Deira, the beating heart of old Dubai, captures attention with its unique historic charm. But is it the ideal spot for you to settle down? This vibrant district boasts a unique historic charm, but like any place, living in Deira has its pros and cons.
So, let’s discover more about both sides of the coin to help you decide if Deira’s the perfect fit for your life in Dubai.
Pros
Here are some of the advantages of living in Deira, a community popular for its vibrant lifestyle, old buildings and historical value. Besides, this area is one of the reasons why Dubai is well-known as the ‘City of Gold’.
Culture and Diversity
Established in the mid-1700s, Deira is one of the oldest and most established parts of the UAE. To this day, Deira remains a commercial hub, containing 30% of all trading locations in Dubai.
The area is well developed, featuring a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern constructions. Enjoying the unique old-town charm is one of the primary advantages of living in Deira.
Moreover, Deira is especially diverse, considering Dubai’s cosmopolitan mix and large population of multi-cultural expats. Here, you’ll find sub-communities comprising largely South Asian and East African ethnic groups.
But the district as a whole encompasses a strong Emirati culture, showcased in numerous heritage sites and museums:
- Women’s Museum
- Pearl Museum
- Naif Museum
- Heritage Village
Central Location
Deira is located in the heart of Dubai, less than 10 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport. The district is well-connected to other districts by road, metro, and even water transport, such as abra boats.
The location allows for easy daily commutes to workplaces all over Dubai and even to some areas in Sharjah. Moreover, all essential amenities like schools, hospitals, shopping malls, public transport, and restaurants are easily accessible to all sub-communities.
You will face no problems running errands or finding places for leisure activities. Dubai is a tourist hotspot, after all, and there are plenty of things to do in Deira as well.
Its central location provides easy access to the following communities and facilities nearby:
- Al Muteena Park: 7 minutes
- Al Ghurair Centre: 12 minutes
- Dubai International Airport: 14 minutes
- Dubai Gold Souq: 14 minutes
- City Centre Deira: 16 minutes
- Dhow Cruise Deira Creek: 17 minutes
Lower Cost of Living
Perhaps the most attractive advantage of living in Deira is the diversity of rental options at all price points. The studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom flats for rent in Deira are also available at the following average yearly rent:
| Studio Apartment | AED 29,000 |
| 1-Bed Apartment | AED 51,000 |
| 2-Bed Apartment | AED 71,000 |
| 3-Bed Apartment | AED 99,000 |
On the other hand, the average annual rent of villas on the Data Guru is as follows:
| 2-Bed Villas | AED 66,000 |
| 3-Bed Villas | AED 89,000 |
| 4-Bed Villas | AED 149,000 |
| 5-Bed Villas | AED 153,470 |
Furthermore, this diversity of pricing is also reflected in food-related expenses. In addition to supermarkets, you can visit local souks all around Deira and bargain for a great deal.
Family Friendly
Another highlight that makes Deira special is the strong sense of community. The district itself caters to families as the nightlife scene is considerably limited. The best experience for family life would be in the quiet sub-communities of Deira with all the modern amenities. Here are some of the most popular communities in Deira:
- Al Rigga
- Al Muraqqabat
- Abu Hail
- Al Muteena
- Al Baraha
- Deira Islands
Additionally, there are different options for both private and public schools in Deira. Notably, there is a variety of curriculums offered by each school affiliated with various boards of education.
Shopping & Dining Haven
Deira is known for its bustling shopping scene, which features some of the biggest malls and most significant traditional markets. There are both affordable and high-end options for shopping and dining.
Malls
The family-friendly Deira City Centre is the biggest mall in the area, consisting of 370 stores. Kids can find clothes at Carter’s and Babyshop, while adults can shop at high-end stores like Balmain.
Nearby, you can find Al Ghurair Centre which is Dubai’s first mall; it still offers a great selection of shops and restaurants.
