Guide to the Most In-Demand Communities of Dubai

Dubai has some of the best residential communities worldwide, making it a global hotspot for luxurious living. With countless options available, every lifestyle, need and preference is well-catered to. From modern apartments to spacious townhouses, villas and even mansions, Dubai offers many choices. Let’s explore the seven most in-demand communities in Dubai. 

• Dubai Marina
• Arabian Ranches
• Dubai Creek Harbour
• Downtown Dubai
• DAMAC Hills
• Palm Jumeirah
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
• FAQs

Top In-Demand Communities in Dubai

Dubai offers a wide range of living options, catering to every preference and lifestyle. From the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, known for its luxury and stunning views, to the energetic and modern Downtown Dubai, there is something for everyone. That said, the best community in Dubai depends solely on what you prefer. 

If you are planning a move, explore our top picks for the most in-demand communities in Dubai.

1. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina tops our list of the most in-demand communities in Dubai every time. This high-rise district has over 150 residential towers, including the iconic Princess Tower and other premium developments like the Dubai Marina Promenade.

Property Types

Residents enjoy a range of apartments for rent and sale, with options varying in size, price and amenities to suit diverse needs. For instance:

• Apartments: Studio to 5-bed
• Penthouses: 3 to 5-bed
• Duplexes: 1 to 4-bed

Location

Prices

Nearby Attractions

• Skydive Dubai: 6 minutes away 
• Ibn Battuta Mall: 11 minutes away 
• Topgolf Dubai: 13 minutes away 
• Mall of the Emirates: 13 minutes away 

Educational Institutions (In and Nearby)

• Blossom Marina Nursery – 7 minutes away
• Raffles Early Childhood Centre – 6 minutes away
• Willow Children’s Nursery – 6 minutes away

Nearby Communities

• Jumeirah Beach Residence: 5 minutes away
• Jumeirah Lake Towers: 10 minutes away
• Palm Jumeirah: 14 mniutes away
• Al Barsha: 20 minutes away

2. Arabian Ranches

Arabian Ranches, developed by Emaar Properties, is one of the best-gated communities in Dubai, located in Wadi Al Safa 7 along Sheikh Zayed Road. It is well-connected to Dubai’s major destinations, making it a top choice for families and professionals. 

Spanning over 6.5 million square metres, Arabian Ranches offers a peaceful, desert-themed lifestyle. Arabian Ranches has also been extended into neighbourhoods named Arabian Ranches 2 and 3, offering a luxury lifestyle and spacious villas for sale and rent. 

Property Types

The community is divided into 15 sub-communities and has over 4,000 properties, including villas, townhouses and mansions. Residents enjoy wide-open spaces, walking and cycling trails and private backyards.

• Villas come in various styles, such as Spanish and Arabic designs, with sizes ranging from 2 to 7 bedrooms. 

Amenities

• Sports enthusiasts can use the Arabian Ranches Golf Course and the nearby Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. 
• The community also features retail stores, a mall and multiple dining and entertainment options.

Location

Prices

Nearby Attractions

• IMG Worlds of Adventure – 11 minutes away
• Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club – 12 minutes away
• Global Village – 13 minutes away
• Dubai Autodrome – 19 minutes away

Educational Institutions (In and Nearby)

• Jumeirah English Speaking School – 3 minutes away
• Ranches Primary School – 12 minutes away
• Ranches Nursery – 12 minutes away
• Blossom Arabian Ranches Nursery – 13 minutes away
• Raffles Early Childhood Centre – 6 minutes away

Nearby Communities

• Dubai Studio City: 11 minutes away
• Motor City: 14 minutes away
• Dubai Sports City: 15 minutes away
• Al Barsha: 17 minutes away

3. Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai Creek Harbour is a new and exciting area in Dubai, twice the size of Downtown Dubai. Launched in 2006, the community is divided into nine districts, including popular projects like The Cove, Orchid, Harbour Views and Creek Gate.

