Thinking of Relocating to Dubai, UAE?
- Whereshome
- Oct 1, 2024
- 8 min read
Relocating to Dubai is an exciting yet significant transition for expatriates. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, vibrant communities, and diverse opportunities, Dubai has become a top destination for professionals and families alike. However, making the move requires a good understanding of the city's property market, education system, cost of living, and overall lifestyle. This guide is designed to provide you with essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a smooth relocation.
Relocating to Dubai - Property Insight
In recent years, Dubai's real estate market has experienced a surge in demand, resulting in rising property prices and rental costs across the city. This increase is driven by an influx of expatriates relocating to Dubai, particularly from Europe and the United States, attracted by Dubai’s tax-free income, high standard of living, and world-class infrastructure. Depending on your budget and lifestyle preferences, Dubai offers a wide range of property options for both purchase and rent.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular areas for expatriates, including both purchase and rental price ranges:
1. Luxury Living: Exclusive Villas and Estates
Emirates Hills: Often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of Dubai," Emirates Hills is a gated community featuring some of the most expensive and extravagant villas in the city.
Purchase Prices: AED 20 million to AED 100+ million.
Rental Prices: AED 700,000 to AED 3.5 million per year.
Residents enjoy golf course views, private pools, and unparalleled privacy.
Al Barari: An eco-friendly oasis, Al Barari is renowned for its lush landscapes, botanical gardens, and spacious villas.
Purchase Prices: AED 15 million to AED 40 million.
Rental Prices: AED 600,000 to AED 1.8 million per year.
This community offers peace, tranquility, and luxurious amenities.
Jumeirah Islands: These man-made islands feature detached villas with waterfront views, private pools, and large gardens.
Purchase Prices: AED 5 million to AED 15 million.
Rental Prices: AED 350,000 to AED 800,000 per year.
District One (MBR City): Located within Mohammed Bin Rashid City, District One offers modern villas surrounded by lagoons and lush greenery.
Purchase Prices: AED 8 million to AED 80 million.
Rental Prices: AED 450,000 to AED 1.8 million per year.
2. Family-Friendly Communities: Mid-Range Villas and Townhouses
If you’re looking for a blend of luxury and practicality, Dubai offers family-friendly communities that strike the perfect balance between lifestyle, location, and amenities.
Emirates Living (The Lakes, The Meadows, and The Springs): This well-established development is popular among expatriates for its strong sense of community, excellent facilities, and proximity to top international schools.
Purchase Prices: AED 3 million to AED 20 million.
Rental Prices: AED 150,000 to AED 800,000 per year for townhouses and villas.
Jumeirah Park: A quiet, residential community with spacious villas and a family-friendly atmosphere, Jumeirah Park is ideal for expat families
Purchase Prices: AED 5 million to AED 28 million.
Rental Prices: AED 300,000 to AED 550,000 per year.
Arabian Ranches: Known for its green spaces and excellent amenities, Arabian Ranches offers a range of villas and townhouses at competitive price points.
Purchase Prices: AED 2.9 million to AED 40 million.
Rental Prices: AED 180,000 to AED 2,000,000 per year.
Dubai Hills: One of Dubai’s newer developments, Dubai Hills Estate offers modern villas and townhouses with parks, schools, and healthcare facilities nearby.
Purchase Prices: AED 3 million to AED 150 million.
Rental Prices: AED 280,000 to AED 3,500,000 per year.
3. Beachfront Living: The Palm Jumeirah
For those who dream of living by the beach, The Palm Jumeirah offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury apartments to large, private villas.
Apartments and Townhouses: The Palm offers a variety of high-end apartment complexes such as Oceana, The Fairmont Residences, and The Royal Atlantis.
Purchase Prices: AED 2 million to AED 15 million for apartments and townhouses.
Rental Prices: AED 150,000 to AED 600,000 per year.
Villas: Palm Jumeirah’s villas offer unparalleled luxury, often featuring private beaches, pools, and stunning sea views.
Purchase Prices: AED 15 million to AED 100 million.
Rental Prices: AED 600,000 to AED 3 million per year.
Lifestyle: Life on The Palm is all about luxury and convenience. Residents enjoy access to world-class amenities, beach clubs, five-star hotels, and renowned restaurants such as Sushi Samba, Nobu, and 101 Dining Lounge. The Palm offers a resort-style living experience with easy access to water sports, yacht charters, and beachside activities.
4. Urban Living: Downtown Dubai
For expatriates who prefer the hustle and bustle of city life, Downtown Dubai offers luxury apartments in the heart of the city.
Luxury Apartments: In and around the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera areas, Downtown Dubai is known for its high-end, high-rise apartments.
Purchase Prices: AED 3 million to AED 20 million for apartments and penthouses.
Rental Prices: AED 200,000 to AED 1 million per year for luxury apartments.
The Address Residences and Boulevard Point: These serviced apartment complexes offer premium amenities such as pools, gyms, and concierge services.
Purchase Prices: AED 2 million to AED 10 million.
Rental Prices: AED 180,000 to AED 7 million per year.
Lifestyle: Living in Downtown Dubai means being at the center of it all, with the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountains, and endless dining and entertainment options right at your doorstep. It’s the perfect choice for professionals and couples who enjoy a vibrant, fast-paced lifestyle.
