Best Areas to Live in Dubai

Dubai is home to people from different backgrounds and thus, it offers diverse neighborhoods to suit the various tastes and needs of its residents.

From glittering skyscrapers to spacious villas and beachfront communities, there are plenty of nice places to live in Dubai. Here, you'll find a mix of luxury and comfort tailored for everyone. Families, couples and working professionals can all find a home in Dubai that suits their lifestyle preferences.

The city’s infrastructure makes commuting easy with excellent public transportation options available. Moreover, numerous dining, entertainment, and shopping venues cater to an array of interests ensuring there's always something exciting around the corner.

The best areas to live in Dubai are those with public transportation connectivity, convenient locations, and multiple amenities. Moreover, they provide all kinds of properties. So whether you want to buy a villa or rent a flat in Dubai, you'll easily find a property in a great neighborhood.

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Palm Jumeirah

4.1/5

About

On the hunt for resort-style living? Palm Jumeirah enthralls residents with its surreal island feel. Lavish villas and apartments blended seamlessly with white sandy beaches and top-notch eateries make it one of the best communities to live in Dubai. It’s well-suited for those who wouldn't mind splurging for a king-size lifestyle, as the numerous celebrities who’ve bought homes here can confirm.

What Makes Palm Jumeirah One of the Best Neighborhoods in Dubai?

Luxurious villas, apartments, and penthouses with private beach access
Upscale hotels, resorts, and theme parks
Exceptional dining, wellness, and recreational facilities
Exclusive homes for high net-worth individuals

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 84,999 AED/year

For sale : 700,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

3/5
Tanzanite tiara residences
Shimas, 10 years ago
Tiara Residences
Love the pool , Construction site is too noisy , gym and beach are amazing , solid Restuarant management is really poor , kids friendly , nice view and good sec...Read more

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Dubai Marina

4/5

About

Dubai Marina is an iconic waterfront community known globally. It offers an upscale lifestyle amid stunning skyscrapers by the water. If stunning views and water-based adventures are your thing, then this is one of the best places to live in Dubai! A haven for those who relish luxury living with amenities at arm’s length. For that reason, it's one of the best places to buy an apartment in Dubai.

What Makes Dubai Marina One of the Best Places to Live in Dubai?

Very walkable with a long waterfront promenade
Great for active people thanks to its cycling and walking trails and various gyms
Lots of amenities and dining options
Vibrant nightlife
Close to schools and business hubs
Metro and tram stations
Waterfront Properties

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 48,999 AED/year

For sale : 500,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

3/5
Luxury
Masoud, 10 years ago
Princess Tower
Overall an Excellent Landmark in Dubai with beautiful sea view. It is a Global Record Tallest Residential Tower. However, Construction work around the Tower esp...Read more
1/5
Maintenance and structural problems
J V, 2 years ago
Dorra Bay
Positive: It has amazing views and easy access to the Marina and JBRreat views Negative: This building has serious issues with maintenance. The parking garage...Read more
3/5
Old but gold
Atim, 9 years ago
Sulafa Tower
The building feels a bit dated, but the amenities are great. Traffic is an issue though
4/5
Nice building very secure
Adel, 9 years ago
Grosvenor House
Nice management,good facilities and the staff are so nice
4/5
Stella Maris Residence’s Tower
Keith Wallace, 2 years ago
Stella Maris
Amazing Building, in a Premium Location, direct access to Marina and promenade, kids loved, views from all angles are fantastic. Nice Amenities, Ladies Gym, Man...Read more
3/5
Marina Park
Kirk Carino, 2 years ago
Marina Park
The location of the property is accessible to Sheikh Zayed, the metro station, and the tram. The property is also close to JBR which makes it a good place to ch...Read more
2/5
Cozy building
Karim Fahmy, 9 years ago
Marina First Tower
Used to be perfect - out of the way . Now with all the ill planned road works and construction it has become contested. Still a nice building to stay in
5/5
Nice property
Camille Wallace, 2 years ago
The Atlantic
This is a nice property with everything you need to enjoy living in a neighborhood with wonderful people
3/5
2 bed apartment
Antony, 2 years ago
Ary Marina View Tower
Lived here in a 2 bed apartment (facing Damac) for 4 years , has ample guest parking. Downside is the kitchen is very small and can get stuffy. Common bathrooms...Read more
2/5
Its okay
Clare, 2 years ago
Botanica Tower
Gym and pool area are nice, especially since the latter was updated recently. Maintenance isnt great in the building and some of the staff can be rude. Traffic...Read more

