The speed and scale of development in Dubai means property-buyers are spoilt for choice in this exciting Middle Eastern hub. We highlight the Emirate’s most popular communities according to location and lifestyle needs.

Dubai was one of the highest-performing property markets globally in 2022. It remains one of the world’s most desirable expat destinations with an endless pipeline of new developments coming to market.

Already, 2023 figures point towards international demand reaching new heights, fuelling a stream of new and increasingly ambitious projects. According to a recent report by global property consultancy CBRE, total transaction volumes in Dubai’s residential market were up 43.9 per cent year-on-year for February, hitting the highest figure for the month on record. This growth has been underpinned by a 78.1 per cent jump in off-plan sales, along with an 18.8 per cent rise in sales in the resale market.

For anyone purchasing property in Dubai, whether for their own use, pure investment or a bit of both, we outline some of the most prominent communities!

 

Waterfront communities in Dubai

Few places do waterfront living like Dubai. Take your pick from a front-line beach apartment along Dubai’s coastline, a stunning island villa just metres from the water’s edge. Then there’s the glamour of the Dubai Marina district, with its high-rises and 3 km artificial marina. Or there’s even the excitement of the new Dubai Creek Harbour, a waterside city-within-a-city.

 

Dubai Marina combines luxurious modern-day living, with all types of shops, amenities and even a mall, with a unique waterside community. It has more than 200 residential blocks, offering all type and size of apartments. Most have their own swimming pools, gyms, parks and sometimes BBQ areas.

 

Between the ocean and Dubai Marina is Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a popular beachfront community of around 35 high rise blocks. Just along from there is chic Emaar Beachfront. It’s a community of 27 towers on its own slither of reclaimed land. Plus it has its own 1.5-kilometre beach with views up and down the coastline.

 

Bigger budgets might prefer a beachfront villa on Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made island – and arguably one of the most exclusive addresses – in the world. Townhouses and apartments are also available, but you’ll still need to dig deep into your pockets.

 

Then there is Dubai Creek Harbour. A master-planned community along the banks of the famous Creek that brings together leisure and commercial facilities with diverse residential options. Lots of life there centres around its popular Waterfront Promenade.

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Lively urban communities in Dubai

As the name suggests, Business Bay is a metropolis of mixed-use skyscrapers filled with high-profile offices, shiny apartment blocks and trendy hotels. Offering all types of apartments to suit most budgets and popular with young professionals, the district straddles the Dubai Canal, so offers some waterside living too.

 

Next door is Downtown Dubai, the emirate’s flagship district that epitomizes the architectural flamboyance and lifestyle that has made Dubai famous. Highlights include the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the unmistakable Dubai Fountains. Most of Downtown comprises modern skyscrapers, including entertainment and shopping venues, but the Old Town part also includes low-rise Middle Eastern-style buildings.

 

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is a more affordable – but still lively – urban district, especially popular with foreign workers in Dubai. Close to Dubai Marina and the beach at JBR, it’s made up of clusters of high-rise apartments, built around lakes and each with its own collection of amenities.

Family-friendly communities in Dubai

Away from the bright lights and skyscrapers of the livelier central districts, Dubai has a growing collection of family-oriented low-rise communities, fully amenitised and with plenty of leisure facilities. Typically, these offer mainly villas, both detached and semi-detached, but apartments options might also be available.

Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches are especially popular with resident expat families. Both have a championship golf course, school(s), shopping centre and retails outlets, plus lots of green space for leisure activities. The latter is also home to Dubai’s Polo and Equestrian club.

Other gated communities set around a golf course include Jumeirah Golf Estates, Emirates Hills, Victory Heights, and The Meadows townhouse community.

Rightmove has ‘000s of properties available in Dubai, including across the communities described here. Why not take a browse today?

 

Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove