Top 10 neighborhoods to rent an apartment in Dubai

2024-03-01

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Top 10 neighborhoods to rent an apartment in Dubai

Dubai is a very popular destination for people from all over the world. It is known for its luxurious hotels, impressive skyscrapers, and modern infrastructure, as well as its shopping malls, world-class restaurants, and exciting nightlife. It is also known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for those seeking a sunny holiday.

On the other side, Dubai is a large and diverse city, so it can be overwhelming to know where to start or where to find the best area to rent a home. Therefore, we've compiled a list of the top 10 neighborhoods to rent an apartment.

Table of Contents

What Are the Best Places to Rent in Dubai?
Imtilak Global Tips Before Renting an Apartment in Dubai

What Are the Best Places to Rent in Dubai?

1. Dubai Marina

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Dubai Marina is a man-made canal city. It is a popular residential and tourist destination, known for its luxury high-rise buildings, yachts, restaurants, and shopping areas. This waterfront neighborhood is known for its luxurious high-rise apartments and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Dubai Marina Mall, which offers a wide range of shopping and dining options.

The Dubai Marina Mall is another popular attraction, offering visitors a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The mall is home to more than 140 stores, a cinema, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. It is also a popular spot for water activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and boat tours. Visitors can take a sunset cruise along the canal or rent a private yacht to explore the coastline.

2. Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is a large mixed-use development in United Arab Emirates, that includes some of the city's most iconic landmarks. It is considered one of the most prestigious areas in the city. Downtown is located near the iconic Burj Khalifa, it’s a popular choice for those looking for a central location. It is home to some of Dubai's top attractions, such as the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain, and the Dubai Opera. Downtown is also home to several luxury hotels, including the Armani Hotel Dubai, which is located in the Burj Khalifa itself, and the Address Downtown Dubai, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.

3. International City

Dubai International City is a large-scale mixed-use development located in the Al Warsan region. It was developed by Nakheel Properties and was opened in 2002. International City is divided into nine districts, each named after a different country or region. These districts include China, England, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Russia, Spain, and the Emirates. The development also includes several amenities such as parks, sports facilities, and healthcare centers. Overall, International City is a popular residential and commercial destination in Dubai, offering a unique mix of cultures and a diverse range of amenities.

4. Bur Dubai

One of the most well-liked neighborhoods among expats from the region and other Asian nations is Bur Dubai. There are a variety of apartment buildings, motels, and roomy villas there. These are some benefits and drawbacks of living in Bur that you should think about if you decide to relocate. Bur Dubai has a variety of sub-districts, from lively, energetic regions to peaceful, family-friendly neighborhoods.

A historic neighborhood is Al Fahidi. Similar to Al Jaddaf, Al Mankhool is a well-liked neighborhood next to Karama and has contemporary residential structures. The exceptional schools in the subdistrict of Oud Metha are its main draw. Particularly in Al Raffa, there is a good range of villas. Ultimately, Bur includes Zabeel, the location of the royal residences.

Another notable attraction in Bur Dubai is the Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Dubai, which features stunning Islamic architecture and intricate designs. The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors and offers guided tours.

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Read more about the Best Areas To Live In Dubai.

5. AL-Nahda

Al-Nahda is a neighborhood located in the eastern part of the city. It is a residential area that is popular among expatriates, especially those from South Asia. Al-Nahda is known for its affordable housing options and convenient location, with easy access to major highways and public transportation.

Al-Nahda neighborhood is well renowned for its ideal location and excellent access to the center. Its primary benefit and the reason it is so well-liked is the ease of transit within the emirate. The neighborhood's abundance of respectable schools is the primary factor in why regular travelers and the working class opt to reside in this particular district of Sharjah. Many families with school-age children prefer to rent or buy a property in one of the several apartment complexes in the region.

Related: Choose the Perfect Place for Families in Dubai.

6. Jumeirah Village Circle

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is a residential community situated in the heart of Dubai, close to several key destinations including Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Emirates Hills. JVC is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a variety of parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the community. The area is home to a mix of townhouses, apartments, and villas, making it a popular choice for families, young professionals, and retirees.

