Best Neighborhoods and Areas to Live in Dubai UAE Introduction
We will share everything we know about the Best neighborhoods to live in Dubai and also explain the cost of living where we spent from $1,500 – $1,900 per month for all expenses as a couple.
We will also share videos to help you in each section so you can dive deeper into the topic and gain a greater understanding to prepare you for your trip to Dubai UAE!
Dubai is a cosmopolitan metropolis that has become one of the most popular destinations for expats looking for sunshine, tax-free salaries, and a glamorous lifestyle.
It has always been my dream to go to Dubai and after finally going, I can say that I would love to make this city my home base to travel from in the future.
If you’re considering a move to this desert oasis, you’ll want to carefully choose which of Dubai’s many neighborhoods to call home.
Each area has its distinct vibe and caters to different expat needs.
Whether you’re a family looking for kid-friendly communities, a young professional wanting an urban scene, or a retiree seeking a slower pace, Dubai has an area for you.
So read on to discover our picks for the top spots to live in one of the UAE’s most exciting cities!
Let’s Get Started!
Table Of Contents
10 Top Reasons to Live in Dubai UAE
To help you decide if Dubai is right for you, here are 10 incredible reasons you should move to this world-class expat destination:
- No income tax. Dubai’s tax-free environment lets you maximize your earnings.
- Exciting career opportunities. Dubai is a global hub drawing top talent and ambitious go-getters.
- Lavish amenities. Enjoy luxury living with five-star hotels, restaurants, malls, and beaches.
- Thriving nightlife. Dubai has a buzzing nightlife scene from hip clubs to rooftop bars.
- Outdoor adventures. Year-round sunshine lets you enjoy beaches, desert safaris, and more.
- Melting pot of cultures. Mix with 200 nationalities – meet new friends from all over the world.
- Family friendly. Great education, activities, and communities cater to expat families.
- Accessible travel. Dubai is a central hub with easy, direct flights worldwide.
- High-end healthcare. Excellent healthcare that surpasses Western standards.
- Safe and stable. Low crime levels and political stability are a big draw.
With its mix of urban energy and luxury, rich cultural tapestry, and tax-free salaries, Dubai offers an exciting lifestyle for expats.
Cultural Considerations in Dubai UAE
Here are some important cultural considerations to keep in mind as an expat living in Dubai, UAE:
- Dress conservatively in public – avoid revealing clothing. Be respectful of local dress codes and customs.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Hand-holding is usually fine, but kissing in public can be offensive to others.
- The UAE is an Islamic country. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities surrounding religion.
- Drinking alcohol is permitted only in licensed venues. Public drunkenness is strictly prohibited.
- Swearing and making rude gestures are looked down upon in the UAE. Avoid curse words.
- Ramadan is a holy month of fasting – refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public daylight hours.
- The UAE has strict drug laws with severe penalties. Zero tolerance policy.
- Photographing government buildings, palaces, or military areas is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing people.
- Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed on public transport like the metro.
- Queuing and waiting your turn is not common – expect some line-cutting.
- The Emirati culture values privacy. Avoid asking personal questions.
- Driving etiquette is more aggressive than in the West – remember to be a defensive driver if you rent/own a vehicle here.
- Tipping is common at hotels, restaurants, and for service providers like taxis.
Being respectful and open-minded will help you adapt smoothly and avoid offending local cultural norms in the UAE.
Do some additional research before traveling or moving to Dubai.
It’s always a good idea to learn and adapt to the local customs and traditions no matter where you are in the world.
