS IN DUBAI

Despite the welcoming vibes of Dubai, moving to a new country can be a bit scary. But having fellow compatriots around, along with the brands one is accustomed to, and the easy availability of cuisine from the home country can make your transition a bit easier. So, if you plan to move to Dubai from Pakistan soon, read about the areas you should check first.

TOP AREAS FOR PAKISTANI EXPATS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN DUBAI

Here’s a list of top areas for Pakistani expats to rent flats.

JUMEIRAH VILLAGE CIRCLE (JVC)

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is top on our list of the most popular areas for Pakistani expats to rent apartments in Dubai. Those moving from the greener northern cities of Pakistan to Dubai would be impressed with the landscaped parks, greenery and canals in JVC.

Furthermore, its proximity to Dubai Internet City, JLT, Dubai Media City and Dubai Marina makes it convenient for professionals. Given that JVC is a culturally diverse neighbourhood, one can find all types of supermarkets in the area. Spinneys, Choithrams, Bluemart Supermarket and West Zone Supermarket stock top Pakistani and Indian brands. Similarly, there is an abundance of educational institutes for kids of all ages. The top restaurants in JVC offer Pakistani food specialities like biryani and nihari.

Have a look at JVC aparment rental transactions over the past year to get insights about the property market.

• To rent a studio apartment in JVC, the annual cost is AED 44k, on average.
• A 1-bedroom flat in Jumeirah Village Circle is priced at AED 64k.
• The average rent for a 2-bed and 3-bed apartment in JVC is AED 93k and AED 137k, respectively.

AL NAHDA 

The next entry on our list is Al Nahda, Dubai. It is an extremely popular area for Pakistani expats to rent apartments in Dubai. Located close to the Sharjah-Dubai border, it has urban amenities, including schools, supermarkets and restaurants.

Usually, one can find affordable apartments for rent in Al Nahda Dubai. In fact, the community is ideal for families who want to stay in a relatively quiet neighbourhood. Different malls, stores and restaurants in the area cater to the South Asian community. 

• Typically, a studio for rent in Al Nahda Dubai averages at AED 27k.
• Renting 1-bed apartments would cost AED 37k annually.
• The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda Dubai is AED 50k.
• One can find 3-bed flats for AED 68k.

BUR DUBAI

Bur Dubai is not just popular amongst Pakistani expats. You would find a lot of South Asian communities in the district. One of the main benefits of living in Bur Dubai is that residents can access metro stations served by the Green and Red Lines.

Bur Dubai is one area that encapsulates the multi-cultural nature of Dubai. It is home to the Grand Mosque. Supermarkets like Carrefour, Choithrams, LuLu, Spinneys, Al Maya and Al Madina cater to South Asian expatriates, and many Indian and Pakistani brands are available here.

Plus, some top Pakistani restaurants in Bur Dubai would bring a sense of familiarity and comfort. In terms of schooling, you can find institutes which follow the Pakistani curriculum. So, families prefer renting flats in Bur Dubai.

• On average, renting a studio in Bur Dubai costs around AED 37k.
• The 1-bedroom apartments in Bur Dubai have an average rent of AED 58k.
• Similarly, to rent 2-bed units in Bur Dubai, you would be paying AED 77k, on average.
• The financial outlay for a 3-bed would be AED 101k.

AL BARSHA 

Al Barsha is one of the top areas for Pakistani expats to rent apartments in Dubai. It is a safe and family-friendly community with lots of well-maintained properties. Since the neighbourhood is close to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Al Khail Road (E44), the daily commute is relatively easy. Al Barsha residents have easy access to Emaar Business Park, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. Hence, it is especially preferred by young Pakistani professionals.

Al Barsha is also home to the Mall of the Emirates. Similarly, there are supermarkets in Al Barsha specifically dedicated to the expat population from various regions. Not to mention the top restaurants in Al Barsha also include eateries that specialise in Pakistani cuisine. Hence, it is no surprise that Al Barsha rental flats are popular amongst Pakistani expats.

• The average rent for a studio in Al Barsha is AED 44k.
• For a 1 and 2-bed apartment in Al Barsha, you would be paying AED 60k and AED 80k, respectively.
• If you want to rent 3-bedroom apartments in Al Barsha, expect to pay around AED 107k annually. 

DISCOVERY GARDENS

Discovery Garden is another area Pakistani expats usually prefer to live in Dubai. It is among the cheaper areas to rent apartments in Dubai. Those employed in Jebel Ali Free Zone especially prefer to rent flats in Discovery Gardens. The garden-themed residential clusters have plenty of green spaces.

As for amenities, Ibn Battuta Mall is close by. Moreover, the opening of the Discovery Gardens Metro Station on Route 2020 has increased the demand of rental flats in Discovery Gardens

• To rent a studio in Discovery Garden, you can expect to pay AED 37k, on average.
• The average rent for a 1-bed stands at 50k.
• On average, those looking to rent a 2-bed apartment in Discovery Gardens will be paying AED 74k.

Summing up, here is an overview of the top areas for Pakistani expats to rent apartments in Dubai, with the average rental prices (in AED).

