Roommates wanted: Best communities for shared accommodation in Dubai
Dubai’s booming economy attracts talent from across the globe. With a diverse range of industries, from real estate, entertainment to education and transportation, the city is a hub for professionals. This influx of people has led to a surge in demand for shared accommodation. If you are new to the city and willing to share an apartment, here are the top areas offering shared accommodation in Dubai.
Popular Areas for Shared Accommodation in Dubai
In recent years, shared accommodation in Dubai has gained popularity due to its affordability, social benefits and convenient locations. Residents can significantly reduce rental costs by sharing living spaces, making it an attractive option for young professionals and students.
Moreover, many shared accommodations are conveniently located in prime areas with easy access to amenities and transportation. With flexible lease terms and modern facilities like gyms and co-working spaces, shared living offers a comfortable and affordable lifestyle in Dubai.
According to Bayut, popular areas with shared accommodations for rent in Dubai include International City, Bur Dubai, JLT, Al Barsha and Barsha Heights.
Please note: All prices quoted here are annual average rents for various apartment units. For sharing purposes, the same can be split among the number of people occupying the apartment(s), to get an idea of the average rent per person.
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 689 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 2 BATHS
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- 1224 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1334 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 911 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 777 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
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- 486 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 810 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
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- 797 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1191 SQFT
International City
International City offers affordable housing in Dubai’s dynamic real estate market. According to Bayut’s H1 2024 Dubai Rental Market Report, it’s one of the most affordable places to rent apartments. Since the area is a close-knit cluster of low-rise buildings, you’ll also find lifestyle amenities such as restaurants, salons, launderettes and supermarkets nearby.
If you’re on a tight budget and fine with sharing accommodation in International City Dubai, rental apartments in International City are a viable option.
- You can rent a studio apartment in International City for AED 32k annually.
- The annual rent for 1-bed and 2-bed flats in the area is AED 49k and AED 69k, respectively.
- Bigger units, like 3-bedroom apartments, are available for an annual rent of AED 105k.
Bur Dubai
Located on the western bank of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is a historic district rich in culture and tradition. Mina Rashid borders it to the north, Al Jafiliya to the west and DIFC to the south.
The strong South Asian influence is evident in its vibrant markets, restaurants and shops. Bur Dubai is home to one of Dubai’s oldest Hindu temples and the Grand Mosque with its iconic minarets, reflecting the area’s multicultural heritage.
If you are in for sharing accommodation in Bur Dubai, here are your options:
- Rent a studio for AED 33k annually in Bur Dubai.
- You can rent 1-bedroom apartments in Bur Dubai for AED 75k.
- 2-bedroom apartments for rent in Bur Dubai have an annual price tag of AED 111k.
- The annual rent of a 3-bedroom flat here is AED 140k.
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1153 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1506 SQFT
- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 399 SQFT
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
Jumeirah Lake Towers is next on our list of shared accommodations for rent in Dubai. JLT is a sprawling community comprising 87 towers. It offers several amenities, including over 300 restaurants and 500 shops. The residential towers surround green spaces and artificial lakes.
With easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and two metro stations, rental apartments in JLT provide convenient living with supermarkets, schools and dining options.
- Renting a studio in JLT can easily cost around AED 63k annually.
- The 1-bedroom apartments in the areas are available for annual rent of AED 95k.
- The average annual rent of 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in JLT is AED 134k and AED 183k, respectively.
Al Barsha
Want more options for shared accommodation in Dubai? Al Barsha is a popular choice among the expat community belonging to different cultures. Moreover, the area’s strategic location, with easy access to major roads, metro stations and highways, makes it a popular choice for young professionals. The neighbourhood offers wide-ranging amenities, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities and entertainment options.
All of these and more make apartments for rent in Al Barsha a great choice for those searching for shared accommodation in the city!
- Studios in Al Barsha are available for rent for AED 39k per annum.
- Renting a 1-bed and 2-bed flat in the community will cost around AED 72k and AED 95k, respectively.
- You’ll have to shell out an annual rent of AED 158k for a 3-bed flat in Al Barsha.
If you do choose this community, look at the cost of living near Al Barsha Metro Station as it can help you further decide which building or cluster to live in.
Barsha Heights
If you are still looking for shared accommodation in Dubai, try your luck at Barsha Heights. Formerly known as Tecom, Barsha Heights is a lively neighbourhood offering a blend of residential and commercial spaces, including serviced apartments and hotels.
It’s a popular choice for businesses and residents, thanks to its affordable lifestyle, central location and seamless integration of work and living.
If you want to share a rental apartment in Barsha Heights, here’s how much you’ll have to pay according to the bed types:
- The annual rent for a studio unit in Barsha Heights is AED 42k.
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment here is around AED 75k per annum.
- Bigger units, like 2 and 3-bedroom flats, will cost you approximately AED 100k and AED 169k, respectively.
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1683 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1729 SQFT
- STUDIO
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- 1 BATH
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- 399 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 1073 SQFT
FAQs About Shared Accommodation in Dubai
What is the average rent in these areas?
Areas | Average Rent |
|---|---|
Areas International City | Average Rent AED 44,000 |
Areas Bur Dubai | Average Rent AED 90,000 |
Areas JLT | Average Rent AED 104,000 |
Areas Al Barsha | Average Rent AED 85,000 |
Areas Barsha Heights | Average Rent AED 84,000 |
Is sharing accommodation legal in Dubai?
Under the Dubai Rental Law for shared accommodation, the only legal way to share an apartment or accommodation in Dubai is to do it with the landlord’s consent.
How many persons can share a 1-bedroom apartment in Dubai?
As per the rules and regulations, only four bachelors can share a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai.
What are the cheapest areas in Dubai to live?
Living in Dubai on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Communities like International City, Muhaisnah and Al Warsan feature some of the cheapest rental apartments in Dubai that are light on the wallet but heavy on amenities!
This concludes our guide to popular areas for shared accommodation in Dubai. However, sharing accommodation in Dubai is not permissible unless the landlord approves it. According to Article 24 of Law No. 26 of 2007, the tenant cannot sublease the property without the landlord’s permission unless it is specifically mentioned in their Dubai tenancy contract.
Moving on, if you are a digital nomad who prefers the comfort of home for work rather than willing hours away at the office, check out these top areas in Dubai for remote workers to live. Your options include Mirdif, Al Barsha, Barsha Heights, Dubai Marina, Discovery Garden or DIFC.
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