Best Communities for Retirement in Dubai

Dubai Hills Estate is an exclusive residential community located in Dubai, UAE. The area is renowned for its scenic beauty, and offers a unique combination of lush green spaces and contemporary living.

With numerous amenities and convenient access to the city centre, it’s no wonder why this luxury development has become one of the most desirable areas in Dubai.

The community consists of homes that are both modern and luxurious, with apartments, villas, townhouses, and mansions available for sale or rent. All these properties benefit from modern architecture that follows international standards as well as having a range of sizes to best fit their needs.

In addition to this, there are also multiple communal facilities, such as gyms, parks, and schools providing residents with plenty of activities to choose from; all available around them within their own neighbourhood.

Furthermore, what makes the area so special is its range of family-friendly attractions such as entertainment centres centred around golf courses or shopping centres which help bring life into the neighbourhood. Thus, it has a vibrant yet relaxed vibe at the same time, which offers something for everyone whether they want a peaceful afternoon or an energising night out.

Developed by one of Dubai’s top developers - Emaar Properties PJSC - you can be sure that Dubai Hills Estate provides exceptional living standards where all your needs are being met. Therefore, whether you decide to rent or buy property in Dubai Hills Estate, you can be certain that there will always be something here for anyone looking for the finer things in life.

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.

Moreover, it's home to expats and locals alike, thanks to its authentic atmosphere, since it's far away from the glitz and glamour of New Dubai. As one of the well-established areas in Dubai, many families have called it home for years.

Mirdif is known for providing high-quality yet relatively cheap villas for rent in Dubai, which is what attracts so many people to it.

Properties in Mirdif

Most of those who move here are seeking a villa for rent in Mirdif, however, there are also numerous apartment buildings available. Properties in Mirdif are available for rent and sale. While not all properties are freehold, Mirdif Hills and Mirdif Tulip offer freehold homes.

Apartments in Mirdif range from studios to 4-bedroom units, while detached and semi-detached villas come in 2 to 6-bedroom variations and townhouses in 2 to 4-bedroom variations.

Mirdif has various subcommunities, with the top ones being:

• Uptown Mirdif
• Mirdif Hills
• Shorooq Community
• Ghoroob Community

Mirdif's Location:

Mirdif is located on Al Khawaneej Street (D89) and is bound by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road (E311) on its west. It's 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and 5 minutes away from Mushrif Park.

Nearby Communities:

• Dubai Festival City: 10 minutes away
• Al Mizhar: 10 minutes away
• Al Rashidiya: 10 minutes away
• Al Warqa: 10 minutes away

Nearby Attractions:

• Mushrif Park: 5 minutes away
• Dubai Frame: 15 minutes away
• Dubai Dolphinarium: 15 minutes away
• Dubai Museum: 20 minutes away
• Creekside Park: 15 minutes away

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.

It’s home to a technology park where various businesses are based, as well as residential buildings and gated communities. This holistic community combines residential, commercial, and leisure spaces, allowing people to live, work, and play in one place.

The area grew in popularity among those looking for affordable housing in Dubai, professionals working at the technology park, and students studying at the nearby Academic City.

The community is easily accessible by a number of main roads, such as Dubai - Al Ain Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The nearest metro station is Centerpoint, which is about 20 minutes away from Dubai Silicon Oasis. You need to take a bus from Centrepoint Metro station to get to this community.

Highlights:

• Free zone with a technology park and residential properties
• Offers apartments and villas
• Affordable properties
• Close to Dubai International Academic City
• A holistic community where people can live, work, and play

Properties in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

The property options in Dubai Silicon Oasis are as diverse as the people who live there. You will find plenty of residential buildings and two villa communities, Cedre Villas and Semmer Villas. Meanwhile, some of DSO's most popular residential buildings are Silicon Gates, Binghatti Point, Axis Residence, and La Vista Residence.

Apartments in Dubai Silicon Oasis are available in studios, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units. They usually come with spacious kitchens, large windows, and balconies. Moreover, most of the residential buildings include shared swimming pools and gyms. There’s also a good number of chiller-free buildings in DSO for those who want to save on utility bills. This is one of the reasons that the apartments for rent in Dubai Silicon Oasis are highly in demand.

As for the villas in Dubai Silicon Oasis, those range from 3 to 5 bedrooms. Those often come with a private garden, en-suite bathrooms, built-in wardrobes, and a maid’s room.

