Areas and Suburbs in Dubai

The best places to live in Dubai

Expats will need to consider several important factors when choosing the area or suburb of Dubai in which to look for accommodation. These include the type of lifestyle they'd like to have in the emirate as well as practical aspects such as proximity to their place of work and their children's school.

Once these factors have been considered and priorities are clearer, it will be down to the type of accommodation preferred, and of course, their housing budget or allowance. Many expats will be given accommodation by their employer as part of their relocation package, in which case the company chooses and arranges suitable accommodation.

Beach lovers in Dubai

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

The Jumeirah Beach Residence is a massive residential development comprising clusters of high-rise apartment blocks overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The towers are built over an ocean-front promenade called 'The Walk', which is lined with retail outlets, restaurants, cafés and hotels. Each cluster includes swimming pools and gyms for the use of residents. Apartments with sea views are naturally quite sought after and command higher rentals but, in general, the area offers good value.

JBR is good for young professionals or those who wish to feel like they are always on holiday. There is a holiday vibe all year round, and amenities such as shops, restaurants and the beach are all within walking distance. There is easy metro access, so personal vehicles are seldom required.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree that extends into the Gulf. There are two main types of accommodation here: medium-rise apartment blocks on the trunk, most of which have communal beach access, and expensive villas with private beaches and pools on the fronds.

The area is often preferred by young couples and families, as although there are no international schools on the Palm itself, Dubai College is situated just across the bay.

Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim

Older villas make up small compounds in this part of Dubai. The area is more established, with less construction, and the villas near Beach Road are within walking distance of the beach. It's in a good central location. The area is also dotted with schools and is more cosmopolitan.

It's possible to find a bargain here, but expats should beware that some of these villas are not well maintained. Each compound will usually be built around a communal pool and garden. The area is great for families with pets, and the villas also typically include a room for domestic helpers. 

Expats with children are spoilt for choice when it comes to international schools in the area. Options include Jumeirah English Speaking School, Emirates International School Jumeirah, Raffles International School and Jumeirah College.

City dwellers in Dubai

Dubai Marina

Built around a man-made marina and set one road back from JBR, Dubai Marina is a popular residential area of high-rise apartment blocks, some of which have great views of the Palm. Several hotel apartment towers can also be found here, offering serviced accommodation for short- or long-term lets. Prices are average and availability is good, though expats looking to move to this area should be aware that accommodation here is almost solely in the form of apartments. There is easy metro access and good views, and while it is still close to the sea, it is quieter than JBR.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Downtown

Downtown Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. This is a fairly new and modern area built for mixed use; residential apartment towers are mixed in with office blocks and hotels. Prices are medium to high, but the build quality is generally exceptional. It's well suited to hip and trendy high-flyers. For families moving here with children, Hartford International School is nearby, just south of the neighbouring Dubai Design District.

Most accommodation in this area is close to the metro and Dubai Mall, and the area has good access to the older parts of Dubai as it is very central. However, natural scenery is lacking as there are no beaches and not many gardens in the area.

Fauna and flora in Dubai

Emirates Living

Emirates Living comprises numerous different developments, all built close to the Emirates Golf Course. The Springs is a development made up of two- to four-bedroom townhouses, as well as five-bedroom freestanding villas. The Lakes and The Meadows are home to large villas of up to five and seven bedrooms respectively. All the communities share parks, pools and, in some cases, even basketball courts. They're great for families or people with pets.

The area is green and leafy, as well as child-friendly, and parents will be pleased to know that there are a few international schools nearby, including Dubai British School and GEMS Dubai American Academy.

Dubai Silicon Oasis, Victory Heights, Motor City and Arabian Ranches 

All these developments can be found on Emirates Road between the Al Khail roundabout and the E66. The complexes consist of townhouses and freestanding villas, except for Motor City, which also has some low-rise apartment blocks.

These developments are popular with expats from South Africa, Australia and the UK owing to the larger houses and gardens and better value for money. Arabian Ranches is quite popular, older and more established, and therefore more expensive.

Expat families will be able to enrol their children in one of several prominent international schools in the area, including GEMS Modern Academy and Repton School Dubai.

Mirdif and Al Garhoud

Built on either side of Dubai International Airport, Mirdif and Al Garhoud offer older-style villa compounds with shared pool access. The rental prices are low to medium in these areas, and the proximity to good schools makes these popular areas for people with children who prefer value for money.

GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai is located in Al Garhoud, while GEMS Royal Dubai School can be found in Mirdif. Deira International School is situated in Dubai Festival City, an area just south of Al Garhoud. The Millenium School is also close by, north of the airport.

Culture lovers

Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai is one of the oldest parts of Dubai city. It consists of mostly low- to medium-rise apartment blocks built over shops and restaurants. This vibrant area is great for singles or couples who enjoy the hustle and bustle, although parking can be an issue, and there aren't any good schools nearby.

On a budget in Dubai

Discovery Gardens, Barsha Heights and Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

More high-rise apartment blocks are on offer in these areas but, sadly, in each case, there are no views to speak of. Discovery Gardens is close to Jebel Ali Port at the end of New Dubai, while JLT is directly behind JBR on the opposite side of Sheikh Zayed Road. Barsha Heights (formerly known as Tecom) is a free zone near the Mall of the Emirates. Accommodation is reasonably priced in these areas as there is plenty of availability. Serviced apartments are common in Barsha Heights and JLT. They are good areas for young couples or single people.

Parents browsing in this area will be happy to know that Nord Anglia International School Dubai is close by.