Dubai is popular with many for the glamorous, urban lifestyle it can provide. Taking all that a notch higher are the waterfront communities in Dubai that are perfect for those looking to indulge in the luxury of waterside living. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the best waterfront residential areas in Dubai for those who want to wake up to the sight of the sun tantalisingly glistening off a waterscape.
Sought-after Waterfront properties in Dubai
Average rents and sales prices for waterfront apartments in Dubai
Here is an overview of what buyers or tenants may be expected to pay for apartments in popular waterfront communities in Dubai:
Community | Average Rent Studios | Average Rent 1-Bed APT | Average Rent 2-Bed APT | Averages Sales Price Studios | Averages Sales Price 1-Bed APT | Averages Sales Price 2-Bed APT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Community Dubai Marina | Average Rent Studios AED 69,000 | Average Rent 1-Bed APT AED 100,000 | Average Rent 2-Bed APT AED 152,000 | Averages Sales Price Studios AED 1,225,000 | Averages Sales Price 1-Bed APT AED 1,808,000 | Averages Sales Price 2-Bed APT AED 2,886,000 |
Community Dubai Creek Harbour | Average Rent Studios AED 124,000 | Average Rent 1-Bed APT AED 111,000 | Average Rent 2-Bed APT AED 167,000 | Averages Sales Price Studios – | Averages Sales Price 1-Bed APT AED 1,912,000 | Averages Sales Price 2-Bed APT AED 3,112,000 |
Community Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) | Average Rent Studios AED 63,000 | Average Rent 1-Bed APT AED 90,000 | Average Rent 2-Bed APT AED 143,000 | Averages Sales Price Studios AED 856,000 | Averages Sales Price 1-Bed APT AED 1,482,000 | Averages Sales Price 2-Bed APT AED 2,579,000 |
Community Palm Jumeirah | Average Rent Studios AED 98,000 | Average Rent 1-Bed APT AED 163,000 | Average Rent 2-Bed APT AED 249,000 | Averages Sales Price Studios AED 1,562,000 | Averages Sales Price 1-Bed APT AED 3,474,000 | Averages Sales Price 2-Bed APT AED 6,971,000 |
Community Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) | Average Rent Studios AED 73,000 | Average Rent 1-Bed APT AED 117,000 | Average Rent 2-Bed APT AED 162,000 | Averages Sales Price Studios AED 2,379,000 | Averages Sales Price 1-Bed APT AED 2,567,000 | Averages Sales Price 2-Bed APT AED 3,184,000 |
DUBAI MARINA
Dubai Marina is the most searched-for waterfront community and for good reason. Everything from the luxury skyscrapers to the impressive range of entertainment and dining options makes it one of the most popular addresses for those interested in waterside apartments
The neighbourhood is primarily known for its sea view apartments for rent in Dubai Marina, but those searching for houses can also find podium villas. Prospective tenants on the hunt for rental accomodation in Dubai Marina have several options. These include studios, 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments for rent in Dubai Marina.
Let’s look at the average cost to rent luxury waterfront apartments in Dubai Marina.
- Studios for rent in Dubai Marina with sea views average at AED 69k per year.
- For 1-bed flats, the rent goes up to an average of AED 1M
- As for 2-bed flats for rent in Dubai Marina with a sea view, the price is AED 152k
- Regarding the 3-bed flats for rent, the price is AED 240k
Those interested in investing in the area will be spoilt for choice! There are a number of waterfront apartments for sale in Dubai Marina, with an impressive ROI of 5.43%. Let’s take a look at the average cost of buying waterfront flats in Dubai Marina:
- The cost of studio waterfront apartments for sale in Dubai Marina average at AED 1.2M
- The 1-bed variety has an average price of AED 1.8M
- Those looking for spacious 2-bed flats with seaviews for sale can expect to pay an average of AED 2.88M.
- The luxurious waterfront 3-bed apartments for sale in the area will set you back AED 4.68M
Dubai Creek Harbour
Next on our list of popular waterfront communities for apartments in Dubai is Dubai Creek Harbour. The freehold community features popular attractions like Dubai Creek Marina and sits right next to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, giving the area a unique balance of waterfront living and natural surroundings.
The development by Emaar features a residential space, parks and green spaces. Other notable attractions nearby include restaurants, retail establishments, schools and healthcare facilities.