Education in Dubai
Education is a key consideration for expatriate families relocating to Dubai. The city boasts an impressive selection of top international schools that cater to different curriculum's, including British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB). Many of these schools have excellent academic reputations, with state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Below are some of Dubai’s top schools, their KHDA ratings, and academic highlights:
1. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Curriculum: British (EYFS to A-Level and IB Diploma)
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Academic Results: JESS is known for its excellent academic performance, with consistently strong A-Level and IB results. In 2024, 30% of IB students scored 40+ points (out of 45), 85% was rewarded Grade 6-9 and 100% BETC pass rate.
Overview: As one of the longest-established schools in Dubai, JESS is a popular choice among expatriates. It combines rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on community and extracurricular activities, such as sports, drama, and music.
2. Kings’ School, Jumeirah
Curriculum: British (Primary)
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Overview: Kings’ School places a strong emphasis on personal development alongside academic success. The school offers excellent facilities, including science labs, sports halls, and performing arts studios.
3. Royal Grammar School (RGS) Dubai
Curriculum: British (EYFS to Year 9)
KHDA Rating: Very Good
Academic Results: As RGS is a relatively new school, they have yet to administer formal exams, as they currently offer education up to Year 9.
Overview: or families relocating from London, particularly those with children attending prestigious prep schools, RGS Dubai offers a seamless transition. The school reflects many similarities to the traditional British prep school model, with a focus on academic excellence, co-curricular activities, and pastoral care, making it an ideal choice for expatriates seeking continuity in their children's education.
4. Dubai English Speaking School and College (DESS & DESC)
Curriculum: British (EYFS to GCSE and A-Level)
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Academic Results: DESC is known for producing excellent GCSE and A-Level results. In 2024, 48% of students achieved A*-A at A-Level, and 55% scored 9-7 at GCSE.
Overview: DESS is one of Dubai’s oldest and most respected primary schools, while DESC offers high-quality secondary education. The schools provide a well-rounded education, with a focus on both academics and co-curricular activities such as sports and the performing arts.
5. Dubai College
Curriculum: British (GCSE and A-Level)
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Academic Results: Dubai College consistently ranks as one of the top-performing schools in the UAE. In 2024, 76% of A-Level students achieved A*-A grades, and 95% of GCSE students achieved9-7 grades.
Overview: Dubai College is highly selective and academically rigorous, attracting top students from across the UAE. The school offers an exceptional range of extracurricular activities, from music and drama to Model United Nations and competitive sports.
As you will see, the schools mentioned above are excellent choices for families and, as a result, often have limited availability. However, there are still other great schools to consider, such as JESS, Kent College, Brighton College, Nord Anglia, and Repton. These schools are internationally recognised and remain popular among expat families, offering high-quality education and a supportive environment for children relocating to Dubai.
Dubai's Lifestyle
Dubai is not just a hub for families and professionals; it also offers a wealth of exclusive experiences tailored to Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWI). Beyond the luxury of properties and schools, the city’s thriving elite social scene offers numerous ways to connect and engage in high-end leisure activities.
Exclusive Members Clubs: Private members clubs, such as Capital Club Dubai, are the epicenters for networking and socialising among top business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. These exclusive clubs offer privacy, personalised service, and luxury amenities that cater to an elite clientele. Memberships often come with access to fine dining, private meeting rooms, events, and global networking opportunities, fostering both business and personal connections.
Golf Clubs and Marinas: Dubai is home to some of the world's most prestigious golf courses, such as the Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and The Address Montgomerie. These venues are not just about the sport—they offer high-end restaurants, bars, wellness facilities, and social events that attract Dubai’s elite. For those with a passion for sailing, the city's marinas, like Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Jumeirah Beach Hotel Marina, provide premium services, offering docking for superyachts and hosting exclusive nautical events.
Private Beach Clubs and Resorts: Nikki Beach, Drift Beach Dubai, and Cove Beach are sought-after beach clubs known for their serene ambiance, five-star service, and luxurious experiences. They offer everything from private cabanas to gourmet dining and are popular for both relaxation and high-end social gatherings.
Fine Dining and Elite Meetups: Dubai is home to Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class dining experiences at venues like Sushi Samba, Zuma, and Nobu, which attract food connoisseurs and high-profile individuals alike. These restaurants serve as social hubs for the affluent, often hosting exclusive events and private dinners. Additionally, elite meetups and gatherings are organized at high-end venues throughout the city, offering expats the chance to meet like-minded individuals and cultivate relationships within Dubai’s luxury community.
Art and Cultural Events: Dubai’s cultural calendar is packed with high-profile events such as Art Dubai, Dubai Opera performances, and exclusive gallery openings. For those interested in fine art, culture, and philanthropy can engage with the city’s thriving creative scene while mingling with other patrons of the arts. Events like these offer opportunities for building connections through shared interests and passions.
Luxury Health and Wellness Clubs: The city's luxurious health and wellness scene is unmatched, with elite fitness centers such as Lanserhof at The Arts Club and The Burj Club offering holistic wellness programs, state-of-the-art gyms, and spas. These facilities cater to those seeking personalised health plans, detox programs, and exclusive environments where they can unwind and rejuvenate.
In summary, Relocating to Dubai will offer an elite lifestyle that is ideal for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, providing a blend of luxury, exclusivity, and opportunity. Whether through private members clubs, high-end dining, or exclusive cultural events, Dubai is a city where you can find both the luxury and the networks they desire.
Dubai in a Nutshell
