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Dubai Districts List for Living and Investing in 2025

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Dubai is the capital of the eponymous emirate, the largest of the seven emirates of the country in terms of population. The city is home to 3.5 million people. Notably, about 85% of Dubai’s residents are expats.

From the end of 2020 to April 2022, Dubai’s population increased by 100 thousand people. Attracting new residents is one of the main goals of the emirate’s government. City officials expect that in 20 years 5.8 million people will live in Dubai. Concurrently, the expansion of the city area and the construction of new urban areas continue.

Property for sale in Dubai 1,023 listings on Tranio
Investment apartments in The Community at 9% per annum in the heart of the Motor City area, Dubai for From $140,000 From $140,000
Investment apartments in The Community at 9% per annum in the heart of the Motor City area, Dubai

Yield 9.0% Completion in: 2025.IV

New residence The Community Sports Arena with a swimming pool and a lounge area, Dubai Sports City, Dubai, UAE for From $158,000 From $158,000
New residence The Community Sports Arena with a swimming pool and a lounge area, Dubai Sports City, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 210 apartments

New apartments for residence permit and investments in the complex The Central Downtown with first-class infrastructure in Arjan area, Dubai for From $203,000 From $203,000
New apartments for residence permit and investments in the complex The Central Downtown with first-class infrastructure in Arjan area, Dubai

Yield 8.2% Completion in: 2028.II

Apartments in the new residence The Highgrove with swimming pools, spa and restaurant in the area of ​​Nad Al Sheba 1/Meydan, Dubai for From $579,000 From $579,000
Apartments in the new residence The Highgrove with swimming pools, spa and restaurant in the area of ​​Nad Al Sheba 1/Meydan, Dubai

Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 291 apartments

Apartments in the new Ivory residence with swimming pools and a mini golf course in the Al Jaddaf area, Dubai for From $503,000 From $503,000
Apartments in the new Ivory residence with swimming pools and a mini golf course in the Al Jaddaf area, Dubai

Completion in: 2025.IV Total of 331 apartments

Apartments in the new Barari Lagoons residence with pools and green areas next to the American School and Global Village in Majan, Dubai for From $338,000 From $338,000
Apartments in the new Barari Lagoons residence with pools and green areas next to the American School and Global Village in Majan, Dubai

Completion in: 2028 Total of 300 apartments

Apartments with private pools in the new Ibiza complex, the Dubailand area, Dubai for From $231,000 From $231,000
Apartments with private pools in the new Ibiza complex, the Dubailand area, Dubai

Completion in: 2028.I Total of 255 apartments

Apartments in the new residence One Beverly with pools, a mini-golf course in the area with developed infrastructure Arjan-Dubailand, Dubai for From $191,000 From $191,000
Apartments in the new residence One Beverly with pools, a mini-golf course in the area with developed infrastructure Arjan-Dubailand, Dubai

Completion in: 2026.IV Total of 381 apartments

Downtown Dubai: the Tourist Centre

Downtown Dubai
ventdusud / Shutterstock

Downtown Dubai is the central area of the city, where the main attractions are located: the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall — the world's largest shopping centre, the singing fountain and the Dubai Opera. Due to so many famous places, there are always a lot of tourists in Downtown. 

Downtown has a well-developed residential and transport infrastructure: there are many shops and restaurants, a metro line and bus routes. There is a small green park in the centre of the district. Urban planning and development of the area was carried out by the development company Emaar. 

From Downtown, it is easy to get to the main business centres of the city: the Business Bay area, the DIFC free economic zone and the Dubai Internet City technology park. On the other hand, Downtown is located relatively far from the city beaches: at a distance of a 20-minute car drive. There are also no schools in Downtown, only kindergartens.

Property prices in Downtown are among the highest in the city. In March 2022, the cost of housing in the area was 5,920 US dollars per square metre, which is 84% higher than the city average.

Downtown is classified as a freehold zone, which means that foreigners can buy property in the area.

Apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai 24 listings on Tranio
Apartments in the new Society House residence with a golf simulator, swimming pool and office spaces in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Dubai for From $545,000 From $545,000
Apartments in the new Society House residence with a golf simulator, swimming pool and office spaces in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Completion in: 2026.III Total of 404 apartments

New Sofitel Residences with a swimming pool and a wellness center close to Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, UAE for From $681,000 From $681,000
New Sofitel Residences with a swimming pool and a wellness center close to Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2026.IV Total of 70 apartments

Baccarat Hotel & Residences — luxury services apartments and penthouses by H&H Development in the heart of Downtown Dubai for From $5,877,000 From $5,877,000
Baccarat Hotel & Residences — luxury services apartments and penthouses by H&H Development in the heart of Downtown Dubai

Completion in: 2026.II Total of 342 apartments

The St Regis Residences — new high-rise residence by Emaar with a conference room and infinity pools in Downtown Dubai for From $5,621,000 From $5,621,000
The St Regis Residences — new high-rise residence by Emaar with a conference room and infinity pools in Downtown Dubai

Completion in: 2025.IV Total of 232 apartments

2-bedrooms apartment in Downtown Dubai, UAE for $1,250,000 $1,250,000
2-bedrooms apartment in Downtown Dubai, UAE

2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms

First-class residential complex One Residence with excellent infrastructure in Downtown Dubai, UAE for From $415,000 From $415,000
First-class residential complex One Residence with excellent infrastructure in Downtown Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2027.II Total of 300 apartments

Apartment in the new residence Society House with a golf simulator, swimming pool and offices in the heart of Downtown Dubai, UAE for $681,000 $681,000
Apartment in the new residence Society House with a golf simulator, swimming pool and offices in the heart of Downtown Dubai, UAE

Total area 61 m² 1 bedroom

Luxury Downtown Residence with swimming pools in the heart of the city, Downtown Dubai, UAE for From $521,000 From $521,000
Luxury Downtown Residence with swimming pools in the heart of the city, Downtown Dubai, UAE

Total of 400 apartments

Business Bay: the Business District

Business Bay
Viktor Pazemin / Shutterstock

This area of Dubai is one of the major financial centres in the Middle East. It is located on the bank of the Dubai Canal, between the Downtown and Jumeirah areas. Most of the area's development is reserved for office and retail space. Nevertheless, there are also many residential complexes located in Business Bay.

Typically, young professionals and bachelors, office workers and entrepreneurs settle in Business Bay. Almost 18 thousand companies are registered in the region. However, there are very few parks and playgrounds here.

Business Bay has its own metro station, and many bus routes pass through the area. As well as from Downtown, from Business Bay it is easy to get to other centres of economic activity: the DIFC free economic zone and the Dubai Internet City technology park.

Occasionally young families also choose Business Bay. For them, this area is more attractive than Downtown because there are more kindergartens and primary schools here. While there are no schools for older children in the district itself, the neighbouring areas have many preparatory and secondary schools, including prestigious international schools like GEMS and Safa British School.

In 2022, the average cost of real estate in Business Bay is 3,967 US dollars per square metre.

Apartments for sale in Business Bay 82 listings on Tranio
Apartments in the new Regent Residences Dubai Sankari Place with swimming pools, spa and 5-star service in the Business Bay area, Dubai for From $10,620,000 From $10,620,000
Apartments in the new Regent Residences Dubai Sankari Place with swimming pools, spa and 5-star service in the Business Bay area, Dubai

Completion in: 2027.IV Total of 63 apartments

Apartments in the new high-rise residence Bayz 102 with pools, parks and a tennis court next to Burj Khalifa, the Business Bay area, Dubai for From $625,000 From $625,000
Apartments in the new high-rise residence Bayz 102 with pools, parks and a tennis court next to Burj Khalifa, the Business Bay area, Dubai

