These suburbs in Dubai offer great value while renting properties. In short, more bang for the buck. The longer commute to work areas and leisure, shopping destinations is something of a sacrifice.
How much does it cost to live in a suburb in Dubai?
Compare these prices with rental prices of AED 65,000 – 80,000 for a studio or AED 95,000 – 115,000 for a one bedroom in Downtown Dubai.
| Location | Studio Rent (AED) | 1-Bed Rent (AED) |
| Arjaan | 30,000 | 35,000 |
| Dubailand Residences | 35,000 | 45,000 |
| Dubai Investments Park | 25,000 | 40,000 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | 35,000 | 50,000 |
| Dubai Sports City | 40,000 | 60,000 |
| International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) | 30,000 | 50,000 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | 40,000 | 55,000 |
| Remraan | 40,000 | 45,000 |
Source: Dubai Land Department, Khaleej Times (December, 2016)
| Location | Pros | Cons |
| Arjaan | · Nearby to My City Centre mall · Easy access to five schools · Access to MBZ Road and Umm Suqeim Street · A large medical hospital is coming up. | · Work in progress with lot of construction going on · No bus transportation for now · Not many streetlights in this community |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | · Good selection of apartments and villas · Family-friendly community · Bus links to Rashidya Metro Station · Easy links to MBZ Road, proximity to Dubai International Airport · Good selection of small shops and convenience stores, Gems School in vicinity. | · Rents higher than some of the other new areas · Limited two-bedroom stock · Access at peak times can be challenging |
| Dubai Sports City | · Suitable for families with affordable apartments · Gems school in vicinity · Good bus connectivity to MBZ road and Hessa Street | · Making your way home through the crowds can be an ordeal when the cricket stadium is in use · Possibility of higher chiller costs |
| International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) | · Affordable housing, close to city Centre Me’aisem · Includes a lake · Has a regular bus service · Easy access to Mohammed bin Zayed Road | · IMPZ is still an under construction location · Largely occupied by small families, bachelors and couples only |
| Jumeirah Village Circle | · Affordable low-rise apartments, easy access to Hessa Street and Al Khail Road · Open green spaces · Ideal for families · Wide inventory of apartments, townhouses and villas | · Still predominantly under construction · Local companies use several buildings as bachelor accommodations |
A lot has been discussed and published on the rent and real estate prices in Dubai's more established communities, including Dubai Marina, Downtown, the Palm Jumeirah, Discovery Gardens and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
However for residents looking for alternative rental options, here is a round up of Dubai's up-and-coming communities that are emerging with respect to infrastructure, facilities and amenities.
The truth is that these communities are not completely developed and occupied as yet means they offer relatively cheaper homes. Finding homes in these communities will offer tenants the first-mover advantage (you may be spoiled with choice, like getting to choose what you want like maybe a corner house, one facing the garden, etc.) and lock in on lower rents before they appreciate in anticipation of Expo 2020.
It is to be noted that transaction activity and delivered stock in 2016 indicate a major push towards peripheral residential districts. Dubailand, Jumeirah Village and Dubai Silicon Oasis account for 45 per cent of the total delivered stock in the year. Also in 2017, most new units are expected to come up in the areas of Dubailand, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Sports City.
Suburban communities like Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Sports City and Dubailand Residences achieved growth in rents in 2016, substantiating the fact that there is a strong demand. The Dubailand Residence Complex, Arjaan, Remraan, International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), Dubai Sports City, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Investments Park are select up-and-coming communities in Dubai where tenants don't have to pay a fortune in rent, but still find most facilities at affordable prices.
