Unique Residential Areas of Dubai

We all know the luxury of Palm Jumeirah, the glitziness of Downtown and the sporty charm of Dubai Sports City. But the city’s full to bursting with neighbourhoods and areas that are wonderful in their own right – they just don’t receive the same PR that the rest of Dubai does!

Here’s our pick of the city’s most underrated neighbourhoods:

1. Al Manara

It may be one of the city’s smallest neighbourhoods in Dubai, but Al Manara sure has a lot going for it! Residents love the fact that it’s quiet and peaceful but only minutes away from Kite Beach as well as lifestyle destinations such as Madinat Jumeirah and Mall of the Emirates. Families, especially those with furry friends are huge fans of the spacious villas with backyards, several of which have private swimming pools. Al Manara is also home to a beloved bakery, Ripe Organic Shop, an incredible fitness studio (INSPIRE), cult Lebanese eatery Reem Al Bawadi and casual community mall, J3, but if you really need to leave, Al Manara has its own bus service.

So, for community life that’s in between new and old Dubai, you can’t go wrong with Al Manara.

Money matters
Four bedroom villas in Al Manara (with access to a community pool) start at AED 200,000 per year, while a similar property in Arabian Ranches is AED 300,000 per year.

Browse properties for rent in Al Manara.

2. The Gardens

Developed by Nakheel, this lush, family focused community is ideal for those who love the city but hate skyscrapers! People living in The Gardens love the fully landscaped environment, from the mango trees to the winding, tree lined roads through to the several birds that are often heard cooing in the area. What’s more, residents have access to all manner of communal amenities that are practically essential to Dubai living (swimming pools, gyms, sports facilities).

Oh, and quirky Ibn Battuta Mall is right around the corner!

Money matters
Four bedroom villas (with access to a community pool and other amenities) start at AED 171,000 per year, while a similar property in the Green Community is AED 200,000 per year.

Check out properties for rent in The Gardens.

3. Nad Al Sheba

You might be surprised to hear that Nad Al Sheba is so much more than just the Dubai World Cup at Meydan! That’s just in a tiny part of Nad Al Sheba 1. In fact, Nad Al Sheba consists of 4 massive sub-communities, housing stables, creative hub Tashkeel and even a cycling track for those in the know. The comfortable villas come with four and five bedrooms, separate maid’s rooms while apartments range from one to three bedrooms.

And if you live in Nad Al Sheba 1, tell your friends you’re in the same neighbourhood as a palace!

Money matters
Five bedroom villas start at AED 240,000 per year while a similar property in Victory Heights is AED 350,000 per year.

Browse Nad Al Sheba properties for rent.

4. City of arabia

It sounds magical…it sounds mystical…it sounds as though Aladdin could be your neighbour! While in reality ‘City of Arabia’ is not yet finished, the development is poised to become a sought after lifestyle destination for savvy investors. It may be best known for the world’s largest themed indoor park, IMG Worlds of Adventure, but that’s only because Wadi Walk hasn’t opened yet. This waterfront community will have charming, low-rise Mediterranean apartment blocks, several convenient (and stylish) retail options as well as luxurious villas.

If you want to experience a little less Arabia, you can always go across the road to Global Village!

Money matters
Off plan, one bedroom apartments (with access to a communal pool and other amenities) start at AED 660,000 while a similar property in Dubai Sports City is AED 800,000.

Browse flats for sale in City of Arabia.

5. Al Rigga

It’s a shame that many of the city’s newcomers have never been to this charming part of town – it was once, quite literally, the heart of the city. While the apartments on offer may be old, they offer an authentic old-world charm that is hard to find anywhere else. It’s also the kind of place where you will always stumble upon something new, just by walking around the neighbourhood’s alleys and narrow side streets. While we don’t understand why Al Ghurair Centre would not be enough (and then some), you can easily get to Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates thanks to the convenient metro station or the many buses that service the area.

Money matters
Two bedroom flats (with access to a communal pool and other amenities) start at AED 90,000 per year while a similar property in Dubai Marina is AED 153,000 a year.

Browse properties for rent in Al Rigga.

Do you live in any of these underrated neighbourhoods? What do you think about living there? Drop us an email at social@bayut.com