Area	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Area Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)	Studio AED 44,000	1-Bed AED 64,000	2-Bed AED 93,000	3-Bed AED 137,000
Area Al Nahda (Dubai)	Studio AED 27,000	1-Bed AED 37,000	2-Bed AED 50,000	3-Bed AED 68,000
Area Bur Dubai	Studio AED 37,000	1-Bed AED 58,000	2-Bed AED 77,000	3-Bed AED 101,000
Area Al Barsha	Studio AED 44,000	1-Bed AED 60,000	2-Bed AED 80,000	3-Bed AED 107,000
Area Discovery Gardens	Studio AED 37,000	1-Bed AED 50,000	2-Bed AED 74,000	3-Bed N/A

TOP AREAS TO RENT VILLAS FOR PAKISTANI EXPATS IN DUBAI

Pakistani expats searching for more spacious dwellings can choose to settle in the top villa communities in Dubai.

Here’s a list of the top areas for Pakistani expats to rent villas in Dubai and average rental prices.

DAMAC HILLS 2

For those interested in golf communities in Dubai, DAMAC Hills 2 (D2) is a popular option amongst Pakistani expats. It is the first green residential address of the emirate. You can find beautifully designed and spacious villas at comparatively lower rents.

DAMAC Hills 2 is connected to four major UAE highways. Plus, residents can find top supermarkets, schools and healthcare institutions in and near DAMAC Hills 2.  

Read about DAMAC Hills 2 rental villa transactions over the past year to get a better understanding of the market.

• Considering renting a 3-bed villa in DAMAC Hills 2? You are likely to pay AED 80k, on average.
• For a 4-bed villa, the average rent rises to AED 89k.
• If you are eyeing a 5 or 6-bed villa, the financial outlay would be AED 128k and AED 188k, on average.

MIRDIF

Mirdif is one of the top areas to rent villas for Pakistani expats in Dubai. The family-friendly community is known for offering good value for your money. One can find elegantly designed villas with excellent facilities at reasonable rent. The community is located near the Dubai International Airport and is home to Mushrif Park. So, there is plenty for those living in rental villas in Mirdif.

• The average rent for a 3-bed villa in Mirdif is AED 110k.
• It rises to AED 143k for a 4-bed villa.

AL BARSHA

Al Barsha makes it to both apartments and villas lists. Rental villas in Al Barsha offer a range of amenities.

• A 3-bed villa in Al Barsha has an average rent of AED 243k.
• Similarly, a 4-bed villa is available for AED 287k, on average.
• If you are interested in renting a 5-bedroom villa in Al Barsha, expect to pay AED 363k, on average.

JUMEIRAH VILLAGE CIRCLE 

Like Al Barsha, JVC features on both lists. Given the availability of elegant properties and the abundance of community parks and urban amenities, it is one of the best areas for Pakistani expats to rent a villa.

You can rent a villa in JVC at reasonable rates.

• Renting a 3-bedroom villa in JVC costs around AED 157k, on average.
• The average rent increases to AED 181k for a 4-bedroom villa in JVC.
• You would have to pay AED 270k to rent a 5-bed villa in JVC.

JUMEIRAH

Located along the coast of Dubai, Jumeirah is another community which features on the list of best areas for Pakistani expats in Dubai. Incredible waterfront views and easy access to the beach are reasons for its popularity. Despite being a tourist hub, it is an area where residents can live in peace and tranquillity. There are many popular supermarkets, malls and schools near rental villas in Jumeirah.

• Interested in renting a 3-bed villa in Jumeirah? You will be paying AED 262k, on average.
• The average rent jumps to AED 361k and AED 380k for 4 and 5-bed villas.

Summing up, here’s the breakdown of the average villa rents in Dubai’s preferred neighbourhoods among Pakistani expats.

Area	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Area DAMAC Hills 2	3-Bed AED 80,000	4-Bed AED 89,000	5-Bed AED 128,000	6-Bed AED 188,000
Area Mirdif	3-Bed AED 110,000	4-Bed AED 143,000	5-Bed N/A	6-Bed N/A
Area Al Barsha	3-Bed AED 243,000	4-Bed AED 287,000	5-Bed AED 363,000	6-Bed N/A
Area Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)	3-Bed AED 157,000	4-Bed AED 181,000	5-Bed AED 270,000	6-Bed N/A
Area Jumeirah	3-Bed AED 262,000	4-Bed AED 361,000	5-Bed AED 380,000	6-Bed N/A

FAQS ABOUT THE BEST AREA TO LIVE IN DUBAI FOR PAKISTANI EXPATS

WHICH ARE THE BEST PAKISTANI RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI?

Want to enjoy some mouth-watering Pakistani cuisine? Here’s a list of the top Pakistani restaurants in Dubai.

WHERE CAN I FIND PAKISTANI BRANDS AND PRODUCTS IN DUBAI?

You can find top Pakistani brands at Pakistani supermarkets in Dubai. Most of these stores are located in popular areas to rent in Dubai for Pakistani expats.

CAN PAKISTANI EXPATS RENEW THEIR PASSPORTS ONLINE?

Yes, they can. Read the process of online passport renewal for Pakistani expats in Dubai.

This wraps up our list of the best areas for Pakistani expats in Dubai. Whether looking for a villa or an apartment, these localities have everything you desire in an ideal neighbourhood. Similarly, there are popular Dubai areas for Indian expats to rent properties.