7. AL-Barsha

Al-Barsha is a residential and commercial community located in located in the western part of the city, near the famous man-made island, Palm Jumeirah. Al-Barsha is known for its upscale villas, apartments, and townhouses, making it a popular choice for affluent residents and expatriates. The community is also home to several international schools, making it a preferred location for families.

Al-Barsha 1, Al-Barsha 2, Al-Barsha 3, Al-Barsha South, and Al-Barsha Heights are the development's five sub-communities. While the majority of villas are dispersed among various villages, Al Barsha 1 is home to the majority of apartment buildings, stores, and eateries. The location of Al Barsha makes daily commuting pretty convenient.

8. Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a technology park and free zone located in the eastern part of the city, near Dubai International Airport.

This 7.2 million square meter neighborhood, also known as Silicon Oasis, is situated at the junction of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Dubai-Al Ain Road. This neighborhood, which was established in 2004, is the ideal fusion of residential, recreational, and business spaces.

In addition to business and research facilities, DSO also features residential communities, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. Some of the popular attractions in the area include the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority Head Quarters, the DSO Amphitheatre, and the Silicon Park development.

9. Mirdif

Mirdif is a residential community located in the eastern part of the city, near Dubai International Airport and the Dubai Festival City shopping mall.

Mirdif offers suburban living that is ideal for families, which is uncommon in Dubai, especially given its cost. This area has changed significantly over the past few decades, especially when compared to the city's other planned and newer neighborhoods. The residents of Mirdif, many of whom have lived there for years, adore it despite how different it is from the chrome and metal of contemporary Dubai.

10. Arabian Ranches

This gated community is located on the outskirts of Dubai and is known for its spacious villas, landscaped parks, and golf course. It is a popular choice for families and those looking for a more suburban lifestyle

Arabian Ranches is known for its luxurious villas and townhouses, set amidst beautiful green landscapes and open spaces. The community offers a range of amenities and facilities, including schools, supermarkets, restaurants, and fitness centers. It is also home to the Arabian Ranches Golf Club, which features an 18-hole championship golf course, a clubhouse, and a restaurant.

Imtilak Global Tips Before Renting an Apartment in Dubai

Determine how much money you would pay for rent

Figure out how much money you'll need to set aside for your rent and other housing-related costs like electricity, parking, and pet fees. When it comes to setting a budget for rent, the 30% rule and the 50-30-20 model are two commonly accepted guidelines. This can also be a way to narrow down the types of rentals you qualify for as some landlords demand that tenants earn at least three times the monthly rent. Finding a rental that you can afford and that doesn't need you to incur too many monthly renting-related costs is key.

Identify which amenities you need

You should think carefully about the facilities you desire in a rental since you'll probably be residing there for at least a year. Apartment amenities are features or services that tenants can utilize while residing in the apartment. A gym or parking garage may be located in the apartment building or be accessible from the apartment itself.

Visit apartment-renting websites to find rentals

There are many applications available that can help you find an apartment. These apps provide rental listings with up-to-date information on each unit and let you filter listings by price, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, desired move-in time, pet-friendly rentals, and other factors. Some apps can also inform you if a certain apartment is no longer taking applications or is not currently available for rent.

Before moving in, take pictures of the rental property

Take pictures of each room in the apartment before moving in. Renters are recommended to take pictures as soon as they obtain the keys to the apartment and before bringing their items in. Taking pictures can serve as evidence that you did not cause damage while residing in the apartment if you discover problems with the flooring, the doors, or any other parts before moving in.

Obtain renter’s insurance

In order to protect your possessions in the event that the rental property is damaged or destroyed, many landlords need renters' insurance. The usual renters' insurance policy specifies which possessions are covered and under what circumstances.

You may also want to read more about: A Guide To Buying A Property In Dubai

Dubai is a diverse city with many neighborhoods and areas that expats can choose to live in based on their preferences and budget. However, some of the most popular areas where expats tend to live in Dubai are Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, and more.

The demand for residential areas in Dubai can vary depending on a range of factors, such as location, amenities, and accessibility. However, some areas in Dubai that are currently in high demand among expats and residents include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Arabian Ranches, and more.

Dubai is known for being a high-cost city, and the cost of living can vary greatly depending on the area and the type of accommodation you choose. However, there are some areas in Dubai that are generally considered more affordable than others. Some of the cheapest places to live in Dubai such as Dubai International City.