Properties here are quite affordable and are available for sale and rent. However, all properties for sale in Dubai Silicon Oasis are available on a leasehold basis, except for Cedre Villas, which offers freehold properties.

Overall, the reasonable prices of real estate in Dubai Silicon Oasis, coupled with the abundance of amenities, have made it consistently popular.

Lifestyle & Amenities in DSO

Dubai Silicon Oasis attracts people from all nationalities. It’s ideal for families, professionals who work in DSO, and students because of its proximity to Academic City.

The area provides access to a variety of lifestyle facilities and services, including universities, schools, malls, banks, hospitals, swimming pools, beauty salons, clinics, and children’s play areas.

There are also plenty of supermarkets and shopping centers, such as Silicon Central Mall and Cedre Shopping Centre, within DSO. Meanwhile, Dragon Mart, Dubai Outlet Mall, and City Centre Mirdif are all less than 15 minutes away by car.

DSO’s proximity to Dubai International Airport and Downtown Dubai is another perk. The airport is about 15 minutes away, while Downtown Dubai is about 20 minutes away by car.

GEMS Wellington Academy and the Indian International School are the best schools in Silicon Oasis. Top nurseries in DSO include British Orchard Nursery, Toddlers International Nursery, Emirates British Nursery, and Fantasy Town Nursery & Play Lounge are some of the nurseries in the area.

Furthermore, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is about 10 minutes away, and it contains over 27 colleges and universities.

There are a variety of healthcare facilities, including Fakeeh University Hospital, Aster Clinic, Oasi Rejuve, and Symbiosis Medical Centre.

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

A residential neighborhood next to Ibn Battuta Mall, Discovery Gardens is self-sufficient: think supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants, and laundry services.

This popular area developed by Nakheel in 2008 is known for its colorful low-rise apartment buildings and plenty of green spaces, which are conducive for walks and other outdoor activities.

There are also community swimming pools and tennis courts for the residents. Your neighbors are mostly mid-income South Asian families and corporate staff.

Discovery Gardens’ Location

Discovery Gardens is located in Jebel Ali between Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and is served by two metro stations on the red line, The Gardens and Discovery Gardens metro stations. Neighboring communities include Al Furjan and Jumeirah Park. Dubai Marina and Expo City are around a 15 minutes’ drive away.

Discovery Gardens’ location makes it great for professionals working in Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Jebel Ali. For leisure activities, head to Dubai Marina or Ibn Battuta Mall.

This is the place to consider if you’re looking for a green community in Dubai with affordable prices, connectivity to public transport, and a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Why Choose Discovery Gardens?

• Easy on the Wallet: Discovery Gardens is famous for its cheap apartments for rent in Dubai. You can find spacious studios, and one, and two-bedroom apartments without breaking the bank.

• Green Living: Unlike many concrete jungles, Discovery Gardens is a breath of fresh air. The community boasts six themed clusters based on green living, each with unique plants and flowers. These clusters are Zen, Mediterranean, Contemporary, Mesoamerican, Mogul, and Cactus. Each cluster of buildings has shared gardens with plenty of trees and flowers. The area is also extremely walkable, making it great for those who enjoy being outdoors.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Discovery Gardens Jebel Ali welcomes everyone. It's a great place to raise a family, with playgrounds, parks, and plenty of green spaces for kids to run around.

• Peaceful lifestyle: the low-rise buildings surrounded by greenery promote a very peaceful environment that will make you feel right at home.

• Convenient Location: Located in Jebel Ali, Discovery Gardens offers easy access to other parts of Dubai. You're just a short drive from Dubai Marina, JBR, and Ibn Battuta Mall. Plus, the metro station is within walking distance, making commuting effortless. 

• Essential Amenities: Discovery Gardens Dubai has every amenity you need to live comfortably. You’ll find swimming pools, kids’ play areas, beauty salons, mosques, sports courts, 2 metro stations, medical centers, pharmacies, and supermarkets. There’s also a community mall - the Discovery Gardens Pavilion - which features a Carrefour supermarket, a range of restaurants, shops, a medical center, and a nursery.

Properties in Discovery Gardens Dubai

Covering 26 million square feet, Discovery Gardens features 300 buildings with over 26,000 spacious apartments spread across 6 clusters: Mogul, Zen, Mediterranean, Mesoamerican, Contemporary, and Cactus. Apartments here include studios, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments for rent and sale.