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Arabian Ranches

4.2/5

About

When it comes to serene suburban life, Arabian Ranches tops the list as one of the best residential areas in Dubai. Its plush villas amidst lush landscapes offer peace far from the city's hustle. The gated community offers plenty of luxurious amenities such as private pools, tennis courts, and highly-rated schools. Arabian Ranches is Ideal for families seeking tranquility combined with recreational activities and greenery. In fact, it's one of the most popular areas to buy and rent villas in Dubai.

What Makes Arabian Ranches One of the Best Residential Areas in Dubai?

Lush greenery, parks, and golf courses.
An exclusive gated community for families
Top-rated schools, grocery stores, and sports facilities
A diverse selection of opulent villas
A peaceful suburban lifestyle

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 165,000 AED/year

For sale : 3,000,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

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Jumeirah Beach Residence

4/5

About

With its beach-side serenity mixed with amenities, restaurants, and nightlife, JBR stands out among other good areas to stay in Dubai. Here, coastal charm meets city buzz effortlessly, making it suitable especially for beach lovers thriving on energy. The area is home to notable attractions such as The Beach and The Walk at JBR.

What Makes JBR One of the Best Places to Live in Dubai?

Beachfront lifestyle
Luxurious sea-view properties
Vibrant nightlife
Many restaurants and leisure facilities

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 72,000 AED/year

For sale : 1,298,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

4/5
Al Bateen residences Jumeirah Beach Residences
Muhammad Majid Khan, 9 years ago
Al Bateen Residences
It is a great project between sharaton and hilton hotel having fablous sea view with private beach and excellent ammunities. great investment as Dubai Eye proje...Read more

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Downtown Dubai

4.2/5

About

Looking for constant buzz? Downtown is hands down one of the best areas to live in Dubai. It offers direct access to attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Opera.

This is the place to be if you enjoy the finer things in life. Not only do you have the city’s top attractions at walking distance, but also plenty of fine dining restaurants and 5-star hotels.

Accessibility is never an issue here since Downtown Dubai is centrally located and has a metro station.

What Makes Downtown Dubai One of the Best Areas to Live in Dubai?

Luxurious lifestyle
Central location
Metro station
Home to key attractions such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Close to commercial districts such as Business Bay and DIFC
Properties with stunning views of the city

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 64,999 AED/year

For sale : 850,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

3/5
Maintenance
Taha Ahmed, 9 years ago
Burj Lake Hotel - The Address DownTown
More maintenance to keep our building safe from fire,just like what happened to other address
4/5
EXCELLENT AMENITIES.
Susheel Hrishikesh, 10 years ago
Sofitel Hotel
Next door to my office at Sheikh Khalifa energy complex. Close proximity to restaurants, corniche & malls. Easy access to salam street or Saadiyat / Yas island.
4/5
Damac Upper Crest
Nayab Griffin, 5 years ago
Upper Crest
Very nice clam new apartments everything is actually great. Price is very reasonable.
2/5
Jim, 2 years ago
RP Heights
Traffic is bad and getting worse. 3 more towers about to open but road was made narrower. 6 more towers under construction in a small area. Beeping, constructio...Read more
4/5
Stylish 5 star hotel apartment living with direct access to Dubai Mall
Luke H., 6 years ago
Kempinski Central Avenue
The Address Hotel Dubai Mall was the 3rd Address hotel launched in Dubai. Smaller and slightly less glamorous than its neighbour, The Address Hotel Downtown, it...Read more
4/5
Wonderful stay in Elite Downtown Residence
Shaima Alahmed, 2 years ago
Elite Downtown Residence
Calm, clean, organised, stunning views, you have all you need in your apartment, there is a swimming pool and gym as well as a sauna in the building, and close...Read more
5/5
Good building next to Burj Khalid and Dubai Mall
F H, 2 years ago
Burj Al Nujoom
Good building with walding distance to Burj Khalifa. Shopping is at Dubai Mall is a 5 minutes walk.

