Dubai Neighbourhoods and Areas Guide- Part 1

The Middle Eastern hotspot of Dubai is one of the most eyed upon destinations across the world owing to the tax-free income, luxurious lifestyle and safety that the city provides its residents with. A huge number of people from all over the world move to this gorgeous city each year and make it their home. 

If you are planning to move to Dubai and wondering which neighbourhood you should consider for settling down, Luxhabitat's quick guide will help you out. 

1. Deira

Deira is one of the oldest communities of Dubai and comprises a mixture of new as well as old developments. When compared to the newly built communities of Dubai, rent of Deira is much cheaper and affordable for a lot of people. It is a densely populated area and features a good number of shops, markets, restaurants and bars. 

The other attractions of Deira include the Gold Souq (market) where one can find all kinds of gold jewellery and accessories and the Spice Souq featuring exquisite spices from around the region. In order to cater to a large number of population that Deira is is home to, it hosts a number of 5 star hotels and bars. For retail and entertainment, the residents rely on Deira City Centre which offers an array of retail, entertainment and dining options. Deira is also home to the Dubai International Airport.

2. Bur Dubai

Situated to the west of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is a congested and densely populated community. It is famous for being the home to a large number of Dubai's Indian population. It mainly features low-rise buildings that are comparatively cheaper than many other parts of the city and thus is affordable for the middle-income group.  

Bur Dubai is home to consulates, a number of hotels as well as shopping malls. It also hosts a vast textile market and is famous for hosting some of Dubai's renowned tourist attractions that include the Bastakiya, the Creek and Dubai Museum. 

3. Karama

Karama is located to the west of Sheikh Zayed Road and is close to the Dubai Creek. The majority of the population of this community are South Asians but a lot of expats from Philippines, Lebanon, Iran and many European countries also can be seen residing here. 

The Zabeel Park is located between the World Trade Centre and Karama and features a lake offering boat rides, a number of courts for various sports and a barbecue area. Also scattered around the park are state-of-the-art interactive and educational exhibitions, teaching viewers about a range of subjects including alternative energy and communication. Catering to the mixed nationalities that Karama is home to, it hosts a wide range of eateries that serve cuisines from Arab, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, China and Thailand.

4. Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is an upscale community, providing modern city-living at its best. It is best known for being home to some of the unrivaled attractions of the city including the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. Located strategically in the heart of the city, Downtown Dubai is an ideal abode for business-centric, high-earning individuals who love the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The community features an array of housing, entertainment, retail and dining options that define an elegant, fun and metropolitan lifestyle. 

5. Dubai Marina

The upscale waterfront community of Dubai Marina is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, making it close to the business and commercial centers of the city and is also a short drive from most of the hot-spots of the city. It is known for the cosmopolitan and free-spirited atmosphere that it provides the residents with. Dubai Marina also features cafes, restaurants as well as high-end clothing stores. 

The community offers some of the world's tallest luxury apartment buildings and villas, that can be bought or leased out. Catering to the retail, dining and entertainment needs of the residents, the area features Dubai Marina Mall as well as supermarkets, pharmacies, salons and dry cleaners. A 5-star hotel, The Address: Dubai Marina is connected to the Marina Mall and offers a number of restaurant and lounges.

6. Jumeirah Beach Residence

One of the most sought-after areas of Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a waterfront community, offering its residents with year-round beach, resort lifestyle. The largest single-phase residential and commercial project in the world, JBR features beachfront cafés, world-class hotels, an eccentric nightlife, delightful shopping experiences and an excellent walking environment. 

The upscale community offers 40 tall towers, diving into 6 clusters, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The properties which JBR has on offer range from studios, penthouses, lofts, garden apartments, duplexes  through to one to four bedroom apartments. All the apartments are complemented with views of either the beautiful Arabian Gulf, the landscaped inner courtyards, or Dubai Marina (which is located right behind JBR). 

