Popular areas for British expats to live in Dubai
British expatriates love Dubai and they have plenty of reasons to do so. The rents are lower, fuel is less-expensive, salaries are tax-free and of course, there’s year-round sunshine! Want to make the most of those mightily tempting factors by settling down in the emirate? Here are the most sought-after areas for British expats in Dubai based on consumer interest.
Popular Areas for British Expats in Dubai to Rent Apartments
Based on trends observed overtime, the most popular places to live in Dubai for British expats, for those who prefer flats include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate and Jumeirah Beach Residence.
- Dubai Marina
- Downtown Dubai
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
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Dubai Marina
The first area on our list is Dubai Marina. This bustling neighbourhood is perfect for expats who prefer flats with stunning waterfront views. In fact, many of the area’s residential buildings are part of Dubai’s iconic skyline.
British nationals moving into the area with families can take advantage of the many UK-curriculum schools nearby. These include the Dubai British School in Emirates Hills located just 12 minutes away from the area.
The Bayut and dubbizle market report for H1 2023 also sees Dubai Marina ranking well for luxury apartment rentals in the city. Flats here are available in a range of different configurations.
Those considering renting apartments in Dubai Marina can opt for studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units.
- The annual average cost for 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Dubai Marina is AED 107k.
- The 2-bedroom flats for rent in Dubai Marina have an annual rental cost of AED 156k.
- The 3-bedroom Dubai Marina apartments for rent will set you back by AED 249k per year.
DOWNTOWN DUBAI
Downtown Dubai, also known as ‘the centre of now’, is another area in-demand among the British expats living in Dubai. The area offers luxury apartments, some of which come with private pools and spectacular views.
This community is home to the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa and a plethora of other spectacular landmarks, such as the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and Dubai Opera.
Counted among the most popular areas for British expats in Dubai, this posh neighbourhood is also famous for being the ultimate leisure destination. There are plenty of things to do in Downtown Dubai, guaranteeing your weekends will never be dull.
You can dine in at any of the luxurious restaurants in Downtown Dubai, or enjoy an upbeat night with your friends at the bars and lounges in the 5-star hotels in the area. The Double Decker pub and its menu are particularly popular with the British community in Dubai.
If this area has sparked your interest, make sure to do your homework on the pros and cons of living in Downtown Dubai.
The apartments for rent in Downtown Dubai come in various sizes, right from cosy studios and 1-bed units to larger 3-bedroom flats and even bigger penthouses that are perfect for families.
- The 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Downtown Dubai have an annual rent of AED 134k on average.
- The 2-bed apartments for rent in the area cost around AED 243k annually.
- Average yearly cost to rent 3-bedroom apartments in Downtown Dubai is AED 422k.
PALM JUMEIRAH
If you’re keen on getting the most from the city’s sunny beachside living, then Palm Jumeirah – one of the best areas for British expats in Dubai – is a good option for you.
The iconic man-made island is one of the popular places to live in Dubai for British expats. You can find a mix of apartments and villas in the neighbourhood, each offering exceptional waterfront views and easy access to the beach.
People from all over the world come to Palm Jumeirah to visit its renowned attractions, like The Pointe, Atlantis The Palm and Palm West Beach.
Popular with British expats living in Dubai, flats for rent in Palm Jumeirah come with excellent amenities. You can also find a range of sea-view apartments for rent in Palm Jumeirah.
- The average per year cost to rent 1-bedroom apartments in Palm Jumeirah is AED 179k.
- Similarly, the average yearly cost to rent 2-bedroom apartments in Palm Jumeirah is AED 246k.
- Whereas 3-bedroom apartments for rent in the area cost AED 322k.
Dubai Hills Estate
Dubai Hills Estate is a family-friendly community that offers a wide range of amenities for its residents. With various types of apartments available, tenants have plenty of choices.
Families with young children will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of nearby schools. Additionally, the presence of green spaces, walkways and playgrounds adds to the appeal of Dubai Hills as an ideal location for British expats in Dubai.
- Get a comfortable 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Dubai Hills Estate for AED 97k per anum
- A 2-bedroom flat for rent costs AED 161k per year
- An airy 3-bedroom apartment for rent in Dubai Hills Estate is available for AED 242k annually
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
English expats in Dubai prefer to rent flats in JBR and there’s more than one reason for it! The area is home to JBR Beach – a hub for leisure, shopping and entertainment. Its strategic location and access to sun-soaking eateries and exciting watersports activities make it one of the most popular areas in Dubai.
Setting up base here means having some of the finest Dubai lifestyle destinations, such as Barasti, The Buddha Bar and Zero Gravity in nearby vicinity.
Expats looking for British schools near Jumeirah Beach Residence can consider GEMS Wellington International School in Al Sufouh located 11 minutes away from the area, which follows the National Curriculum of England.
A look at the average prices of the apartments for rent in JBR can help you find suitable housing in the popular beachfront area.
- The rent for 1-bedroom apartments in Jumeirah Beach Residence is AED 133k.
- 2-bedroom apartments for rent in JBR go for an annual cost of AED 191k on average.
- For 3-bed apartments for rent in JBR the average rent stands at AED 220k per annum.
Popular Areas for British expats in Dubai to Rent Villas
Now let’s explore areas with villas that are popular among British expats living in Dubai.
- Umm Suqeim
- Arabian Ranches
- Reem
- Palm Jumeirah
- Jumeirah Park
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DUBAI HILLS ESTATE
Dubai Hills Estate is a popular off-plan development and one of the most popular areas to rent apartments in Dubai for British expats. The area is masterfully constructed with several amenities.
