Guides: buying property in Dubai
Plain talk about costs, visas, off-plan, financing and inheritance – researched from official sources and from our buyers’ experience. So you can decide with confidence before you sign.
Dubai Islands: new islands off Deira
The former Deira Islands are becoming an area of beaches, hotels and apartments: what buyers should know about Dubai Islands.
Palm Jebel Ali: the second palm is back
On hold for years, back in development since 2023, first handovers from late 2026: what buyers should know about the second, larger palm off Jebel Ali.
Dubai South and Expo City: living by the future mega airport
A new district is growing around what is set to be the world's largest airport: what Dubai South and Expo City offer and what buyers should watch out for.
Dubai Silicon Oasis: affordable living in the technology free zone
A technology free zone with its own residential area, affordable apartments and soon the Blue Metro Line: why Dubai Silicon Oasis is interesting for investors.
International City: Dubai’s most affordable apartments
Residential blocks styled after countries, Dragon Mart next door and the lowest entry prices in the city: what investors should know about International City.
Dubai Investments Park and Green Community: green living near Expo City
Business, housing and one of Dubai's greenest established villa communities, near Expo City and the new airport: what DIP and Green Community offer.
Majan, Liwan, DLRC and Living Legends: affordable apartments in Dubailand
Smaller districts in Dubailand with apartments in the lower to mid price segment: which investors Majan, Liwan, DLRC and Living Legends are interesting for.
Al Barari: luxury villas set in lush gardens
Lush gardens, waterways and luxury villas in the middle of Dubailand: why Al Barari is one of the greenest and most exclusive residential areas in the city.
The Sustainable City: sustainable living in Dubai
Solar roofs, car-free residential streets, community gardens and bridle paths: what makes The Sustainable City the top address for sustainable living in Dubai.
The Valley: Emaar townhouses on the road to Al Ain
Emaar quality at a lower price, but further out: what The Valley on the road to Al Ain offers families and investors.
Mudon, Villanova, Serena and Remraam: family communities in Dubailand
Four Dubai Properties communities with townhouses, villas and apartments: what sets Mudon, Villanova, Serena and Remraam apart and who they suit.
Town Square: affordable townhouses and apartments for young families
A large residential district with a central park, townhouses and apartments at comparatively low prices: who Town Square is the right choice for.
Tilal Al Ghaf: villas by a swimmable lagoon
A lagoon with a sandy beach in the middle of a residential district: what makes Majid Al Futtaim's Tilal Al Ghaf and who a house here is worth it for.
Damac Lagoons: Mediterranean-style townhouses by the lagoons
Lagoons with sandy beaches and clusters named Santorini or Portofino: what Damac Lagoons offers and what buyers should watch for in this off-plan project.
Damac Hills and Damac Hills 2: golf course living and affordable townhouses
Golf course, villas and apartments in Damac Hills, affordable townhouses in Damac Hills 2: what sets the two communities apart and who they suit.
Dubai Production City (IMPZ): affordable living on the E311
The former IMPZ on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road offers some of the most affordable apartments in new Dubai: who it's worth it for.
Dubai Science Park and Al Barsha South: quiet living between Arjan and Al Barsha
A free zone for science and healthcare with a few residential projects, quietly located between Arjan, Al Barsha and Dubai Hills: who the area suits.
Dubai Sports City and Motor City: living between stadium and racetrack
A cricket stadium, a golf course and a racetrack on the doorstep, plus affordable apartments and townhouses: what makes Sports City and Motor City.
JVT – Jumeirah Village Triangle: family houses next to JVC
JVC's quieter neighbour, with villas, townhouses and schools: which families and investors JVT is the right choice for.
Jebel Ali and Jebel Ali Village: living by the port and free zone
Port, free zone and villas between the Marina and Expo City: why Jebel Ali is gaining importance with Palm Jebel Ali and the new airport.
Al Furjan and Discovery Gardens: affordable living with a metro
A metro on the doorstep, Ibn Battuta Mall round the corner and prices below Marina level: what Al Furjan and Discovery Gardens offer investors and families.
The Greens and The Views: green communities by the Emirates Golf Club
Low-rise communities among greenery, golf views and the free zones round the corner: why The Greens and The Views are so popular with long-term tenants.
Nad Al Sheba Gardens: modern family villas near Meydan
New villas and townhouses by Meraas, parks and a quarter of an hour to Downtown: what Nad Al Sheba Gardens offers families and investors.
Sobha Hartland: green living in MBR City
Lots of greenery, schools in the community and Downtown ten minutes away: what makes Sobha Hartland and why the developer plays a special role here.
Dubai Festival City: quiet living on the Creek near the airport
On the east bank of the Creek, with a mall, golf course and villas five minutes from the airport: who Dubai Festival City is the right address for.
Al Jaddaf and Culture Village: living on the Creek near the centre
On the Creek, between Downtown and the airport, with a metro and soon the Blue Line: why Al Jaddaf is becoming increasingly interesting for investors.
Barsha Heights and Al Barsha: living centrally on Sheikh Zayed Road
A dense district of offices and apartments on Sheikh Zayed Road, with Mall of the Emirates next door: why Barsha Heights is in demand with long-term tenants.
The World Islands: islands in the shape of a world map
Around 300 man-made islands forming a world map – only a few built on, reachable only by boat: what buyers should know about The World Islands.
Mina Rashid and Dubai Maritime City: living by the old harbour
The historic port with the QE2 hotel ship is turning into a marina-side residential district: what Mina Rashid and Dubai Maritime City offer buyers.
Jumeirah Bay Island and Pearl Jumeirah: Dubai’s most exclusive islands
One island shaped like a seahorse with the Bulgari Resort, a second with villa plots: why these two islands form the top segment in Dubai.
