Older areas in Dubai attract expats looking for community living

If you’re heading to your dream job in Dubai and will be looking to rent accommodation, the glitzy city’s smaller, older neighbourhoods are sure to please.

Located centrally, Dubai’s older neighbourhoods are densely populated and more expensive as regards rental costs, but their unique charm gives a huge, pleasing contrast with the rest of the city’s glass and metal zones. Comfort and the convenience of living in the heart of the city attract expat professionals to areas such as Oud Metha, Mankool, Bur Dubai and Karama, and the smaller, tighter expat communities are more sympathetic to new arrivals than are expat residents in the soaring tower blocks.

One of the most appreciated advantages of living in older areas is their sense of community, with the small districts known for their festivals celebrating the various cultural groups who’ve chosen to live in these attractive enclaves. Easy access to schools, medical facilities including clinics, malls and restaurants help new arrivals as regards fast access to needs, and the strong community feel is appreciated by all the resident ethnic communities.

Although rentals in these areas are decidedly more expensive, longer tenancies give more security and the apartments are generally larger as well as being equipped with all modern necessities and amenities. For smaller studios and one or two bedroomed apartments, Oud Metha, Bur Dubai, Mankool and Karama are best, and for expats with families there are a few larger apartments with up to four bedrooms.

Average rents in the areas vary between Dh75,000 and Dh85,000 for a two-bedroomed apartment, and the cost of living in the older areas is less than in any of Dubai’s freehold districts. The only downside is that, due to demand, apartments in the older, central areas are favourites for upgrades, and rental costs aren’t falling half as much as those of apartments and houses in the rest of the city.