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Emirates Hills

About

This is Dubai’s Beverly Hills, home to notable high-net-worth individuals. Emirates Hills is a golfer’s paradise, with two world-class golf courses, Montgomerie and Emirates Golf Club. The area is home to luxurious villas surrounded by golf courses and lush landscaping.

What Makes Emirates Hills One of the Best Places to Live in Dubai?

Lots of greenery
Luxurious villas
2 golf courses
Upscale amenities
Close to many schools and key areas in Dubai

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 1,000,000 AED/year

For sale : 13,500,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

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Palm Jumeirah

4.1/5

About

Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest man-made island, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The engineering marvel spans 5.72 km² on the Arabian Gulf and is known for its unique palm tree shape and elite lifestyle.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 84,999 AED/year

For sale : 700,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

3/5
Tanzanite tiara residences
Shimas, 10 years ago
Tiara Residences
Love the pool , Construction site is too noisy , gym and beach are amazing , solid Restuarant management is really poor , kids friendly , nice view and good sec...Read more

Learn more about Palm Jumeirah Discover the available properties

Emirates Hills

About

An upscale neighborhood that’s among the most luxurious in Dubai, Emirates Hills takes after the popular Beverly Hills in USA. Similarly, it’s home to celebrities, politicians, and businessmen, making it one of the city’s most exclusive communities, and one of the best places to buy luxury villas in Dubai.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 1,000,000 AED/year

For sale : 13,500,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Learn more about Emirates Hills Discover the available properties

Downtown Dubai

4.2/5

About

Downtown is Dubai’s crown jewel: it hosts the city’s best tourist attractions, such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It also offers an array of housing, entertainment, and shopping options that never fail to impress. As the name suggests, it’s at the heart of Dubai, located along Sheikh Zayed Road next to Business Bay.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 64,999 AED/year

For sale : 850,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

3/5
Maintenance
Taha Ahmed, 9 years ago
Burj Lake Hotel - The Address DownTown
More maintenance to keep our building safe from fire,just like what happened to other address
4/5
Stylish 5 star hotel apartment living with direct access to Dubai Mall
Luke H., 6 years ago
Kempinski Central Avenue
The Address Hotel Dubai Mall was the 3rd Address hotel launched in Dubai. Smaller and slightly less glamorous than its neighbour, The Address Hotel Downtown, it...Read more
4/5
Wonderful stay in Elite Downtown Residence
Shaima Alahmed, 2 years ago
Elite Downtown Residence
Calm, clean, organised, stunning views, you have all you need in your apartment, there is a swimming pool and gym as well as a sauna in the building, and close...Read more
2/5
Jim, 2 years ago
RP Heights
Traffic is bad and getting worse. 3 more towers about to open but road was made narrower. 6 more towers under construction in a small area. Beeping, constructio...Read more
4/5
EXCELLENT AMENITIES.
Susheel Hrishikesh, 10 years ago
Sofitel Hotel
Next door to my office at Sheikh Khalifa energy complex. Close proximity to restaurants, corniche & malls. Easy access to salam street or Saadiyat / Yas island.
5/5
Good building next to Burj Khalid and Dubai Mall
F H, 2 years ago
Burj Al Nujoom
Good building with walding distance to Burj Khalifa. Shopping is at Dubai Mall is a 5 minutes walk.
4/5
Damac Upper Crest
Nayab Griffin, 5 years ago
Upper Crest
Very nice clam new apartments everything is actually great. Price is very reasonable.