La Mer and Port de La Mer: freehold on the beach in Jumeirah
Beach, promenade and a Mediterranean-style neighbourhood with its own harbour: why Port de La Mer is one of the rare freehold addresses in Jumeirah.
Al Sufouh, Dubai Internet City and Media City: living close to work
Opposite the Palm, between the Marina and Al Barsha: why Al Sufouh, with Internet City and Media City, is interesting for professionals and investors.
Jumeirah Golf Estates: living by two championship courses
Two championship courses, the DP World Tour season finale and quiet villa neighbourhoods: what makes Jumeirah Golf Estates and who it suits.
Jumeirah Park: villas on large plots near JLT
Large plots, parks and villas with three to five bedrooms near JLT: which families and investors Jumeirah Park is the right choice for.
Jumeirah Islands: villas on islands surrounded by lakes
Villas on small islands, surrounded by water and greenery, right next to JLT: what makes Jumeirah Islands so special and what buyers should look for.
The Springs, The Meadows and The Lakes: family life by lakes and parks
Green, established neighbourhoods with lakes and parks, minutes from the Marina and JLT: what sets The Springs, The Meadows and The Lakes apart.
Emirates Hills: the “Beverly Hills of Dubai”
Large estates on a golf course, minutes from the Marina and JLT: what makes Emirates Hills one of Dubai's most exclusive villa districts.
Arjan: buying an apartment by the Dubai Miracle Garden
A flower park, many new residential projects and a location between JVC and Dubai Hills: what makes Arjan interesting for mid-budget investors.
MBR City, Meydan and District One: new living near Downtown
A lagoon, a racecourse and waterfront villas ten minutes from Downtown: what makes MBR City, Meydan and District One and who buying here suits.
Arabian Ranches: buying a villa in Dubai’s classic family community
Desert-style villas, a golf club, an equestrian centre and schools: what sets the three parts of Arabian Ranches apart and who a house here suits.
JVC – Jumeirah Village Circle: buying an apartment as an investment
Laid out in a circle, lots of new apartments, popular with mid-budget tenants: what makes JVC and why the developer matters more here than elsewhere.
Dubai Hills Estate: buying a villa or apartment by the golf course
Golf course, park, mall and schools between Downtown and the Marina: why Dubai Hills Estate is one of the most sought-after family addresses and what to know before buying.
JLT – Jumeirah Lake Towers: living by the lakes opposite the Marina
Towers around man-made lakes, the DMCC free zone on the doorstep and the Marina on foot: why JLT is so popular with long-term tenants and investors.
Dubai Creek Harbour: new living on the Creek with skyline views
A new Emaar district at the end of the Creek, with views of the Downtown skyline and flamingos next door: what Dubai Creek Harbour offers buyers.
City Walk: urban living between Downtown and Jumeirah
Shops, cafés, Coca-Cola Arena and European-style residential buildings: what makes City Walk and who the district between Downtown and Jumeirah suits.
DIFC: living in Dubai’s financial centre
Its own law, its own courts, top restaurants: what makes DIFC, which apartments are available and why the location is in demand with executives.
Business Bay: buying an apartment on the Dubai Water Canal
Central, next to Downtown, on the canal and with many new projects: why Business Bay is so popular with investors and what to look for when buying.
Downtown Dubai: buying an apartment by the Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Fountain and the Opera: what makes Downtown Dubai, which parts the district has and what to look for when buying an apartment.
Emaar Beachfront and Dubai Harbour: new apartments with a private beach
New towers on a peninsula with a private beach and views of the Palm and the Marina: what Emaar Beachfront offers and who buying in Dubai Harbour suits.
Bluewaters Island: living on the island with the Ain Dubai wheel
A small island off JBR with the Ain Dubai wheel, hotels and a handful of residential buildings: who Bluewaters suits as a home and an investment.
Palm Jumeirah: buying a villa or apartment on the Palm
Trunk, fronds, crescent: how the Palm is laid out, which villas and apartments are available and what to know before buying on Dubai's best-known island.
JBR – Jumeirah Beach Residence: buying an apartment right on the beach
The beach on your doorstep, The Walk and Ain Dubai in view: what makes JBR, which apartments are available and why the location is so popular with holidaymakers.
Dubai Marina: buying an apartment by the marina – location, life, property
Towers around a yacht harbour, a promenade and the beach round the corner: what makes Dubai Marina, which apartments are available and who buying here suits.
Dubai districts: every neighbourhood at a glance – from JBR to JVC
All the main districts of Dubai at a glance: what names like JBR, JLT or JVC mean, where the neighbourhoods are, what defines them and who they suit as a home or an investment.
Opening a bank account in Dubai: how it works as a foreigner
With a visa or as a non-resident: which routes exist for opening a bank account in Dubai and which documents banks want to see.
A will in Dubai: why you need one as a property owner
What happens to your Dubai property without a will, how to register one with the DIFC Courts by video call and why it must fit the rules at home.
Buying a ready property in Dubai: the process step by step
From sales contract to title deed: how buying a ready property in Dubai works – even from abroad.
Buying off-plan in Dubai: how your money is protected with the developer
Escrow account, Oqood register and payment plan: how your money is protected when buying off-plan in Dubai, and what to check before you sign.
Golden Visa in Dubai with property: requirements, family and alternatives
Golden Visa in Dubai from AED 2 million in property value: 10 years' residence for you and your family – without having to live there.
Buying costs for property in Dubai: what you need to budget for
Buying costs in Dubai: around 6.5% of the purchase price. The four items with a worked example and official sources.