The studios for rent in Discovery Gardens are extremely popular among bachelors, while the larger apartments are popular among couples and small families.

Lifestyle in Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali

Life in Discovery Gardens is all about community living and enjoying nature. You’ll frequently find people walking and kids playing in the shared gardens.

The area offers a great mix of restaurants and shops catering to different needs. This is a great place to live if you’re looking for a green, walkable community.

Transportation in Discovery Gardens Dubai

Discovery Gardens enjoys excellent connectivity. You can hop on the metro at The Gardens or Discovery Gardens Metro Station. Buses are readily available, and several major highways are easily accessible for those who prefer to drive.

Things to Consider

• Traffic: Like many popular areas, Discovery Gardens Dubai can experience traffic congestion during peak hours. However, convenient access to public transport provides good alternatives.

• Limited Nightlife: While Discovery Gardens offers a peaceful environment, it might not be the liveliest spot for partygoers. You'll need to venture out to other areas for bustling nightlife. Luckily, Dubai Marina and JBR are just 15 minutes away.

• Parking Challenges: Residents complain about parking as there are no allocated spots, so they sometimes have to drive around to find parking spaces.

• Maintenance issues: The buildings are quite old and not all of them are well maintained, so people complain about maintenance issues in some buildings, as well as pest issues due to the greenery. To avoid that, make sure you read building reviews and visit it yourself.

• Not all apartments are pet-friendly: make sure to check with your landlord if pets are allowed in the apartment.

Is Discovery Gardens Right for You?

If you value affordability, green spaces, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Discovery Gardens could be your ideal home in Dubai. With its convenient location and vibrant community, this neighborhood offers a comfortable and welcoming lifestyle.

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.

JLT has a prime location on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Heights, Jebel Ali and Al Sufouh. It’s also close to the business districts of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City.

JLT consists of 26 clusters named from A to Z, and each cluster is made up of 3 towers. The towers here have 35 to 45 floors, with the exception of Almas Tower which stands 68 storeys high, making it the tallest tower in JLT.

Jumeirah Lake Towers is home to the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the largest free trade zone in the UAE, which is located in Almas Tower. Thus, JLT is a mixed-use community that houses many offices, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. This makes it a unique place where you can live, work and play all in one place.

The area is a popular option among those who work in it or in neighbouring areas like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. Its proximity to Dubai Marina while being slightly more affordable and less crowded is also a strong selling point of the area. It’s ideal for those who like the high-rise lifestyle that Dubai is known for, while being surrounded by restaurants and leisure activities, with less crowds from tourists and more affordable properties.

Perks of Living in JLT, Dubai

JLT attracts a wide array of people thanks to the vibrant, all-inclusive lifestyle it offers. It’s one of the few areas where you can work, play, and live all in one place. Since it’s home to many offices, restaurants, hotels, and services, you can do anything here without straying far from home.

Jumeirah Lake Towers also has a 55,000 sqm park with play areas for kids, a basketball court, an outdoor gym, restaurants, and a green space to relax or play sports as you please. Lots of events are hosted in the JLT Park as well, such as outdoor movie nights, market days, and cultural celebrations.

Coupled with lake-side promenades where people jog, cycle, and walk their pets, JLT offers a lifestyle that promotes leisure and outdoorsy living. For that reason, it attracts a wide range of people. Outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, families, foodies, and nightlife lovers all have a place here.

Furthermore, there are countless amenities in JLT, Dubai. The area is teeming with authentic restaurants from all over the globe thanks to the diversity of its residents. There are also plenty of supermarkets, hotels, laundromats, beauty salons and barbershops, vets, nurseries, clinics, laundries, sports courts, and gyms, putting everything within reach.

Moreover, JLT’s prime location next to Dubai Marina and Emirates Hills gives residents access to even more leisure options and essential services.

Transportation is also very convenient here, as there are 2 metro stations in JLT: DMCC and Sobha Realty. People can cross them to reach Dubai Marina on the opposite side.

Properties in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Properties in JLT, Dubai include studios to 1 - 4 bedroom apartments and 4 - 5 bedroom penthouses. Jumeirah Lake Towers apartments and penthouses are available for sale and rent, and many of these units have waterfront views of the lakes and impressive views of skyscrapers especially at night. Because of that, JLT is a popular choice among those who want to rent or buy luxury apartments in Dubai.

