The Best Places to Live in Dubai for Families
From its sunny weather to its tax-free privileges, a lot of families are now calling Dubai their home. The city also offers some of the most family friendly residential communities in the Middle East catering to different needs, preferences and budgets.
Where to Live in Dubai for Families
Here are the top places to live in Dubai for families:
- Jumeirah
- Arabian Ranches
- Emirates Hills
- Mirdif
- Palm Jumeirah
Let’s look at why these are the best residential areas in Dubai and how they could be the perfect fit for your family.
Jumeirah
One of the original residential areas in Dubai, Jumeirah continues to attract families who want to live in an area that’s close to amenities, accessible to the beach and offers excellent quality of life.
Being a waterfront community, you get to enjoy seaside views from your home with the famous Burj Al Arab dominating the horizon.
Jumeirah is also near the Jumeirah mosque, Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, the Dubai Zoo and Mercato Shopping Mall.
It’s also near some of the top schools in Dubai including GEMS Jumeirah Primary School, King College and Jumeirah College.
Residential Communities in Jumeirah
The residential part of Jumeirah is divided into different communities: Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, City Walk and Jumeirah Bay Islands.
Each of these neighborhoods offer a range of residential options for families to live in.
Jumeirah 1
The coastal neighborhood of Jumeirah 1 is most known for La Mer, the newest beachfront destination in Dubai.
It offers a mix of apartments, townhouses and villas, most of which offer stunning views of the ocean.
The average size of an apartment in Jumeirah 1 is 275 square feet while a villa is at least 2,500 square feet.
Here are the rental prices for apartments and villas in Jumeirah 1:
Jumeirah 2
Jumeirah 2 is known for its metropolitan vibe and close proximity to amenities like malls, restaurants and prestigious schools.
If you live in Jumeirah 2, you can reach the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa within just a few minutes.
Most residential properties for rent in Jumeirah 2 are 3- to 7-bedroom villas with private pools, garages and gardens.
A 3-bedroom villa here measures at least 1,800 square feet while a 7-bedroom house covers over 12,000 feet.
Here are the rental prices for villas in Jumeirah 2:
Jumeirah 3
Jumeirah 3 offers the classic residential living for families in Dubai. In fact, this area is designed to offer amenities that are perfect for families, especially those with children.
Here, you have communal parks, cycling tracks and public gardens where you can have a fun day out with the family.
Jumeirah 3 properties are mostly 3- to 12-bedroom private villas that can accommodate up to 20 people.
Here are the rental prices for villas in Jumeirah 3:
City Walk
Located close to Downtown Dubai, City Walk is ideal if you’re a family who wants all of your favorite amenities–restaurants, shops and entertainment options–close by.
Properties in City Walk are 1- to 4-bedroom apartments, but you can also find some 3- and 4- bedroom duplex apartments in some residential buildings.
The average size of a 1-bedroom apartment here is 912 square feet while a 4-bedroom apartment covers 5,906 square feet.
Here are the rental prices for villas in City Walk:
Jumeirah Bay Islands
Jumeirah Bay Island is the newest development in Jumeirah covering 6.3 million square feet.
This man made island is a residential complex with the Bvlgari Resort and Residences Dubai as its centerpiece.
Here, you’ll see a mix of apartments, townhouses and villas with stunning coastal views.
A 1-bedroom apartment in Jumeirah Bay Island covers 1,571 square feet while a 4-bedroom luxury villa covers 5,800 square feet.
Here are the rental prices for apartments and villas in Jumeirah Bay Island:
Amenities in Jumeirah
Amenities within and around Jumeirah include:
Transportation
The Dubai Metro is still the most convenient form of public transportation in the city. Unfortunately, there are still no direct stations in Jumeirah.
But you have the option to take a bus that connects to one of the metro stations nearby including Business Bay Station, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, Noor Bank Station and Financial Center Station.
Bus stations in Jumeirah include Majlis Al Ghoreifa, Hilton Beach Club and Rashid Al Hadees Masjid.
Schools
One of the biggest reasons families move to Jumeirah is the wide range of options for good quality schools in the area.
If you’re living in Jumeirah 1, you have the Jumeira Baccalaureate School, which follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum recognized around the world.
If you’re in Jumeirah 3, you have the GEMS Jumeirah Primary School that follows the UK curriculum.
Other notable institutions in the area include Horizon English School and Al Shurooq Private School.
Supermarkets
You don’t need to go far to do your weekly grocery shopping since there are plenty of options within and around Jumeirah.
