Dubai
Finding Accommodation, Flatsharing, Hostels in Dubai
The majority of expatriates live in one of the following areas of Dubai:
- Mirdif: some attractive properties at reasonable prices, but not very central
- Deira: an authentic taste of Dubai, but not recommended for people with children
- Bur Dubai: a lively area, with an asian flavour, but somewhat noisy
- Sheik Zayed Road: popular with expatriates and offering many modern buildings with all amenities, but suffering somewhat from traffic jams and associated noise
- Jumeirah: good houses, ideally suited for those with children (many of the international schools are here), but the prices are correspondingly high
- Umm Suqeim: good quality housing at a more reasonable price than Jumeirah, but demand is high
- Emirates Hills: Villas in a green setting, ideal for families
- Dubai Marina: Very attractive apartments with good amenities, but potential nuisance from ongoing construction work
Congestion is a problem during rush hour in the city. It is best to avoid locations that require crossing the Creek to get to your workplace, and to check for volume of traffic during the rush hour before committing to a property.
If you intend to keep a car during your stay in Dubai, you will need a garage or covered car port. With temperatures reaching as high as 50C, even an air conditioned car will be unbearable when you first enter it if it has been parked outside. If left in the scorching sun for any length of time, the bodywork vehicle will also deteriorate rapidly, impacting it's resale value.
Flat sharing is becoming increasingly popular in Dubai, particularly following increases of up to 20% in rental costs during recent years. To share a good-quality apartment, you can expect to pay in the region of 2000 - 2500 AED per month. The Gulf News carries numerous advertisements from people seeking flat sharing partners.
Some tips for finding accommodation:
In the advertisements section of the English language newspapers:
On the internet:
- The Government of Dubai Real Estate Department - flats to rent
- propertylisting.ae - search for properties to rent or to buy
- Dubai Donkey - classified property advertisements
Youth Hostel:
The Dubai Youth Hostel is on Al Nahda Road, between Al Mulla Plaza and the Al Bustan Centre. Phone +971 4 2988161 (or 2988151 (Administration) after 17:30 Daily Dubai time) Fax +971 4 2988141 Rooms cost AED 45 or 65 per night including breakfast for YHA members Email address: uaeyha@emirates.net.ae
Update 11/09/2006
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