Your guide to apartments for rent in Zabeel 1
Zabeel 1, also known as Zaa’beel First, is one of Dubai's most exclusive residential addresses, sitting at the point where the city's historic districts meet its modern financial core. The neighbourhood borders Zabeel Park, one of Dubai's largest urban green spaces, and sits within minutes of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Downtown Dubai.
Apartments for rent in Zabeel 1 attract corporate executives, affluent professionals, and families who want branded, hotel-managed residences with sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame, and the Downtown skyline. The area operates well above the standard rental market, offering ultra-luxury floor plans managed by globally recognized hospitality brands. For those evaluating the top tier of Dubai's rental market, Za'abeel First delivers a level of privacy, space, and service that very few neighborhoods in the city can match.
Zaa'beel First Market overview
Rental prices in Zaa’beel First sit considerably above the national average of AED 271,000 per year, reflecting the premium nature of the branded residences and the exclusivity of the location. New rental contracts across the community average approximately AED 693,147 per year, while tenants who renew an existing lease average around AED 554,202 annually.
Units across the development are characterised by generous floor plans, panoramic windows, luxury finishes, and fully fitted kitchens. Most properties come furnished to a hotel-grade standard, with shared access to spas, pools, gyms, and 24-hour concierge services. Inventory is limited by the concentrated nature of the development, which means well-priced units move quickly.
Average prices and sizes of apartments for rent in Zabeel 1
Zabeel 1 rental rates reflect the ultra-luxury positioning of the area. Prices vary based on floor height, views, and whether the unit is within a fully serviced hospitality-managed tower or a private residential building.
- 1-bedroom apartments: AED 300,000 to AED 750,000 per year, 860 to 1,500+ sq ft
- 2-bedroom apartments: AED 500,000 to AED 1,200,000 per year, 1,500 to 2,778 sq ft
- 3-bedroom apartments and duplexes: AED 1,000,000 to AED 2,500,000 per year, 2,436 to 5,241 sq ft
Why rent an apartment in Zaa'beel first?
Branded, resort-style living
Residences in Za'abeel First are managed by globally recognised hospitality names including the One&Only Resorts and Address Hotels. Concierge services, valet, and spa access are built into daily life.
Landmark views
High-floor units deliver unobstructed sightlines of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame, and the Downtown skyline. The relatively low surrounding density protects these views from neighboring buildings.
Zabeel Park is on the doorstep
Residents in Zabeel 1 have direct access to one of the city's largest parks, offering jogging paths, open lawns, and the Dubai Frame within walking distance.
Central yet private
The neighborhood sits minutes from DIFC and Downtown Dubai but avoids the tourist footfall and congestion of both. It offers a rare combination of central access and residential calm.
Top buildings for apartments for rent in Zabeel 1
One Za'abeel The Residences
One Za'abeel The Residences occupies the residential tower of the landmark dual-tower development connected by the world's longest cantilevered skybridge. Annual rents average around AED 693,147 across the building, with one, two, and three-bedroom layouts available.
Units feature open-plan designs, maid's quarters, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views across Zabeel Park and the city skyline. The building suits corporate executives, senior professionals, and families who want a contemporary, architecturally iconic address with premium building management. Residents have access to rooftop pools, a wellness spa, a fully equipped gym, and 24-hour concierge and security services.
One Za'abeel Tower
One Za'abeel Tower is the hospitality wing of the same development, housing the One and Only Private Homes. Units here are fully serviced and managed to a five-star hotel standard, with daily housekeeping, valet services, and direct access to the hotel's dining and wellness facilities.
This tower caters to the highest end of Za'abeel First's rental market and suits international executives and high-net-worth tenants who require a comprehensive daily management service alongside their residence. Availability is limited, and units at this level command premium rates.
Address Residences Zabeel
Address Residences Zabeel brings the Address Hotels brand into the neighborhood, offering simplex apartments with the full suite of Address hospitality services. Units are spacious and refined, with views of the Dubai Frame and the surrounding cityscape.
Tenants benefit from the brand's established standards for interior quality, concierge support, and shared facilities. The building suits professionals and couples who want a managed, branded residence in Zabeel 1 with a slightly different layout offering compared to the One Za'abeel towers.
Who should rent an apartment in Zabeel 1?
Corporate executives
Senior professionals on corporate packages who need a prestigious, fully managed address close to DIFC and Downtown Dubai will find Za'abeel First well matched to their requirements.