General Cost of Living in Dubai UAE Breakdown
| Cost Type | Monthly Cost Range in USD | Monthly Cost Range in AED |
|---|---|---|
| Housing in Dubai UAE | ||
| Basic Studio apartment | $670 – $1,000 | 2,460 AED – 3,670 AED |
| Basic 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,000 – $2,000 | 3,700 AED – 7,300 AED |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city center) | $2,500 – $3,500 | 9,200 AED – 12,900 AED |
| 3-bedroom apartment (city center) | $3,500 – $5,000 | 12,900 AED – 18,400 AED |
| 3-4 bedroom villa (compound living) | $5,000 – $9,000 | 18,400 AED – 33,100 AED |
| Utilities (electricity, AC, water) for a family | $250 – $450 | 920 AED – 1,650 AED |
| Food in Dubai UAE | ||
| Local and imported groceries for a family | $500 – $800 | 1,800 AED – 2,900 AED |
| Dining out 2-3 times a week | $300 – $500 | 1,100 AED – 1,800 AED |
| Cheap street food per meal | $2 – $8 | 7 AED – 29 AED |
| Transportation in Dubai UAE | ||
| Metro (monthly pass) | $50 – $80 | 185 AED – 295 AED |
| Bus (monthly pass) | $40 – $70 | 150 AED – 260 AED |
| Taxi (monthly average) | $200 – $400 | 735 AED – 1,470 AED |
| Uber/Careem (monthly average) | $150 – $250 | 550 AED – 920 AED |
| Total Monthly Cost of living in Dubai UAE for Expats | $2,000 – $10,000 | 7,400 AED – 36,700 AED |
Pros and Cons Of the Best Neighborhoods and Places in Dubai UAE
| Best Neighborhood in Dubai | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | – Walking distance to top attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall – Lively urban environment with restaurants and entertainment – Good for young professionals | – Very expensive rents – Heavy traffic congestion |
| Marina | – Trendy waterfront area with beach access – Lots of hotels, restaurants, nightlife – Popular with young expats | – Crowded and busy – Shortage of affordable housing |
| Jumeirah | – Upscale, luxurious community – Near beaches, resorts, golf courses – Low-density suburban feel | – Very high cost of living – Relatively far from Dubai’s center |
| Arabian Ranches | – Family-friendly expat community – Spacious villas with pools – Near schools, malls, amenities | – Far from downtown and beaches – Cookie-cutter style homes |
| International City | – Affordable housing prices – Multicultural population – Good budget option for new expats | – Heavy traffic – Limited dining/nightlife options nearby |
| Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) | – Modern high-rise buildings – Walkable access to dining, shopping, metro – Popular with young professionals | – Small living spaces – Can feel crowded |
| Palm Jumeirah | – Luxury waterside living – Resort atmosphere with beaches, hotels, retail | – Very expensive – Remote, dependent on taxis/cars |
| Emirates Hills | – Very exclusive, elite reputation – Lavish mansions and estates | – Most expensive area in Dubai – Distant from main attractions |
| Business Bay | – Central location for offices and businesses – Waterfront dining and recreation options | – Not designed like a residential area – Lacks community feel |
| The Greens | – Quiet, green community – Townhouses and low-rise buildings | – Limited public transit access – Far from Downtown and Marina |
| Sharjah | – More affordable housing – Traditional Emirati culture and souqs | – Long commute to Dubai – Less modern amenities and entertainment |
| Deira | – Historically significant old Dubai area – Bustling markets and bazaars | – Very crowded – Aging infrastructure |
| Silicon Oasis | – Technology and business hub – Affordable rents and amenities | – Limited entertainment/nightlife – Far from main attractions |
| Dubai Design District | – Trendy creative community – Galleries, workshops, events | – Limited housing options – Still developing |
| Al Barsha & Barsha Heights | – Newer expat communities – Malls, parks and amenities | – Traffic congestion – Generic architecture |
| Dubai Hills | – Luxury villas and townhouses – Golf course and country club | – Far from Downtown and beaches – Still partly under construction |
| Al Barari | – Ultra high-end private community – Luxury villas with gardens/pools | – Most expensive in Dubai – Very exclusive/limited access |
| Bur Dubai | – Historic old Dubai charm – Creekside culture and souqs | – Congested traffic and crumbling infrastructure |
| Dubai Sports City | – State-of-the-art venues and fields – Community pools, gyms, parks | – Limited dining/entertainment options – Far from main hubs |
Top Neighborhoods and Places to Live in Dubai for Expats
| Best Neighborhoods in Dubai for Expats | Description | Monthly Rent Range (USD) | Monthly Rent Range (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | Vibrant urban center with major attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall | $2,000 – $4,000 | 7,300 – 14,700 |
| Marina | Trendy waterfront district with beaches, restaurants and nightlife | $1,500 – $3,000 | 5,500 – 11,000 |
| Jumeirah | Upscale coastal residential area near resorts and amenities | $3,000 – $6,000 | 11,000 – 22,100 |
