Most expensive areas for apartment living in Dubai

• Bluewaters Island
• Palm Jumeirah
• Jumeirah
• Al Barari
• Dubai Harbour
• FAQs

Dubai neighbourhoods offer spectacular residential properties catering to different budgets and preferences. The emirate also attracts a lot of expats eager to live a high life, either as tenants or owners in some of the most prestigious addresses. If you’re interested in buying or renting flats in the emirate, here is a review of the most expensive areas to live in Dubai.

LIST OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE AREAS TO LIVE IN DUBAI APARTMENTS

With a prime location by the Arabian Gulf, a futuristic vibe, various entertainment options, an enviable safety record and tax-free income, residential properties in some of the most expensive areas in Dubai for luxurious apartments attract investors and residents from around the world.

Those searching for a home that befits their lifestyle may want to check out residential areas offering an unmatched luxury living experience. Let’s explore the most expensive residential areas in Dubai.

BLUEWATERS ISLAND

Home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest Ferris wheel, Bluewaters Island tops our list of luxurious areas in Dubai for apartment living. The artificial peninsula is perfect for home hunters looking for exclusivity.

Residences here come with exciting amenities, including swimming pools, play areas for kids and facilities for differently-abled residents.

Bluewaters Residences apartment buildings put residents in proximity to some of the city’s glitziest shopping and entertainment options. Rated as the ultimate waterfront destination in Dubai, Bluewaters Island features popular tourist attractions such as Madame Tassuad’s Museum and Caesar’s Palace, which has an on-site beach club.

You can find many well-known restaurants on Bluewaters Island, like Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen, one of Dubai’s best celebrity chef restaurants.

Want to move here permanently? Here’s what you are expected to pay for Bluewaters Island apartments for sale:

• To buy a 1-bed apartment in Bluewaters Island, you must pay AED 4.66M.
• The asking sales price climbs to AED 8.16M and AED 11.5M for 2 and 3-bed flats, respectively.
• Investing in a 4-bed unit here means shelling out around AED 19M

Here are the averages for apartments for rent in Bluewaters Island:

• On average, you can rent a 1-bed flat in Bluewaters Island for AED 299k.
• The average rent increases to AED 417k and AED 563k for 2 and 3-bed apartments.
• 4-bed apartments have an asking rent of AED 1.13M.

PALM JUMEIRAH

Palm Jumeirah is next on our list of the most expensive areas in Dubai for luxurious apartments. This artificial island resembles the shape of a palm tree and has a trunk, a crescent and 16 fronds. You can find luxury villas and apartments dotted across the island.

Living in Palm Jumeirah means experiencing the best of Dubai, from incredible entertainment avenues to gourmet restaurants. You can also find some of the best luxury resorts here, including Atlantis The Royal and Atlantis The Palm!

Those looking to buy a Palm Jumeirah apartment can have a look at the current sales trends:

• The average cost of a 1-bed unit here is AED 3.56M.
• Similarly, for a 2-bed flat, asking sales prices average at AED 6.78M.
• The average sales price for larger 3 or 4-bed units is AED 13.9M and AED 46.2M, respectively.

But if you want to experience living in the area before making a long-term investment, here’s a list of luxury apartments for rent in Palm Jumeirah:

• Renting a 1-bed here means taking out AED 167k from your budget annually.
• If you want to rent a 2 or 3-bed flat, the average spending would be AED 252k and AED 379k.
• For a larger 4-bed flat for rent in Palm Jumeirah, you can expect to pay AED 764k.

JUMEIRAH

Jumeirah is one of the most expensive residential areas in Dubai, known for its calm streets and upscale lifestyle. It suits renters who prefer a relaxed setting close to the beach yet still want quick access to the city’s main hubs. Apartment options here tend to be low-rise with a strong focus on comfort and privacy.

Living in Jumeirah means having boutique shops, cafés and wellness centres within easy reach. The area is popular with families thanks to its parks and quiet residential feel. Many buildings also offer pools, gyms and dedicated parking, which adds to the convenience of everyday life.

