Your Guide to Apartments for Rent in International City
International City stands out as one of Dubai's most accessible residential areas, delivering genuine value without the premium price tag attached to many other neighborhoods. Built by Nakheel across 800 hectares, this community houses over 60,000 people and has become a go-to choice for working professionals, singles, and compact families seeking practical accommodation that doesn't compromise on everyday conveniences.
What makes the area distinctive is its layout. Instead of uniform towers, you'll find low-rise buildings organized into clusters themed around different countries—China, England, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Persia, Russia, Spain, and the Emirates. Each section reflects the architectural character of its namesake nation, creating a visual diversity rarely seen elsewhere in the city.
The atmosphere leans suburban rather than metropolitan. Situated in the Al Warsan region, the community sits near Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City, which makes it practical for students and university employees looking to cut down on commute times.
Average Prices & Sizes of Apartments for Rent in International City
Anyone searching for a flat for rent in International City will quickly notice that pricing here undercuts most other parts of the emirate. Studios and one-bedroom units dominate the inventory, though larger options exist for those requiring additional space.
Studio Apartments
Studios represent the bulk of available units. Current data shows average annual rent sitting around AED 32,000, with floor areas typically spanning 400 to 600 square feet, depending on the building and cluster. Recent contracts illustrate the range: a 484-square-foot studio in Building C9 renewed at AED 25,200 per year, while a similarly sized unit in Building U15 fetched AED 36,000 for a new lease.
1-Bedroom Apartments
One-bedroom flats for rent in International City, Dubai, provide more breathing room for couples or individuals wanting dedicated living spaces. Average rent hovers at AED 45,000 annually, with units generally measuring between 720 and 1,000 square feet. A 731-square-foot apartment in Building X24 leased for AED 37,000, while larger formats like an 852-square-foot unit in the Emirates cluster commanded AED 48,000.
2-Bedroom Apartments
Small families often gravitate toward two-bedroom Dubai International City apartments for rent, which average AED 64,000 per year. These units usually fall between 900 and 1,100 square feet. A 900-square-foot apartment in Building B02 went for approximately AED 49,000, whereas a more spacious 1,125-square-foot unit in the Central Business District reached AED 78,000.
3-Bedroom Apartments
Three-bedroom options appear less frequently in the standard clusters but can be found in the townhouses of nearby Warsan Village. Average pricing for this category sits around AED 106,000. A recent example includes a 2,380-square-foot unit in Souk Al Warsan Townhouses leased at AED 105,000.
Top Locations with Apartments for Rent in International City
The community divides into distinct zones, each offering subtle variations in environment and convenience. Your choice of cluster often comes down to architectural preference or how close you want to be to retail centers.
The Residential Clusters
Ten country-themed sections form the residential core: China, England, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Persia, Russia, Spain, and the Emirates.
- China Cluster: Positioned adjacent to Dragon Mart, this zone experiences higher foot traffic and suits residents who prioritize immediate shopping and dining access.
- European Clusters (France, Italy, Spain): These sections feature distinct architectural touches—red and grey brickwork in France, stucco finishes in Spain—and offer a typical community feel with local shops and services interspersed between residential blocks.
- Persia & Greece: Centrally located, these clusters provide straightforward access to main roads and internal community routes.
Central Business District (CBD)
At the community's center, the CBD presents a slightly different property profile. Buildings here often include security staff, swimming pools, and private parking—amenities not uniformly available across standard cluster buildings. This area blends residential and commercial functions, which can push rental rates higher for premium units like the Royal Residence.
Warsan Village
Positioned on International City's edge, this gated enclave shifts away from apartment living entirely. It features townhouses and caters to families seeking private layouts with dedicated security measures.
Nearby Amenities & Lifestyle
International City functions as a largely self-contained community, placing essential services within reasonable walking distance.
Schools
While large educational institutions aren't directly embedded within the clusters, nearby areas provide solid options. Parents typically consider schools in surrounding communities:
- GEMS Founders School
- The City School International
- Primus Private School
Nurseries
For younger children, several early learning centers operate within the community itself:
- Chubby Cheeks Nursery
- Little Sprouts ELC
Hospitals & Clinics
Medical services are well distributed throughout the neighborhood, allowing residents to handle routine health needs locally:
- Apple International Polyclinic
- Dr. Shanil Medical Center
- Aster Speciality Clinic
Malls and Supermarkets
Retail defines much of the area's character. Like:
- Dragon Mart 1 and 2
- Lulu Hypermarket
- Union Coop
- Shaklan
- Pak Jinnah
Restaurants
The food scene is budget-conscious and diverse, with restaurants like Intizar, Like:
- Dyar Al Sham
- Soy to Chutney
Fitness and Recreation
Al Warsan Lake offers a quiet spot for walking and birdwatching. Fitness enthusiasts have access to facilities including:
- Optima Fitness
- Fitness 360.
- Dubai Safari Park
- Desert Palm Polo Club
Location & Transportation
International City occupies a strategic position in Al Warsan, directly across from the Central Fruit and Vegetable Market.
Road Access
The community sits along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Al Awir Road (E44), creating reasonable connectivity to major districts. Dubai Silicon Oasis sits roughly 10 minutes away, Mirdif around 15 minutes, and Downtown Dubai approximately 25 minutes. Dubai International Airport (DXB) becomes accessible via E311, typically within 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic flow.
Public Transport
No direct metro station currently serves International City. Residents rely on RTA buses to reach the nearest stations: Centrepoint on the Red Line and Etisalat by e& on the Green Line. Key bus routes include the X23 to Gold Souk, the 365 to Rashidiya/Centrepoint and Silicon Oasis, and the 53 to Festival City. Looking ahead, the Dubai Metro Blue Line plans include a station for International City, scheduled to open in 2029, which should significantly improve transit options.
Pros & Cons of Renting an Apartment in International City
Pros:
- Housing costs rank among the lowest in Dubai, creating substantial savings potential
- Dragon Mart's immediate proximity delivers unmatched access to affordable goods and varied shopping
- Low-rise buildings and themed clusters produce a community atmosphere that feels less overwhelming than dense tower zones
- Abundant grocery stores, laundries, and pharmacies make routine errands manageable on foot
Cons:
- Absence of a direct metro station means depending on buses or personal vehicles
- Roads surrounding Dragon Mart experience heavy congestion during sales events and weekends
- Parking availability, while adequate, can become competitive in high-traffic zones like the China Cluster
FAQs about Apartments for Rent in International City
Is International City considered an affordable area to rent in Dubai?
Yes, it ranks as one of the most budget-friendly residential options in the emirate, making it particularly attractive for cost-conscious tenants.
Are furnished apartments available in International City?
Both furnished and unfurnished units exist throughout the clusters, though availability varies by building and property type.
Is International City pet-friendly?
Pet policies differ by building and landlord. Prospective tenants should confirm specific regulations with property management before signing.
How long does the commute take to business districts?
Downtown Dubai sits about 25 minutes away by car, while Dubai Silicon Oasis requires roughly 10 minutes. Commute times fluctuate based on traffic conditions and time of day.
What types of apartments are most common?
Studios and one-bedroom units dominate the market, though two-bedroom and occasional three-bedroom options can be found, particularly in the CBD and Warsan Village areas.