Comprehensive guide about where to live in Dubai as an expat

Dubai’s ultramodern architecture and luxury shopping malls always attract British expats who want to move there for work and business. The place has vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches that offer the ultimate luxury lifestyle. The safety level is pretty high, and you can live in Dubai with your family. 

When settling in Dubai, you need to explore many neighbors and the best places to live as an expat. Every community has its own vibe and exclusive amenities. Some communities are designed for the elite, while others are ideal for small families. 

Prospr helps British expats settle down in Dubai; thereby, we will unlock the best place where expats can live comfortably. We picked the sports based on healthcare, schools, recreational facilities, and community spirit.

Let’s find out where to live as an expat in Dubai.

Live in Dubai Arabian Ranches

It is one of the best communities for expats planning to settle with their families. Ranches offer a modern vibe, and you won’t experience noise and pollution as the area is away from the city. There are many top-notch amenities, such as a golf club, tennis court, and swimming pools. Western expats can find tons of residential options here. But if you are into luxury, it’s easy to find villas and townhouses with inground pools and aesthetically appealing landscapes. 

Arabian Ranches is a peaceful neighborhood with utmost security. Its nearby community is Academic City, where international schools are in abundance. You may experience traffic congestion when leaving the community, especially early in the morning. There is no shopping mall within walking distance. 

Explore the average cost of living in Dubai

Live in Dubai Palm Jumeirah

The premier location for an expat to live in Dubai is Palm Jumeirah. This artificial island looks like a palm tree with an aerial view. Once you stay in this community, you can make the most of its pristine beach and spacious villas. This island has 5-star hotels where you can eat international cuisines. Near this community, you can find top tourist attractions such as the world’s largest waterpark, the Atlantis, and the Palm and Aqua venture. 

If you are moving to Dubai from the UK with your family, you won’t have to worry about international schools. Within a few minutes’ drive, you can find Jumeirah English Speaking School, Emirates International School, and Dubai British School.

It is considered one of Dubai’s most exclusive addresses and premier residential areas. This iconic man-made island development, shaped like a palm tree, is located off the Jumeirah coastal area.

Explore what to pack before moving to Dubai

Live in Dubai Business Bay

Imagine you would love to enjoy breathtaking views of the skyline of Dubai, such as the Dubai Water Canal and the iconic Burj Khalifa. Its cosmopolitan vibe unlocks waterside cafes and restaurants. The best thing about Business Bay is that the Dubai Metro Red Line will offer quick access to other parts of Dubai. 

This area is the ultimate business and residential hub. When you set up a company in Dubai, you can easily find comfortable residential spots nearby. This business hub provides space for startups, retail houses, and corporations. 

Live in Dubai Marina

It is the most significant British expat community. It offers the ultimate community feel and has many modern amenities to make a living super comfy in the area. You can find tons of shopping, nightlight, and dining spots all over Marina. The stunning waterfront location of the Marina has a pedestrian-friendly environment. 

When it comes to having fun in the area, you can get involved in various activities, such as open-air yoga, sailing, and kayaking. It has diverse apartment styles such as 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, etc. There are two metro stations in the neighborhood. Schools are far from Marina. You will also experience crowds on the road and in the grocery stores.

Learn about: how to move to Dubai Permanently

Live in Dubai Downtown

You can live in Dubai Downtown as an expat if your lifestyle includes routine shopping. In this area, shopaholics can dig into various retail outlets. The area is pet-friendly, and you can wander around Dubai through public transport. When it comes to dining, it’s easy to discover various restaurants. There are no nearby schools. If you have a small family, you can find suitable apartments downtown. However, large families can’t find villas in the space.

Must read: 12 things to know before moving to Dubai

Al Barsha

If you want to live in the most affordable places in Dubai, you can go with Al Barsha. You can explore a variety of townhouses, apartments, and villas at a price you can afford. This location is strategically set between Dubai Marina and the Downtown area. 

So it will be easier to move back and forth. Residents can experience top-quality medical facilities such as Al Zahra Hospital and Saudi German Hospital. You can find local and international brands in the Mall of Emirates when it comes to shopping. Ski Dubai unlocks family leisure activities, where a world-class indoor ski slope unlocks ultimate fun.

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

Another place to live in Dubai as an expat is Jumeirah Village Circle. The best thing about this place is that it offers cost-effective accommodations for expats. It’s easy to find a place that lies within your budget range. It’s family-oriented, where children can find a place to play and fitness freaks can jog and walk peacefully. Around 33 landscape parks meet and exceed the residents’ recreational needs. The government has invested in JBC’s development and expansion projects. There are many retail outlets, but the government plans to add more recreational outlets.

Jumeirah Beach Residence JBR

If you want to live near Marina, this high-rise JBR building is there. It’s the only apartment building with balconies and underground parking. A single-room apartment costs around 1 million AED, and a 3-bedroom apartment, depending on the location, can cost around 2.5 million AED. The area has several cafes, shops, and restaurants. On the weekend, you need to experience heavy traffic.

Live in Dubai Emirates Hills

When looking for the most peaceful place to live in Dubai as an expat, you can head to the Emirates Hills. Springs and the Meadows are some unique residential spots to stay. There is an upscale hotel where you can use a golf course. There are open-space restaurants alongside gastro pubs with elegant villas with inground pools. The leafy streets also have nearby playground areas. There are many sports facilities and schools so staying with family won’t be an issue. 

Read about the average cost of living in Dubai

Live in Dubai Sports City

If you are a sport-oriented person in Dubai, you can head toward Dubai Sports City. The Price of residential complexes is lower in this area. Some sports stadiums and arenas keep you entertained. Besides, there is a gymnasium, so fitness-oriented people can quickly get there. But it’s not the best family for families as schools are not closed.

Wrap up

Finally, you know where to live as an expat in Dubai. Many communities are designed for families, but you may have a few options if you are business-oriented. We have listed all the budget-friendly places and let you find the best spot effortlessly. Prospr understands that British expats find settling in Dubai challenging, so we offer a personalized experience. You can hire our consultants, who will be there every step of the way. We provide ultimate guidance and assistance, from finding the best place to live in Dubai to starting your own business on the mainland or providing free assistance. Send us inquiries to hello@prospr.ae