They include Carrefour, Waitrose and Spinneys. And if you’re looking for organic products, you can shop at the Organic Foods and Cafe at The Village Mall.
Clinics and Hospitals
If someone in the family gets sick, you don’t have to go far to get good quality healthcare.
Hospitals within the Jumeirah community include Medcare Hospital, Emirates Hospital, Neuro Spinal Hospital and Medcare Pediatric Specialty Center.
Arabian Ranches
If your family prefers the suburban lifestyle, the Arabian Ranches is definitely one of the most popular options in Dubai.
Being a premium gated community, Arabian Ranches offers you exclusivity and an escape away from the city.
Houses in this area are also spacious enough, most of which come with their own garden and pool for your kids to enjoy.
Of course, you have amenities like the Dubai Equestrian and Polo Club, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, some bicycle tracks and children’s play areas.
And because it’s a suburban community, Arabian Ranches hosts different family friendly activities like sports fests, organic markets and school fetes throughout the year.
Today, there are more than 4,000 Mediterranean- and Arabian-inspired homes including villas and townhouses.
Arabian Ranches is divided into different communities including:
Here are the rental prices for villas in Arabian Ranches:
The most popular sub-communities in Arabian Ranches are Al Reem, Palmera, Saheel, Mirador and Alvorada.
Amenities in Arabian Ranches
Amenities within and around Arabian Ranches include:
Transportation
Since there are no designated Dubai Metro stations near Arabian Ranches, your most convenient option would be to take a taxi.
You can also take the RTA Bus Route F30, which is connected to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.
Schools
There are plenty of good quality schools within and around Arabian Ranches, which is why it’s popular for families with young children.
Raffles Nursery is a popular school following the British Pre-School Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Program.
You also have other top notch institutions like the Jumeirah English Speaking School, Ranches Primary School, GEMS United School and Dubai International Academic City.
Supermarkets
Carrefour in the Retail Center is where most residents in Arabian Ranches shop for groceries.
But you also have the option to do your groceries at Spinneys in Motor City or the Carrefour Hypermarket in Mall of the Emirates.
Clinics and Hospitals
The nearest healthcare facility in the Arabian Ranches is the Mediclinic Arabian Ranches at the Retail Center.
You can also find the Aster Medical Center and Clinic at The Ranches Souk 2 while the nearest hospital is Mediclinic ParkView Hospital.
Emirates Hills
From Emaar Properties, Emirates HIlls is designed to mimic the look and lifestyle in Beverly Hills.
This upscale gated community is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Dubai along with its nearby communities of The Springs, The Meadows and The Lakes.
In fact, many international celebrities own properties in Emirates Hills due to its exclusivity and privacy.
This neighborhood is also family friendly with dedicated playgrounds and communal spaces for children to enjoy as well as a dedicated pet park.
Emirates Hills also has pools, barbeque areas and of course, the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai where Dads can enjoy tee-off with friends.
If you prefer to move in Emirates Hills, you have the option to choose a ready-to-move-in property or invest in a plot where you can construct your own home.
Emirates Hills is divided into different sub communities including:
- Dyaar Al Hambra
- Montgomerie Hills
- Signature Villas
- Montgomerie Maisonettes
Other parts of this neighborhood are also divided into different sectors following the letters of the alphabet.
This community also offers luxurious villas ranging from 5- to 8-bedroom units with private pools, garages and gardens.
Here are the rental prices for villas in Emirates Hills:
The most popular sub-communities in Emirates Hills include Sector E, L, W, R and the Signature Villas.
Amenities in Emirates Hills
Amenities within and around Emirates Hills include:
Transportation
Since Emirates Hills is an exclusive gated community, there are no bus stations or connected metro stations near the area.
The nearest metro station is the Dubai Marina Metro Station, but you can easily find taxis outside the community.
Schools
Emirates Hills has plenty of educational institutions where your children can get good quality education.
There’s the Dubai International Academy and the Emirates International School in The Meadows that follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
There’s also the Dubai British School following the UK curriculum. Other notable schools in the area include Raffles Nursery, The Lakes, Michigan University Dubai and University of Wollongong Dubai.
Supermarkets
Grocery shopping is a breeze at Emirates Hills because you have plenty of options including Spinneys at The Meadows Souk, Milk and Honey Gourmet Grocer and Carrefour.
You can also head to Al Maya Supermarket or West Zone Fresh Supermarket nearby.