Completion in: 2028.IV Total of 1310 apartments

Apartments in the new residential complex Onda with a good range of amenities in the area of ​​Business Bay, Dubai, UAE for From $437,000 From $437,000
Apartments in the new residential complex Onda with a good range of amenities in the area of ​​Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2027.III Total of 348 apartments

New residential complex Skyrise with a beach, swimming pool and a golf course close to Burj Khalifa, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE for From $357,000 From $357,000
New residential complex Skyrise with a beach, swimming pool and a golf course close to Burj Khalifa, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2026.IV Total of 1400 apartments

New residence Eywa with swimming pools, lounge areas and waterfalls on the bank of the canal, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE for From $3,130,000 From $3,130,000
New residence Eywa with swimming pools, lounge areas and waterfalls on the bank of the canal, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2026.II Total of 48 apartments

Ahad Residences — high-rise residence by Ahad Group close to a beach and a metro station in the center of Business Bay, Dubai for From $889,000 From $889,000
Ahad Residences — high-rise residence by Ahad Group close to a beach and a metro station in the center of Business Bay, Dubai

Built in 2023 Total of 346 apartments

Canal Crown — residential complex by DAMAC with swimming pools, aqua fitness equipment and observation deck in Business Bay, Dubai for From $950,000 From $950,000
Canal Crown — residential complex by DAMAC with swimming pools, aqua fitness equipment and observation deck in Business Bay, Dubai

Completion in: 2027.II Total of 311 apartments

The Opus — service apartments in hotel by Omniyat for getting residence visa and rental income in Business Bay, Dubai for From $1,182,000 From $1,182,000
The Opus — service apartments in hotel by Omniyat for getting residence visa and rental income in Business Bay, Dubai

Completion in: 2025.I Total of 101 apartments

Dubai Marina: a Comfortable Life in the Centre

Dubai Marina
IR Stone / Shutterstock

Dubai Marina is a coastal area near a man-made bay, next to the Palm Jumeirah. This district is built up with skyscrapers, which form a recognisable silhouette of the city. Among them are the Cayan Tower, twisted by 90 degrees, and the Princess Tower.

Dubai Marina is home to a variety of residential and commercial buildings, as well as the Marina Mall and the Marina Walk — a scenic 7-kilometre-long promenade. The beach is within walking distance. There are two metro stations, bus and tram routes in the area.

This prestigious district is very convenient for living: there are supermarkets, local grocery stores, gyms, beauty salons, clinics, kindergartens — all within walking distance from any residential building.

The disadvantages of the area include the lack of schools, heavy traffic during rush hour and high noise levels. The housing prices are quite high as well. The average price per square metre in Dubai Marina is 3,748 US dollars. The median price for a one-bedroom apartment is 340,321 US dollars.

Apartments for sale in Dubai Marina 39 listings on Tranio
Apartments in the new Marina Cove residence with a swimming pool 2 minutes from the waterfront in Dubai Marina area, Dubai for From $1,246,000 From $1,246,000
Apartments in the new Marina Cove residence with a swimming pool 2 minutes from the waterfront in Dubai Marina area, Dubai

Completion in: 2029.IV Total of 226 apartments

Apartments in Frank Mueller Vanguard residence with a pool, and co-working space near the beaches and golf club, Dubai Marina are, Dubai for From $481,000 From $481,000
Apartments in Frank Mueller Vanguard residence with a pool, and co-working space near the beaches and golf club, Dubai Marina are, Dubai

Completion in: 2027.III Total of 722 apartments

Apartments in the new Pelagos residence with a swimming pool and a private beach near the Palm Jumeirah in the Dubai Marina area, Dubai for From $922,000 From $922,000
Apartments in the new Pelagos residence with a swimming pool and a private beach near the Palm Jumeirah in the Dubai Marina area, Dubai

