Dubai is the second largest, by area, of the 7 emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates. It has an area of 4,114 square kilometres and has a population density of 762.6 per square kilometer. This makes it the most populated of all the emirates of the United Arab Emirates, having a population of 3.05 million in 2024 with the Indian population accounting for around 51 per cent of the total population!
This growing number of Indians indicates an increase in the number of required housing solutions. Let us take a look at this from the angle of different areas in Dubai you can stay in and the availability of facilities that you look for as an Indian in Dubai.
Factors behind Indians choosing Dubai for living
Every year, an increasing number of Indians move to Dubai to take up employment and reside there, attracted by the following factors:
- Attractive salaries
- No income tax
- Better standards of living
- Luxury and ultra-modern living options
- The unique culture and local traditions
- World-class Infrastructure facilities
Factors Indians consider when choosing where to live in Dubai:
Indians typically consider factors including the size of the Indian community, proximity to Indian restaurants and stores, access to affordable housing, good quality schools, convenient transportation links, and the overall vibe of the neighborhood, with areas like Bur Dubai and Karama often being popular choices due to their strong Indian presence and familiar amenities.
Specific key factors:
- Indian community size
- Accessibility to Indian stores and restaurants
- Affordability
- Education options
- Transportation connectivity
- Neighbourhood vibe
Understand the importance of an NRI Will in UAE to protect your assets and family’s future.
Favoured areas of Dubai Indians can stay in, with details:
The table below lists down the different areas that have significant Indian population.
S No. | Name of area | USPs of the area | Facilities available | Price range | Rent range (annual rent) | Trivia about The area |
1 | Mirdif | It’s one of the most affordable places to live in Dubai.
The cosmopolitan nature of the population. | Schools and nurseries.
Public park with sports facilities and play equipment.
A lot of shopping malls. | AED 500000 – AED 4 million | AED 12000 – AED 120000 | It’s a good option for Indian families not looking to spend too much. |
2 | Downtown Dubai | It’s one of Dubai’s most sought-after, upscale residential areas. | There are lots of malls, including The Dubai Mall, the second-largest mall in the world. | AED 650000 – AED 125 million | AED 50000 – AED 2.45 million | It’s very noisy as it is a tourist area and lacks green coverage.
Wealthy Indians buy property here as a status symbol and rent it out to earn. A number of Indians have bought quite a few flats in the flashiest status symbol in Dubai – The Burj Khalifa, located in Downtown Dubai. |
3 | Dubai Media City | This area has a number of apartments providing good residential facilities along with offices for media houses, news agencies, publishing agencies and advertisement and broadcasting companies. This is a preferred location for you if you work in the industry. | Schools, parks, malls and shopping centres are available here. | AED 1.8 million – AED 69 million | AED 145000 – AED 1.2 million | This area has developed into a hub for all kinds of companies engaged in the media industry in the GCC region and the Middle East. |
4 | Dubai Marina | This is a popular destination for families. A large number of people who work in Dubai Media City stay in the Dubai Marina. It is a beautiful locality with the most amazing views of the sea. | Several commercial properties are also available in the area. | AED 450000 – AED 75 million | AED 35000 – AED 3.3 million | You can find ultra-modern high-rise buildings with the most individual apartments, having wonderful views of the sea. |
5 | Arabian Ranches | The Arabian Ranches are a great choice for Indian families who are looking for a peaceful life away from the noise and state of perpetually being busy in the cities of Dubai. It is a community of villas set among gardens and pools. | The area has outdoor play areas with facilities for sports, parks, green lawns, pools and 3 lakes.
Shopping centres are located in the area.
Good schools are available. | AED 2 million – AED 50 million | AED 135000 – AED 1.7 million | This is the greenest area in Dubai.
On the flip side, it’s located in an area that is far from the seashore, and the nearest beach is a minimum 20-minute drive away. |
6 | Dubai Sports City | There are three distinct residential districts inside Dubai Sports City with options for staying in villas, townhouses, apartments and mid-rise apartment buildings: Victory Heights Canal Residence Gallery Villas | Recreational, leisure and retail facilities are available. | AED 750000 – AED 35 million | AED 25000 – AED 150000 | This area has been built with 5 major sports venues in the centre. The Dubai International Stadium, Football Academy, ICC Academy, The E1s Club and Sports Park are located here. |
7 | Dubai Motor City | This area lies between Arabian Ranches and Dubai Sports City and has a mix of low-rise residential buildings and other higher-end options.
It has two localities within it: UpTown Motor City and Green Community Motor City | Schools, parks and recreational areas are available | AED 450000 – AED 25 million | AED 30000 – AED 1 million | The Dubai Autodrome, a 5.39 km F1-approved racing venue, is located here. It is the first of many attractions that Dubailand will offer that has opened. |
8 | Al Barsha | Affordable housing and residences are available here | Malls, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and shops are located here. | AED 750000 – AED 2 million | AED 24000 – AED 90000 | Working professionals may choose to stay here as this area is well connected and close to the 2 major roads of Dubai: E11 - Sheikh Zayed Road and E311 - Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road. |
9 | Deira | It is one of the oldest and most popular neighbourhoods in Dubai.
A very popular area to reside in for Indians. | Shopping malls are located here.
Dubai Airport is located in Deira.
This area is serviced by both the overhead and underground metros. | AED 750000 – AED 6.2 million | AED 15000 – AED 700000 | This area of Dubai has the most Asian feel to it.
It is a noisy and vibrant area, those looking for tranquillity should think twice before considering it.
It’s one of the oldest districts in Dubai. |
10 | Dubai International City | It is a budget residential project popular among Indian expats in Dubai. | It has businesses. | AED 650000 – AED 5 million | AED 12000 - AED 100000 | The architecture is themed in accordance with countries including China, England, France, Persia, Greece, Russia, Spain, Morocco, Italy, and the Emirates and is divided into districts accordingly. |
11 | Bur Dubai | Many great housing facilities are available here at reasonable rates. | Several historic buildings are located here.
There are mosques and museums here. Notable buildings include the Grand Mosque, the Iranian Mosque and the Al Bastakiya historic area. | AED 950000 – AED 35 million | AED 30000 – AED 150000 | This is a historic district in Dubai.
The only Hindu temple in Dubai – Shiva and Krishna Mandir – is located here. |
Apart from the options mentioned in the table, there are other areas too which you can consider living.
High-end luxury options include:
- Palm Jumeirah
- Emirates Hills
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Al Sufouh
Other popular locations for taking up residence in Dubai are as follows:
- Sheikh Zayed Road, also known as E 11 Road
- Jumeirah Islands
- Dubai Investment Park
- Al Furjan
- Business Day
The top 10 most Indian populated areas are Bur Dubai, Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif, Al Furjan, The Springs, Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah Lake Towers.
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Conclusion
As you see, Dubai has housing and rental accommodations suited to different requirements and for different and diverse budgets. Choose where you would like to stay by matching your requirements with what’s on offer.
