Dubai is a popular destination for people seeking lucrative career opportunities, comfortable and luxurious housing options, and a comfortable lifestyle. Each year, millions of expatriates travel to Dubai to make their dreams come true.
Since the vibrant city attracts so many emigrants, finding an apartment is not easy. They are often expensive, too, as the country becomes the center of economic prosperity — and lots of companies choose to relocate here. Finding an affordable rental space in Dubai is often overwhelming for first-timers.
If you are seekinga property for rent in Dubai, you need to understand available housing options and the best locations for rent. Here are a few tips and tricks for renting real estate in Dubai:
What are my Housing Options in Dubai?
According to a recent study, housing prices in Dubai have reduced by 30% over the past couple of years. Before you rent a property in Dubai, take a look at your options:
Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Apartments and villas in Dubai may be furnished or unfurnished. Depending on whether you’re planning to stay for a short or long time, you can choose a property that meets your needs.
More often than not, people who want to live in Dubai for a prolonged time choose unfurnished houses. This way, they can arrange the house according to their taste. In some cases, that property may already have washing machines, refrigerators, cooking stoves, and dishwashers — so all that is left for tenants is to find sofas, chairs, tables, etc.
If you want a furnished place, you probably won’t get tableware, cutlery, or bed linen. It’s always a good idea to discuss items you want on your property with a landlord beforehand.
Flatshares and Student Housing
When renting a property in Dubai, you’ll find subletting a challenging task. Even if you find a flat on one of the advertisement boards, subletting requires agreement with the landlord. If there is no such agreement, both the person who has decided to share — original tenant and you can be evicted.
Unmarried men and women can live in the same apartment in Dubai, so if you’re on a business trip with a colleague or traveling with a partner and worry about that law — there’s nothing to worry about since 2020.
If you’re on a long-term business trip — or you’re going to work in Dubai, ask your employer to find you accommodations. If you’re flying over to Dubai to study, you might find assistance with living options from your university. Most schools provide students with fully furnished on-campus housing. They may also suggest studio apartments, dorm rooms, and one-bedroom.
When renting an apartment, make sure the location has all the required amenities and facilities you’ll need to live: casual (not superrich supermarkets), food courts, pharmacies, etc. Look for something close to your office or school, because familiarizing yourself with the specifics of Dubai’s traffic will take a while.
Best Locations to Live
Dubai is well-known as a luxurious, expensive city to live in. Before you hire any real estate company in Dubai, check our list of the best places to rent and live in Dubai:
City Centre Districts
Dubai has a lot of districts, each of them unique yet suitable for expats, travelers, students, and businesspeople. But being in the heart of the city connects you with the delightful and joyful rumble of city activities.
Downtown
Downtown is the heart of Dubai, and the housing there is both lavish and very expensive. Most of the large companies have their headquarters downtown — along with popular malls, an ice rink, an underwater zoo, fascinating fountains, and other places that are so captivating for visitors.
Deira
If you visit Dubai for a short period, consider staying in Deira. From there, you can enjoy exploring the exciting city thanks to the elaborate transportation system, buy spices at the market, shop, go to museums, or spend a fun night at Park Hyatt nearby.
Other City Center Attractions
The center of Dubai is rich in stunning buildings and globally recognized landmarks. It includes:
- The largest, most visited, and stupefying Dubai Mall
- Burj Khalifa—the skyrocketing building
- The world’s tallest hotel, JW Marriott Marquis
Jumeirah also offers visitors access to breathtaking Palm Islands. Here you can find neighborhoods like Dubai Marina, The Palm, and others that come with high price tags. Emirates Hill with central communities like The Lakes, The Meadows, and The Springs are devastatingly beautiful as well.
Arabian Ranches
It is a lush neighborhood, quite popular among expats, that offers accommodations for people who have a quiet, relaxed lifestyle. You’ll find several good schools, healthcare facilities, malls, and restaurants.
Student areas
Recently, Dubai has become one of the finest places to study due to its affordable education, lots of English-speaking options, and so on. In the city, you can find campuses of various Western colleges, including the Middlesex University of Wollongong, NYU, and Heriot-Watt. Here are the places students live more often.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
It is the most popular neighborhood among international students, pursuing their degrees at Dubai Academic City—the world’s largest free zone for educational institutes. It consists of residential buildings equipped with multiple facilities. Located at Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, the apartments are fairly priced to suit the students’ budget.
International City
It is another modestly-priced district around Dubai Academic City. The neighborhood is known for its vibrancy, diversity, and inclusivity. With its colorful, low-rise buildings, students can easily find a comfortable living space.
Dubailand
Dubailand is a recently developed neighborhood, providing affordable residential space to students. Its modern facilities, nicely designed apartments, and budget-friendly flats are perfect for students and expats. The Skycourts building is the most famous in Dubailand: from there, people can reach downtown really fast.
Prepare to Rent in Dubai
Once you select the fitting location, visit the property before signing the contract. Do not sign anything before seeing an apartment—an universal renting rule applies in Dubai, too. Make a list of questions that you would ask the landlord. A good idea is to contact some locals—or write them on Twitter or other social media—and ask about the current renting climate. Things concerning are changing fast everywhere, and Dubai is no exception. You can also consult a real estate agent—if they have reviews from happy, easily reachable customers on their website.