Revealed: Dubai’s most sought-after residential areas

• Popular Areas to Buy and Rent Flats
• Popular Areas to Buy and Rent Villas
• Popular Areas to Buy and Rent Properties as per Dubai Transactions
• FAQs

Which are the most popular areas to live in Dubai? This is one of the more commonly asked questions among people who live in Dubai or those planning to move here. While each area has its unique offerings, some localities standout due to the lifestyle they offer, the cost of living, connectivity and other such factors.

For this article, we analysed data trends on Bayut, along with official rental and sales statistics sourced directly from the Dubai Land Department to provide you with a comprehensive list of the most popular areas to live in Dubai, backed by solid statistical sources.

LIST OF POPULAR AREAS TO LIVE IN DUBAI

Some of the world’s most prominent property developers operate in Dubai. Owing to their investment, you’ll find an eclectic range of communities and properties throughout the emirate. Choice is plentiful, which can make property-seeking a daunting experience. Fear not though, MyBayut is here to assist you through the process. And to that end, our list of popular areas to live in Dubai is a great place to start your search.

POPULAR COMMUNITIES TO RENT AND BUY FLATS IN DUBAI

From apartments in glittering skyscrapers to cosy flats in pocket-friendly communities, there are apartments for rent and sale in Dubai to suit all preferences and budgets.

JUMEIRAH VILLAGE CIRCLE (JVC) 

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), developed by a leading property developers Nakheel, is a family-friendly community offering flats in mid-rise buildings, as well as villas.
• JVC is located close to Internet City, Media City, Dubai Marina and JLT and residents have quick access to Al Khail Road (E44) and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
• Rental flats in JVC offer great value for money. If you are interested in buying a flat in the area, you would be pleased to know that the ROI of flats in JVC is 7.60%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 49,000	1-Bed 72,000	2-Bed 104,000	3-Bed 153,000
Purpose Sale	Studio 584,000	1-Bed 873,000	2-Bed 1,444,000	3-Bed 1,927,000

• Located on the shared border with Sharjah, Al Nahda is one of the best places to stay in Dubai. The neighbouring areas of Al Nahda are Al Qusais, Al Twar, Al Mamzar and Deira.
• Those living in the area have quick access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), with the Dubai International Airport a short drive away.
• If you are looking for a place to live on a budget, rental flats in Al Nahda could be an excellent option. This is an apartment only area offering ROI of 2.93%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 32,000	1-Bed 42,000	2-Bed 55,000	3-Bed 75,000
Purpose Sale	Studio N/A	1-Bed 1,500,000	2-Bed N/A	3-Bed N/A

BUR DUBAI

• Next on our list of popular areas to live in Dubai is Bur Dubai. Located on the western side of Dubai Creek, it neighbours communities such as Deira, Port Rashid, Al Jafiliya and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
• It is one of the most well-connected areas in Dubai with access to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Al Khail Road (E44).
• One can find both villas and apartments in the area. Those employed in companies based in this nearby areas prefer to rent flats in Bur Dubai. Investors can expect a return of 3.35%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 40,000	1-Bed 67,000	2-Bed 85,000	3-Bed 115,000
Purpose Sale	Studio 1,300,000	1-Bed 1,781,000	2-Bed 2,648,000	3-Bed 4,121,000

DUBAI MARINA

• If you are in search of a luxurious property, Dubai Marina should be at the top of your list. With luxurious flats and podium villas, it is among the best places to stay in Dubai. For a short term stay, you can also consider hotel apartments.
• It is part of “new Dubai” and is connected to Dubai’s main arterial highway – Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). Dubai Media City and DIFC are a short drive away.
• If you are looking to rent a flat in Dubai Marina, note that the cost would be higher than most other areas of Dubai. The ROI is an impressive 6.57%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 70,000	1-Bed 108,000	2-Bed 173,000	3-Bed 269,000
Purpose Sale	Studio 1,129,000	1-Bed 1,597,000	2-Bed 2,652,000	3-Bed 4,176,000