The presence of amenities such as the West Zone Fresh Supermarket, Blackberry Grocery store and Carrefour City Market offers fresh groceries and other household products.
Similarly, the area is preferred by families with school-going children. A branch of GEMS Wellington Academy is located a mere 10 minutes away.
Those looking for CBSE Indian curriculum schools in Dubai can consider GEMS New Millennium School, also located nearby. The school caters to students from KG1 to Year 9.
- The average rent per year for a 3-bedroom villa is AED 332k.
- A 4-bedroom villa for rent in Dubai Hills Estate is available for AED 341k.
- Meanwhile, a luxury 5-bedroom villa for rent costs approximately AED 416k per year.
ARABIAN RANCHES
Another Brit-friendly community in Dubai is the quiet, gated district of Arabian Ranches.
The neighbourhood boasts a spectacular range of villas that feature themed architectural designs and exceptional finishes. Arabian Ranches is known to be one of the sought-after residential areas in Dubai for families.
The neighbourbood has parks where you can enjoy relaxing strolls and amenities that support an upscale family lifestyle. There are also plenty of schools and nurseries in Arabian Ranches following the British curriculum. Residents also have easy access to Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club and its facilities.
If you’re living in Dubai as a British expat, make sure to explore the pros and cons of Arabian Ranches. The research will help you know why the villas in Arabian Ranches might be the perfect choice for you and your family.
Looking for opulent villas for rent in Arabian Ranches? Tenants will find luxurious homes in varying unit types with impressive amenities.
- The annual price to rent 3-bedroom villas in Arabian Ranches is AED 252k on average.
- On the other hand, 4-bedroom rental villas in Arabian Ranches will cost AED 321k per year.
- Larger 5-BHK villas for rent are available for a yearly price of AED 439k on average.
UMM SUQEIM
Umm Suqueim is one of the most searched places to live in Dubai for British expats. Predominantly a villa community, the neighbourhood offers a great location and peaceful surroundings.
The villas in this area are popular among British expats due to their proximity to the stunning Jumeirah Beach – one of the best public beaches in Dubai. That’s not it, there are many other incredible benefits of living in Umm Suqeim including pet-friendly properties and proximity to schools and hospitals.
British curriculum schools, such as the prestigious King’s School Dubai are located within the community. The Umm Suqeim branch of King’s School is renowned for consistently acquiring “Outstanding” ranking from the KHDA.
In addition, the Jumeirah Beach Road, which runs parallel to the coast and down the entire length of Umm Suqeim, is home to the city’s most trendy eateries, cafes and boutique stores.
Want to call this place home? Check out different layouts of villas available for rent in Umm Suqeim.
- The annual average rent for 3-bedroom villas in Umm Suqeim is AED 240k.
- The 4 and 5-bedroom villas for rent in the area will set you back by AED 315k and AED 349k per year, respectively.
PALM JUMEIRAH
British expats prefer Palm Jumeirah for its beachfront living and luxury villas. The lifestyle in Palm Jumeirah is more reminiscent of resort-style living.
The villas for rent in Palm Jumeirah are some of the most luxurious in the entire emirate. Most villas here have backyards that open directly into a private beach.
Furthermore, five-star hotels like Waldorf Astoria, Kempinski, Anantara and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray are also easy to access. These hotels host some of the most well-known restaurants in Palm Jumeirah and offer a great choice of bars for sundowners. The villas for rent in Palm Jumeirah are preferred by large families.
- Get a comfortable villa for rent in Palm Jumeirah is AED 750k annually.
- Tenants looking for spacious 4-bedroom villas can expect to pay an average price of AED 1.05M.
- The palatial 5-bed villas have an average annual rent of AED 1.27M.
Jumeirah Park
Those thinking of moving to Dubai from the UK can also consider Jumeirah Park as their choice for a home. The sprawling villa community comprises over 2,000 houses.
Located right behind Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), the area is ideal for expats looking to stay away from the bustle of the main city. Plus, there are many parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The area’s proximity to various English educational institutes is also one of the many reasons why the it can be an ideal home for British expats. Examples include the Dubai British School located within the community itself.
Considered one of the best Taaleem schools in Dubai, it prepares students for IGCSE, GCSE, AS and A-level examinations. Those looking for preschool options for the younger members of the family can choose the Toddler Town British Nursery in JBR. The school operates on the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
Those looking for houses for rent in Jumeirah Park are spoilt for choice.
- Tenants need to pay an annual rent of AED 311k for 3-bed villas in Jumeirah Park.
- The average yearly cost to rent 4-bedroom villas in Jumeirah Park stands at AED 375k.
- 5-bed villas in the area average at AED 478k per annum.
FAQs About Areas Popular with British Expats
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR BRITISH PUBS IN DUBAI?
Dubai is home to a significant number of English expats who can unwind and dine at some of the many watering holes. Eloquent Elephant, Crown & Lion and Reform Social are some of the frequently visited British pubs in Dubai.
ARE THERE ANY ENGLISH RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI?
Yes, there are many British restaurants in Dubai that serve delicious traditional fares. That’s not all, there are various popular fish and chips restaurants in Dubai too where you can enjoy UK’s favourite hot dish.
That’s all for our roundup of the areas for British expats in Dubai for renting an apartment or villa. If you are planning to make the move soon, make sure to do your research about moving to Dubai from the UK first.
Best of luck in your search for a new house!