Top Dubai Communities for British Expats

Planning a move to Dubai as a British expat and searching for a neighbourhood that feels like your second home? You are not alone—as more and more English nationals are relocating to Dubai for its lavish lifestyle, better job opportunities and tax-free salaries. Before relocation, most individuals ask this question: Where do British expats live in Dubai?

Living with British fellows helps you connect and settle down easily in a new city. For this, we have compiled a list of the best communities for British expats in Dubai. Continue reading to discover your dream home in Dubai.

• Dubai Hills Estate    
• Arabian Ranches    
• Mirdif
• Jumeirah
• Palm Jumeirah
• Dubai Marina
• Downtown Dubai
• Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
• FAQs

Top Communities for British Expats in Dubai

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, known for its diverse population. In recent years, it has become an in-demand location for British expats. Here are some good reasons for it:

• Tax-free income
• Safe and lavish lifestyle
• Multicultural environment
• Top-tier amenities and facilities

If you are moving to Dubai as a British expat, you must be searching for the best communities for British expats in Dubai. The most-asked question here is: Where do British expats live in Dubai? Read ahead to explore the complete list of the best communities for British expats in Dubai:

1. Dubai Hills Estate

Where do British expats live in Dubai? If you have this question, consider Dubai Hills Estate, a community where modern convenience meets an elegant lifestyle. Whether you are moving as a British couple or a family, this community has options for everyone. From apartments and villas to townhouses, you can find a property within your budget.

This golf community is especially popular among golf lovers. Surrounded by 1.45M sqm of green spaces, including the Dubai Hills Park, it is best for connecting with fellow British residents.

What differentiates it from other communities is its strategic location on Al Khail Road, connecting it to key destinations. Moreover, residents can find shopping options within the community, such as Dubai Hills Mall.

For parents looking to raise children, the community has British nurseries and schools like Blossom and Gems Wellington. Lastly, it is also well-loved for its diverse culinary scene, serving international flavours, such as Cafe Bateel, Eataly and MADO. 

Location

Mohammed Bin Rashid City

Nearby Communities

• Al Quoz: 13-minute drive
• Al Barsha: 14-minute drive
• Arabian Ranches: 19-minute drive

Nearby Attractions

• Dubai Butterfly Garden: 16-minute drive
• 3D World Selfie Museum Dubai: 16-minute drive
• Al Serkal Avenue: 20-minute drive

Apartment Rental Prices

Villa Rental Prices

Explore the Available Properties for Ren in Dubai Hills Estate

2. Arabian Ranches

If you want to start a lifestyle where you can meet, connect and live with British fellows, rent a villa in Arabian Ranches. As a villa-only community, it attracts British expats for some good reasons. It features over 4,000 villas in 15 sub-communities, available in 2- to 7-bedroom configurations.

British expats are drawn to this community for its secure and gated environment. Pet owners also prefer Arabian Ranches for its open spaces and pet-friendly neighbourhood.

Located along Sheikh Zayed Road, residents can easily access popular leisure attractions like Global Village. Beyond leisure, you can stock up on British products at the Arabian Ranches Mall.

Moreover, if you are a British parent, you won’t find difficulty in finding schools and nurseries. Arabian Ranches houses reputable UK curriculum institutions such as Raffles Early Childhood Centre and Jumeirah English Speaking School.

Location

Wadi Al Safa 6

Nearby Communities

• Dubai Sports City: 18-minute drive
• Jumeirah Village Circle: 18-minute drive
• Al Barsha: 19-minute drive

Nearby Attractions

• Dubai Miracle Garden: 10-minute drive
• Global Village: 12-minute drive
• Hamdan Sports Complex: 12-minute drive

Villa Rental Prices

Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Arabian Ranches

3. Mirdif

If you seek affordability without compromising amenities, renting an apartment in Mirdif is a popular option thanks to its family-friendly and safe environment.

Housing expats from different backgrounds, the community creates a homely and welcoming environment for all. It is a tranquil neighbourhood with a close-knit community atmosphere, promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.

Moreover, Mirdif is a self-sufficient community for British expats. It boasts British curriculum schools like Uptown School and Mirdif Private School. Moreover, residents can shop for their needs at Mirdif City Centre.

Location

Along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road

Nearby Communities

• Muhaisnah 1: 9-minute drive
• Al Mizhar: 12-minute drive
• Mushrif: 13-minute drive

Nearby Attractions

• Dubai Crocodile Park: 7-minute drive
• Dubai Safari Park: 12-minute drive
• Asian Village: 13-minute drive

Apartment Rental Prices

Villa Rental Prices

Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Mirdif

4. Jumeirah

Jumeirah is the next on our list of the best communities for British expats in Dubai. If you want to live in a prime location, there isn’t anything better than Jumeirah. The community has become a hub for British expats because of its lively atmosphere and amenities.

Set near Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road, getting around is a breeze for residents. When it comes to the properties, you can opt for apartments and villas in Jumeirah, which are available in various sizes. In addition to this, the community has everything, from schools and hospitals to grocery stores and fitness clubs.

