{"id":5179,"date":"2026-10-10T21:31:54","date_gmt":"2026-10-10T21:31:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/property-international-city"},"modified":"2026-10-10T23:16:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T23:16:02","slug":"property-international-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/property-international-city","title":{"rendered":"International City: Dubai&#8217;s most affordable apartments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"rdf-short\"><b>In short:<\/b> International City is a large district in eastern Dubai with residential blocks arranged in clusters styled after countries \u2013 such as China, England or France. Next door is Dragon Mart, a huge trading centre. This is where you&#8217;ll find the city&#8217;s most affordable apartments; from 2029 the Blue Metro Line is set to connect the district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdg-facts\"><div><b>Location<\/b><span>East, near Al Warsan and Dubai Silicon Oasis<\/span><\/div><div><b>Known for<\/b><span>Country clusters, Dragon Mart<\/span><\/div><div><b>Developer<\/b><span>Nakheel<\/span><\/div><div><b>Property types<\/b><span>Studios and small apartments<\/span><\/div><div><b>Segment<\/b><span>affordable<\/span><\/div><div><b>Suits<\/b><span>Tactician<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdf-toc\"><strong>In this article<\/strong><ol><li><a href=\"#lage\">Location and access<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#konzept\">The concept: countries as neighbourhoods<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#leben\">Living in International City<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#immobilien\">Buying an apartment in International City<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#kaufablauf\">How buying in International City works<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#laufende-kosten\">Running costs as an owner in International City<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#visum\">A visa through your property<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fehler\">Typical mistakes when buying<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#vermietung\">Renting out<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#vergleich\">Compared<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#pro-contra\">Pros and cons<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fuer-wen\">Who International City suits<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fazit\">Our verdict<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fragen\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lage\">Location and access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">International City lies in eastern Dubai, on Emirates Road and near <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/property-dubai-silicon-oasis\">Dubai Silicon Oasis<\/a>. DXB airport is around 15 minutes away, <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/property-downtown-dubai\">Downtown<\/a> about 20 to 25 minutes. The <b>Blue Metro Line<\/b> is due to stop at several stations in International City from September 2029 \u2013 a clear improvement for a district that has so far relied mainly on buses and cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"konzept\">The concept: countries as neighbourhoods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nakheel built International City in the 2000s as a district of affordable housing. The low-rise residential blocks are arranged in clusters named and styled after countries \u2013 with fa\u00e7ades meant to evoke China, England, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Persia, Russia or Spain. Right next door is <b>Dragon Mart<\/b>, one of the largest trading centres for Chinese goods outside China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wueste-dubai-duenen-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Sand dunes in the Dubai desert\" class=\"wp-image-4576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wueste-dubai-duenen-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wueste-dubai-duenen-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wueste-dubai-duenen-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wueste-dubai-duenen-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wueste-dubai-duenen.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">International City lies in eastern Dubai, where the city gives way to the desert.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"leben\">Living in International City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><b>Affordable:<\/b> The lowest rents in the city attract many professionals.<\/li><li><b>Shopping:<\/b> Dragon Mart and small shops in the clusters.<\/li><li><b>Atmosphere:<\/b> Dense, multicultural, more functional than beautiful.<\/li><li><b>Mobility:<\/b> Until the metro arrives, mainly bus and car.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"immobilien\">Buying an apartment in International City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On offer are mainly <b>studios and small apartments<\/b> in low-rise buildings, almost all <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/buy-ready-property-dubai\">ready<\/a> and dating from the 2000s. New projects are being built in the expansion phases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><b>Cluster:<\/b> Location, condition and upkeep differ between the country clusters.<\/li><li><b>Condition:<\/b> Many apartments need refreshing.<\/li><li><b>Service charges and vacancy:<\/b> With low purchase prices, they decide the yield.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdf-note\"><b>Straight talk:<\/b> International City isn&#8217;t a district for prestige but for low capital outlay. If you buy here, run the numbers soberly \u2013 including the fixed costs, which weigh more heavily on low purchase prices.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kaufablauf\">How buying in International City works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In International City you mostly buy ready, second-hand homes. The process is clearly regulated and often takes only a few weeks once you agree:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><b>Check:<\/b> viewing on site or by video, plus a look at service charges, condition and any existing tenancy.<\/li><li><b>Sale agreement:<\/b> buyer and seller sign the standard contract of the regulator RERA (Form F); a 10 percent deposit is usual.<\/li><li><b>No objection certificate:<\/b> the developer confirms with an NOC that no service charges are outstanding.<\/li><li><b>Transfer:<\/b> payment and transfer of ownership take place at a Registration Trustee of the Dubai Land Department; you receive the title deed.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll find every step in detail in our guide <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/buy-ready-property-dubai\">Buying a ready property in Dubai<\/a>. On top of the price come buying costs of around 6.5 percent \u2013 see <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/buying-costs-property-dubai\">buying costs<\/a>. If you can&#8217;t be there, the trustee appointment can be handled with a power of attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"laufende-kosten\">Running costs as an owner in International City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After buying an apartment, these are the main ongoing costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><b>Service charges:<\/b> for maintenance, security, pools and common areas, calculated by the size of your unit. The approved rates for each building are listed in the Service Charge Index of the Dubai Land Department.