Best Communities for Retirement in Dubai

Dubai, known for its bustling lifestyle, sunny weather, and world-class healthcare facilities, has become a popular retirement destination.

The city has a variety of luxurious houses in elegant neighborhoods where retirees would feel comfortable. So if you're looking for a villa or flat for sale in Dubai to call home, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Moreover, the UAE government introduced a five-year renewable retirement visa for expatriates aged 55 and above, making it easier than ever to enjoy your golden years in this dynamic city.

This visa requires applicants to have an investment property worth AED 1 million or savings of AED 1 million or an active income of no less than AED 20,000 per month (15,000 per month for Dubai).

Now that you know why Dubai is appealing and how you can retire here let's explore some ideal areas where retirees can settle down.

The Springs

Located next to JVC, and Discovery Gardens with easy access to all parts of Dubai, The Springs is one of the most sought-after communities by retirees.

It boasts peaceful surroundings away from the city’s noise, while still providing residents with all necessary amenities such as healthcare centers, supermarkets, and leisure facilities nearby.

With lush green landscapes and plenty of lakes all around, The Springs is perfect for those seeking tranquility during their retirement years.

Arabian Ranches

Another great area for retirees is Arabian Ranches, a premium gated community located away from the city center’s traffic yet close enough for convenient access. Known for its spacious villas surrounded by golf courses and parks, Arabian Ranches offer a serene lifestyle suited for individuals who prefer peace after retiring. It's one of the best places for buying a villa in Dubai.

Additionally, it houses several high-quality dining outlets and retail stores, so residents can easily meet their daily needs without traveling far.

Palm Jumeirah

For those who dream of a luxurious beachfront retirement, Palm Jumeirah is the perfect choice. As one of the most iconic and elite residential areas in Dubai, it offers a variety of high-end apartments and villas with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.

For leisure, retirees can enjoy top-tier restaurants, upscale shopping malls, health clubs, and spa facilities. Palm Jumeirah’s classy environment and excellent amenities provide retirees a fulfilling lifestyle that feels like an everlasting vacation. Buying a property in Palm Jumeirah is certainly a dream for many!

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

JLT is another popular choice for retirees seeking city life balanced with serenity. This mixed-use community features many high-rise towers surrounded by lakes, providing residents with serene lake views right from their homes.

The neighborhood has a park for leisurely walks or picnics, and numerous dining options that cater to all tastes.

Accessibility is not an issue in JLT, thanks to its strategic location near Sheikh Zayed Road and two metro stations making it easy for retired individuals to travel across the city whenever they wish.

Arabian Ranches

4.2/5

About

Think no further if you’re looking for a suburban haven in Dubai. Arabian Ranches offers a variety of freehold villas and townhouses of two to six bedrooms, forming a complete community for families, with many amenities and facilities. With an abundance of schools in the vicinity and a skate park for the kids, the Ranches is preferred by families looking for gated community living.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 160,000 AED/year

For sale : 2,950,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Dubai Hills Estate

4.2/5

About

Dubai Hills Estate is a luxurious gated community developed by Emaar Properties, located in Mohammed bin Rashid City in Dubai, UAE.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 74,999 AED/year

For sale : 1,100,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


The Springs

4.5/5

About

This gated villa community is favoured by young couples with children. The townhouses and villas provide the perfect antidote to the towering skyscrapers outside the community. The Springs Souk services most of your essential shopping and dining requirements.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 139,990 AED/year

For sale : 2,895,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


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Mirdif

3.3/5

About

Mirdif is among the most popular residential areas in Dubai. It's a calm, family-friendly suburb with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Its reasonable rentals, many amenities, and peaceful atmosphere all contribute to its popularity.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 85,000 AED/year

For sale : 3,500,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Palm Jumeirah

4.1/5

About

Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest man-made island, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The engineering marvel spans 5.72 km² on the Arabian Gulf and is known for its unique palm tree shape and elite lifestyle.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 80,000 AED/year

For sale : 750,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Dubai Silicon Oasis

4.1/5

About

Dubai Silicon Oasis, also known as DSO, is a free trade zone and integrated technology park established by the Dubai Government in 2003. It spans 7.2 square kilometers and is located at the intersection of Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311), next to Academic City, International City, and Nad Al Sheba 4.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 38,000 AED/year

For sale : 400,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Discovery Gardens

4.1/5

About

Discovery Gardens is the go-to community for singles and families looking for an affordable, green, and walkable community in Dubai.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 42,999 AED/year

For sale : 450,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Jumeirah Lake Towers

3.9/5

About

Jumeirah Lake Towers, also known as JLT, is among the most vibrant and popular communities in Dubai. It’s characterised by man-made lakes that are surrounded by skyscrapers, enabling its residents to enjoy waterfront living.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 50,000 AED/year

For sale : 470,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Jumeirah Beach Residence

4/5

About

Simply unmatched in leisure and lifestyle, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a waterfront haven in the heart of the bustling Dubai Marina. The developer Dubai Properties launched JBR in August 2002, and completed it in 2010. The 6-billion dirham project is 1.7 kilometres long and has a gross floor area of 2 square kilometres, making it a wonder in Dubai's skyline.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 78,000 AED/year

For sale : 1,380,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Meadows

4.6/5

About

For all the lavish and premium living seekers, The Meadows community in Dubai is the ideal spot for you. It consists of 9 sub-communities with mid-rise villas, surrounded by charming nature views. The Meadows, built in 2004, is a residential project in Dubai constructed by Emaar.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 310,000 AED/year

For sale : 7,700,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

Reviews from residents


FAQ

Palm Jumeirah is the best place to retire if you want a luxurious waterfront lifestyle. The man-made island is one of Dubai’s most prestigious neighborhoods, offering premium villas and apartments with sea views.

Retiring in Dubai is a great idea for retirees seeking a modern, safe city with warm weather and beach access. However, it has a higher cost of living compared to other well-known retirement cities, so you need to assess your finances before making that decision.

A common guideline is to multiply your anticipated living expenses by 25. For example, if you expect your annual expenses to be AED200,000 (around $54,500), you'd need approximately AED5,000,000 (or $1.36 million) saved for retirement.

The official retirement age in Dubai is 60 years. However, employees can continue to work past this age if they obtain the required approvals from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).