Discover the Best Places to Live in Dubai for Expats
Moving abroad isn’t for the faint of heart. Picking out a new home, finding comfort in a new culture, and adjusting to life's pace can be challenging. If your journey has you moving toward the UAE, we have good news! Living in Dubai as an expat can be one of your best decisions yet.
Dubai isn't just a global business hub or tourist destination; it's also known for its vibrant expat communities. The city offers outstanding amenities, advanced infrastructure, tax-free income, and unrivaled safety, all of which attract expats. On top of that, there are diverse residential districts that make living here genuinely exciting.
Where do expats live in Dubai? Let us walk you through the best places to live in Dubai for expats, from waterfront homes with stunning views to posh downtown apartments connected to everything. Most of these areas are pet-friendly, cosmopolitan, and well-connected to business hubs. Let’s dive right into it!
1- Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the most popular expat communities in Dubai. This is for multiple reasons. It has all of the amenities you could need, a prime location close to business hubs like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, and an overall lively cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracts people from all over the world.
It’s one of the best places to live in Dubai for expats who appreciate the luxury of its towers and waterfront lifestyle, and those who want to live in a bustling community. Moreover, it’s served by two metro stations which makes commuting easy. Apartments for rent in Dubai Marina are on the pricier side, but that doesn’t take away from their popularity.
2- Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is as posh as it gets. One of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Dubai, it’s lined with 5-star resorts, white sandy beaches, extravagant villas, and upscale nightlife and dining options. It’s no wonder that many celebrities and socialites call Palm Jumeirah home.
It’s also home to one of Dubai’s main attractions, Atlantis the Palm, and Aquaventure, one of the world’s biggest water parks.
Moreover, Palm Jumeirah is an excellent choice for expats with kids due to its proximity to some of Dubai’s top schools like Dubai College, Jumeirah English Speaking Schools, and Dubai British School.
Ultimately, Palm Jumeirah is your premium choice when considering housing in Dubai for expats. This wonderful artificial island has stunning homes at a prime location and all of the leisure facilities you could need. If you’re considering an apartment for villa for rent in Palm Jumeirah, be prepared to splurge, but it will definitely be worth it.
3- Downtown Dubai
We can’t possibly discuss the best places to live in Dubai for expats without mentioning Downtown Dubai. This is where most of the notable landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain reside alongside high-end shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
Being centrally located, you can reach most places easily from Downtown Dubai. It’s also close to the business hubs of Business Bay and DIFC. Plus, transportation is effortless in Downtown Dubai thanks to its access to metro stations.
4- Business Bay
Business Bay is quite popular among expats working around this area because convenience truly reigns supreme here. The area is home to many offices and residential buildings, making it great for those who want a work-life balance.
For leisure, walk or cycle along the Dubai Water Canal, or treat yourself at one of the many sky-high restaurants with views of Burj Khalifa.
Transportation is feasible here as well thanks to the presence of the Business Bay metro station. Apartments for rent in Business Bay come in many varieties including furnished and unfurnished options.
5- Al Barsha
One of the biggest perks of living in Al Barsha is its great location between Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai, connecting you to both sides of the city.
Moreover, it has all of the services you could need such as restaurants, shops, clinics, schools, and the iconic Mall of the Emirates.
Al Barsha is also served by two metro stations, making it one of the best places to live for expats who don’t drive.
6- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Affordable Luxury living
If budget-friendly luxury is what you seek, explore JVC. With its family-oriented environment filled with parks and sports fields, it’s certainly an attractive option among expat communities in Dubai.
The area offers reasonably priced apartments, villas, and townhouses, in a strong community setting with multiple facilities.
There are nearly 33 parks in JVC where residents can walk, jog, or take their kids to play. Meanwhile Circle Mall has a variety of shops and hypermarkets to serve the community.
7- Arabian Ranches
Those who fancy spacious homes in a luxurious gated community would love Arabian Ranches. This neighborhood is rich in greenery and is home to the Arabian Ranches Golf Course, which is a major highlight.
The villas and townhouses in Arabian Ranches exude luxury with their designs and fittings. Residents get to enjoy many facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, cycling tracks, and the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.
8- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves every day. This is exactly what JBR offers. The high rise residential buildings here have stunning sea views, and the area has a plethora of fun things to do, from swimming at JBR Beach, to dining at waterfront restaurants, strolling along the promenade or enjoying the nightlife in this lively area. If you love the beach, then definitely consider JBR when thinking about living in Dubai as an expat.
9- The Greens
A beautiful balance between convenience wrapped within lush greenery makes The Greens another favorable choice among expats. It certainly resonates well with nature lovers while having all amenities close by. It also has a prime location next to Barsha Heights and Dubai Internet City, so you can enjoy a calm atmosphere while still being in the heart of the city.
10- Jumeirah Lake Towers(JLT)
Last but not least is the dynamic neighborhood of JLT. Surrounded by sparkling lakes against high-rise towers and restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world, living in JLT is quite the experience. It also has lake-front promenades where you can stroll, jog, cycle or walk your pet, making it great for active folks.
Ultimately, living in Dubai as an expat is easier than in other cities thanks to its cosmopolitan atmosphere and a large number of its residents being expats. With that in mind, the best places to live in Dubai for expats are ones with many expats, facilities, and proximity to workplaces.