Clinics and Hospitals
Getting treated for health problems is easy when you live in Emirates Hills because good quality clinics and hospitals are just a few minutes away.
They include Mediclinic Meadows, Noor Al Shefa Clinic, The Springs and Saudi German Hospital Dubai.
Mirdif
It’s possible to feel like you’re in Europe while living in the middle of Dubai, thanks to the prestigious residential community of Mirdif.
But unlike similar neighborhoods with very expensive prices, Mirdif has very good price points while giving you excellent housing options.
Mirdif is also close to the Dubai International Airport, it’s home to the Mushrif Park and it’s where the Mirdif City Center is located.
This neighborhood has been a favorite among locals and expats because of its relaxed vibe and European-style homes.
Mirdif is also unique in that it doesn’t have any hotels nearby, adding to the privacy and exclusivity of this community.
This neighborhood is composed of four low-rise apartment communities with more being constructed in the area. You’ll also find villas and townhouses in Mirdif.
Here are the rental prices for apartments and villas in Mirdif:
The most popular communities in Mirdif include Uptown Mirdif, Ghorrob, Shorroq, Mirdif Hills and Mirdif Tulip.
Amenities in Mirdif
Amenities within and around Mirdif include:
Transportation
Since there are no nearby Metro stations in Mirdif, the easiest way to travel through public transport is by using the Dubai Bus.
Schools
Since Mirdif was created to be a family friendly community, you have several options for schools in the area.
They include the GEMS Royal Dubai School with a consistent outstanding rating from KHDA, Dar Al Marefa School, Uptown School and Star International.
Supermarkets
Grocery shopping in Mirdif isn’t a problem with big name supermarkets like Spinneys and Carrefour nearby.
Clinics and Hospitals
If you or any members of the family ever feel under the weather, you can visit the Mediclinic Hospital Mirdif or Medcare Medical Centers to get treated.
There are also several smaller clinics around the community for emergency treatments.
Palm Jumeirah
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the most prestigious residential community for families in Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island offering a mix of residential and commercial spaces in an archipelago that’s shaped after a palm tree, an iconic tree in Dubai.
What makes Palm Jumeirah stand out from the rest is that almost every house in this neighborhood has direct beachfront access.
So, if you have kids, they get to enjoy swimming in your private beach every day.
Palm Jumeirah also has its own transportation, the monorail, and it has a wide range of amenities including hotels, resorts, restaurants, malls and schools.
When you live in Palm Jumeirah, you can expect ultimate luxury living. Here, you can find apartments, townhouses and villas.
An apartment here measures at least 375 square feet while a 10-bedroom villa can cover up to 35,000 square feet.
Here are the rental prices for apartments and villas in Mirdif:
The most popular communities in Palm Jumeirah include the Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences, a resort community featuring beautiful apartments located in The Crescent.
You can also choose Al Das, Balqis Residence, Garden Homes Frond M and Signature Villas Frond N.
Amenities in Palm Jumeirah
Amenities within and around Palm Jumeirah include:
Transportation
The 5.5-kilometer Palm Monorail line is still the most popular form of public transportation in Palm Jumeirah, as it traverses the entire island.
But you can also take a tram or taxi to and from the community.
Schools
Being one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Dubai, Palm Jumeirah offers a wide range of choices for schools.
Toddlers and preschoolers can go to the Blossom Nursery that follows the EYFS British curriculum. Other options include Asya’s Nursery and Redwood Montessori Nursery.
You also have the International School of Choueifat, GEMS Wellington International School and the American School of Dubai for older kids.
Since Palm Jumeirah is near the Dubai Knowledge Park, you also have access to some of the best universities including the American University of Dubai and Middlesex University.
Supermarkets
There’s no shortage of supermarkets in Palm Jumeirah located mostly on the island’s Trunk.
They include Allday Fresh Supermarket, Choithrams, Union Coop, Waitrose, Spinneys and Quick Buy Supermarket.
Clinics and Hospitals
When it comes to healthcare, the Emirates Hospitals Clinic Palm Jumeirah is the primary choice among residents in the area.
But you also have access to the Dubai London Clinic, Dr. Joy Dental Clinic, Al Zahra Hospital Dubai and the Canadian Medical Center nearby.
Living in the Best Residential Communities in Dubai With Your Family
Indeed, Dubai can guarantee you and your family the best quality of life if you choose to move to this beautiful city.
Whether you prefer apartment living or a more luxurious lifestyle, Dubai surely has a residential community that will make you feel right at home.