A location guide to Dubai
Where to live to maximise the Emirates lifestyle
The United Arab Emirate of Dubai has transformed itself from a small trading port into a thoroughly modern high-rise city, a thriving business and tourism centre and increasingly, a relocation hub for high-net-worth individuals from around the world. Last year it welcomed a record 17.15 million international tourists, a 19% increase on 2022 figures, yet it is the numbers choosing to make a more permanent move that are most notable. Migration advisory firm Henley & Partners predict that 6,700 millionaires will relocate to Dubai over the course of 2024, the third consecutive year the firm has placed the Emirate as the world’s premier destination of choice for wealthy relocators.
Henry Faun, head of Knight Frank’s Private Office Middle East, has watched the city develop over the past 11 years and understands its appeal well.
“Dubai is superbly placed for access to business markets across the Middle East as well as in Europe and Asia, with a substantial number of capital cities within a three or four hour flight,” he says. “Then add in a rich lifestyle that includes sports and leisure facilities second to none, most notable restaurants you find in London, Paris or New York, and a wellness industry that covers every aspect of health and wellbeing, and you understand why Dubai is so attractive.”
Dubai is at the forefront of international sports too, hosting annual competitions that include Rugby Sevens, golf, cricket, horse racing and tennis with Formula 1 on the Yas Marina Circuit in nearby Abu Dhabi. Keen cyclists – and there are many locally - have the magnificent purpose-built Al Qudra cycling track, 86 kilometres through the desert, and a velodrome is set to open next year.
For those considering relocating, Faun outlines the prime locations most in demand with his Private Office clients.
Palm Jumeirah
The manmade island built on reclaimed land was Dubai’s busiest luxury home market last year. Its 16 gently arching fronds provide an array of waterfront homes where gardens reach directly to the beach. The sea and city views from these properties are a big part of the appeal, while the calm waters between the fronds are ideal for kayaking or paddle boarding, making The Palm a popular family location.
Palm Jumeirah has a mix of detached villas, townhouses and apartments, and is the location for several five-star hotels including One&Only The Palm, Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, Raffles and Waldorf Astoria. Facilities for residents include the Aquapark and Aquarium at the Atlantis The Palm, beach clubs, playgrounds and parks, shopping at the Nakheel Mall and the 11 kilometre boardwalk that skirts The Palm’s outer perimeter.
Downtown
The famous Burj Khalifa dominates Downtown, its nightly light show a glittering landmark feature for residents. The neighbourhood was developed with the vision of creating a modern mixed-use base that “redefined urban living” and fittingly, the residential offering is mainly apartments with a number of new build options, many of them branded residences.
Downtown’s proximity to Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, Dubai International Airport and the financial centre, The DIFC, make it a popular choice with young professionals keen to experience dynamic Dubai life. Additional landmarks include Dubai Opera, a 2,000-seater performing arts centre in a much-praised contemporary dhow-shaped building. Unlike many Dubai neighbourhoods, Downtown has the benefit of good commuter connections throughout Dubai.
Emirates Hills
Emirates Hills, inland from the Palm Jumeirah, is a residential community that includes many of Dubai’s most exclusive homes, substantial individual properties set in spacious grounds, some with over 60,000 square feet of living space. With most homes offering five to eight bedrooms, it’s a favourite with ultra-high-net-worth individuals looking for a trophy family residence.
“Emirates Hills is perhaps the most sought after residential area in Dubai, a gated community often referred to as the Beverly Hills of the UAE,” says Faun. “Villas lie hidden along the tree-lined streets, some overlooking the Montgomerie Championship Golf Course, while Dubai Marina, Dubai Media City and the American University of Dubai are all within easy reach. Acclaimed international schools nearby include Dubai British School at The Springs, Emirates International School at The Meadows and Regent International School at The Greens.”
Dubai Hills
Centrally located but peaceful and green, Dubai Hills is another firm family favourite, a luxury development completed in the past few years. There’s a good range of villa styles and sizes and build quality is very good. Dubai Hills’ location is a major plus, within 20-30 minutes of Downtown, Business Bay and Dubai Marina, and residents include many families who appreciate the convenience of the on-site shopping mall, sports facilities, parks and walking trails within the estate. Well-regarded schools on the estate or close at hand include The Dubai Hills International School, the GEMS Wellington Academy and Brighton College Dubai, and additionally there’s a wide choice of restaurants, excellent healthcare clinics – King’s College Hospital - and sports facilities that include the Dubai Hills Golf Club.
The popularity of Dubai Hills can be seen in the 10% rise in villa prices in the final quarter of 2023, one of the highest recorded in the Emirate in that period.
Dubai Marina
Knight Frank’s Destination Dubai 2024 Report revealed that Dubai Marina is the number one target location for a residential property purchase by high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The reasons include the convenience of having all day-to-day needs on your doorstep and the vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle in a neighbourhood defined by high-rise modern towers overlooking water canals.
Notable areas within Dubai Marina include Dubai Marina Towers, Marina Promenade, Marina Quays and Al Sahab. There are villas and townhouses but most accommodation is made up of apartments, some exceptionally spacious, in buildings with extensive communal sports and leisure facilities.
To contrast with the urban buzz, there’s the plus of a 7-kilometre Marina Walk pathway and as with Downtown, this is an area that encourages walking, either down to Jumeirah Beach or to numerous restaurants and shops.
