Famous Residential Communities in Dubai.

Choosing accommodation in Dubai is very important for anyone planning to relocate as this city has several residential communities that differ drastically from each other in terms of standard of living. Deciding where to live in Dubai depends on how much a person can spend on accommodation and accessibility to their workplace, schools, shopping centres, and main city areas. Dubai is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United Arab Emirates, and it offers a wide choice of places where migrants can live. Living in any specific community has its pros and cons. Some communities provide easy access to the workplace and main city area, while others offer affordable accommodation in a peaceful environment. The following are the residential communities in Dubai that are famous among most local and expat residents.

Al Barsha

Al Barsha is a residential community that offers excellent accommodation at affordable prices. The development has four sub-communities: Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Barsha 3, and Al Barsha South Dubai. Major property types include villas and mid-rise apartments. The community provides easy access to major business hubs in the city, including Media City and Internet City. Al Barsha has well-planned roads and efficient metro and bus systems. It is home to many expatriate communities and cultures, which makes it a lively and inclusive neighbourhood.

Average sales price: AED 4,274,690

Average rent: AED 87,000

What's Best About Al Barsha?

The community features the Mall of the Emirates, My City Centre Al Barsha, and Barsha South Mall.

It is home to Dubai Miracle Garden, Barsha Pond Park, and Butterfly Garden.

Provides direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)

Offers easy commute with Mall of the Emirates Metro Station and Mashreq Metro Station

Schooling options like the American School of Dubai, Dubai National School, and GEMS Dubai American Academy are within the community.

Healthcare facilities include Al Zahra Hospital Barsha, Saudi German Hospital, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital and more.

Jumeirah Village Circle

Jumeirah Village Circle is a family-friendly community with over 2,000 villas, townhouses, and apartments. The community is famous for its affordable apartments and villas in Dubai. People living in JVC enjoy the calm atmosphere, with lush gardens and canals. It offers excellent facilities, making it a top choice for buyers, investors, and tenants.

Average sales price: AED 946,754

Average rent: AED 63,000

What's Best About JVC?

Popular supermarket chains like Holiday Minimart, Bluemart Supermarket, and Choithrams are in the community.

It is home to JSS International School. Nearby schools are Sunmarke School (12 minutes) and the Nord Anglia International School (13 minutes). 

Karama Medical Centre is within the community. Nearby hospitals are Emirates Hospital Day Surgery & Medical Centre in Motor City and Mediclinic Park View Hospital on Umm Suqeim Road, 15 minutes away.

The neighbourhood features Circle Mall, whereas the Mall of the Emirates is 15 minutes away.

Dining options include Defne Turkish Restaurant, Socialicious, and Sticky Rice.

Dubai Miracle Garden (10 minutes), Dubai Butterfly Garden (15 minutes), and Wild Wadi Waterpark (20 minutes) are nearby landmarks.

Bus J01 serves several stations within the area. The nearest metro stations are Al Furjan Metro Station and The Gardens Metro Station, which are 20 minutes away.

Al Barari

Al Barari is an eco-friendly gated community of 330 villas featuring 5-7 bedrooms. The community spans over an 18 million square feet area. Al Barari has six sub-communities: The Nest, Seventh Heaven, Ashjar, The Reserve, The Neighbourhood and The Residences. It also has 16 varieties of lush green gardens, artificial lakes, ponds, themed gardens, open-air theatres and superb restaurants. Villas are designed and built on four unique architectural themes-Bromellia, Camellia, Acacia and Dahlia. Almost all villas have rooftop gardens and artificial waterfalls. Recently, they have included apartments in the area.

Average sales price: AED 6,979,230

Average rent: AED 429,676

Amenities Nearby and Within the Community

Rashidiya Metro Station is the nearest metro station, only 20 minutes away.

Bus routes 102, 103, 104 and 106 depart from the nearest Global Village Station.

Waitrose and F Mart supermarkets are within the community, whereas Goodies Supermarket and Burj Safa Supermarket are in the neighbouring community of Majan.

