As the year 2016 draws to a close and Dubai moves closer to Expo 2020, the real estate market in the emirate is readying for an era of heightened activity in both the commercial and residential segments. Several developers have begun work on mega projects in order to deliver them in time for the emirate to house the 25 million visitors expected to head to Dubai over the course of the six-month event.
While new localities and projects coming up in the future will certainly shift the preferences of tenants, Bayut is glad to report the localities that are currently most popular with tenants looking for rental apartments in Dubai.
- Dubai Marina
The most desired of all residential localities in the emirate, Dubai Marina remained firmly at the top of Bayut’s list of most popular localities for renting apartments in the city in November 2016. Facilities offered by master developer Emaar leave little to be desired. Whether one is a pet owner or an avid bicycler, the locality is perfect for all kinds of people going about their business in Dubai. With waterfront properties, broad walkways and your favourite yacht docked only a short distance away in the marina, living in this locality is all about experiencing the finer things in life. In November, Dubai Marina received 11% of all queries dedicated to rental apartments in the emirate, making it the clear favourite with intending tenants.
+ Pet-friendly, trams, jogging, running and bicycling tracks, great for foodies, hub of societal happenings
- Traffic, crowded, construction noise
- Bur Dubai
One of the oldest areas of Dubai, Bur Dubai is also one of the most populous localities in the city. The locality is defined by old souqs, its vibrant night life, a thriving street life and aroma from a variety of cuisines from around the world. Another key benefit of living in Bur Dubai is closeness to the creek and ease of accessing the area through various Dubai Metro stations, RTA bus routes and traditional dhows. Bur Dubai is also one of the more affordable areas for renting apartments, explaining the vast population of mid- and low-income families inhabiting the area. The locality was second most popular area for renting apartments in November 2016, taking home 8% of the search queries.
+ Affordable rents, connectivity through public transport, laid back, vibrant night life, hub of cultures, shopping bargains
- Crowded streets, noisy, not as clean as newer areas, older residential units,
- Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
The third spot in Bayut’s November 2016 list of popular localities was claimed by Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), an amenities laden community right next to Dubai Marina. The locality attracted 7% of people searching for rental apartments in Dubai.
JLT rivals Dubai Marina in terms of facilities, site location and entertainment avenues, but scores extra marks for offering almost the same benefits at a lesser price. Average apartment rent in Dubai Marina in October 2016 was close to AED 137,500, but the same average was AED 105,000 in JLT. The area is easily accessible through not one, but two Dubai Metro stations, a feature that make residing in JLT even more desirable for young professionals and small families with children. Green spaces are in abundance and residents usually fall in love with running, roller skating, cycling or just strolling along the promenades that run by the man-made lakes. And just like Marina, you can take your favourite pet along for a walk too, as JLT welcomes pet owners.
+ Affordable high end living, pet-friendly, parks, activity areas, lakeside views, proximity to important areas, Dubai Metro
- Office crowds, longer routes for car owners, occasional issues of construction quality
- Downtown Dubai
The fourth most popular area for intending tenants was Downtown Dubai, which attracted 6% of the search queries.
Home to global architectural marvel Burj Khalifa, Downton Dubai is certainly among the most exclusive addresses in the world. It is a melting pot of international cultures, ideas and activities that make the area the hub of festivities, celebrations, glamour, grandeur and social activity in Dubai.
From high street fashion to exotic cars and from fine dining to celebrity sightings, there’s always something up in Downtown. You can enjoy your holiday at the mammoth Dubai Mall right next to Burj Khalifa and come evening, you can rejuvenate your tired senses with an enthralling show of the world famous Dancing Fountains. You can then proceed to choose from among an almost unending list of eateries to put those hunger pangs to rest. The views offered by apartments in numerous high rises are some of the best in Dubai and may well make for a worthy selfie.
+ Social life, views, parades, festivals, celebrity sightings, Dubai Mall, Dancing Fountains, Dubai Opera, exclusivity
- Pricey, lack of green areas, difficult to navigate on foot, traffic jams during events
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
At fifth spot, Dubai Silicon Oasis was the only suburban locality in Bayut’s list of popular apartment renting localities for November. The locality is tucked away in a quiet western suburban strip of the city and makes for an ideal living quarter for people looking for affordable, but high quality, residential options in a serene setting. The residential spaces are adorned with acres of green spaces that are an ideal place to indulge in outdoor activities or just catch a breather away from the fast-paced life of the city. The quality of construction across the community is uncompromised and the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority leaves no stone unturned to provide both residents and businesses in the area with the best possible facilities throughout the year.
+ Highly maintained premises, smart city initiatives, peaceful environment, greenery, pet-friendly, free trade zone, facilitation for new businesses
- Distance from city centre, commuting time