Short staysAirbnb
Where to Live
Compare communities, understand renting and set up your home.
Flexible options while you find your feet and wait for your Emirates ID.
For your first month, consider a short-term rental or hotel apartment through Airbnb, Booking.com or AirDXB.
House sharing is also popular. It can help you avoid committing to a full-year tenancy immediately and gives you a chance to meet other people. Rooms in four- or five-bedroom apartments shared with other expats typically range from AED 3,000–5,000 per month.
- Short staysAirbnb
Serviced apartmentsBooking.com
Local specialistAirDXB
Places to Look for a House Share
- Dubai Apartments for Rent/Sale
- Brits in Dubai
- ATB Dubai
- Irish in Dubai
Popular expat neighbourhoods, lifestyles and indicative annual rents.
Once your Emirates ID has been issued, you can begin searching for long-term accommodation. Dubai has options for a wide range of budgets and lifestyles.
Dubai Marina & JBR
Popular with young professionals and expats, with a lively atmosphere, beach access, restaurants, gyms, nightlife and strong Red Line connections. Expect to pay a premium for the lifestyle.
- StudioAED 55,000–75,000 per year
- 1 bedroomAED 75,000–110,000 per year
- 2 bedroomsAED 110,000–160,000 per year
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
A good-value option for young professionals and families. It is quieter than the Marina and developing quickly, with taxis and buses but no Metro.
- StudioAED 35,000–50,000 per year
- 1 bedroomAED 50,000–75,000 per year
- 2 bedroomsAED 75,000–110,000 per year
Downtown Dubai & Business Bay
Premium central living close to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and major business hubs. Metro-accessible, highly convenient and priced accordingly.
- StudioAED 65,000–90,000 per year
- 1 bedroomAED 90,000–140,000 per year
- 2 bedroomsAED 140,000–220,000 per year
Dubai Hills Estate
Close to the Kamani Living office, with green spaces, Dubai Hills Mall, schools and a community feel. It currently has no Metro but is well connected by road.
- StudioAED 45,000–65,000 per year
- 1 bedroomAED 65,000–95,000 per year
- 2 bedroomsAED 95,000–145,000 per year
Al Barsha
A central and relatively affordable location close to Mall of the Emirates and the Metro’s Red Line.
- StudioAED 35,000–55,000 per year
- 1 bedroomAED 50,000–75,000 per year
- 2 bedroomsAED 75,000–110,000 per year
Deira & Bur Dubai
Older, more traditional and diverse parts of Dubai near the Creek and heritage districts, with easy access to the Red and Green lines and good value for money.
- StudioAED 20,000–38,000 per year
- 1 bedroomAED 35,000–55,000 per year
- 2 bedroomsAED 50,000–80,000 per year
Palm Jumeirah
An iconic, premium address with beach access, luxury amenities and a strong expat community.
- StudioAED 75,000–100,000 per year
- 1 bedroomAED 100,000–160,000 per year
- 2 bedroomsAED 160,000–250,000 per year
How rent payments, tenancy registration and utility setup work in Dubai.
Landlords usually expect an annual commitment, paid through one, two or four post-dated cheques. The fewer cheques you offer, the better the price is likely to be. You need a UAE bank account before you can write cheques.
How Rent Cheques Affect Price
- 1 cheque: the full year’s rent upfront, which usually offers the best price and is preferred by landlords.
- 2 cheques: common, with a small premium.
- 4 cheques: standard, with slightly higher rent.
- 6 or 12 cheques: available only in some buildings and usually the highest price.
Typical Upfront Costs
- Security deposit: 5% of the annual rent, refundable if there is no damage.
- Agency fee: 5% of annual rent, paid once to the agent.
- DEWA connection: a refundable deposit of AED 2,000–4,000.
- Ejari registration: AED 220.
- Chiller or district cooling deposit: varies by building.
- A furnished apartment costs more in rent but can be a sensible first option while you settle in.
Dealing with Landlords
- Use a RERA-registered agent or reputable property-management company and never pay without a proper tenancy contract.
- Verify the landlord’s identity and ownership using the Dubai Land Department website or app.
- Read the notice period, renewal terms and early-exit provisions carefully.
- Landlords must provide 90 days’ written notice before a rent increase at renewal, and increases are capped by the RERA rental index.
- Photograph and record a video of every room before moving in, then send the record to the landlord in writing.
- Keep all communication with the landlord in writing, such as through WhatsApp.
- The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre handles tenancy disputes.
Ejari Registration
Ejari is Dubai’s official system for registering tenancy contracts. Registration is legally required and supports utility setup, provides proof of address and gives tenants legal protection. Your agent usually handles it, or you can register through the Ejari app or an authorised typing centre.
- Cost: AED 220, paid by the tenant.
- Required: signed tenancy contract, landlord’s title deed and identification, plus your passport and Emirates ID.
- Save the digital Ejari certificate and registration number.
- Renew the registration each year with the tenancy.
Setting Up DEWA
Create a DEWA account through the app or dewa.gov.ae using your Emirates ID and email address, then choose Move In or New Connection. You will need your Ejari number, Emirates ID, tenancy contract and the premises number shown on the building or meter.
- Refundable security deposit: AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas; DEWA activation and government fees are additional.
- DEWA states that activation is completed within 15 working hours after the required security deposit is paid or transferred.
- Bills are monthly and can be paid in the DEWA or Dubai Now apps or by direct debit.
- A one-bedroom apartment is typically AED 300–600 per month in winter and AED 600–1,200+ in summer, depending on air-conditioning use.
- When moving out, submit a Move Out request at least five working days before your final day.
- Some buildings require a separate district cooling account and deposit with providers such as Empower or Tabreed. Ask before signing.
DEWA Quick Reference
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Electricity or water emergency | 991 |
| Customer care and general enquiries | 04 601 9999 |
| Website | dewa.gov.ae |