Moreover, it has British curriculum schools like Jumeirah Baccalaureate School, Jumeirah English Speaking School and Horizon English School.

Location

Between Al Hudaiba and Umm Suqeim

Nearby Communities

• Umm Suqeim: 15-minute drive
• Business Bay: 16-minute drive
• Al Quoz: 17-minute drive

Nearby Attractions

• Green Planet: 10-minute drive
• Kite Beach: 11-minute drive
• Oli Oli: 15-minute drive

Apartment Rental Prices

Villa Rental Prices

Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Jumeirah

5. Palm Jumeirah

Still searching: Where do British expats live in Dubai? End your search at Palm Jumeirah — the community where beachside living meets exceptional amenities. This man-made island has long been a dream destination for many expats. From apartments to villas, the community offers a diverse range of options.

For a resort-feel lifestyle, renting a villa in Palm Jumeirah could be the best decision. Getting around Palm Jumeirah is convenient with the Palm Monorail, connecting residents to the Dubai Tram.

Moreover, Palm Jumeirah is popular for its British curriculum schools, access to private beaches and British restaurants like The Tap House.

Location

On the Persian Gulf, close to Dubai Marina

Nearby Communities

• Al Sufouh: 7-minute drive
• Dubai Media City: 8-minute drive
• Dubai Marina: 12-minute drive

Popular Attractions

• The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Aquaventure World: In Palm Jumeirah
• Aquaventure Waterpark: In Palm Jumeirah
• The View Palm Jumeirah: In Palm Jumeirah

Apartment Rental Prices

Villa Rental Prices

Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Palm Jumeirah

6. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of the top areas for British expats in Dubai. If you love waterfront views, then this community is tailored for you. With high-rise buildings and lavish properties, this area is ideal for young professionals, couples and families.

Besides, many expats prefer this community for some good reasons, like the accessibility to various amenities, facilities, entertainment spots, schools, and more.

Beyond luxury, residents enjoy close access to bus stops and metro stations, making commuting feasible than ever.

Location

On Interchange 5, at the intersection of Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Internet City

Nearby Communities

• Jumeirah Beach Residence: 5-minute drive
• Al Sufouh: 11-minute drive

Popular Attractions

• JBR Beach: In Dubai Marina
• Dubai Marina Mall: In Dubai Marina
• Dubai Marina Walk: In Dubai Marina

Apartment Rental Prices

Villa Rental Prices

Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Dubai Marina

7. Downtown Dubai

Want to live in one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods as a British expat in Dubai? Located close to Business Bay, Downtown Dubai never disappoints. Offering upscale apartments, it has become an in-demand location for the British expat community in Dubai. It is mainly popular for the famous Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.

As a multicultural hub in Dubai, the community celebrates different cultures, festivals and traditions. Additionally, British expats are drawn to the neighbourhood for its vibrant culinary scene and cultural sites like Dubai Opera. Moreover, travelling to other parts of the city is convenient with Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station and several bus stops.

Location

Along Sheikh Zayed Road, close to Business Bay

Nearby Communities

• Business Bay: 11-minute drive
• Dubai International Financial Centre: 18-minute drive
• Jumeirah: 18-minute drive

Nearby Attractions

• Coca-Cola Arena: 14-minute drive
• Oli Oli: 14-minute drive
• Mercato Beach: 19-minute drive

Apartment Rental Prices

Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Downtown Dubai

8. Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

Jumeirah Beach Residence is one of the top communities to live in Dubai thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and prime location. From the diverse property sizes to waterfront views, this community offers an unparalleled lifestyle.

Whether you are single or married, this community is ideal for various needs. With two trams and two metro stations, the community is ideal for public transport users as well.

If you live in Jumeirah Beach Residence, you can enjoy all the amenities at your doorstep. From supermarkets like Carrefour to schools like GEMS Wellington, the community is close to all necessary facilities. Moreover, residents can enjoy a buzzing social scene at Barasti Beach, unwind at JBR Beach and dine at The Walk restaurants.

Location

Along Al Mamsha Street, Dubai Marina

Nearby Communities

• Dubai Marina: 5-minute drive
• Bluewaters Island: 11-minute drive
• Jumeirah Lake Towers: 12-minute drive

Popular Attractions

• Marina Beach: In Jumeirah Beach Residence
• AquaFun Dubai Water Park: In Jumeirah Beach Residence
• Adventure Island: In Jumeirah Beach Residence

Apartment Rental Prices

Explore the Available Properties for Rent in JBR

FAQs

Now you must have got the answer to your question: Where do British expats live in Dubai? Living in Dubai as a British expat offers several benefits, from a multicultural landscape to state-of-the-art amenities. Whether you’re interested in the villa-lifestyle of Arabian Ranches or the close-knit atmosphere of Mirdif, every community offers something unique.

Ready to make your move? Compare the different communities and choose the one that fits your budget and personal preferences.

Are you moving to Dubai as a Pakistani citizen? Check out the best communities for Pakistani expats in Dubai.

Share