Property Types

The Island District, nearly complete, is designed to accommodate over 200,000 residents and offers various living options, all boasting stunning views of the beach and city skyline. These include:

• Apartments: 1 to 4 bedrooms
• Townhouses: 3 to 4 bedrooms.

Amenities

• A key highlight is the Dubai Creek Tower, set to be the world’s tallest building, even taller than the Burj Khalifa. 
• This area is ideal for families, offering a wide range of amenities such as kids’ play areas, swimming pools, gardens, a daycare centre, supermarkets and a promenade for shopping and dining. 
• Its proximity to Business Bay also makes it an excellent choice for professionals.

Location

Prices

Nearby Attractions

• Creek Island Central Park – 10 minutes away
• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary– 10 minutes away
• Dubai Festival City – 12 minutes away
• Museum of the Future– 14 minutes away

Educational Institutions (Nearby)

• Blue Bird Nursery – 13 minutes away

• Heartland School (Foundation, Primary, and Secondary levels) – 14 minutes away
• Kings School, Nad Al Sheba (Foundation and Primary levels) – 16 minutes away
• Repton School, Nad Al Sheba (ages 3 to 18, day students and boarders) – 17 minutes away

Nearby Communities

• Business Bay: 10 minutes away
• Dubai Festival City: 11 minutes away
• Downtown Dubai: 14 minutes away
• Mirdif: 18 minutes away

4. Downtown Dubai

The Downtown Dubai community is full of energy, with tall skyscrapers, exciting attractions and a lively atmosphere. It is located between Dubai’s historic places, like Bur Dubai and Deira and newer neighbourhoods, such as Dubai Marina and Dubai Hills Estate.

Property Types

Downtown Dubai offers luxurious apartments, from cosy studios to spacious multi-bedroom units. These homes have top-notch amenities, including swimming pools, gyms and concierge services, providing a comfortable and modern city lifestyle.

• Apartments: Studio to 5-bed
• Villas: 3 to 6-bed
• Townhouses: 3 to 5-bed
• Duplexes: 3-bed

Accessibility

Downtown Dubai is close to major business hubs like DIFC and Business Bay, making it perfect for working professionals with just a 10-minute commute. 

Amenities and Things to Do

• Residents enjoy wide marble sidewalks with stunning sculptures and a 272-metre boardwalk near the Dubai Fountain, ideal for runners and cyclists.
• The community is also home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. For example, the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
• The mall features over 1,200 shops, restaurants and attractions, such as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. 

Location

Prices

Nearby Attractions

• Dubai Dino – 9 minutes away
• OliOli – Must-Visit Children’s Play Museum – 11 minutes away
• The Green Planet – 13 minutes away
• Dubai Frame – 13 minutes away

Educational Institutions (In and Nearby)

• Blossom Downtown Nursery Dubai – 6 minutes away
• Jumeirah English Speaking School – 11 minutes away
• Jumeirah International Nurseries – 12 minutes away
• Horizon English School Dubai – 15 minutes away

Nearby Communities

• Business Bay: 8 minutes away
• Bur Dubai: 11 minutes away
• Dubai Creek Harbour: 16 minutes away
• Deira: 19 minutes away

5. DAMAC Hills

DAMAC Hills is one of Dubai’s top residential communities, perfect for families looking for a premium lifestyle. Spanning 3.9 million square metres, this flagship development is by DAMAC Properties. It is located in Dubailand and features the renowned Trump International Golf Club.

The community also offers stunning views of DAMAC Lagoons and 371,000 square metres of parks, making it a green and peaceful place to live.

Property Types

The property options are diverse, ranging from:

• Apartments: Studio to 3-bed
• Villas: 2 to 6-bed

Amenities

• DAMAC Hills is also home to Akoya Drive, a vibrant area with top restaurants, entertainment spots and essential amenities. 
• Residents enjoy facilities such as swimming pools, football pitches, basketball and badminton courts, a spa, a wellness centre and even a skating park. 
• These features make DAMAC Hills a standout choice for families, golf enthusiasts and those who want a serene lifestyle.