Souks
Souks are traditional open-air markets with stalls selling products ranging from spices and textiles to everyday goods and souvenirs.
Deira’s famous Gold Souk is perfect for couples seeking a special piece or visitors for a unique souvenir. Haggling is welcome, with gold, silver, diamonds, and pearl jewellery tempting every budget.
The nearby Spice Souk offers exotic new flavours from diverse cultures gathered from all over the world. Premium-quality saffron, locally sourced dry fruits, rare herbs, and a variety of spices are well worth a trip.
Restaurants
Deira is a melting pot of cultures, and it is reflected in the food scene. You’ll find amazing Arabian foods alongside Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and other cuisines from across the globe.
Each culture offers a delicious adventure for your taste buds. Some of the popular restaurants in Deira include:
- Bait Al Mandi Restaurant (Arabian)
- Shabestan Restaurant (Japanese)
- Aroos Damascus Restaurant (Arabian)
- Pravin Bhai Naashtawala Restaurant (Indian)
- Chef Wong Restaurant (Chinese)
Excellent Public Transportation
Deira’s public transport system provides a reliable and affordable way to get around. The Deira Bus Station serves as a central hub, with routes like 10, 27, C9 and X28 conveniently stopping there.
These routes also extend their service to the Deira City Centre Bus Station, providing further connection options.
In addition, Deira also has Al Rigga, Deira City Centre and Union metro stations. Both the red and green lines on the map strategically pass through Deira, providing easy access throughout the city.
Cons
There are many benefits to living in Deira. The cost of living and connectivity to the rest of Dubai stand out as the two main advantages. That said, the community has some cons as well. Let’s go through them.
Crowded and Busy
Deira buzzes with life, but the crowds can be intense for some people. It’s one of the densest areas in Dubai, with approximately 400,000 residents. This bustling atmosphere might be alluring to some, but it comes with issues like:
- Lack of parking spaces
- Noise pollution
- Traffic congestion
Non-freehold Area
Deira is a non-freehold area. Unlike in some designated areas in Dubai, foreign nationals cannot purchase property with full ownership rights in Deira. However, foreigners can still rent apartments and villas according to their preferences.
Limited Green Spaces
Deira has a more built-up environment with fewer parks and green spaces compared to more upscale areas. However, if you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can still visit the beautiful beaches.
Moreover, Deira is more pedestrian-friendly than other parts of Dubai. You can visit Old Municipal Street and stroll through the rich heritage sites along the banks of Dubai Creek.
Ultimately, the living in Deira boils down to your personal preference. Would you like to live in an affordable, modern and bustling district with a vintage grace? Then, Deira is the perfect place for you to settle down.
However, if you are looking for a quieter place with more high-end amenities, you can explore some of the top areas with luxurious properties. Alternatively, if you’re a bachelor looking for a more vibrant nightlife scene, Bur Dubai might be a better fit. Consider looking through our comparison of Deira vs Bur Dubai for a more in-depth outlook.
Summing Up: Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Deira
Check out this complete sum-up of pros and cons of living in Deira, which is one of the oldest areas in Dubai.
| Pros | Cons |
| Culture and Diversity | Crowded and Busy |
| Central Location | Non-freehold Area |
| Lower Cost of Living | Limited Green Spaces |
| Family Friendly | |
| Shopping & Dining haven | |
| Excellent Public Transportation |
FAQs
Deira is located at the northern end of Dubai Creek, bordered by Al Awir and Sharjah. It’s located in the centre of Dubai, less than 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport.
Deira’s most special characteristic is its rich historic charm, blended with all the necessities of modern living. Being part of Dubai’s Old Town, the area is rooted in centuries-old traditions featuring many heritage sites and legendary souks.
Sharjah is the closest city to Deira, Dubai. You can get to Sharjah from Deira with a short 15-minute drive or a 30-minute bus commute.
Keep following the Property Finder blog to learn the pros and cons of various areas and communities.