Completion in: 2026.I Total of 288 apartments

High-rise residential complex with designer finishes by Swiss brand Franck Muller, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE for From $2,219,000 From $2,219,000
High-rise residential complex with designer finishes by Swiss brand Franck Muller, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2027.II Total of 649 apartments

New waterfront residence Liv Waterside with swimming pools and a spa center, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE for From $3,186,000 From $3,186,000
New waterfront residence Liv Waterside with swimming pools and a spa center, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2025.IV Total of 155 apartments

Marina Arcade Tower — modern high-rise residence by Mada'in Properties with swimming pools and concierge service in the prestigious area of Dubai Marina for From $1,651,000 From $1,651,000
Marina Arcade Tower — modern high-rise residence by Mada'in Properties with swimming pools and concierge service in the prestigious area of Dubai Marina

Total of 285 apartments

Modern apartment overlooking the marina, Dubai, UAE for $588,000 $588,000
Modern apartment overlooking the marina, Dubai, UAE

Total area 121 m² 2 bedrooms

Apartment in Frank Mueller Vanguard Residence with swimming pool and recreation areas near beaches and golf club, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE for $338,000 $338,000
Apartment in Frank Mueller Vanguard Residence with swimming pool and recreation areas near beaches and golf club, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE

Total area 40 m² Studio

Jumeirah: the Elite Coastline and Islands

Jumeirah
PureSolution / Shutterstock

Jumeirah is a coastal region best known for its artificial island of Palm Jumeirah. Hotels and private villas occupy most of the island. The famous Atlantis Hotel and a large water park are located here. However, there are few grocery stores and restaurants outside the hotels on the island; there is also no public transport other than a monorail connecting the island to the mainland.

Life in the main part of the Jumeirah region looks completely different. The prevalent buildings of the district’s continental part are low-rise villas. Families often choose to settle here. Jumeirah has a well-developed residential infrastructure with many supermarkets, schools and clinics. Large green parks are located in this area: Safa Park and Jumeirah Beach Park. In close proximity is the Persian Gulf coast with its city beaches and water sports opportunities.

The easiest way to get around the district is by taxi or your own car. The nearest metro station is far from the coast, near Sheikh Zayed Road.

Jumeirah is considered an elite area and real estate prices reflect that. The average price per square metre here is 8,912 US dollars. It should be noted that the average cost of housing is so high due to the extremely expensive high-end villas on the coastline. The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in Jumeirah is 191,668 US dollars.

Part of Jumeirah is classified as a freehold zone. Therefore, there are certain locations where foreigners can buy housing in this district, such as Jumeirah Heights and Jumeirah Lake Towers.

Villas for sale in Palm Jumeirah 3 listings on Tranio
Elite villa with a pool and direct access to the beach, Dubai, UAE for $23,796,000 $23,796,000
Elite villa with a pool and direct access to the beach, Dubai, UAE

Total area 1,245 m² 5 bedrooms

Exclusive villa with a pool and direct access to the beach, Dubai, UAE for $3,024,000 $3,024,000
Exclusive villa with a pool and direct access to the beach, Dubai, UAE

Total area 314 m² 5 bedrooms

Exclusive villa with a pool and sea views, Dubai, UAE for $2,940,000 $2,940,000
Exclusive villa with a pool and sea views, Dubai, UAE

Total area 465 m² 4 bedrooms

MBR City: “a City Within a City” on the Lagoon

MBR City
Phoenixproduction / Shutterstock

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City (also known as MBR City) is named after the current Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. It is a 12–15 minute drive from Downtown.

MBR City is an ambitious city-within-a-city project that has everything you need for a comfortable living. Several large green parks, a shopping mall, an amusement park, a golf club, and a racing club are located here. There are also two international British schools in the district.

MBR City has a relatively low building density for Dubai and so it has enough space left for parks, gardens and courtyards, which is rare in Dubai. In the centre of the district there is a man-made lagoon with a 14-kilometre-long embankment, with jogging and cycling paths.

