Living in Deira: Weighing the benefits and drawbacks
The popular adage ‘Old is Gold’ rings particularly true for one of Dubai’s most historical areas – Deira. This vibrant district, north of Dubai Creek, uniquely blends the city’s rich past and modern pulse. Home to some of the UAE’s most captivating historical sites, living in Deira is a compelling proposition, from its affordability to its central location.
Is Deira a good area in Dubai? Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of living in Deira to help you decide.
Pros of Living in Deira
Being one of the oldest regions of Dubai, Deira still retains a link to the city’s rich trading history, which is apparent from its many historical landmarks. Another benefit of living in Deira is its abundance of retail outlets, restaurants and markets, which makes it a convenient residential neighbourhood in Dubai. If you are planning a move, here are some reasons to consider moving to the area.
Deira is well known among tourists for its Gold Souk. Apart from a thriving gold market, the area is mainly famous for apartments. You may also find some good deals on villas here.
Properties in Deira
As a commercial district, Deira offers a range of properties for single professionals or families employed in the area or nearby communities. Rental apartments in Deira are usually preferred by tenants looking to move here.
When it comes to apartment types, one is spoilt for choice. The commercial hub has different flat configurations ranging from studio to 4-bedroom units. Those looking for smaller, private spaces also benefit from the availability of many studio flats for rent in Deira.
Here is what you can expect to pay when renting apartments in Deira:
Apartment Type | Average Rental Price (Yearly) |
|---|---|
Apartment Type Studio | Average Rental Price (Yearly) AED 29,000 |
Apartment Type 1-Bed | Average Rental Price (Yearly) AED 94,500 |
Apartment Type 2-Bed | Average Rental Price (Yearly) AED 135,500 |
Apartment Type 3-Bed | Average Rental Price (Yearly) AED 138,500 |
Apartment Type 4-Bed | Average Rental Price (Yearly) AED 185,000 |
The villas for rent in Deira are primarily located in the sub-communities of Hor Al Anz and Abu Hail. Other popular residential areas include Port Saeed, Al Rigga, Naif and more.
Wide choice of restaurants in Deira
One of the advantages of living in Deira is that many eateries cater to all budgets and tastes.
Some popular outlets in Deira include the Bait Al Mandi, Denny’s, PAUL Bakery & Restaurant, Aroos Damascus and more. For more options, you can check out the top restaurants in Deira.
The Historical Significance of the Neighbourhood
Deira is a thriving monument to the city’s history. For example, it has one of the oldest buildings in the UAE, the Heritage House, a traditional two-storey home. The structure was initially built in 1890. It spans 41×24 metres and features a rectangular courtyard, where you can find relics and artefacts from the past, along with recreations of traditional Emirati life from decades ago.
Another well-known landmark is the Deira Clocktower (Dubai Clocktower), located at the intersection of Al Maktoum Road (D89) and Umm Hurair Road. Deira is also home to the iconic Dubai Creek, where traditional boats carry goods and passengers.
Abundance of Retail Outlets in Deira
Deira is home to various shopping malls and markets, such as City Centre Deira, Gold Souk and the city’s oldest mall, Al Ghurair Centre. The Deira City Centre has over 1.2 million sq. ft. of retail space and over 371 stores and services.
Both shopping hubs have remained firm favourites with the city’s shoppers even after new malls were constructed in the area later. For more choices, head to any of the best malls in Deira.
The local favourite, Gold Souk, is also a big draw for shoppers. A labyrinth of pedestrian-friendly walkways, the old souk has around 300 jewellery shops. You can also buy platinum and diamond jewellery from gold trinkets here.
Apart from the Gold Souk, other Deira tourist attractions include the Dubai Spice Souk and the Waterfront Market.
Access to religious establishments
Only a few developments in Dubai can boast such easy access to places of worship as Deira. Various mosques, churches and temples are located in and around the Deira development. The most prominent locations in and near the area are Saifee Masjid, Al Rigga Mosque and Winners Chapel International Church.
Family-friendly Community
One of Dubai’s popular family-friendly areas, Deira, has many educational institutions nearby. The most popular schools in Deira are the Deira International School, Deira Private School and Little Flower English School. The Deira International School follows the UK/IB system, while the Deira Private School follows the British curriculum. However, the Little Flower English School is an Indian school that follows the CBSE system.
Residents can also rely on medical facilities in Deira. Examples include the Canadian Specialist Hospital, NMC Deira and Aster Pharmacy. These well-reputed healthcare centres ensure that residents need not worry about access to timely medical services and products.
Easy Access to Public Transportation
Being part of old Dubai means that Deira has reliable transportation options. It is near several metro stations like Abu Hail, City Centre Deira and Union Metro Station. While living in Deira, you can board a metro from any station mentioned earlier and reach your desired destination quickly. Easy commuting is one of the many benefits of living in Deira.
If the metro is not an option for you, you can always opt for Careem or a taxi or rely on one of the many bus routes in Deira. Those who enjoy a quick stroll can walk through the pedestrian-friendly walkways to reach their destination.
Cons of Living in Deira
While there are many pros of living in Deira, it’s also important to consider the possible disadvantages of the area before moving there.
Non-Freehold Estate
One of the disadvantages of living in Deira is that it’s a non-freehold area, which means expatriates cannot buy properties here. You must rent a property and be accountable to your landlord in all dealings regarding your unit and its upkeep. Additionally, tenants have to pay maintenance fees and other utility bills.
And, if you fail to fulfil the terms and conditions of the lease, the tenancy contract in Dubai may become invalidated.
Busy Community with Traffic Congestion
Being a densely populated area, Deira often has a lot of traffic, especially during peak hours. So, if you prefer living in a quiet community and find it hard to fall asleep when there is ambient noise from traffic in the background, you may find the busy environs challenging.
Lack of Parking Spaces
There is a shortage of parking spaces in Deira. Motorists often have to wait long to find parking spaces for their vehicles. The lack of space usually leads to traffic congestion. These concerns are, however, reduced significantly if you choose to rely on public transportation.
FAQS
IS DEIRA DUBAI SAFE?
Is Deira a good place to stay in Dubai? Yes, Deira is a safe and popular area to stay in Dubai, offering a mix of culture, shopping and convenience with plenty of hotels and attractions nearby.
WHAT ARE THE TOP AREAS TO LIVE IN DEIRA?
From Al Rigga to Abu Hail, many top areas to rent in Deira offer spacious apartments and reasonably priced properties. If you want to rent villas in Deira, Abu Hail and Hor Al Anz are among the popular communities.
ARE THERE ANY SHORT-TERM RENTAL OPTIONS IN DEIRA?
Hotel apartments in Deira offer short-term rentals that allow guests more flexibility and privacy and combine luxurious hotel amenities with home comfort.
WHAT ARE THE BEST GYMS IN DEIRA?
Ultra Mass Gym, Fitness First Dubai and Real Gym 365 are among the top gyms in Deira, perfectly equipped to meet your fitness needs.
IS DEIRA BETTER THAN BUR DUBAI?
Bur Dubai and Deira are among the oldest districts in the emirate and are located fairly close to each other. Review our comparison of Deira vs Bur Dubai to make an informed decision.
Deira’s unique blend of affordability and bustling energy offers a compelling living option. We’ve explored the pros and cons of living in Deira to help you make an informed decision.
Are you on the hunt for your perfect rental haven? Check out our guide on top areas to rent in Deira, from bustling hubs to hidden gems.
When you get bored, there are several fun things to do in Deira. Do you crave a blissful escape to melt away the day’s tensions? Head to the best spas in Deira for pure relaxation.
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