DEIRA

• Deira is another historic area and borders with Dubai Creek, Sharjah and the Arabian Gulf. Access to Airport Road (D89) and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) means one could commute to other Dubai communities easily.
• There are only a few villas in Deira as it is mostly dotted with apartments.
• Despite being one of the older communities in Dubai, those renting flats in Deira would find the amenities to be more than adequate. ROI for flats in the area is 2.69%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 30,000	1-Bed 47,000	2-Bed 73,000	3-Bed 100,000
Purpose Sale	Studio N/A	1-Bed 2,693,000	2-Bed 3,906,000	3-Bed 6,444,000

BUSINESS BAY

• A popular hub for corporate offices, Business Bay is among the best places to live in Dubai for expats.
• It borders Downtown Dubai and DIFC. Plus, its proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) is a major advantage.
• Those looking to rent flats in Business Bay can find apartments and podium villas. Business Bay flats offer ROI of 5.95%.                     

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 74,000	1-Bed 99,000	2-Bed 151,000	3-Bed 231,000
Purpose Sale	Studio 1,026,000	1-Bed 1,610,000	2-Bed 2,613,000	3-Bed 3,999,000

INTERNATIONAL CITY

• If you are looking for affordable rental flats, townhouses and villas in Dubai, International City has varied options.
• Academic City and Dubai Silicon Oasis are close by. The area is located between the Interchanges 5 and 6 of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), so commute is usually stress-free.
• Plus, those living in rental flats in International City can visit the grand Dragon Mart. The ROI for flats is 7.35%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 28,000	1-Bed 39,000	2-Bed 56,000	3-Bed 90,000
Purpose Sale	Studio 327,000	1-Bed 485,000	2-Bed 862,000	3-Bed 1,383,000

DUBAI SILICON OASIS (DSO)

• Another popular family-friendly community, you can find flats, villas and townhouses in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
• Its location at the intersection of Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) makes commute easy for residents. International City and Academic City are both near by.
• Flats for sale in DSO offer all the modern amenities and have an impressive ROI of 8.79%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 37,000	1-Bed 53,000	2-Bed 77,000	3-Bed 119,000
Purpose Sale	Studio 377,000	1-Bed 549,000	2-Bed 965,000	3-Bed 1,365,000

DOWNTOWN DUBAI

• No list of popular areas to live in Dubai would be complete without the inclusion Downtown Dubai. Residential options include flats, hotel apartments, penthouses and podium villas.
• Neighbouring areas include Al Wasl, Financial Centre Road, Business Bay and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
• Those living in flats for sale in Downtown Dubai can enjoy a host of amenities. The ROI of flats stands at 6.23%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 83,000	1-Bed 137,000	2-Bed 239,000	3-Bed 387,000
Purpose Sales	Studio 1,416,000	1-Bed 2,052,000	2-Bed 3,674,000	3-Bed 6,221,000

JUMEIRAH LAKE TOWERS (JLT)

• Rounding off our list is one of the best places to live in Dubai for expats, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).
• Those renting flats in JLT will have direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and First Al Khail Street (D86). It borders with districts such as Emirates Hills, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali and Al Sufouh.
• You can rent flats and penthouses in JLT. ROI for JLT flats is 7.39%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Purpose Rent	Studio 60,000	1-Bed 86,000	2-Bed 127,000	3-Bed 174,000
Purpose Sale	Studio 738,000	1-Bed 1,287,000	2-Bed 2,026,000	3-Bed 2,876,000

TOP AREAS TO RENT AND BUY VILLAS IN DUBAI

Prefer living in villas? Here is a list of top areas with villas for rent and sale in Dubai.

MIRDIF

• Mirdif is a family-friendly and affordable community, neighbouring Al Mizhar to the north and Al Warqaa to the south.
• With access to main highways like Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) and the Airport Road (D89), its connectivity is one of its USPs.
• You can find both flats and villas for rent in Mirdif. The ROI of villas here is 4.49%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 123,000	4-Bed 142,000	5-Bed 164,000	6-Bed 195,000
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 3,528,000	4-Bed 4,429,000	5-Bed 8,367,000	6-Bed 4,491,000