Dunecrest American School is the only school in Al Barari. 

Medicure Centre, Symbiosis Medical Centre and Aster Clinic are 14 minutes away in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Cityland Mall is a popular mall 15 minutes from Al Barari.

The Farm is one of the best restaurants in Al Barari.

Notable landmarks nearby are Dubai Miracle Garden (20 minutes) and Dubai Autodrome (25 minutes).

Business Bay

A city within a city, Business Bay is a freehold district of commercial and residential properties occupying a total area of 47 million square feet. Business Bay comprises brand-new high-rise towers with quality furnishings and facilities that offer good rental returns. It has studios, 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments, penthouses, duplexes, terraces, and garden apartments. The area has commercial buildings with high-profile offices, banks, and shops and is ideal for professionals working within or near Business Bay.

Average sales price: AED 2,134,900

Average rent: AED 95,000

What's Best About Business Bay?

Business Bay Metro Station serves the area along with taxis and buses.

A wide range of supermarkets, including Spinneys and Choithrams, are available.

Dubai International School, GEMS Our Own Indian School and Safa British School are within the area.

Emirates Hospital Clinic in Bay Avenue serves the community, whereas Emirates Hospital in Jumeirah is a 15-minute drive away.

Bay Avenue Mall is within the community, and the world-famous Dubai Mall is 10 minutes away.

Dubai Canal is the most famous attraction in Busines Bay.

Downtown Dubai

There is a lot more to Downtown Dubai than the world's tallest skyscraper. It is a mixed-use development comprising apartments, penthouses, villas, and commercial buildings. Downtown Dubai's luxurious towers are The Residence at Burj Khalifa, Burj Views, 8 Boulevard Walk and South Ridge. Nestled in the centre of Downtown is The Old Town, a reflection of classical Arabic architecture. Don't be surprised if you run into celebrities, as many of them own apartments in the Burj Khalifa.

Average sales price: AED 3,306,980

Average rent: AED 146,900

What's Best About Downtown Dubai?

The area is home to the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and the world's largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. Souk Al Bahar, a luxury Arabian market, is also located there.

It features some of the best hotels like Armani Hotel, Palace Downtown, and Kempinski The Boulevard.

Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station, Burj View Central Tower 1 & 2 bus stops and South Ridge Tower 1 & 2 bus stops are easily accessible within a 10-minute drive.

Old Town Minimart, Choithrams, Carrefour, ZOOM, and Grandiose Supermarket have branches in Downtown Dubai.

Parents in the area can choose from Toddler Town British Nursery, Blossom Nursery, and Jumeirah International Nurseries for their children.

Mediclinic, located within Dubai Mall, is one of the best hospitals in the city.

Jumeirah Beach Residence

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a waterfront community in Dubai that offers a luxurious and relaxed lifestyle with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah. JBR offers residential properties in the form of apartments and penthouses. JBR has 40 beautiful residential towers with unique architectural styles, offering an unmatched living experience. Residents of the community enjoy many amenities, including private beaches, temperature-controlled pools, modern gyms, and various recreational facilities.

Average sales price: AED 3,753,450

Average rent: AED 140,650

What's Best About JBR?

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, and JA Ocean View Hotel are the top hotels in JBR.

Dubai Marina and DMCC Metro Station serve the area and are connected to tram stations.

The Walk at JBR is a famous pedestrian-friendly pathway that allows you to get around the neighbourhood on foot or by bike.

All Day JBR, Al Maya Supermarket, Zoom, and numerous other supermarkets fulfil the residents' daily grocery needs.

British Orchard Nursery, Toddler Town British Nursery, and Kidville Nursery are popular nurseries for toddlers in JBR. Dubai British School in Jumeirah Park and GEMS Wellington International School in Al Sufouh are 15 minutes away.

Medicare Medical Centre is in JBR, while Saudi German Hospital and Al Zahra Hospital are 5 minutes away in Al Barsha.

Dubai Marina Mall is a short 10-minute drive away.

