Dubai is the second largest of the 7 Emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, having an area of 4,114 square kilometres, yet having a population density of 762.6 per square kilometre. This makes it the most populated of all the Emirates of the UAE, having a population of 3.05 million in 2024, with the Indian population accounting for around 51 per cent of the total population!
Every year, an increasing number of Indians are moving to Dubai to take up employment and to 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
The growing population implies an increase in the number of required housing solutions. Let us take a look at some of the different areas in Dubai you can stay in and the availability of facilities that you look for as an Indian in Dubai.
Different areas in Dubai Indians can stay in
Name of area | USP of the area | Facilities available | Price range | Rent range (Annual rent) | Trivia about this area |
Mirdif | - 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 - Several shopping malls | AED 500,000 – AED 4 million | AED 12,000 – AED 120,000 | - Good option for Indian families not looking to spend too much |
Downtown Dubai | - One of Dubai’s most sought-after and upscale residential areas | Numerous malls, including the Dubai Mall, the second-largest mall in the world | AED 650,000 – AED 125 million | AED 50,000 – AED 2.45 million | - Very noisy as this is a tourist area and it lacks green coverage - Wealthy Indians buy property here as a status symbol and rent out to earn rental income. A number of Indians have bought flats in the flashiest symbol of Dubai – The Burj Khalifa, located in Downtown Dubai. |
Dubai Media City | - The area has a number of apartments providing good residential facilities along with offices for media houses, news agencies, publishing agencies and advertising and broadcasting companies. This is a preferred location for you if you work in these industries. | - Schools, parks, malls and shopping centres are available here | AED 1.8 million – AED 69 million | AED 145,000 – 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 |
Dubai Marina | - This is a popular destination for families to stay. A large number of people who work in Dubai Media City stay in Dubai Marina. This is a beautiful locality with the most amazing views of the sea. | - A lot of commercial properties are also available in this area | AED 450,000 – AED 75 million | AED 35,000 – AED 3.3 million | - You will find ultra-modern high-rise buildings with the most apartments having wonderful views of the sea |
Arabian Ranches | - The Arabian Ranches is a great choice for Indian families who are looking for a peaceful life away from the noise and state of perpetually being busy in 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 135,000 – AED 1.7 million | - This is the greenest area in Dubai - On the flip side, it is located in an area that is far from the seashore, and the nearest beach is a minimum 20-minute drive away |
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, and Gallery Villas | - Recreational, leisure and retail facilities are available | AED 750,000 – AED 35 million | AED 25,000 – AED 150,000 | - 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. |
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 450,000 – AED 25 million | AED 30,000 – AED 1 million | - The Dubai Autodrome, a 5.39 km F1-approved racing venue, is located here. This is the first of many attractions that Dubailand will offer. |
Al Barsha | - Affordable housing and residences are available here | - Malls, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and shops are located here | AED 750,000 – AED 2 million | AED 24,000 – AED 90,000 | - Working professionals may choose to stay here as this area is well connected to the 2 major roads of Dubai: E11 - Sheikh Zayed Road and E311 - Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road |
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 750,000 – AED 6.2 million | AED 15,000 – AED 700,000 | - This is the area of Dubai with the most Asian feel - It is a noisy and vibrant area, so may not suit those who prefer more tranquil surroundings - Deira is one of the oldest districts in Dubai |
Dubai International City | - It is a budget residential project popular among Indian expats in Dubai | - It has a thriving business community | AED 650,000 – AED 5 million | AED 12,000 - AED 100,000 | - The architecture draws inspiration from countries and cultures as diverse as China, England, France, Persia, Greece, Spain, Morocco, Italy, and is divided into districts accordingly |
Bur Dubai | - Great housing facilities are available here at reasonable rates | - Several historic buildings such as mosques and museums are located here - Notable ones include the Grand Mosque, the Iranian Mosque and the Al Bastakiya historic area. | AED 950,000 – AED 35 million | AED 30,000 – AED 150,000 | - This is a historic district in Dubai - The only Hindu temple in Dubai – Shiva and Krishna Mandir - is located here |
Other places to live in Dubai
Some high-end luxury options include:
- Palm Jumeirah
- Emirates Hills
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Al Sufouh
Other popular locations for taking up residence in Dubai are:
- Sheikh Zayed Road, also known as E 11 Road
- Jumeirah Islands
- Dubai Investment Park
- Al Furjan
- Business Bay
Conclusion
As you see, Dubai has a wide variety of housing and rental accommodations suited to different requirements and for different, diverse budgets. You can choose where you would like to stay by matching your requirements with what is on offer.