Many buildings in MBR City are still under construction, so it can be difficult to move into a finished apartment quickly. There is no metro line in the area yet, but there are bus routes. MBR city is located close to the main streets of Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Highway.

MBR City is one of the largest freehold zones in Dubai, which means real estate is available for purchase by foreigners.

Villas for sale in MBR City 9 listings on Tranio
The Sanctuary — gated premium residence by Ellington in MBR City, Dubai for From $7,870,000 From $7,870,000
The Sanctuary — gated premium residence by Ellington in MBR City, Dubai

Completion in: 2026.II 17 units in total

New exclusive complex of villas Watercrest with swimming pools and gardens, Meydan, Dubai, UAE for From $3,404,000 From $3,404,000
New exclusive complex of villas Watercrest with swimming pools and gardens, Meydan, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2027.IV 52 units in total

New complex of furnished villas Mira Villas by Bentley Home with a lagoon, Meydan, Dubai, UAE for From $6,778,000 From $6,778,000
New complex of furnished villas Mira Villas by Bentley Home with a lagoon, Meydan, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2026.I 36 units in total

New complex of townhouses Watercrest with swimming pools, Meydan, Dubai, UAE for From $2,206,000 From $2,206,000
New complex of townhouses Watercrest with swimming pools, Meydan, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2027.IV 84 units in total

New gated complex of villas Wadi Villas by Arista with swimming pools and a co-working area, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, UAE for From $3,821,000 From $3,821,000
New gated complex of villas Wadi Villas by Arista with swimming pools and a co-working area, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2026.IV 30 units in total

Keturah Reserve — large residence by MAG with swimming pools, gardens and a business center in Meydan, Dubai for From $1,243,000 From $1,243,000
Keturah Reserve — large residence by MAG with swimming pools, gardens and a business center in Meydan, Dubai

Completion in: 2026.IV 660 units in total

Hartland II Villas — gated complex of villas by Sobha with an international school and green areas in Sobha Hartland, Dubai for From $16,510,000 From $16,510,000
Hartland II Villas — gated complex of villas by Sobha with an international school and green areas in Sobha Hartland, Dubai

Completion in: 2025.IV 50 units in total

New gated residence Nad al Sheba Gardens with a lagoon and a swimming pool close to highways, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, UAE for From $6,314,000 From $6,314,000
New gated residence Nad al Sheba Gardens with a lagoon and a swimming pool close to highways, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2027.I 188 units in total

Dubai Creek Harbour: a New Symbol of the City

Dubai Creek Harbour
Aleksandra Tokarz / Shutterstock

On the bank of the Dubai Creek there is another massive project: a 550-hectare area called Dubai Creek Harbour.

The developers of the district have tried to arrange a very comfortable life for both singles and families with children. There are numerous parks and gardens, swimming pools, gyms, playgrounds, nurseries and kindergartens in the area. The prevalent development here consists of modern skyscrapers. 

It takes 10–15 minutes to reach Downtown from Dubai Creek Harbour by car.

The symbol of the area is the white Dubai Creek Tower, which is inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It was supposed to be completed in 2022, but due to the COVID–19 pandemic, its construction was temporarily put on hold. A shopping mall larger than the Dubai Mall, hotels, restaurants and a marina with a yacht club will be built near the Tower in the future.

The builders of the Tower see it as a new symbol of the city and compare it to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Foreigners are allowed to buy residential property in Dubai Creek Harbour.