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- To rent studios in Dubai Creek Harbour, tenants can expect to pay an average of AED 124k per annum
- For 1 and 2-bed units, the average annual rate is AED 111k and AED 167k respectively
- The average rent of 3-bed flats for rent in Dubai Creek Harbour is AED 256k
Potential investors interested in the apartments for sale in Dubai Creek Harbour can also choose from a range of layouts, with an estimated ROI of around 5.85%.
- The 1-bed apartments for sale in Dubai Creek Harbour average at AED 1.91M
- For the 2-bed range, the average goes up to AED 3.11M
- The larger 3-bed flats for sale in the area have an average cost of AED 4.57M
Jumeirah Lake Towers
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is a lively mixed-use community that blends commercial, residential and leisure living in one place. It encompasses more than 20 high-rise clusters featuring apartments, hotels and retail spaces. The area sits right between First Al Khail Street (D86) and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) giving residents easy access to major hubs like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.
Several educational institutions nearby make JLT perfect for growing families. Examples include nurseries like Dewdrops Nursery and schools like King’s School Al Barsha.
When it comes to the waterfront apartments for rent in Jumeirah Lake Towers, there are plenty to choose from.
- Those interested in studios for rent in Jumeirah Lake Towers can expect to pay an average of AED 63k per annum
- The average rent of 1 and 2-bed units comes up to AED 90k and AED 143k respectively
- As for 3-bed flats, the rent is AED 189k on average.
When it comes to the apartments for sale in Jumeirah Lake Towers, there are options for waterfront units, with a projected ROI at 6.20%.
- The studios for sale in JLT cost an average of AED 856k
- The cost for 1 and 2-bed units goes up to AED 1.48M to AED 2.57M respectively.
- For 3-bed apartments for sale, the cost averages at AED 3.72M
PALM JUMEIRAH
As far as top beachfront communities in Dubai go, the iconic Palm Jumeriah is one of the best. The man-made island was the first off-shore structure of its kind in the emirate.
Examples of popular beachfront properties here include One Palm, a stunning shore-side development that comes with a private jetty and state of the art facilities and amenities. The island is ideal for people looking to have an address in one of the most prestigious waterfront communities in Dubai. Let’s have a look at the average cost to rent sea view apartments in Palm Jumeirah.

- The studio apartments for rent in Palm Jumeirah average at an annual rate of AED 98k
- Those looking to rent the 1-bed range can expect to pay around AED 163k on an annual basis
- For the spacious 2-bed seaview apartments for rent in Palm Jumeirah, the price goes up to AED 249k.
- A luxurious waterfront 3-bed unit will set you back by AED 382k on average.
Buyers interested in the apartments for sale in Palm Jumeirah may consider homes in various bed types with a projected ROI of 3.88%.
- You can buy seaview apartments in Palm Jumeirah at an average price of AED 1.56M
- A 1-bed apartment in the same variety costs AED 3.47M
- For 2-bed units, the average cost is AED 6.97M
- Luxurious 3-bed flats for sale will require a financial outlay of AED 12.3M.
JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE (JBR)
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a chic waterfront community that is considered to be one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. Most of the neighbourhood’s residential towers provide residents with direct access to some the beach.
Besides indoor luxuries, residents here also have easy access to a jogging track, play area for kids and several water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing.
JBR is known for its position as one of the most popular places with sea view apartments in Dubai. The 43-storey residential high-rise, 1 JBR is a premium waterfront development, with high-end units that come with spacious balconies and stunning sea views.
The flats for rent in Jumeirah Beach Residence come with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and a host of desirable amenities.
- Tenants can rent studios in Jumeirah Beach Residence with sea views for around AED 73k per year.
- The 1-bed flats for rent in JBR cost AED 117k
- As for the 2-bed range, the average rent is AED 162k
- For the larger 3-bed units, the average rent goes up to AED 203k
You may want to check out the average prices of the apartments for sale in Jumeirah Beach Residence, which offer an expected ROI of 4.53%.
- The average cost to buy studios in JBR is AED 2.37M
- Tenants can expect to pay around AED 2.56M for 1-bed flats for sale in the area
- The average asking price for waterfront 2-bed flats for sale in JBR is AED 3.18M
- For 3-bed flats, the asking price averages at AED 4.84M
Average rent and sales prices for Dubai waterfront villas
Now let’s explore the most in-demand waterfront communities with villas for rent and sale. These opulent communities are some of the most luxurious real estates in Dubai. Let’s have a look at the average rent and sales prices for beachfront villa communities in Dubai.
