Popular residential areas to rent apartments in Old Dubai
While the world is in awe of the towering skyscrapers of new Dubai, there is a lot to love about the glittering souks and bustling bylanes of Old Dubai. If you want to experience the charm of the UAE’s heritage and culture, consider living in any area of this part of the city. For the ease of your choice, we bring you the most popular areas to rent apartments in Old Dubai.
WHY SHOULD YOU RENT IN OLD DUBAI?
Old Dubai’s neighbourhoods have a unique charm that attracts people from around the world. Since these areas are also busy trading hubs, there is a great selection of vibrant shopping centres and attractions that appeal to Dubai’s multicultural population.
Old Dubai also attracts tenants due to its affordable prices, an array of residential options and easy connectivity. From modern towers to charming low-rise buildings, there’s a wide selection of units to choose from in the residential areas of Old Dubai.
The majority of apartments in these places are studios and 1-bed units, however, affordable 2 and 3-bed apartments are also available here.
TOP AREAS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN OLD DUBAI
AREA | STUDIOS | 1-BED | 2-BED | 3-BED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AREA Bur Dubai | STUDIOS AED 30,000 | 1-BED AED 46,000 | 2-BED AED 65,000 | 3-BED AED 88,000 |
AREA Al Nahda | STUDIOS AED 25,000 | 1-BED AED 33,000 | 2-BED AED 65,000 | 3-BED AED 65,000 |
AREA Deira | STUDIOS AED 25,000 | 1-BED AED 40,000 | 2-BED AED 59,000 | 3-BED AED 80,000 |
AREA Al Qusasis | STUDIOS AED 26,000 | 1-BED AED 33,000 | 2-BED AED 45,000 | 3-BED AED 64,000 |
AREA Al Satwa | STUDIOS AED 35,000 | 1-BED AED 46,000 | 2-BED AED 63,000 | 3-BED N/A |
As per the trends analysed by our data engineers, Bur Dubai is the most popular area to rent apartments in Dubai. Followed by Bur Dubai, Al Nahda, Deira, Al Qusais and Al Satwa have also garnered huge traction from tenants looking for reasonably-priced units in the city.
Our Bayut & dubizzle’s Dubai Rental Report for 2021 also shows that areas such as Bur Dubai, Al Nahda and Deira are amongst the top five places to rent flats in the affordable segment of the region.
Without further ado, let’s look at the most sought-after areas to rent apartments in Old Dubai.
BUR DUBAI
The first area on our list is Bur Dubai.”Bur Dubai” is an Arabic word that translates to ”mainland Dubai” — a reference to the traditional separation between Deira and Bur Dubai by Dubai Creek. Bur Dubai is located on the western side of Dubai Creek, whereas Deira lies on the eastern front.
Bur Dubai is a historical district, home to the labyrinthine halls of the famed textile souk and historically significant sites including the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical District, to name a few.
Bur Dubai is one of the largest residential districts in the city that offers modern and vintage apartments, access to various schools, cafes, public parks and clinics.
The average rent of studios in Bur Dubai is AED 30k, where you can rent 1-bed apartments at an average price of AED 46k. To rent larger units such as 2 and 3-bed flats in Bur Dubai, you must shell out an average price of AED 65k and AED 88k.
AL NAHDA DUBAI
Al Nahda is the second most popular area to rent apartments in Old Dubai. Located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, it is ideal for those who need to frequently commute between the two emirates. Al Nahda is an affordable community, with parking spaces, supermarkets and top-notch healthcare facilities. It also offers access to Al Nahda Metro Station and Stadium Metro Station as well as several bus stops that are serving the community.
When it comes to apartments, Al Nahda offers apartments in multiple layouts, ranging from studios to 4-bed units. Each of them is elegantly designed and spacious.
The average rent of studios in Al Nahda Dubai is AED 25k, whereas the cost of 1-bedroom rental apartments in Al Nahda Dubai averages at AED 33k annually.