| Arabian Ranches | Suburban family-friendly community with spacious villas | $2,500 – $5,000 | 9,200 – 18,400 |
| International City | Affordable multicultural area for budget-conscious expats | $500 – $1,500 | 1,800 – 5,500 |
| Jumeirah Lakes Towers | Modern apartments popular with young professionals | $1,200 – $2,500 | 4,400 – 9,200 |
| Palm Jumeirah | Luxury man-made island with resorts, hotels and villas | $3,000 – $8,000 | 11,000 – 29,500 |
| Business Bay | A commercial district along Dubai Water Canal | $1,500 – $3,000 | 5,500 – 11,000 |
| The Greens | Quiet residential community with townhouses and gardens | $2,000 – $4,000 | 7,300 – 14,700 |
| Dubai Marina | Vibrant waterfront community with high-rise towers | $1,500 – $3,000 | 5,500 – 11,000 |
| Dubai Sports City | A sports-themed community featuring residential units, stadiums, and sports academies. | $1,200 – $2,500 | AED 4,410 – AED 9,175 |
| Best Neighborhoods in Dubai for Expats | Description | Monthly Rent Range (USD) | Monthly Rent Range (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bur Dubai | Historic district with traditional architecture, souks, and restaurants on Dubai Creek. | $1,000 – $3,000 | 3,700 – 11,000 |
| Al Barari | Luxury villa community with lavish gardens and residences. | $7,000 – $20,000 | 25,700 – 73,400 |
| Dubai Hills | Upscale villa community located between Emirates Hills and Downtown Dubai. | $4,000 – $8,000 | 14,700 – 29,400 |
| Al Barsha & Barsha Heights | Lively expat community with many shops, eateries and apartment towers. | $1,500 – $3,500 | 5,500 – 13,000 |
| Dubai Design District | Trendy creative community with art galleries, boutiques and hip cafes. | $2,000 – $5,000 | 7,300 – 18,400 |
| Silicon Oasis | Tech and business district with many multinational companies and startups. | $1,200 – $2,500 | 4,400 – 9,200 |
| Deira | Vibrant commercial district and one of the oldest areas of Dubai. | $800 – $2,000 | 2,900 – 7,300 |
| Sharjah | Major residential and commercial hub located northeast of Dubai. More affordable than Dubai. | $700 – $1,500 | 2,600 – 5,500 |
| Emirates Hills | Ultra-luxurious gated community populated by sprawling mansions. | $15,000 – $60,000 | 55,000 – 220,000 |
Health Insurance While Living in Dubai UAE
Having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended when visiting Dubai UAE to protect against any unexpected incidents. SafetyWing is an excellent option tailored to global travelers and digital nomads.
Why Choose SafetyWing?
SafetyWing makes travel insurance easy and affordable at just $45 – $250/month. Here are some key reasons to consider it:
- Global coverage including exotic destinations
- Flexible policies fit nomadic lifestyles
- Easy sign-up and claims from phone/computer
- Covers medical, evacuations, disruptions, baggage, etc.
- 24/7 customer support anywhere
- Customizable coverage amounts and add-ons
Other Travel Insurance Options
While SafetyWing is a top choice, companies like WorldNomads, Cigna Global, and IMG also offer comprehensive travel insurance for Dubai UAE. Typical policies range from $45 – $500 for 2 weeks to a month of coverage. Compare coverage and premium costs.
Some key considerations for finding a good insurance policy:
- Emergency medical and evacuation
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost/delayed baggage
- Adventure sports coverage
- Altitude sickness coverage
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Dubai UAE Insurance Cost Estimates
| Insurance Plan | Trip Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | 1 month | $45 – $250 |
| WorldNomads | 2 weeks | $100 – $200 |
| Cigna Global | 1 month | $150 -$ 300 |
| IMG | 2 weeks | $150 – $250 |
Living in Dubai for Expats
Overall cost of living as an expat in Dubai: Monthly living costs for a person or a couple can range from about $3,000 – $6,500 USD or 11,000 – 24,000 AED per month.
Costs can vary based on lifestyle and housing choices.
Basic utilities cost: AED 500-800 ($136 -$218) per month.
Groceries for one or two people: AED 1000-1500 ($273 – $408) per month.
Eating out at local restaurants: AED 60-100 ($16 – $27) per meal.
Street Food Costs
- Shawarma – 15-30 AED ($4 – $8 USD)
- Falafel – 10-20 AED ($3 – $5 USD)
- Biryani – 20-40 AED ($5 – $10 USD)
- Karak Chai – 5-10 AED ($1 – $3 USD)
- Fresh juices – 10-20 AED ($3 – $5 USD)
- Snacks like samosas – 5-15 AED ($1 – $4 USD)
On the low end, you can find some street food for 5-15 AED per item. This would include things like karak chai, samosas, falafel sandwiches, etc.
For more filling meals like shawarma, biryani, or plate meals, prices tend to range from 20-40 AED.
There are also fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and dessert items like gelato or sweets that cost around 10-20 AED typically.
Overall, most street food in Dubai ranges from 15-30 AED or about $4-8 USD per order.
Housing:
- Rent for a nice 1-2 bedroom apartment: 2,385 -12,000 AED ($650 – $3,270) per month.
- Upscale 3-4 bedroom serviced apartments or houses: AED 15,000-25,000 ($4,090 – $6,800) per month.
- Short-term accommodations: 147 – 301 AED ($40 – $82) per night.
Healthcare and Hospitals:
- Internationally accredited hospitals are available with good healthcare services.
- Public healthcare is relatively affordable.
- Private healthcare and insurance can run 165 – 1500 AED ($45-$408) per month.
- Consider travel insurance like Safetywing or World Nomads with plans starting at just $45 per month.
Food in Dubai:
Dining Out Per Month:
- Single expat dining out 2-3 times per week: $150 – $300 USD / 550-1,100 AED
- Family of four dining out 2-3 times per week: $300 – $600 USD / 1,100-2,200 AED
- Luxury/upscale dining budget: $500 – $1,000+ USD / 1,835-3,670+ AED
Groceries Per Month:
- Single expat basic grocery budget: $200 – $400 USD / 735-1,470 AED
- Family of four basic grocery budget: $600 – $1,000 USD / 2,200-3,670 AED
- Luxury grocery budget for family: $1,500 – $2,500 USD / 5,505-9,175 AED
Transportation in Dubai:
Public Transit:
- Metro – $5 – $17 USD per ride
- Bus – $0.50 – $2 USD per ride
- Avg monthly cost for regular commuter: $80 – $220 USD
- Taxis & Rideshares:
- Avg taxi ride: $4 – $8 USD
- Uber/Careem – Base fare $3 USD, $0.22 per km
- Avg monthly occasional use: $110 – $220 USD
Owning a Vehicle
- Toyota Camry monthly payment: $400 – $700 USD
- Nissan Sunny monthly payment: $275 – $415 USD
- Insurance: $55 – $110 USD per month
- Fuel: $2.75 – $4 USD per liter
- Parking: $80 – $135 USD per month
- Total monthly cost: $800 – $1,400 USD
Gasoline Prices:
- 1 US Gallon = $10 – $15 USD
Pros of Living in Dubai: Tax-free salaries and no income tax, cultural diversity with a large expat population, great weather with sunny conditions most of the year.
Cons of Living in Dubai: Higher cost of living, especially housing.
- High cost of owning and running a car – Owning a car in Dubai can be very expensive, with high prices for buying, insuring, fueling, parking, and maintaining a vehicle. Public transportation is limited, so most people find owning a car a necessity.
- Limited natural spaces and green areas – As an ultra-modern city built in the desert, Dubai lacks natural green spaces and biodiversity. There are some large man-made parks but very few natural wilderness areas to explore.
Lifestyle & Recreation Activities: Popular activities include waterparks, theme parks, desert safaris, dune bashing, skydiving, luxury yachts, golf, and more. Excellent nightlife with bars, clubs, lounges, and live music. Great cultural events, museums, traditional markets, and mosques to visit.
| Category | Cost in USD | Cost in AED |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $136 – $218 | AED 500 – 800 |
| Groceries for 1-2 people | $273 – $408 | AED 1000 – 1500 |
| Eating out at restaurants | $16 – $27 | AED 60 – 100 |
| 1-2 bedroom apartment rent | $2,180 – $3,270 | AED 8000 – 12,000 |
| 3-4 bedroom villa | $4,090 – $6,800 | AED 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Short term accommodations | $82 | AED 300 |
| Private healthcare | $136 – $408 | AED 500 – 1500 |
| Groceries for family | $544 – $816 | AED 2000 – 3000 |
| Dining out per person | $19 – $33 | AED 70 – 120 |
| Public transit per ride | $0.54 – $2.18 | AED 2 – 8 |
| Taxis per 5km | $2.72 – $4.09 | AED 10 – 15 |
| Small car cost | $544 – $816 | AED 2000 – 3000 |
| Pros of Living in Dubai | – Tax-free salaries and no income tax – Excellent infrastructure and amenities – Vibrant nightlife and dining scene | |
| Cons of Living in Dubai | – Housing can be expensive depending on the area – Dense traffic in the city center – Summer heat can be intense | |
| Lifestyle & Activities | Brunch at 5-star hotels: $50 – $150 USD Desert safari: $50 – $100 USD Skydiving: $150 – $300 USD Hot air balloon ride: $200 – $300 USD Luxury yacht rental: $500-5,000+ USD Scuba diving: $50 – $120 USD Global Village tickets: $10 – $20 USD Aquaventure Waterpark: $80 -200 USD | Brunch at 5-star hotels: 185-550 AED Desert safari: 185-370 AED Skydiving: 550-1,100 AED Hot air balloon ride: 735-1,100 AED Luxury yacht rental: 1,835-18,350 AED Scuba diving: 185-440 AED Global Village tickets: 37-74 AED Aquaventure Waterpark: 295-735 AED |
So in summary, Dubai offers a very high standard of living but like any place, can come with some drawbacks. It’s a place for luxurious experiences but some may come at a premium!
