Dubai neighbourhoods and interactive map

Explore Dubai's neighbourhoods with our interactive Google map, or find the right one for you with our neighbourhood reviews.

Dubai neighbourhood map

Click a neighbourhood for photos and walking tours. For the best experience, open the map on a desktop rather than a mobile device.

Dubai has a lot to offer, beyond Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. Here's our review of Dubai's best neighbourhoods, organised into lists for those seeking exclusivity, affordability, a family-oriented community, waterfront living or even proximity to nature.

Dubai's most exclusive neighbourhoods

The Palm

A symbol of Dubai's luxury and opulence, The Palm is home to celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham and Shah Rukh Khan. All villas and mansions enjoy private beach access, and stunning views of shoreline. They are surrounded by high-end hotels and beach clubs along the Palm's crescents, including Atlantis, The Palm and The Royal.

Emirates Hills

Modelled after Beverly Hills in the USA, Emirates Hills is one of Dubai's most exclusive addresses. This community is known for its opulent villas and high-profile residents, including former prime ministers, billionaire investors and business leaders. Emirates Hills is designed around a lush golf course, south of Dubai Marina.

Downtown Dubai

Defined by the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, this central area has modern residential towers along the Boulevard, a beautifully light-up avenue that circles the Burj. Apartments with views of the Burj and its nightly fountain show are highly sought after.

City Walk

A pedestrian-friendly urban community, nestled between Downtown Dubai and La Mer beach, is home to upscale boutiques, trendy restaurants, and art galleries. It’s also home to the Coca-Cola Arena, the Canadian University Dubai and a cinema complex.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Traditionally a prime office and retail space near Downtown Dubai, DIFC is evolving with the addition of its first residential project, DIFC Living, expected to complete by Q3 2026.

Al Barari

A green oasis in Dubai, Al Barari is known for its luxurious villas, themed gardens, and natural landscapes, providing a serene environment away from the city's hustle. It's also popular with nature-lovers.

Dubai's most affordable neighbourhoods

Al Barsha 1 and Barsha Heights (TECOM)

These areas, centrally located between Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai, are popular with travellers, and those seeking affordable living options. They are conveniently serviced by three stations on the Dubai Metro’s Red Line: Mall of the Emirates, Insurance Market, and Dubai Internet City.

Discovery Gardens, the Gardens, and Al Furjan

Situated towards the Jebel Ali free zone, these neighbourhoods offer budget-friendly living with convenient metro access, also along the Dubai Metro’s Red Line. They are better suited to those who work in Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, or Dubai’s western districts.

Bur Dubai and Deira

These historic neighbourhoods, situated on either side of the Dubai Creek, are popular with Indian and Pakistani expatriates. Deira was and remains the centre of Dubai’s spice and gold trades. Both neighbourhoods are well-connected by metro.

Outer Communities

If you have a driving licence, you'll be able to look further out at affordable neighbourhoods without public transportation. These include Dubai South, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Land, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and International City. The nearby Emirate of Sharjah, on Dubai’s eastern border, is also popular with commuters.

Dubai's family-friendly neighbourhoods

Arabian Ranches

Was Emaar’s first self-contained gated community. This tree-lined community, organised around a golf course, has its own retail complex, coffee shops, restaurants, a licenced bar, and an ‘Outstanding’ school that follows the British curriculum. Its success spurred the creation of similar developments nearby, such as Arabian Ranches 2, 3, and DAMAC Hills.

The Springs, The Meadows, and The Lakes

Are three gated communities situated to the south of Dubai Marina, near Emirates Hills. These villa neighbourhoods, dotted with swimming pools and sports grounds, have differences in building and plot sizes. Schools and nurseries are within walking distance. Parents will also find highly-rated schools a short car journey away in the neighbouring Al Barsha 1 district.

Dubai Hills Estate

A tranquil, family-oriented master community unveiled in 2019, interspersed with beautifully landscaped gardens and walking trails. Housing options include mid-rise towers, high-density townhouses, and high-end villas overlooking a championship golf course. Residents enjoy proximity to the Dubai Hills Mall, a popular shopping and entertainment complex.

Dubai's waterfront communities

Dubai Marina

Is a dazzling waterfront community, popular with expatriates and tourists alike. It is centred around the Marina Walk, a 7-kilometre waterfront path lined with restaurants and residential towers. The marina is adjacent to Jumeirah Beach Residence, a beachfront community with views onto the Arabian Gulf. Both neighbourhoods are known for their modern skyscrapers, entertainment options and vibrant nightlife.

Business Bay

A business and residential hub, developed around the extended Dubai Creek. Its prime location, in close proximity to Downtown Dubai, renders it a favoured choice among professionals who appreciate its proximity to work and urban lifestyle. It also presents a more affordable option than Downtown Dubai. The Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk, which runs 3.2 kilometres along the Dubai canal from Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf, is a popular spot for joggers and cyclists. Business Bay has a dedicated stop on the Dubai Metro’s Red Line and is strategically situated between Dubai's two major thoroughfares, Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

Dubai Creek Harbour

A burgeoning waterfront community, strategically located 14 kilometres from Downtown Dubai and 12 kilometres from Dubai International Airport. This expansive development, encompassing an impressive 5.5 square kilometres - double the size of Downtown Dubai - comprises both an island and a mainland section. At the time of writing, Creek Island is nearing completion. The masterplan for the mainland area, first unveiled in 2014, features the Dubai Creek Tower, a landmark structure poised to surpass the height of the Burj Khalifa by at least 100 metres. This iconic tower will be connected to Dubai Square, a retail complex projected to be twice the size of the current Dubai Mall. Dubai Creek Harbour will be serviced by the Blue Line extension of the Dubai Metro.

Dubai neighbourhoods for nature lovers

Al Barari

A neighbourhood celebrated for its verdant green spaces and luxurious living. It boasts high-end villas nestled in forests. In recent years, the introduction of upscale mid-rise residential towers has broadened the community's appeal to those seeking apartment living. The Al Barari cycling track, offering a 40 km round trip, is a popular route for joggers and cyclists, especially during the cooler winter months. Additionally, the Nad Al Sheba Wildlife Reserve, with its picturesque tree-lined walking trail, is a weekend hotspot for families.

Arabian Ranches

A walk around Arabian Ranches, a tree-lined villa community, spans approximately 10 kilometres. The meandering paths traverse various neighbourhoods, offering views of the central golf course. The community features two lakes, both lit up at night, creating a peaceful atmosphere for evening strolls. However, please be aware that Arabian Ranches is a gated community, exclusively accessible to residents.

Dubai Hills Estate

The Dubai Hills Park, in the northern part of this community, is a beautifully maintained park populated with palm trees, acacias, and wild rushes. The park is traversed by walking trails and is popular with residents out enjoying a morning run or an evening stroll. It also features shaded children's play areas, slides, and sand pits, making it ideal for family outings.

Emirates Hills, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, and Emaar South

Are a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting beautifully curated championship golf courses woven through scenic ponds, fountains, and dunes. Notably, members of the Montgomerie Golf Club in Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills Golf Club, and Arabian Ranches Golf Club enjoy the privilege of accessing each other’s courses for a reciprocal fee. Their clubhouses, which are vibrant community hubs, regularly organise a variety of weekly and monthly social events.