However, 2 or 3-bed apartments for rent in Al Nahda Dubai are available at a yearly average price of AED 65k and AED 65k respectively.
DEIRA
The next area on our list to rent apartments in Old Dubai is Deira. Deira is perhaps the oldest district in Dubai.
Maritime trade in the early 1900s established Deira as the emirate’s main commercial hub, which is why all government buildings, courts of law and foreign embassies are found here. Apart from all these places, Deira is popularly known for its glittering Gold Souk.
Deira includes an array of amenities such as schools, parks and clinics. Al Muteena Park is a popular place in the area where residents go for a walk or simply enjoy some time outdoors.
As the buildings in Deira are considerably older than those in the newer part of the city, it is cheaper to rent apartments here. The district mostly consists of low to mid-rise buildings that include Al Rigga, Al Muteena, Al Baraha, Al Murar and Al Muraqqat.
The rent of studios in Deira averages at AED 25k, whereas you can rent 1-bedroom units in Deira at AED 40k annually.
Those looking for more airy units can opt for 2-bed rental apartments in Deira at a price averaging at AED 59k annually. The financial outlay required to rent 3-bed apartments is around AED 80k.
AL QUSAIS
Next on our list of places to rent apartments in Old Dubai is Al Qusais. Bordered by Muhaisnah 3, Al Nahda and Al Qusais Industrial Area to the north, Al Twar to the south and Hor Al Anz on the east, Al Qusasis is a well-connected community in Dubai. It offers easy access to Dubai International Airport, Port Saeed and Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA).
Al Qusasis is divided into three sub-districts: Al Qusasis 1,2 and 3. You can rent an apartment within any of these sub-communities. The prices are reasonable and access to amenities like banks, hospitals, parks and schools is an added bonus!
The average rent of studios in Al Qusasis is AED 26k, whereas 1-bedroom units in Al Qusais average at AED 33k yearly.
To rent 2-bedroom units in Al Qusais, you must pay AED 45k on average, while spacious 3-bed apartments can be rented at an average rent of AED 64k annually.
AL SATWA
The last area on our list is Al Satwa, colloquially known as just Satwa. Al Satwa is nestled close to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), surrounded by Bur Dubai and Jumeirah.
Al Satwa is a hub for history lovers. 2nd December Street (previously known as Diyafah Street) passes through the area, offering residents access to the iconic Etihad Museum and Dubai Street Museum.
The area is home to shops, parks, dedicated parking spaces and plenty of bus stops. There are also two metro stations – Emirates Towers and World Trade Centre located on the red line located nearby.
Additionally, you can find an array of schools, supermarkets, grocery stores and street food eateries. A few popular leisure precincts such as BoxPark and CityWalk are also quite accessible from the community.
The apartments in Al Satwa come in studios to 3-bed units. You can rent studios in Al Satwa at an average price of AED 35k, whereas 1-bed units in the community cost around AED 46k.
2-bed apartments for rent in Al Satwa average at AED 63k, however, tenants can pay AED 68k — a starting price to rent 3-bed units in the community.
FAQs ABOUT FLATS FOR RENT IN OLD DUBAI
ARE THERE ANY OTHER PLACES TO RENT APARTMENTS IN OLD DUBAI?
In addition to the aforementioned areas, you can consider Al Garhoud and Al Karama to rent flats in Old Dubai.
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 951 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 911 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 3160 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 996 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 652 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 653 SQFT
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AVERAGE COST TO RENT APARTMENTS IN OLD DUBAI?
As per the data given above, the minimum average rent for apartments in Old Dubai is AED 25k for studios.
That brings an end to our guide on areas to rent apartments in Old Dubai. While these areas are located in the old part of Dubai, they have tons of amenities that offer a slice of modern life in the emirate. We hope this list helps you find the right residence for yourself and your family.
Want to keep a few more options handy? Check out the areas with cheap apartments for rent in Dubai or opt for areas that fit your salary. If you’re not sure what sort of finances is required to rent a good apartment in the city. Our list of areas in Dubai based on your salary has got all that sorted!
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