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Areas
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Average Rent 3-Bed Villa
|
Average Rent 4-Bed Villa
|
Average Rent 5-Bed Villa
|
Average Sales Price 3-Bed Villa
|
Average Sales Price 4-Bed Villa
|
Average Sales Price 5-Bed Villa
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Areas
Palm Jumeirah
|
Average Rent 3-Bed Villa
AED 993,000
|
Average Rent 4-Bed Villa
AED 1,374,000
|
Average Rent 5-Bed Villa
AED 1,619,000
|
Average Sales Price 3-Bed Villa
–
|
Average Sales Price 4-Bed Villa
AED 32,427,000
|
Average Sales Price 5-Bed Villa
AED 53,966,000
|
|
Areas
Jumeirah Islands
|
Average Rent 3-Bed Villa
–
|
Average Rent 4-Bed Villa
AED 862,000
|
Average Rent 5-Bed Villa
AED 2,792,000
|
Average Sales Price 3-Bed Villa
–
|
Average Sales Price 4-Bed Villa
AED 27,114,000
|
Average Sales Price 5-Bed Villa
AED 36,877,000
|
|
Areas
The Lakes
|
Average Rent 3-Bed Villa
AED 323,000
|
Average Rent 4-Bed Villa
AED 416,000
|
Average Rent 5-Bed Villa
AED 690,000
|
Average Sales Price 3-Bed Villa
AED 8,760,000
|
Average Sales Price 4-Bed Villa
AED 9,897,000
|
Average Sales Price 5-Bed Villa
AED 15,660,000
|
PALM JUMEIRAH
Palm Jumeirah is an opulent neighbourhood with no shortage of luxurious waterfront villas for rent and sale in Dubai. Let’s take a look at the rental cost of waterfront homes in Palm Jumeirah.
- The annual average cost for the 3-bed waterfront villas for rent in Palm Jumeirah is AED 993k per annum.
- To rent 4 and 5-bed villas, prospective tenants can expect to pay AED 1.37M and AED 1.61M respectively
- For larger 6-bed villas, the average rent is AED 2.33M
Those looking to invest will be glad to know that the ROI for villas in Palm Jumeirah currently stands at 3.83%.
- The asking price of 3-bed villas for sale in Palm Jumeirah is AED 32.4M
- For 5 and 6-bed villas, the average sales prices are AED 53.9M and AED 63.9M respectively.
JUMEIRAH ISLANDS
Jumeirah Islands is a freehold area and a luxurious residential project by Nakheel Properties. It is one of the iconic residential islands in Dubai with a host of upscale waterfront villas for rent and sale.
Jumeirah Islands comprises 50 man-made islets, 46 of which are dedicated residential clusters and each cluster has villas and townhouses featuring themed architecture. These houses are set amidst man-made lakes making Jumeirah Islands a popular choice for tenants and investors.
- To rent 4-bed villas in Jumeirah islands, tenants may have to pay an average of AED 862k
- For 5-bed villas in the area, the average rent is AED 2.79M
The projected rental returns for the villas for sale in Jumeirah Islands stand at 3.73%.
- To buy 4-bed villas in Jumeirah Islands, investors will have to pay an average of AED 27.1M
- For 5-bed villas, the average price is AED 36.8M
THE LAKES
Primarily a villa community, The Lakes is another good option for waterfront living. This project by Emaar Properties features freehold villas for sale and rent across six sub-communities.

The properties here offer residents stunning views of man-made lakes which are further complemented by verdant green spaces. Promises of lake-front living aside, The Lakes also puts residents close to popular areas in Dubai like the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.
The community, located within Emirates Living, sits right next to Emirates Hills. It is made up of six sub-communities with villa types ranging from 3 to 7-bedrooms.
The neighborhood is well known for its peaceful atmosphere and well planned layout with plenty of shared amenities. All in all, it serves as a practical choice for families or couples who want comfort without being too far from the main city.
Here’s what you can expect to pay on average:
- The 3 and 4-bed villas for rent in The Lakes average at AED 323k and AED 416k respectively.
- For the 5-bed units, the average cost is AED 690 per annum.
The lakeside community also offers waterfront villas for sale in Dubai with an ROI at 4.06%.
- The average asking price for a 3 and 4-bed villa for sale here is AED 8.76M and AED 9.89M respectively.
- For 6-bed villas, the sales price is AED 15.6M on average.
That’s all for our review of popular waterfront communities in Dubai. Before you rent or buy a permanent home in these communities, it’s a good idea to consider the pros and cons of waterfront living in Dubai first.