Learn more about Downtown Dubai Discover the available properties

Dubai Marina

4/5

About

It doesn’t get better than the Dubai Marina if you want to live in one of the city’s most stylish neighborhoods. It is a high-rise district home to residential and serviced apartments and hotel towers offering an array of entertainment venues and restaurants.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 48,999 AED/year

For sale : 500,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

3/5
Luxury
Masoud, 10 years ago
Princess Tower
Overall an Excellent Landmark in Dubai with beautiful sea view. It is a Global Record Tallest Residential Tower. However, Construction work around the Tower esp...Read more
1/5
Maintenance and structural problems
J V, 2 years ago
Dorra Bay
Positive: It has amazing views and easy access to the Marina and JBRreat views Negative: This building has serious issues with maintenance. The parking garage...Read more
3/5
Old but gold
Atim, 9 years ago
Sulafa Tower
The building feels a bit dated, but the amenities are great. Traffic is an issue though
4/5
Nice building very secure
Adel, 9 years ago
Grosvenor House
Nice management,good facilities and the staff are so nice
4/5
Stella Maris Residence’s Tower
Keith Wallace, 2 years ago
Stella Maris
Amazing Building, in a Premium Location, direct access to Marina and promenade, kids loved, views from all angles are fantastic. Nice Amenities, Ladies Gym, Man...Read more
3/5
Marina Park
Kirk Carino, 2 years ago
Marina Park
The location of the property is accessible to Sheikh Zayed, the metro station, and the tram. The property is also close to JBR which makes it a good place to ch...Read more
2/5
Cozy building
Karim Fahmy, 9 years ago
Marina First Tower
Used to be perfect - out of the way . Now with all the ill planned road works and construction it has become contested. Still a nice building to stay in
5/5
Nice property
Camille Wallace, 2 years ago
The Atlantic
This is a nice property with everything you need to enjoy living in a neighborhood with wonderful people
3/5
2 bed apartment
Antony, 2 years ago
Ary Marina View Tower
Lived here in a 2 bed apartment (facing Damac) for 4 years , has ample guest parking. Downside is the kitchen is very small and can get stuffy. Common bathrooms...Read more
2/5
Its okay
Clare, 2 years ago
Botanica Tower
Gym and pool area are nice, especially since the latter was updated recently. Maintenance isnt great in the building and some of the staff can be rude. Traffic...Read more

Learn more about Dubai Marina Discover the available properties

Arabian Ranches

4.2/5

About

Arabian Ranches is a premium gated villa community in Dubai that’s all about upscale living with a desert-chic vibe. Developed by Emaar Properties and launched back in 2004, it’s located in Wadi Al Safa 6 along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, perfectly placed near Dubai’s Global Village for those weekend adventures.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 165,000 AED/year

For sale : 3,000,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Learn more about Arabian Ranches Discover the available properties

Jumeirah

3.6/5

About

Jumeirah is a coastal area in Dubai that has long been a crowd favorite. It’s known for its breathtaking sea views and upscale lifestyle. Divided into Jumeirah 1, 2, and 3, the area blends luxury living with laid-back beachside charm. It’s well connected to main highways like Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Al Wasl Road (D92), and Jumeirah Beach Road (D94), so getting around the city is a breeze.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 52,000 AED/year

For sale : 2,150,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Learn more about Jumeirah Discover the available properties

Jumeirah Beach Residence

4/5

About

Simply unmatched in leisure and lifestyle, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a waterfront haven in the heart of the bustling Dubai Marina. The developer Dubai Properties launched JBR in August 2002, and completed it in 2010. The 6-billion dirham project is 1.7 kilometres long and has a gross floor area of 2 square kilometres, making it a wonder in Dubai's skyline.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 72,000 AED/year