Apartments for sale in Dubai Creek Harbour 18 listings on Tranio
New apartments in a prestigious residential complex Creek Rise Towers on an island in Dubai Creek Harbour, UAE for From $592,000 From $592,000
New apartments in a prestigious residential complex Creek Rise Towers on an island in Dubai Creek Harbour, UAE

Built in 2022 Total of 240 apartments

High-rise residential complex Albero with first-class infrastructure in the Dubai Creek Harbor area, UAE for From $493,000 From $493,000
High-rise residential complex Albero with first-class infrastructure in the Dubai Creek Harbor area, UAE

Completion in: 2029.III Total of 479 apartments

New residential complex Albero near the sea in Dubai Creek Harbor area, UAE for From $1,893,000 From $1,893,000
New residential complex Albero near the sea in Dubai Creek Harbor area, UAE

Completion in: 2029.III 479 units in total

New apartments in Silva high-rise complex, Dubai Creek Harbour area, UAE for From $487,000 From $487,000
New apartments in Silva high-rise complex, Dubai Creek Harbour area, UAE

Completion in: 2029.III Total of 434 apartments

Modern townhouses in the new complex Silva, Dubai Creek Harbour, UAE for From $1,718,000 From $1,718,000
Modern townhouses in the new complex Silva, Dubai Creek Harbour, UAE

Completion in: 2029.III 11 units in total

Two-bedroom apartment in new beachfront EMAAR Creek Edge Residence with swimming pools and a spa center, Dubai Creek Harbour, UAE for $653,000 $653,000
Two-bedroom apartment in new beachfront EMAAR Creek Edge Residence with swimming pools and a spa center, Dubai Creek Harbour, UAE

Total area 99 m² 2 bedrooms

Modern apartments in a residence with swimming pools Creek Rise Towers, Dubai Creek Harbour area, UAE for $381,000 $381,000
Modern apartments in a residence with swimming pools Creek Rise Towers, Dubai Creek Harbour area, UAE

Total area 153 m² 3 bedrooms

Spacious apartments in a beachfront residence Vida Residences Creek with restaurants, a pool and a spa, Creek Harbour, Dubai, UAE for $601,000 $601,000
Spacious apartments in a beachfront residence Vida Residences Creek with restaurants, a pool and a spa, Creek Harbour, Dubai, UAE

Total area 112 m²

Deira: a Historic District

Deira
Kateryna Galkina / Shutterstock

Deira is located in the east of Dubai, next to the neighbouring city of Sharjah. Previously, before the start of large-scale construction in Dubai, Deira was the business centre of the city.

There are a lot of historical sights in Deira, for example, the Heritage House — one of the oldest buildings in the UAE, which was built in 1890. There are also many traditional oriental bazaars in the area.

Families with children most often settle in this district, so there are many clinics, kindergartens and schools in Deira. There are three metro stations here as well, and at one of them the Red and Green metro lines intersect.

Deira is considered one of the areas with the most affordable prices for living. However, this district does not classify as a freehold zone, so foreigners cannot buy housing here.

Apartments for sale in Deira 5 listings on Tranio
Apartments in the new Park Meadows residence with a swimming pool and parks in the heart of Dubailand area, Dubai for From $222,000 From $222,000
Apartments in the new Park Meadows residence with a swimming pool and parks in the heart of Dubailand area, Dubai

Completion in: 2028.I Total of 205 apartments

New high-rise Rixos Residence with swimming pools, a wellness center and a conference room 2 minutes away from Burj Khalifa, Deira, Dubai for From $980,000 From $980,000
New high-rise Rixos Residence with swimming pools, a wellness center and a conference room 2 minutes away from Burj Khalifa, Deira, Dubai

Completion in: 2027.II Total of 260 apartments

Luxury residential complex Rixos Residences in Deira area, Dubai, UAE for From $652,000 From $652,000
Luxury residential complex Rixos Residences in Deira area, Dubai, UAE

Completion in: 2025.I Total of 111 apartments

Gated complex of townhouses Cherrywoods with a swimming pool, schools and restaurants, Dubailand, Dubai, UAE for From $457,000 From $457,000
Gated complex of townhouses Cherrywoods with a swimming pool, schools and restaurants, Dubailand, Dubai, UAE

Built in 2021 Total of 900 apartments

Furnished | Brand New Modern | Payment Plan for $183,000 $183,000
Furnished | Brand New Modern | Payment Plan

Total area 30.47 m² 1 bathroom

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