DAMAC HILLS 2

• Previously known as Akoya Oxygen, DAMAC Hills 2 offers villas, townhouses and apartments.
• This eco-friendly community is situated between Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road (E77) and Al Ain – Dubai Highway (E66). Media City and Studio City are both nearby.
• Interested in buying a villa in DAMAC Hills 2? You would be pleased to know that 6.68% is the ROI of villas in the areas.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 94,000	4-Bed 99,000	5-Bed 142,000	6-Bed 234,000
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 1,482,000	4-Bed 1,759,000	5-Bed 2,894,000	6-Bed 3,780,000

DUBAI HILLS ESTATE

• Dubai Hills Estate is located along the Al Khail Road (E44) and Umm Suqeim Street (D63). It is close to Downtown Dubai and Al Barsha South.  
• In various sub-communities you can find villas, townhouses and apartments.
• As one would expect from this luxury community, rents for villas in Dubai Hills Estate are on the higher side. ROI for villas is 4.66%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 344,000	4-Bed 357,000	5-Bed 411,000	6-Bed 1,629,000
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 6,197,000	4-Bed 7,778,000	5-Bed 18,729,000	6-Bed 32,554,000

JUMEIRAH VILLAGE CIRCLE (JVC)

• JVC is an area which features on both lists.
• Villas for sale in JVC offer value for money.
• ROI for JVC villas is 7.28%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 177,000	4-Bed 200,000	5-Bed 236,000	6-Bed 260,000
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 2,635,000	4-Bed 3,079,000	5-Bed 2,672,000	6-Bed N/A

DUBAI SOUTH

• Residents of Dubai South have access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Emirates Road (E611). The area borders Al Furjan, DIP and Discovery Gardens.
• In terms of property types, you can find apartments, villas and townhouses.
• Similarly, there are a wide variety of rental villas in Dubai South. The ROI stands at 6.27%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 107,000	4-Bed 141,000	5-Bed N/A	6-Bed N/A
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 2,176,000	4-Bed 3,146,000	5-Bed N/A	6-Bed 13,000,000

AL BARSHA

• Located along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311), Al Barsha is a family-friendly locality.
• Nearby areas include Dubai Internet City, Al Sufouh, The Greens, Jumeirah Village Circle, Motor City and Arabian Ranches.
• Both flats as well as villas for sale in Al Barsha are available in Al Barsha. With an ROI of 6.81%, villas in the area remain in high demand.

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 372,000	4-Bed 388,000	5-Bed 409,000	6-Bed 554,000
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 3,800,000	4-Bed 5,491,000	5-Bed 10,058,000	6-Bed 11,947,000

ARABIAN RANCHES 3

• You can find elegantly designed villas and townhouses in Arabian Ranches 3.
• Those living in the locality can commute to other communities via Emirates Road (E611), Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54). The area is close to Al Barari, Dubailand and Academic City.
• Villas for sale in Arabian Ranches 3 offer an ROI of 6.59%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 144,000	4-Bed 195,000	5-Bed N/A	6-Bed N/A
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 2,425,000	4-Bed 3,599,000	5-Bed 6,812,000	6-Bed N/A

JUMEIRAH

• Jumeirah is one of the popular areas to live in Dubai.
• Popular localities like Dubai Media City, Internet City, Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai are a short drive away. From here, via the Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), you can commute in different communities.
• Rental villas in Jumeirah are particularly popular among families seeking a high-end lifestyle. Investors can expect rental yields of 2.75%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 301,000	4-Bed 374,000	5-Bed 430,000	6-Bed 882,000
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 11,822,000	4-Bed 13,850,000	5-Bed 23,176,000	6-Bed 24,300,000

DAMAC HILLS

• DAMAC Hills is situated on Al Qudra Road (D63) and offers luxurious villas, townhouses and flats.
• Other localities such as Mudon, Remraam, Arabian Ranches 2, The Sustainable City and Town Square are not too far away.
• Villas for sale in DAMAC Hills have an ROI of 6.56%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 227,000	4-Bed 358,000	5-Bed 413,000	6-Bed 558,000
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 2,924,000	4-Bed 3,924,000	5-Bed 7,370,000	6-Bed 16,889,000

DUBAILAND

• Dubailand offers access to Emirates Road (E611), Al Qudra Road (D63) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
• It is one of the most popular places to live in Dubai and borders Mudon, Arabian Ranches, Silicon Oasis, Sports City and Dubai Motor City.
• You can find flats, townhouses and villas for rent in Dubailand. The ROI for villas here stands at 6.81%.