High-net-worth expats
Expats seeking ultra-luxury branded living with hotel-grade services, panoramic views, and a central location will find few comparable options in the city.
Families seeking premium space
Families who want large floor plans, dedicated maid's quarters, children's facilities, and direct park access will benefit from the scale and management standards here.
Long-term tenants seeking renewal savings
Tenants planning a multi-year stay can save over AED 138,000 annually by negotiating a lease renewal rather than re-entering the market at new contract rates.
Nearby amenities
Schools and nurseries
- Dubai International School
- JSS Private School
- Bright Minds Nursery
- Blossom Nursery (Downtown Dubai area)
Hospitals and clinics
- Mediclinic City Hospital (Healthcare City, approx. 10 minutes)
- American Hospital Dubai (approx. 10 minutes)
- Emirates Specialty Hospital
- Zabeel Health Center
Supermarkets
- Grandiose- Zabeel Expansion - Dubai Mall
- LuLu Hypermarket - Dubai Mall Zabeel
- Good day grocery
Dining and entertainment
- Dining outlets within One Za'abeel and Address Residences Zabeel
- Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall restaurants (approx. 5 minutes)
- Dubai Frame observation deck and park cafe (walking distance)
- DIFC dining corridor (Gate Village restaurants and bars)
Gyms and fitness
- In-building gyms and wellness spas across all three major towers
- Zabeel Park’s jogging and cycling paths
- Embody Fitness DIFC
- Zabeel Ladies Club
Parks and outdoor spaces
- Zabeel Park, one of Dubai's largest urban parks, directly adjacent to the neighbourhood
- Dubai Frame within the park, accessible on foot
- Landscaped communal areas and pool decks within residential towers
Location and transportation
Zabeel 1 sits between the older residential corridors of Karama and the modern financial district, giving residents fast access to both parts of the city without being in the centre of either.
The neighbourhood is close to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road and connects easily to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Al Khail Road (E44), allowing drivers to move across Dubai with minimal delay.
For public transport, the Max and BurJuman Metro Stations are within a short drive or taxi ride. The DIFC and Financial Centre Metro Stations on the Red Line are also accessible within minutes, making car-free commuting viable for those working in the financial district.
DIFC and Downtown Dubai are approximately 5 minutes away by car. Dubai International Airport is reachable in around 15 to 20 minutes. The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are within a 5 to 10-minute drive.
Pros and cons of renting an apartment in Zabeel 1
Pros
- Ultra-luxury branded residences managed by One and Only and Address Hotels
- Sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Downtown skyline from most high-floor units
- Direct walking access to Zabeel Park, one of Dubai's largest and most landscaped green spaces
- Comprehensive building amenities including spas, pools, concierge, and 24-hour security
Cons
- Annual rental rates sit at the very top of the Dubai market, well above the national average
- The number of available units is limited given the concentrated nature of the development, requiring fast decision-making
- Premium service charges and hospitality fees are typically built into leasing costs at this level
FAQs about apartments for rent in Zabeel 1
What types of apartments are available for rent in Zabeel 1?
The neighbourhood offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes, and private residences across three main buildings: One Za'abeel The Residences, One Za'abeel Tower, and Address Residences Zabeel. Most units come fully furnished to a hotel-grade standard, though some unfurnished layouts are available.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Za'abeel First?
New rental contracts average approximately AED 693,147 per year across the community. One-bedroom units start from around AED 300,000 annually, while three-bedroom duplexes with Burj Khalifa views can reach AED 2,500,000 per year. Renewal rates average around AED 554,202, offering significant savings for existing tenants.
Is Zabeel 1 suitable for families?
Yes. The large floor plans, dedicated maid's quarters, children's play areas, kids' pools, and direct access to Zabeel Park make the neighbourhood well suited to families who want space and a managed, secure environment.
Are the apartments in Za'abeel First furnished?
Most units, particularly those within the branded towers, come fully furnished with premium hotel-grade interiors. Unfurnished options exist at the higher-end residential buildings for tenants who prefer to personalise their space.
How close is Zabeel 1 to DIFC and Downtown Dubai?
Both DIFC and Downtown Dubai are approximately 5 minutes away by car. The BurJuman Metro Station is also accessible within a short drive, providing a public transport alternative for daily commuters.
What views can residents expect from apartments in Zabeel 1?
Depending on the floor height and unit orientation, residents enjoy unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa, the Downtown skyline, the Dubai Frame, and the grounds of Zabeel Park. The relatively low surrounding density helps preserve these sightlines.
