Popular Areas to Rent Apartments In and Around Old Dubai
While Downtown Dubai’s skyline stands as a fixture of the city’s modern identity, Old Dubai and its surrounding communities offer a different side of the city. Centred around the iconic Dubai Creek and cultural landmarks, these areas combine established neighbourhoods with comparatively affordable rents, strong public transport links and easy access to central employment and retail hubs.
From historic districts to well-connected residential communities, areas with apartments for rent in and around Old Dubai offer their own character and amenities.
POPULAR AREAS WITH APARTMENTS FOR RENT WITHIN AND NEAR OLD DUBAI
The popular communities to rent in and around Old Dubai offer a lifestyle that fuses cultural charm with affordable living. Many areas feature well-maintained buildings, convenient access to shops and public transport and a strong sense of community.
- Deira
- Bur Dubai
- Al Karama
- Al Satwa
- 0
- 20%
- 40%
- 60%
- 80%100%
Based on searches conducted by users on Bayut.com
Let’s explore the top neighbourhoods to rent flats in Old Dubai to see how apartment living here blends comfort, tradition and everyday convenience. But first, here’s an overview of the rental prices (in AED) for the different bed types.
Area | Studio | 1-Bed | 2-Bed | 3-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Area Deira | Studio 35,000 | 1-Bed 68,000 | 2-Bed 106,000 | 3-Bed 138,000 |
Area Bur Dubai | Studio 52,000 | 1-Bed 78,000 | 2-Bed 111,000 | 3-Bed 142,000 |
Area Al Karama | Studio 46,000 | 1-Bed 72,000 | 2-Bed 101,000 | 3-Bed 139,000 |
Area Al Satwa | Studio 50,000 | 1-Bed 78,000 | 2-Bed 116,000 | 3-Bed 308,000 |
DEIRA
Deira is one of the emirate’s oldest and most historically significant districts. It is home to key government offices, courts, consulates and the Gold Souk.

The residential area offers convenient access to schools, parks and clinics, including the renowned Al Muteena Park. With its older low to mid-rise buildings in areas such as Al Rigga, Al Baraha, and Al Muraqqabat, residents can find a range of options across the neighbourhood. The rental apartments in Deira are well served by the Dubai Metro, with Al Rigga MS and Union Metro Station on the Red Line providing convenient access to the rest of the city.
BUR DUBAI
Located on the western side of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai takes its name from the Arabic term for ‘Mainland Dubai’. From the vibrant textile souk to the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical District, the area is steeped in cultural charm.

With a mix of modern and older-style apartments alongside schools, cafés, parks and clinics, Bur Dubai remains a well-rounded residential choice for many. Sharaf DG and BurJuman metro stations keep the area well connected to the rest of the city.
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1999 SQFT
- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 244 SQFT
- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 259 SQFT
- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 139 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 759 SQFT
- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 374 SQFT
AL KARAMA
Al Karama sits in Bur Dubai, bordered by Sheikh Rashid Road and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, with Dubai Creek and Zabeel Park close by. It’s one of the older, more culturally mixed districts in the city, built around a busy market street. Rental apartments in Al Karama offer a range of configurations and practical layouts catering to different preferences.
AL SATWA
Al Satwa is located close to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and borders Bur Dubai and Jumeirah. Residents seeking rental apartments in Al Satwa have access to the nearby Emirates Towers Metro Station and World Trade Centre Metro Station.
The community is well-equipped with schools, grocery stores and supermarkets and offers proximity to lifestyle destinations like BoxPark and City Walk.
FAQs ABOUT FLATS FOR RENT IN OLD DUBAI
Is Bur Dubai a popular area for renting apartments?
Yes, Bur Dubai is one of the popular apartment rental areas in Old Dubai, known for its mix of modern and older-style apartments.
Is Deira a good area to rent an apartment?
Deira is a good area for affordable apartment living in Old Dubai. It offers a range of low to mid-rise buildings, convenient metro access, and essential amenities such as schools, parks and clinics.
Which Old Dubai areas are suitable for families?
Most areas in and around Old Dubai are well-suited for families, as they are close to schools, parks and other amenities.
What public transport options are accessible from Old Dubai?
Residents have access to the Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines), buses, taxis and water taxis.
What is the average rent for apartments in Old Dubai?
Average rents vary by area, ranging from around AED 73k in Al Karama to AED 128k in Al Satwa, with Deira and Bur Dubai averaging around AED 82k and AED 97k respectively.
This rounds out the guide to the most sought-after communities to rent in Old Dubai. Whether you’re looking for a cosy apartment or a spacious family home, Old Dubai offers a unique blend of culture, convenience and affordability.
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Disclaimer: This article uses property listing prices advertised on Bayut.com by real estate agencies on behalf of their clients. Figures represent advertised prices only and do not reflect actual transaction prices unless stated. Reported metrics use a trimmed mean to provide a more robust market summary.