AVERAGE PRICES

Purpose	3-Bed	4-Bed	5-Bed	6-Bed
Purpose Rent	3-Bed 162,000	4-Bed 207,000	5-Bed 279,000	6-Bed 417,000
Purpose Sale	3-Bed 2,518,000	4-Bed 3,441,000	5-Bed 9,014,000	6-Bed N/A

POPULAR AREAS TO BUY AND RENT PROPERTIES AS PER DUBAI TRANSACTIONS

Next, we look at popular areas to live in Dubai as per real estate transactions recorded by the Land Department.

TOP AREAS TO BUY FLATS

Here is a list of popular areas to buy flats in Dubai as per the recorded transactions.

Area	Sales Volume	Sales Value
Area Jumeirah Village Circle	Sales Volume 13,816	Sales Value AED 11.6B
Area Business Bay	Sales Volume 8,217	Sales Value AED 16.5B
Area Sobha Hartland	Sales Volume 4,949	Sales Value AED 9.9B
Area Dubai Hills Estate	Sales Volume 4,824	Sales Value AED 9.8B
Area Arjan	Sales Volume 4,666	Sales Value AED 3.7B

For further details, you can go through the details of the transactions of flats sold in Dubai during 2023.

TOP AREAS TO RENT FLATS

Looking to rent a flat? These areas have been the centre of attention of potential tenants.

Area	Rentals Volume	Rentals Value
Area Deira	Rentals Volume 44,525	Rentals Value AED 2.2B
Area Bur Dubai	Rentals Volume 33,224	Rentals Value AED 2.0B
Area International City	Rentals Volume 30,658	Rentals Value AED 1.0B
Area Al Nahda	Rentals Volume 24,853	Rentals Value AED 1.1B
Area Al Qusais	Rentals Volume 22,394	Rentals Value AED 945M

You can read more about the rental flat transactions for 2023.

TOP AREAS TO BUY VILLAS

Next, we present the most in-demand areas with villas for sale.

Area	Sales Volume	Sales Value
Area Dubailand	Sales Volume 4,105	Sales Value AED 9.6B
Area Dubai Residence Complex	Sales Volume 1,268	Sales Value AED 3.3B
Area Mudon	Sales Volume 851	Sales Value AED 2.4B
Area Al Furjan	Sales Volume 843	Sales Value AED 2.8B
Area DAMAC Hills 2	Sales Volume 784	Sales Value AED 1.1B

Have a look at the villas sold during 2023 in Dubai see if you can identify any trends.

TOP AREAS TO RENT VILLAS

Here is the list of top localities with rental villas.

Area	Rentals Volume	Rentals Value
Area DAMAC Hills 2	Rentals Volume 4,059	Rentals Value AED 304M
Area The Springs	Rentals Volume 2,040	Rentals Value AED 317M
Area Reem	Rentals Volume 1,724	Rentals Value AED 224M
Area Dubailand	Rentals Volume 1,546	Rentals Value AED 221M
Area Dubai Hills Estate	Rentals Volume 1,525	Rentals Value AED 452M

Take a look at the Dubai Land Department data for rental villas in Dubai during 2023 to help you arrive at a decision.

FAQS ABOUT POPULAR AREAS IN DUBAI

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT DUBAI’S REAL ESTATE MARKET?

Wish to have more insights about the Dubai market? Read Bayut’s Dubai Sales Market Report for 2023 to study rent and sales trends for the year gone by.

WHICH NEW PROJECTS CAN I CONSIDER FOR INVESTMENT?

Checkout our list of the new development projects in Dubai to analyse different options.

WHICH ARE THE POPULAR AREAS TO INVEST IN THE CAPITAL?

Wish to invest in a property in the capital emirate? Bayut’s Abu Dhabi Annual Sales Market Report 2023 to get an overview of the market during the past year.

That concludes our list of most popular areas to live in Dubai. In the past twenty-four months or so, the property market has soared and the industry experts believe that this trends is set to hold. If you are looking to invest, it might be time to speed up the process.