Dubai is a city of sunshine and luxury, where modern life meets opulent traditions. Over the last ten years, the city’s population has grown to over 2 million, a figure that continues to rise!
There are so many different areas for expats to choose from when they move here, whether from within the country or from abroad: some prefer the bustling city of Deira.
Others might enjoy lounging by the pool at the Palm Jumeirah Beach property whilst making the most of all the resort’s amenities within walking distance (including the stylish shops).
However, if you’re looking to live outside these popular residential areas, then you’ve come to the right place… In this article, we’ll list our recommended areas for expats moving to Dubai in 2022, in a specific order.
The best neighbourhoods for expats
Dubai Marina
Most of the neighbourhoods mentioned so far are family-friendly, but what if you’re moving to Dubai on your own or as a couple?
The ultra-modern high-rise residential buildings at Dubai Marina offer spectacular sea views. Living here also means you’ll be close to the city centre, so you’ll have plenty of amenities nearby.
Al Barcha
Al Barsha is one of Dubai’s most popular expat neighbourhoods. Al Barsha is easily accessible to workers at Media City, Internet City and Emaar Business Park due to its proximity to two major roads.
Most of the homes in Al Barsha are detached or semi-detached villas; however, there are also flats available.
There are plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops and supermarkets in the neighbourhood, so you won’t have to go far to stock up on food for the week.
The nearby Mall of the Emirates, which boasts hundreds of shops, a large theatre and even an indoor ski slope, is a must-see.
Arabian Ranches
The Arabian Ranches is one of the most sought-after locations in Dubai. The gated community is home to luxury villas and apartments, all situated around a world-class golf course.
As well as the golf course, Arabian Ranches also boasts an equestrian centre, hospitals and excellent English-speaking schools. The community is just a short drive from the Autodrome and Motor City, making it the ideal place for those who want to live in luxury without sacrificing convenience.
If you’re looking for the very best that Dubai has to offer, then Arabian Ranches is the perfect place for you.
Jumeirah Islands
The Jumeirah Islands are an archipelago of 50 artificial islands, situated in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
The islands are situated between Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina. Jumeirah Islands is a gated community and offers its residents a wide range of amenities, including schools, hospitals, shops and gyms.
The community is also on the verge of becoming self-sufficient. The architecture of the Jumeirah Islands is diverse, with Spanish and Italian influences. There is also an area with the feel of a classic American suburb.
Despite their luxurious facilities and magnificent scenery, the Jumeirah Islands have been criticised for their lack of accessibility and traffic congestion.
Mirdif
Mirdif is situated to the north of Dubai International Airport and to the east of Dubai International City. For expats moving to Dubai, Mirdif is one of the most affordable options.
It’s a wonderful option for people looking to live near the city centre without spending a lot of money on property, particularly for families. Mirdif is home to a number of A-level and GCSE schools, as well as a public park with basketball and tennis facilities and a shopping centre.
Downtown and Business Bay
As for shopping centres, if you enjoy shopping, you should look for a home in Downtown Dubai, which is home to the world’s second-largest shopping centre. The «Dubai Mall», as it is known, attracts around 54 million visitors every year.
Being in the city centre means that property prices will be among the highest, but the homes will be among the most luxurious, with the added bonus of being right on the doorstep of many of the city’s major companies. Not to mention the proximity to the Dubai Fountains, an ice rink and an underwater zoo.
Consider moving to the Business Bay area of Dubai for unrivalled proximity to the main business centres, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai World Trade Centre.
As the name suggests, the various buildings in Business Bay are home to a large number of companies. If you can picture yourself in a luxurious high-rise flat right in the heart of it all, this area should be on your list of places to visit.
Sports City
If you’ve looked into buying a house in Dubai, you’ve probably noticed that the city has themed areas with descriptive but rather uninspiring names.
Sports City is no exception, but it is a distinctive neighbourhood for those seeking an active lifestyle with convenient access to gyms, sports clubs, stadiums and sports academies.
When it comes to property in Dubai, Sports City is one of the most affordable options. So, if you’re a sports fan, it’s definitely worth considering.
Motor City
The Autodrome is situated in Motor City, which is another region that is exactly what it claims to be.
There are plenty of references to the motoring theme around the FIA-approved circuit, including Uptown Motor City, a residential development with its own racing-themed schools, shops and leisure facilities.
It is situated between Sports City and the opulent Arabian ranches. The 5.39-kilometre outdoor circuit has been designed to challenge the world’s best drivers, whilst offering an enjoyable experience for fans and motorsport enthusiasts alike.
The track layout features a wide variety of corners designed to test a driver’s skills and commitment, as well as a 1.2-kilometre straight that allows for high speeds and overtaking opportunities.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and excellent location, the Dubai Autodrome is rapidly establishing itself as one of the world’s leading motorsport venues.
Media City
If you’re looking to work in the creative industries when you move to Dubai, Media City Dubai is a good place to start.
This is probably where the press agencies, publishing houses, online media companies, advertising firms and broadcasting facilities are located. Media City also boasts a large, picturesque park and a lake, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
Although there are flats available, the area is not particularly residential, with many employees choosing to live in neighbouring areas such as Dubai Marina.
For more information on neighbourhoods for expats in Dubai, please feel free to contact one of our estate agents.