For sale : 1,298,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

4/5
Al Bateen residences Jumeirah Beach Residences
Muhammad Majid Khan, 9 years ago
Al Bateen Residences
It is a great project between sharaton and hilton hotel having fablous sea view with private beach and excellent ammunities. great investment as Dubai Eye proje...Read more

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Dubai Hills Estate

4.2/5

About

Dubai Hills Estate is a luxurious gated community developed by Emaar Properties, located in Mohammed bin Rashid City in Dubai, UAE.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 56,000 AED/year

For sale : 950,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

5/5
Amazing tower AAA quality
Alexander Salman, 1 year ago
Prive Residence
This tower is truly amazing in terms of quality, location , ammenities, views and green areas arround the tower + an adjacent plot is planned to be a huge and s...Read more
3/5
Construction sites all around the building
Mike, 2 years ago
Sway Residences
The building is no that bad, with its own advantages and disadvantages, however 4 buildings are in the stage of construction right now, the noise stars at 7:00...Read more

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Jumeirah Lake Towers

3.9/5

About

Jumeirah Lake Towers, also known as JLT, is among the most vibrant and popular communities in Dubai. It’s characterised by man-made lakes that are surrounded by skyscrapers, enabling its residents to enjoy waterfront living.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 45,000 AED/year

For sale : 425,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

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Business Bay

4/5

About

One of Dubai’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Business Bay is where work and play cross paths. It’s a commercial, residential, and business community consisting mainly of skyscrapers.

Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 50,000 AED/year

For sale : 500,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents

3/5
Jawad Hussain, 2 years ago
Vera Residences
It's a beautiful building with good class emeritus. The plus point is its location, one side is canal view and the other side is Burjkhalifa view. Dubai Mall an...Read more
5/5
Good
Andrew Barr, 4 years ago
Park Central
been living here few months, great pool, bbq area, friendly security, shop at the bottom of the building that brings it to your door. They DO have guest parking...Read more
2/5
Not good enough
Emil Buch, 9 years ago
Rawasi Tower
Gym and swimming pools is not much maintain.a lot of improvement need to be done.
4/5
One of the pioneer buildings in Business Bay
Nikky, 2 years ago
Blue Bay Tower
The building is located in the center of the Business Bay area and 3 to 4 stops away from the Business Bay Metro Station. Accessible to the nearest bus stops an...Read more
4/5
Very modern building with an amazing view
Mounir, 2 years ago
The Pad
The building's exceptional central location in Dubai renders it a perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers, especially for me as my office is mer...Read more
4/5
Very Good
Hoda B, 2 years ago
Fairview Residency
We live in Fairview since 4 years, location, view, cleanliness , services are perfect,
4/5
Amazing view and well maintained property.
Amit Mehta, 2 years ago
Hamilton Tower
With amazing Burj Khalifa views and a swimming pool that open up in the Business Bay lake, this is an ideal place to live. The lifts, gym, corridors are well ma...Read more
2/5
Prices do not match service
Shamim, 9 years ago
Nadra Tower
No follow up from staff after concerns raised
3/5
Poor speed of elevator
Akash, 9 years ago
The Citadel Tower
Construction wise Citadel tower is good with ample amount of open parking available for the guest. The only drawback is the poor speed of its elevator especiall...Read more
2/5
Guest Parking
Philip, 9 years ago
The Residences at Business Central
Building is good, parking of the guest is very bad

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FAQ

Palm Jumeirah is hands down the best area to live in Dubai since it’s the peak of luxury. With its private beaches, exclusive resorts, fine dining options, and premium properties, Palm Jumeirah has become an international name drawing people from within and outside Dubai.

Downtown is the quintessential Dubai neighborhood as seen on TV, so many people prefer to stay here to be close to key attractions such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, as well as many fine dining restaurants. However, if you want to live by the beach, then Palm Jumeirah is a better option.