<\/li><li><b>Electricity and water:<\/b> via the utility DEWA; many buildings add a separate charge for district cooling.<\/li><li><b>Housing fee:<\/b> 5 percent of the annual rental value, billed through the DEWA account. It is paid by whoever lives in the home \u2013 so by your tenant if you let it.<\/li><li><b>Ejari:<\/b> every tenancy contract is registered; via the Dubai REST app this costs AED 177.75.<\/li><li><b>Management:<\/b> if you aren&#8217;t on site, a property manager handles letting and upkeep for a fee.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike in many countries, there is no annual property tax in Dubai. All items are explained in our guide <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/buying-costs-property-dubai\">Buying costs in Dubai<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"visum\">A visa through your property<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a property in International City you may also be able to get a residence visa:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><b>Golden Visa:<\/b> ten years of residence if your properties in Dubai are worth at least AED 2 million in total \u2013 also with a mortgage or, under certain conditions, off-plan.<\/li><li><b>Investor visa:<\/b> a shorter visa for owners who don&#8217;t reach the Golden Visa threshold.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The detailed requirements are explained in our guide <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/golden-visa-dubai-property\">Golden Visa with property<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fehler\">Typical mistakes when buying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><b>Calculating with rents that are too high:<\/b> The target group is very price-sensitive.<\/li><li><b>Overlooking the condition:<\/b> Include renovation needs in your calculation.<\/li><li><b>Hoping for a quick rise in value:<\/b> The metro may help, but it guarantees nothing.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vermietung\">Renting out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tenants are professionals on a small budget, often from retail and services. Demand for affordable housing is high, but rents are low. Use our <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/rental-yield-calculator-dubai\">rental yield calculator<\/a> to check what&#8217;s left after all costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vergleich\">Compared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdf-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>International City<\/th><th>Dubai Silicon Oasis<\/th><th>Production City<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody>\n<tr><td>Price level<\/td><td>Very affordable<\/td><td>Affordable to mid-range<\/td><td>Affordable<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Metro<\/td><td>From 2029<\/td><td>From 2029<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Buildings<\/td><td>Low-rise blocks, older<\/td><td>Mixed<\/td><td>Towers, from the 2000s<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pro-contra\">Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdg-pc\"><div class=\"pro\"><h3>In favour<\/h3><ul><li>Lowest entry point in Dubai<\/li><li>Strong demand for affordable housing<\/li><li>Blue Metro Line from 2029<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"con\"><h3>Worth considering<\/h3><ul><li>Low rents<\/li><li>Older buildings<\/li><li>Little prestige, lower potential for capital growth<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fuer-wen\">Who International City suits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">International City suits the <a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/investor-type#typ1\">tactician<\/a> who wants to build a first rental income on a very small budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fazit\">Our verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">International City is the most affordable way into the Dubai property market. With realistic calculations and a well-kept apartment it can work \u2013 but don&#8217;t expect big leaps here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdf-cta\"><div><span class=\"rdf-badge\">Free and without obligation<\/span><h3>Getting in on a budget?<\/h3><p>We&#8217;ll work through honestly with you whether an apartment in International City is worth it for you.<\/p><\/div><a class=\"rdf-btn\" href=\"#rdwa\">Ask on WhatsApp<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fragen\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdf-q\"><h3>What is Dragon Mart?<\/h3><p>A large trading centre for goods from China, right next to International City.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdf-q\"><h3>Is International City freehold?<\/h3><p>Yes. As a foreigner you acquire full ownership here, registered with the Dubai Land Department.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdf-q\"><h3>Is the metro coming to International City?<\/h3><p>Yes, the Blue Line is due to stop at several stations here from September 2029.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rdg-near\"><h3>Nearby districts<\/h3><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/property-dubai-silicon-oasis\">Dubai Silicon Oasis<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/property-dubai-festival-city\">Dubai Festival City<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/property-dubai-creek-harbour\">Dubai Creek Harbour<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/property-al-barari\">Al Barari<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/property-dubai-production-city\">Dubai Production City<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/dubai-districts\">All districts at a glance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rdf-disclaimer\">Updated: October 2026. This article describes the district in general terms. Prices, rents and service charges change all the time; for a specific property we check the current figures with you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Residential blocks styled after countries, Dragon Mart next door and the lowest entry prices in the city: what investors should know about International City.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4566,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,58],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-market-and-areas"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5179","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5179"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5179\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5182,"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5179\/revisions\/5182"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4566"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5179"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5179"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/real-dubai.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}