The Walk at JBR is full of American food chains, gelato counters, coffee shops, juice bars, and other casual and fine dining options.

It is home to JBR Beach, where you can enjoy watersports activities like parasailing and jet-skiing.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is often the first pick for those moving to Dubai. With a prime waterfront location and a stylish, modern lifestyle, the neighbourhood is near Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road. It is also just minutes from business hubs like Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. Dubai Marina has over 200 residential towers with great city and harbour views. Known as the 'tallest block in the world,' many buildings are part of Dubai's famous skyline, such as Princess Tower and Canyas Tower. The area offers a lively community lifestyle focused on apartment living, though some podium villas are also available.

Average sales price: AED 3,753,450

Average rent: AED 140,650

What's Best About Dubai Marina?

Rove Dubai Marina, Grosvenor House, and The Address Dubai Marina are some of the best hotels in Dubai Marina.

Sobha Realty and DMCC Metro Station serve the community along with MAG 218 Tower and Marina Towers Tram Stations.

Al Maya, Spinneys, West Zone Supermarket and Waitrose Supermarket cater to the grocery needs of tenants and owners.

Horizon International School is 12 minutes from Dubai Marina in Umm Al Sheif. King's School Dubai in Umm Suqeim 3 and Dubai British School in Springs 3 are also nearby.

Emirates Hospitals Clinic and Medcare Medical Centre Marina provide healthcare facilities to the residents.

It is home to Dubai Marina Mall.

Residents and visitors can visit Dubai Marina Yacht Club to experience sea life or visit restaurants like Halla Mandi, Star Uzbegim, and Nando's.

Dubai Marina Walk, a 7-kilometre waterfront promenade that stretches along the Dubai Marina, is popular for strolls, dining, and enjoying views of the marina's yachts and the surrounding high-rise buildings.

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Jumeirah Lake Towers is another mixed-use waterfront development in Dubai and a fast-paced residential and business hub. Located near Dubai Marina, JLT offers a convenient lifestyle with great lake views, modern living spaces, and lush promenades. JLT Dubai has 26 clusters, each named after a letter from A to Z. Each cluster has three buildings with apartments, offices, shops, and hotels. Some of the best towers include Green Lakes Towers (Cluster S) near the Dubai Marina Metro station, Al Seef Towers, Tamweel Tower (Cluster U), Al Shera Tower, Madina Tower, Indigo Tower, and Lake Terrace (Cluster D).

Average sales price: AED 1,577,000

Average rent: AED 83,000

What's Best About Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)?

Bonnington Tower JLT, Taj Hotel JLT, Armada BlueBay Hotel, and Movenpick Hotel JLT are some of the best hotels in the area.

The community has direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road, making reaching other parts of Dubai easy.

Freshmart Supermarket, Almaya Supermarket, In N Out Supermarket, and Demart Supermarket JLT are prominent supermarkets in the area.

Emirates International School is a short drive away in The Meadows. Nearby, in Al Barsha, are several well-known schools, such as Kings School Al Barsha and the American School of Dubai.

Some medical clinics in JLT are Armada Medical Centre, Dr K Medical Center DMCC, and Optimum Diagnostic Clinic.

Al Zahra Hospital and Saudi German Hospital in Al Barsha are nearby.

Dubai Marina Mall (10 minutes), Mall of the Emirates (15 minutes), and Ibn Battuta Mall (10 minutes) are in close proximity.

Wokyo Noodle Bar, Cafe Isan, and Bait Maryam are popular restaurants in JLT.

JBR Beach is just across the road. You can take a short taxi ride or walk across the road using the metro station bridge.

Conclusion

Choosing the right place to live in Dubai is important for anyone moving here. With its diverse range of residential communities, Dubai offers options to suit various preferences and budgets. Factors such as proximity to workplaces, schools, shopping centres, and overall lifestyle play a significant role in decision-making. Exploring these famous residential areas will help local and expatriate residents find a place that fits their lifestyle and preferences in this dynamic city.