If you are ready to buy an apartment in Jumeirah, know that you’ll be close to attractions like Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach, the canal and several luxury resorts!

• The average sales price of a 1-bed unit here is AED 2.51M.
• Investing in a two-bedroom unit means spending AED 4.36M.
• For 3 and 4-bedroom flats, you can expect the sales price to average at AED 30M and AED 34M.

Those looking to rent an apartment in Jumeirah can take a look at rental trends here:

• In search of a rental 1-bed in Jumeirah? The average rent is AED 136k.
• For 2 and 3-bedroom flats, expect to pay AED 206k and 1.06M, respectively.
• For a larger 4-bed flat, prepare to spend around AED 2.40M annually.

AL BARARI

Redefining standards of an eco-friendly community, Al Barari can be another suitable option for anyone who wants to sustainably rent an apartment in Dubai without cutting down on luxury.

Units here mostly come with spacious walk-in closets, open kitchens, modern appliances and more. Al Barari also makes it to the list of areas offering villas with private pools in Dubai. It’s also widely recognised as one of the most expensive apartment locations in Dubai, offering plenty of amenities and a broad mix of bed types.

Those seeking a perfect combination of luxury and comfort can consider buying an apartment in Al Barari:

• Expect to pay close to AED 3.02M for a 1-bedroom place in Al Barari
• Prices for 2-bed units hover near AED 6.35M
• Spacious 3 and 4-bed properties often sell for roughly AED 12.4M and AED 16M

However, if you feel comfortable living on rent, here are the current rental trends in Al Barari:

• On average, a 1-bed flat in Al Barari rents for about AED 214k.
• Typical annual rates for 2-bed apartments rise to around AED 385k.
• Larger 3-bed homes usually come with asking rents close to AED 610k.

DUBAI HARBOUR

Still wondering where to find expensive apartments in Dubai? A project of Meraas Holding, Dubai Harbour is a fast-developing waterfront destination with a covered area of 20 million sq. ft. Residents of Dubai Harbour have quick access to Ain Dubai and Burj Al Arab. From leisure activities to top-notch restaurants, you can find it all here.

You can find luxury residences in the area. Many buildings offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Marina. Apartments in the area usually have spacious bedrooms, attached baths, built-in wardrobes, floor-to-ceiling windows, interior finishing according to modern tastes and preferences and spacious balconies to soak in the stunning views.

Anyone hoping to balance comfort with a touch of luxury might look at purchasing a flat in Dubai Harbour.

• To buy a 1-bed flat in Dubai Harbour, your average financial outlay would be AED 3.37M.
• Expect to pay AED 5.83M and 8.95M to buy a 2 and 3-bed flat here, respectively.
• 4-bedroom apartments here demand around AED 17.8M.

Still, if renting suits you better, these are the current Dubai Harbour rental trends:

• You can find a 1-bed apartment for rent in Dubai Harbour for AED 155k, on average.
• The average rent is AED 256k and AED 454k for 2 and 3-bed flats.
• Most 4-bed apartments list for roughly AED 638k yearly rent.

FAQS

WHAT IS THE ROI OFFERED FOR APARTMENTS IN THE AREAS DISCUSSED ABOVE?

Interested in buying an apartment in the most expensive areas to live in Dubai? Here’s a look at what you can expect to gain in return for your investment.

Area	ROI
Area Bluewaters Island	ROI 5.33%
Area Palm Jumeirah	ROI 3.96%
Area Jumeirah	ROI 4.55%
Area Al Barari	ROI 6.07%
Area Dubai Harbour	ROI 4.96%

IN WHICH AREAS CAN I FIND LUXURIOUS PENTHOUSES?

Looking for something more lavish? Check out areas offering luxurious penthouses in Dubai.

That’s all for our review of the most expensive areas to live in Dubai. If you prefer island living, check out our residential islands in Dubai guide for a better idea.

For more updates on the UAE real estate market trends, stay tuned to MyBayut.