7. Jumeirah Lake Towers

Located along the edges of four artificial lakes, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), is inhabited mostly by young couples and young parents. It features plenty of dining and retail options as well as well-connected transport links. 

JLT comprises of 79 towers that range from 35 to 45 floors except for the centerpiece which is 66 floors. The towers are placed in clusters of three and are spaced in such a way that they allow the residents to enjoy views of the surrounding areas and that of the sea. 

12. Dubai International Financial Centre

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The financial hub of Middle East, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is located adjacent to the Sheikh Zayed Road, the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Burj Khalifa. A perfect place for young professionals to stay in, the community features a museum, a performing arts center, as well as several art galleries, lounges, fitness centers and eateries. 

Hosting residential as well as commercial blocks, DIFC features properties that are of high standards with great finishes and spectacular architecture. 

8. Al Barari

The secluded paradise of Al Barari offers its residents with tranquil living space. The private gated community features lush botanical gardens and lakes and 60% of its total area have been landscaped whereas only 40% of it has been used for constructing the luxury villas.

The community features 260 villas that have been built within 6 landscaped gardens. It has been beautified by water features that include a large lake and a number of streams. It is also the home to 500 plant types from 20 countries on 6 continents. Catering to the needs of the residents, Al Barari features an organic restaurant called The Farm, the Heart & Soul spa and The Body Language health and fitness club. 

9. Emirates Hills

Popularly known as the Beverly Hills of Dubai, Emirates Hills is a prestigious gated community and one of the most exclusive residential communities of Dubai. It features some of the most luxurious villas that can be either owned or rented and offers the residents with panoramic views of the Address Montgomerie. The community is home to high-profile individuals including politicians, diplomats and business moguls. 

In order to cater to the needs of the residents, the tranquil community features the Address Montgomerie, a five-star award-winning hotel and also a luxurious golf course. 

10. Arabian Ranches

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Arabian Ranches offers more than 4,000 luxurious villas in tranquil desert surroundings. The gated community is an ideal home for golf lovers as it hosts the Arabian Ranches Golf Club and the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. 

Tennis tournaments, community barbecues, charity drives and market days make the community a suitable one for families to live in. The villas on offer come with massive spaces, open floor plans, external spaces with a backyard or a pool and feature a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese and Arabesque. 

11. The Meadows

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Away from the urban settings of Dubai, The Meadows is a beautiful tranquil community among lakes and parks. It is one of the most preferred communities for families and features a friendly community spirit and top-class recreational facilities. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, the community provides access to sports and recreational facilities. Catering to the needs of the residents, The Meadows offers first-class shopping, leisure and dining facilities along with salons, nurseries, gyms and clinics. 

The villas that The Meadows offers consists of 3 to 7 bedrooms. They are spacious and have been constructed in an architectural style that reflects Emirati heritage. Most of them are two-storey and come with garages, private gardens and some of them with private pools. 

13. Jumeirah Golf Estates

One of Dubai's most prestigious residential golf developments, Jumeirah Golf Estates is a secured gated community and is home to individually designed villas. The green and tranquil community is situated away from the heart of the city and features extensive manicured golf courses and lakes. 

Developed along the fairways of two 18-hole championship golf courses, Jumeirah Golf Estates comprises of 13 different residential communities with a total of 1,050 villas which can either be bought or rented, along with luxury apartments that can be owned. The villas of this community range from 3 to 6 bedrooms, that feature Mediterranean inspired facades. They host Haceinda, Tuscan, Provencal, Riviera and Andalucian architectural styles. They are large and are fitted with top quality finishes. 

14. Business Bay

Located within close proximity to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay is a bustling community featuring several skyscrapers. Known as Dubai's new center of business and trade, the community is also a yacht and sailing boat dock. Suitable for young and work-centric expatriate individuals, Business Bay features plenty of supermarkets, dining and entertainment outlets and 5-star hotels with an active nightlife. 

