Dubai is a city of sun and luxury, where modern life meets opulent tradition. Over the past ten years, the city has grown to more than 2 million inhabitants, a number that continues to climb!

There are so many different areas for expatriates to choose from when settling here on a national or international level: some prefer the bustling city of Deira.

Others might like to wallow poolside on the Palm Jumeirah Beach property while enjoying all the resort’s amenities within walking distance (including stylish boutiques).

However, if you’re looking to live beyond these popular residential areas. Then you’ve come to the right place… In this article, we’ll list our recommended areas for expats migrating to Dubai in 2022, in a specific order.

The best areas for expatriates


Dubai Marina

Most of the neighborhoods mentioned so far are family-friendly, but what if you’re moving to Dubai alone or as a couple?

The ultra-modern high-rise residences in Dubai Marina offer spectacular sea views. Living here also means you’ll be close to the city center, which means you’ll have plenty of facilities nearby.

Al Barcha

Al Barsha is one of Dubai’s most popular expatriate neighborhoods. Al Barsha is easily accessible to workers in Media City, Internet City and Emaar Business Park due to its proximity to two main roads.

The majority of houses in Al Barsha are detached or semi-detached villas; however, apartments are also available.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafés, stores and supermarkets in the neighborhood, so you won’t have to travel far to get your food for the week.

The nearby Mall of the Emirates, with hundreds of stores, a large theater and even an indoor ski slope, is a must-see.

Arabian Ranches

The Arabian Ranches is one of Dubai’s most popular addresses. The gated community is home to luxury villas and apartments, all set around a world-class golf course.

In addition to the golf course, Arabian Ranches also boasts an equestrian center, hospitals and excellent English-speaking schools. The community is located just a short drive from Speedway and Motor City, making it ideal for those who want to live in luxury without sacrificing convenience.

If you’re looking for the best of everything Dubai has to offer, then Arabian Ranches is the place for you.

Jumeirah Islands

The Jumeirah Islands are an archipelago of 50 man-made islands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The islands are located between the Jumeirah Lake Towers and the Dubai Marina. Jumeirah Islands is a gated community and offers its residents a plethora of amenities, including schools, hospitals, stores 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’s also an area with a classic American suburban feel.

Despite its luxurious facilities and magnificent scenery, the Jumeirah Islands have been criticized for their lack of accessibility and traffic congestion.

Mirdif

Mirdif is located north of Dubai International Airport and east of Dubai International City. For expatriates migrating to Dubai, Mirdif is one of the most cost-effective options.

It’s a wonderful alternative for individuals wishing to live close to the city center without spending a lot of money on real estate, especially for families. Mirdif includes a number of Baccalaureate and GCSE schools, as well as a public park with basketball and tennis facilities and a shopping center.

Downtown And Business Bay

As far as shopping malls are concerned, if you love shopping, you should look for a home in downtown Dubai , home to the world’s second largest shopping mall. The “Dubai Mall”, as it is known, attracts around 54 million people every year.

Being in the center of the city means that property costs will be among the highest, but housing will be among the most luxurious, with the added benefit of being on the doorstep of many of the city’s major businesses. Not to mention the proximity of the Dubai Fountains, an ice rink and an underwater zoo.

Consider relocating to Dubai’s Business Bay area for unrivalled proximity to major business centers. These include the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The various buildings in the Business Bay are home to a large number of businesses, as the name suggests. If you can imagine yourself in a luxurious high-rise apartment in the middle of it all, this region should be on your list of places to visit.

Sports City

If you’ve been researching homes in Dubai, you’ve probably noticed that the city has themed areas with descriptive but uninteresting names.

Sports City is no exception, but it’s a distinctive neighborhood for those seeking an active lifestyle with convenient access to gyms, sports clubs, stadiums and academies.

When it comes to Dubai real estate, Sports City is one of the most affordable options. So if you’re a sports fan, this is one to consider.

Motor City

The Autodrome is located in the Motor City , which is another region that is exactly what it claims to be.

There are plenty of reminders of the motor theme around the FIA-sanctioned track, including Uptown Motor City, a residential development complex with its own racing-themed schools, stores and leisure areas.

It’s located between Sports City and the opulent Arab ranches. The 5.39-kilometre outdoor circuit has been designed to challenge the world’s best drivers, while providing an enjoyable experience for motorsport enthusiasts and fans alike.

The track layout incorporates a wide range of turns to test a driver’s skills and commitment. There’s also a 1.2-kilometre straight stretch 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 want to work in the creative industries when you move to Dubai, Media City Dubai is a good place to start.

This is probably where you’ll find news agencies, publishing, Internet media, advertising and broadcast facilities. A large picturesque park and lake are also located in Media City, making it an ideal picnic spot.

Although there are apartments available, the area is not very residential, with many employees choosing to live in surrounding areas such as the Dubai Marina.

For more information on expatriate neighborhoods in Dubai, please do not hesitate to contact one of our real estate agents.