Since the area is very pet-friendly, most residential buildings in JLT allow pets. Buildings here often come with facilities like swimming pools and gyms, enhancing the luxury of the area.

Furthermore, JLT apartments for sale are freehold for all nationalities, making it a great investment spot. Meanwhile, JLT apartments for rent are popular among many nationalities as well, contributing to the area’s refreshing diversity.

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.

Key Highlights

• Beachfront community in Dubai Marina
• Popular for luxurious waterfront apartments
• Tourist Destination
• Main attractions include 'The Beach' and 'The Walk'
• Connected to Bluewaters Island with a bridge
• Offers rental as well as freehold apartments in high rise towers

Properties in JBR, Dubai

JBR contains 40 towers, 35 of which are residential, and 5 hotel buildings. The apartments and hotel rooms in JBR can accommodate around 15,000 people. There's a total of 6,917 apartments, ranging from 900 sq ft studios to 5,500 sq ft penthouses.

Jumeirah Beach Residence consists of six residential blocks, namely Shams, Amwaj, Rimal, Bahar, Sadaf, and Murjan, ordered from west to east.

Each cluster comprises multiple buildings offering a wide range of studios, 1-4-bedroom apartments, and 4 - 6-bedroom penthouses.

JBR's skyscrapers lie along a golden beach and stand out with their sandy hues and impressive city and sea views, making them highly coveted residential destinations. The apartments in JBR are available for rent and sale, and the area remains one of the most desirable ones in Dubai.

The most popular clusters for renting apartments in JBR are Sadaf, Murjan, and Rimal. Sadaf is an 8-tower residential complex completed in 2007 with a whole host of modern amenities such as a gym, sauna, swimming pool, and high-speed elevators.

Murjan consists of 6 towers adjacent to the Dubai Marina Canal. They also feature state-of-the-art amenities that are common to most JBR towers, such as covered parking, a CCTV system, a pool, a gym, and a children's play area.

Rimal is another 6-tower cluster that offers waterfront apartments in Dubai Marina. It has amenities similar to those in other towers.

All of these buildings were completed in 2007 by Dubai Properties and TECOM Group, and have freehold ownership status.

Lifestyle & Things to Do in JBR

JBR is a bustling community with a vibrant lifestyle that appeals to bachelors and young families. The lifestyle here revolves around the beach, dining, and nightlife, making it great for those looking for the best that Dubai has to offer.

Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai boasts an irresistible array of leisure activities. 'The Beach, JBR' is famous for beachfront fun, including sun beds, and watersports like jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and banana boating. It's home to 'AquaFun', an inflatable waterpark with plenty of games. There's also a plethora of beachfront restaurants and shops, as well as a branch of Roxy Cinemas where you can watch the latest blockbusters.

Further, 'The Walk' opens avenues to an outdoor shopping and dining waterfront promenade stretching across 1.5 km, with an array of boutiques, art galleries, alfresco restaurants, and street entertainment.

The dynamism continues into the night with a buzzing nightlife. JBR is home to several nightclubs, such as Bla Bla and Lock Stock & Barrel, ensuring there's never a dull moment for the nocturnals.

Want more? Head to Bluewaters Island, connected to JBR by a pedestrian bridge, and offers plenty of leisure options such as Brass Monkey and Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Amenities

Amenities in JBR ensure that residents have nothing to worry about. Healthcare facilities like Medcare Medical Centre and Dentcare JBR Medical Center provide quality medical services.

Supermarkets like Carrefour Market and Beach Waves supermarket cater to all grocery needs. There's also a variety of nurseries and mosques in the area, as well as schools, churches, and temples in nearby areas.

Fitness enthusiasts have access to gyms and health clubs within their building. There are also world-class swimming pools for relaxation after a long day of work. Furthermore, many restaurants offer various global cuisines, while retail outlets meet all shopping desires, with the large Dubai Marina Mall just a few minutes away.

Transportation in JBR

You'll never have to worry about public transportation in JBR as it has 2 tram stations connecting it with 2 metro stations in Dubai Marina, namely the Sobha Realty and DMCC metro stations. Taxis are usually available too. Given its great connectivity, JBR is great for those who don't drive.

However, the area is known for heavy traffic jams during rush hours and weekends, so it's advisable to use public transportation at these times due to the lack of parking spaces.

JBR Location

JBR is within walking distance from Dubai Marina and is very close to Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT). It's connected to Bluewaters Island and is also near business hubs like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, making it great for working professionals.