Location

Prices

Nearby Attractions

• Miracle Garden: 15-minute drive
• Dubai Butterfly Garden: 17 minutes drive
• Dubai Autodrome: 18 minutes drive
• Ski Dubai: 29 minutes drive

Educational Institutions (In and Nearby)

• Blossom Damac Hills – 2 minutes away
•  Dibber Damac Hills Mudon Nursery – 10 minutes away
• Ranches Primary School – 10 minutes away
• Jebel Ali School – 11 minutes away

Nearby Communities

• Dubai Sports City: 10 minutes away
• Dubai Studio City: 12 minutes away
• Dubai Motor City: 13 minutes away
• Arabian Ranches: 16 minutes away

6. Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is a remarkable artificial island and a symbol of luxury living in Dubai. Known for its iconic shape, it offers residents a unique lifestyle surrounded by stunning waterfront views and world-class amenities.

Property Types

The crescent is home to a variety of properties, including high-end apartments, spacious villas and luxury hotels, catering to both families and individuals. For instance:

• Apartments: Studio to 1-bed
• Villas: 1 to 7-bed
• Townhouses: 2 to 3-bed
• Duplexes: 3-bed

Amenities

• Its thoughtful design ensures easy access to essentials like supermarkets, nurseries, hospitals and restaurants, creating a self-sufficient community. 
• With its proximity to Dubai Marina and Media City, Palm Jumeirah is also a convenient location for professionals.

Location

Prices

Nearby Attractions

• The Palm Atlantis – 11 minutes away
• Atlas Village – 13 minutes away
• Dubai Marina – 14 minutes away
• Downtown Dubai – 17 minutes away

Educational Institutions

• Blossom Palm Jumeirah Nursery – 4 minutes away
• GEMS Wellington International School – 10 minutes away
• Redwood Montessori Nursery – 13 minutes away
• Bright Riders School Dubai – 15 minutes away

Nearby Communities

• Al Sufouh: 7 minutes away
• Jumeirah Lake Towers: 10 minutes away
• Dubai Marina: 11 minutes away
• JBR: 15 minutes away

7. Jumeirah Lake Towers

Last but not least, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is worth mentioning on our list of the top residential communities in Dubai. JLT is popularly known for its gorgeous man-made lakes connecting the stunning high-rise buildings. It is on Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Heights.

Property Types

The community is divided into 26 clusters, each named after a letter of the English alphabet. Three buildings in each cluster offer a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The residential units comprise:

• Apartments: Studio to 4-bed
• Penthouses: 4 to 5-bed

Amenities

• JLT is a vibrant area with plenty of leisure facilities and recreational spots, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Dubai. 
• Moreover, residents enjoy a well-connected network of walkways and access to public transportation, making it easy to move around the area. 
• JLT is also a top choice for pet lovers, as it is one of Dubai’s most pet-friendly communities. 

Location

Prices

Nearby Attractions

• Dubai Marina – 9 minutes away
• Mall of the Emirates – 13 minutes away
• Dubai Mall – 20 minutes away

Educational Institutions (In and Nearby)

• Baby Home Nursery: In Cluster N
• Learning Ladder Nursery: In Cluster V
• Emirates International School, Meadows – 11 minutes away
• Regent International School, The Greens – 14 minutes away

Nearby Communities

• Jumeirah Heights: 7 minutes
• Dubai Marina: 10 minutes
• Emirates Hills: 13 minutes
• Al Quoz: 18 minutes

FAQs

These top residential communities in Dubai provide a variety of lifestyles to suit different preferences. Each offers unique features, from waterfront living to family-friendly spaces.

Read about the popular communities in Dubai and other Emirates at the Property Finder Blog.

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