International City: Dubai’s most affordable apartments

In short: International City is a large district in eastern Dubai with residential blocks arranged in clusters styled after countries – such as China, England or France. Next door is Dragon Mart, a huge trading centre. This is where you’ll find the city’s most affordable apartments; from 2029 the Blue Metro Line is set to connect the district.

Location and access

International City lies in eastern Dubai, on Emirates Road and near Dubai Silicon Oasis. DXB airport is around 15 minutes away, Downtown about 20 to 25 minutes. The Blue Metro Line is due to stop at several stations in International City from September 2029 – a clear improvement for a district that has so far relied mainly on buses and cars.

The concept: countries as neighbourhoods

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 – with façades meant to evoke China, England, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Persia, Russia or Spain. Right next door is Dragon Mart, one of the largest trading centres for Chinese goods outside China.

Living in International City

• Affordable: The lowest rents in the city attract many professionals.
• Shopping: Dragon Mart and small shops in the clusters.
• Atmosphere: Dense, multicultural, more functional than beautiful.
• Mobility: Until the metro arrives, mainly bus and car.

Buying an apartment in International City

On offer are mainly studios and small apartments in low-rise buildings, almost all ready and dating from the 2000s. New projects are being built in the expansion phases.

What matters

• Cluster: Location, condition and upkeep differ between the country clusters.
• Condition: Many apartments need refreshing.
• Service charges and vacancy: With low purchase prices, they decide the yield.

How buying in International City works

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:

1. Check: viewing on site or by video, plus a look at service charges, condition and any existing tenancy.
2. Sale agreement: buyer and seller sign the standard contract of the regulator RERA (Form F); a 10 percent deposit is usual.
3. No objection certificate: the developer confirms with an NOC that no service charges are outstanding.
4. Transfer: payment and transfer of ownership take place at a Registration Trustee of the Dubai Land Department; you receive the title deed.

You’ll find every step in detail in our guide Buying a ready property in Dubai. On top of the price come buying costs of around 6.5 percent – see buying costs. If you can’t be there, the trustee appointment can be handled with a power of attorney.

Running costs as an owner in International City

After buying an apartment, these are the main ongoing costs:

• Service charges: 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.
• Electricity and water: via the utility DEWA; many buildings add a separate charge for district cooling.
• Housing fee: 5 percent of the annual rental value, billed through the DEWA account. It is paid by whoever lives in the home – so by your tenant if you let it.
• Ejari: every tenancy contract is registered; via the Dubai REST app this costs AED 177.75.
• Management: if you aren’t on site, a property manager handles letting and upkeep for a fee.

Unlike in many countries, there is no annual property tax in Dubai. All items are explained in our guide Buying costs in Dubai.

A visa through your property

With a property in International City you may also be able to get a residence visa:

• Golden Visa: ten years of residence if your properties in Dubai are worth at least AED 2 million in total – also with a mortgage or, under certain conditions, off-plan.
• Investor visa: a shorter visa for owners who don’t reach the Golden Visa threshold.

The detailed requirements are explained in our guide Golden Visa with property.

Typical mistakes when buying

• Calculating with rents that are too high: The target group is very price-sensitive.
• Overlooking the condition: Include renovation needs in your calculation.
• Hoping for a quick rise in value: The metro may help, but it guarantees nothing.

Renting out

Tenants are professionals on a small budget, often from retail and services. Demand for affordable housing is high, but rents are low. Use our rental yield calculator to check what’s left after all costs.

Compared

Pros and cons

Who International City suits

International City suits the tactician who wants to build a first rental income on a very small budget.

Our verdict

International City is the most affordable way into the Dubai property market. With realistic calculations and a well-kept apartment it can work – but don’t expect big leaps here.

Frequently asked questions

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.