Finding a flat for rent in Deira
Deira is one of the oldest areas of Dubai, situated north of the Dubai Creek and is known for being the original commercial hub of the city. It is famous for its souks (Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Fish Market) as well as its many alleys and side streets dotted with shops selling clothes, shoes, electronics, hardware, perfumes and toys.
Like parts of Bur Dubai, it is densely populated and contains mostly apartment buildings and commercial retail spaces. The traffic congestion, age of most buildings and flats and also proximity to the airport influence the rental amounts for flats in Deira making it an affordable choice for many. Deira has many iconic buildings including the Deira Twin Towers (with the Rolex logo), Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the Etisalat Head Office and the Emirates NBD Head Office. Apartments in Al Riqqa and the flats in Muraqqabat are always popular as are the buildings around Baniyas Square, Port Saeed and Al Mamzar.
Residents of Deira make good use of public transport as traffic in the area can sometimes be quite intense. Abras are traditional boats that ferry passengers across the creek between Deira and Bur Dubai and these are very affordable with most trips costing just 1 dirham.Deira has the lovely City Centre Deira which is very popular with residents along with many other smaller malls like Naif Souk, Al Manal Centre, Gargash Centre and many others.
Flats in Deira are usually compact and are available in studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.Larger 4 bedroom apartments are sometimes available but are typically in short supply. It is suited to young professionals and workers, couples and small families however it should be noted that flats in Deira are known for being quite compact.
Many buildings have remained much the same since they were built however they are clean and often get repainted on the inside. Some buildings may contain a gym or pool or both but these are not nearly as common as they are in newer areas in Dubai.
Due to the affordability of rental flats in Deira, they rarely stay vacant and are quickly snapped up. It’s important that any prospective tenant act fast when looking for a flat for rent in Deira. Most of Deira’s flats are unfurnished however apartments located in some of the newer developments near the creek and on the outskirts of Deira sometimes come partially or fully furnished which is convenient and tends to increase the rental amount.
For any issues with landlords that cannot be resolved, tenants can file a rental dispute case with the Rental Disputes Committee headquartered in Deira. Most disputes arise through unlawful rental increases so it pays to check the RERA rental increase calculator to know if a proposed rental increase is allowed or not.
Renting an apartment in Dubai is exciting in itself but Deira offers something on a whole new level. If you don’t mind compact, cosy living in a part of town that is always busy, then renting a flat in Deira will suit you just fine!