The residential apartments that the community hosts are spacious and airy that offer quality finishes and facilities. Residents have the option to choose between studios to 5 bedroom apartments, along with penthouses, lofts and duplexes. Catering to the retail, dining and entertainment needs of the residents is a shopping mall called the Bay Avenue that also hosts an array of communal facilities including a pool, gymnasium, children's play area, and many more.

15. Culture Village

A modern reflection of Middle Eastern art, Culture Village features unique architecture representing traditional Arabic heritage with a touch of modern techniques. The upscale community is home to some of Dubai's exclusive developments including the Palazzo Versace, D1 Tower and Dubai Wharf. All the projects are connected by air-c0ndioned walkways and bridges. 

In order to preserve and display traditional Islamic and Traditional art through real estate projects, Culture Village hosts visual arts, performing arts, museum and literary facilities, that contribute to the need of the intellectuals. An ideal address for families, Culture Village offers within close proximity schools, shopping facilities and hospitals. 

16. Dubailand

Dubailand is a 107 square mile masterpiece that hosts 26 development projects featuring 50 visitor attractions. Hosting some of the key entertainments of the city, the community is home to the Global Village, the Autodrome in Motor City, Cricket Stadium, Olympics specification sports stadia and Formula One racing circuit at Dubai Sports City, world-class sporting events at the Equestrian Polo Club, the Els Club and Dubai Cycle Course. Upcoming attractions of the community include the city's largest public park, that will stretch across 350 acres of land and will be as big as London's Hyde Park.

Dubailand is known for the comparatively cheaper rents which are affordable when compared to upscale communities of the city like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. A perfect home for families, the community offers schools, sports, entertainment and retail options, as well as cultural hubs. 

17. Jumeirah

A coastal residential area in Dubai, Jumeirah comprises of three different areas, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2 and Jumeirah 3. Residents living in this community are complemented with scenic views and access to exciting world class restaurants, cafes, spas and resorts. Some of the hotspots that this community is home to include City Walk, BOXPARK, Jumeira Bay, Kite Beach, and Burj Al Arab.

The beachfront villas of Jumeirah are among some of the most luxurious and expensive in the world. They are surrounded by lush landscaped gardens with easy access to pristine white sand beaches. The homes feature the best of imported materials and host amazing facilities, swimming pools, steam rooms, saunas, allocated parking spaces and other excellent amenities. 

18. Jumeirah Islands

Consisting of small 46 clusters, Jumeirah Islands is located on the East of the Sheikh Zayed Road, between interchanges 5 and 6. Each cluster offers 16 individually styled homes that are surrounded by artificial lakes. The community features a land to water ratio that is two to one, that is the highest in the world.

Jumeirah Islands offers a total of 736 luxury homes that feature four or five bedrooms. They are complemented with amenities that include a swimming pool, a garden area and a maid's room. Lush landscaping, quaint walkways, well-constructed bridges and paths add to the beauty of the community. Residents can also make use of amenities like a restaurant, a supermarket, a clubhouse that the community has on offer. For those who like to remain physically active, Jumeirah Island offers jogging and cycling tracks, gyms, squash, tennis and basketball courts. 

19. Jumeirah Village Circle

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As the name suggests, Jumeirah Village Circle offers its residents with the feeling of tranquility while providing them with amenities required for a luxurious lifestyle. The community is ideal for those who want to live away from the hustle and bustle of the city but want to enjoy the amenities of an urban life. A school located in the vicinity makes it a convenient address for families and alike. 

The compact and gated community hosts more than 2,800 villas and more than 3,100 townhouses, that are complemented with ultramodern home accessories. Residents can enjoy access to amenities including football and cricket pitch, tennis courts, croquet lawns, swimming pool as well as jogging and cycling trails, beautiful and green play areas for children, game areas and cycling tracks. Being a pet friendly community, it also houses veterinary clinics in its vicinity.