From towering skyscrapers in bustling districts to quiet, family-friendly villa communities in the suburbs, residents have their pick of neighbourhoods when renting a home in Dubai. Today, MyBayut takes a closer look at Mirdif, one of the city’s older residential areas and a longstanding favourite for both expats and locals. Find out what makes living in Mirdif a popular option and things to consider before you move there.
BENEFITS OF LIVING IN MIRDIF
Still can’t decide whether you should move to Mirdif? Check out the many advantages of living in Mirdif Dubai, which continue to attract residents to this established area.
SERENE ENVIRONMENT
One of the biggest advantages of living in Mirdif is the area’s peaceful and tranquil environment. In fact, Mirdif is one of the few solely residential neighbourhoods. There are no skyscrapers, hotels or tourist attractions, making it truly feel like a retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle. If you are searching for a quiet and family-oriented area to bring up your children, the properties for rent in Mirdif can be your best bet.
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PROPERTY TYPES
Mirdif is home to spacious and beautiful villas, which include both independent and semi-independent units. These houses in Mirdif offer plenty of space for families while some units also come with private pools and lush backyards. Mirdif is among the best areas in Dubai with villas. So it is no surprise that rental villas in Mirdif attract a great deal of attention from potential tenants.
While Mirdif is undoubtedly best known for its family villas, the area also boasts a large selection of apartments. Older communities such as Ghoroob, Shorooq and Uptown Mirdif, and more recent developments like Mirdif Hills, offer various apartments for rent in Mirdif. These spacious apartments also provide an ideal community living experience with a plethora of amenities.
Another major plus for those with personal vehicles is that Mirdif has free parking in most communities.
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AFFORDABILITY
Mirdif has also become popular over the years due to its attractive price points. Property seekers looking for a budget-friendly home without having to compromise on quality and facilities should consider the community of Mirdif.
PROXIMITY TO SCHOOLS
There are several schools and nurseries near residential properties in Mirdif, making the area immensely popular among families. While the schools in Mirdif offer different curriculums, these institutions maintain a high standard of education and facilities available to students.
Some of the popular choices for schools within or nearby Mirdif include GEMS Royal Dubai School, which has been rated Outstanding by KHDA and Uptown School, which offers the IB curriculum. The choice of nurseries in Mirdif is also perfect for working parents with younger children. Furthermore, one school of the newly announced Dubai School’s project will open in Mirdif.
The proximity to educational institutions is one of the most appealing factors of life in Mirdif, cutting down the commute time for children.
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A PET-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
The community of Mirdif is also a delight for pet-owners, with plenty of parks and open spaces for their four-legged friends to enjoy themselves! The apartments and villas in Shorooq, in particular, are popular with pet-owners, as the community also features a dog park.
VARIETY OF RETAIL OUTLETS, RESTAURANTS AND OTHER AMENITIES
For those asking, ‘is Mirdif a good place to live?’, the convenient lifestyle that residents enjoy certainly tips the odds in Mirdif’s favour. For instance, there are plenty of malls in Mirdif that residents frequent for leisure attractions and shopping opportunities.
City Centre Mirdif is the go-to shopping and entertainment destination for those living in Mirdif, with a number of retail outlets, hypermarkets, F&B options and a cinema. Of course, it is also home to one of the most thrilling places in the emirate iFly Dubai. Whereas, in terms of restaurants, you can choose from P.F. Chang’s, Chili’s, Nandos, Parkers, Gazebo, Hitchki Global Indian Restaurant and others.
Besides City Centre Mirdif, there are several community centres such as Uptown Mirdif and Shorooq Community Centre, which boast supermarkets like Spinneys, international eateries and other services. Residents can easily access grocery stores, clinics, salons and gymnasiums in Mirdif. Prominent health care institutes like Medcare Speciality Centre are also present in the area.
Plus, the community is located close to Al Khawaneej; hence, it’s perfect for people who enjoy a bit of off-roading.
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GREEN SPACES AND PARKS
Mirdif also boasts plenty of green spaces and parks, with Mirdif Park and Uptown Mirdif Park being a favourite amongst families. Apartment communities such as Shorooq and Ghoroob also offer amenities for residents such as basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, play areas and swimming pools.
The beautiful Mushrif Park is also a favourite weekend destination for residents in Mirdif. Counted amongst the best parks in Dubai, Mushrif Park is home to an astronomy centre, equestrian club and a massive adventure park that’s perfect for thrill-seekers!
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CONNECTIVITY
Mirdif is also ideally located, allowing residents to access major landmarks and hubs with ease. For instance, the Dubai International Airport is only 10 minutes away from Mirdif by car. Residents can also use Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, E311 to commute within Dubai or between emirates as well.
Other popular areas that are a short distance from the Mirdif area include Dubai Festival City, which is home to a massive shopping mall, a spectacular water-and-light show and a beautiful golf course.
DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN MIRDIF
While living in Mirdif Dubai has many benefits, certain factors will weigh into your decision to move to this popular neighbourhood. Take a look at some of the cons of living in Mirdif, which may concern some potential residents.
LARGELY A NON-FREEHOLD AREA
Impressed by Mirdif so much that you’d like to invest here? Property seekers should bear in mind that Mirdif is one of the non-freehold areas in Dubai, which means that expats and foreigners cannot buy properties here.
However, this is changing, with a growing selection of freehold apartments available for purchase in Mirdif. Investors can take a look at Mirdif Tulip, the first freehold development in the area, as well as Mirdif Hills, an off-plan mega-development with modern apartments and world-class amenities. So with some luck, you can find apartments or villas in Mirdif as per your liking.
NO ACCESS TO DUBAI METRO
One of the main disadvantages of living in Mirdif is the lack of access to the Dubai Metro. However, the area is serviced by the RTA public buses, with many feeder buses connecting to Dubai Metro stations. For example, from the City Centre Mirdif, you can reach the Rashidiya Metro station in 10 minutes.
So, while living in Mirdif is made easier with a private car, it is possible for public transport users to commute to and from Mirdif, as well.
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Other possible cons of living in Mirdif could be the area’s distance from New Dubai, with leisure destinations such as JBR and Dubai Marina being more than a half-hour drive away by car. Given the airport is closeby especially in some specific lanes and streets, you might hear the aeroplane noise from time to time. But this is confined to a fairly small area and even then you’ll likely find yourself barely noticing it after a while.
Peaceful setting, community vibes, affordable accommodation, and proximity to schools, malls and parks, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages of living in Mirdif!
And that brings an end to the pros and cons of living in Mirdif! We hope you find the answer to “should I live in Mirdif?” If you are moving to Mirdif, we recommend checking out these best areas for renting in Mirdif for apartments and villas. Similarly, for those looking to buy property in the area, our guide to investing in Mirdif is essential reading
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more in-depth guides on Dubai’s best residential neighbourhoods.
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