Best neighborhoods to live in Dubai for Families, Singles, Retirees
Best recommendations for different lifestyles, catering to families, singles, and retirees.
| Best neighborhoods to live in Dubai by Group | Best Places in Dubai UAE | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Arabian Ranches, The Springs, Jumeirah Park, Umm Suqeim, The Lakes | – Quiet, spacious suburbs – Lots of parks, playgrounds – Near good schools – Safe communities |
| Singles | Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Business Bay, Deira | – Lively social scene – Restaurants, bars, nightlife – Convenient transportation – Trendy neighborhoods |
| Retirees | The Greens, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah | – Quiet neighborhoods – Luxury communities – Resort amenities – Healthcare facilities nearby |
Additional Tips:
Families:
- Join parent groups and community organizations to meet other families. Great for finding playdates, nannies, and advice.
- Look into international/American schools early, as there can be waitlists. Consider cost, curriculum, and location.
- Get residence visas for family helpers like nannies or drivers. Secure proper permissions.
- Find kid-friendly activities – parks, pools, and play centers. Many malls have playgrounds.
Singles:
- Meet people through sports leagues, Meetups, and networking events. Great way to make friends.
- Consider a flatshare to save money and meet people, but check tenancy laws first.
- Get to know your neighborhood, including grocery stores, shops, and transportation. Makes day-to-day life easier.
- Explore different cuisines. Dubai has very diverse dining options.
Retirees:
- Ask your home country’s embassy about pension and healthcare options.
- Join social groups or expatriate clubs. Great for meeting people with shared interests.
- If driving, take some lessons first. Dubai roads and rules can be challenging!
- Consider part-time work if allowed on your residence visa. Provides activity and social interaction.
Tips on Moving Banking and Finding Housing in Dubai UAE
| Tips on moving to Dubai Category | Tips for Expats | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Finding Housing | – Look early, demand is high – Factor in community fees – Negotiate price and terms – Use experienced real estate agents | Local Rental site |
| Shipping Belongings | – Research customs rules and duties – Get estimates from international shipping companies – Consider air freight for essential/valuable items – Use a freight forwarder | Aramex – International shipping company with an office in Dubai MyUS Dubai Post – Official postal service for UAE. Shipa Freight – Compare quotes for shipping to Dubai. |
| Banking and Money Transfers | – Open a local Dirham account right away – Get a multicurrency account for transferring funds – Use digital banks for international transfers | Wise |
| Visas | – Apply for a residency visa before arriving – Have educational certificates attested – Get health insurance compliant with the law – Remember, family visas take extra time | UAE Visa Info Tourist Visa Non U.S. Citizens |
Shipping from Dubai:
- Emirates Delivers – Shipping company in UAE
- Postaplus – International delivery from Dubai
- UPS UAE – International shipping & logistics
- DHL UAE – International express shipping
Here is a list of local apartment rental websites, Government resources for Visas, Facebook Groups, Tourism Boards, and more to help you with your potential move here.
Expat Facebook Groups:
Dubai UAE Tourism Board:
Dubai UAE Data Sites:
Ministry of Culture and the Arts:
Embassy of the Dubai UAE:
Government of the Dubai UAE:
Dubai UAE Local Rental Websites:
- Property Finder
- Bayut
- Just Rentals
- Dubizzle
- For exchanging money use Wise Which is the best option if you are a digital nomad and Expat. a cheaper option to send and receive money internationally rather than exchanging money through other platforms like Paypal, Payoneer costs a lot of money for exchange fees and rates
- Booking Flights: To Find insane flight deals, search on Google Flights, and Skyscanner and choose the monthly option to find the best day to fly.
Related Articles to Dubai UAE:
- 19 BEST Neighborhoods To Live In Sharjah UAE 2024
- 10 BEST Neighborhoods To Live In ABU DHABI UAE
- MONTHLY COST Of Living In DUBAI, UAE 2024 (My Budget Tips)
- TRANSPORTATION in DUBAI UAE 2024 (Dubai Public Transport)
- COST Of Living In ABU DHABI UAE 2024 [Budget Guide]
- COST OF LIVING In Sharjah UAE 2024 [Sharjah Budget Guide]
- COST Of Living In UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 2024 [UAE Budget]
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