Top Places to Live in Dubai Near the Metro

The Dubai metro has revolutionized the way people travel, invest and live in Dubai. Additionally, properties located close to metro stations have always proven to be the better long-term capital growth and better rental returns. For the first-time home buyer, the experienced investor, or anyone looking for a home in a great location, metro proximity to the area is always a good choice. Let's take a look at the 10 best neighborhoods in Dubai around the metro stations. These communities are rated based on developer background, total area, property types, proximity to metro and investment returns.

Top Areas near Metro Stations in Dubai

1. Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is one of the most prestigious addresses in the whole Middle East. The community is a landmark development by Emaar Properties, which covers 2 square kilometers in the heart of the city. In addition, it features some of the most well-known landmarks in Dubai, such as the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is the nearest metro station to Dubai Mall, which is located on the Red line. It takes only 5-10 minutes to walk, so people can commute freely without a car. Downtown Dubai offers an average ROI of 6% per year from an investment point of view.

2. Business Bay

The business Bay has decisively become one of Dubai's most vibrant mixed-use areas. The community was built by Dubai Properties, as the master developer, and many other sub-developers have built a part of the skyline for this community. It encompasses a total area of about 4.6 square kilometers along the Dubai Canal, a beautiful waterway in the city.

There is a Red Line metro station in Business Bay that provides service for the community, with the majority of residential clusters within a 5-8 minute walking distance. Business Bay is great for investors, as it offers them a 7% return on investment on a yearly basis.

3. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of the world's most well-known waterfront communities and is always in demand for expats and investors. The 4.9 square kilometers of land is an extraordinary development by Emaar Properties on an artificial canal.

Sobha Realty Metro Station and DMCC Metro Station are two stations in Dubai Marina both on the Red Line. Investment-wise, the area offers a favorable average annual ROI of 7% with a high ROI for the units on the waterfront and high floors.

4. Dubai Investment Park

Dubai Investment Park, better known as DIP, is a huge development by Dubai Investment Park Development Company and a self-contained community. The community is the largest with an area of about 23 square kilometers that includes residential, commercial and industrial areas in Dubai.

Dubai Investment Park Metro Station (on the Red Line Extension – Route 2020) serves the community. The station is situated in a residential zone, having the advantage of easy access to the internal roads and walkways, with most residential zones within 2km of the station. With property prices being very competitive and demand for tenants strong, DIP offers an impressive average annual ROI of 6% - 8%.

5. Discovery Gardens

Built by Nakheel Properties, Discovery Gardens is a lovely residential community with a garden concept. The total area of the community is approximately 2.6 square kilometers, and the community has pedestrian-friendly pathway and green spaces.

The Discovery Gardens Metro Station (Red Line) is only a 5-7 minute walk from most of the clusters - this is a bonus for the working professionals. When it comes to ROI, Discovery Gardens offers an average return of 9% annually, making it one of the best return on investment affordable communities in Dubai.

6. Deira

Deira is the historic trading hub of Dubai and one of the most culturally rich districts in Dubai. Although it has grown organically over the decades, Nakheel is currently pushing forward a huge metamorphosis with the ambitious Deira Islands megaproject. The traditional Deira area spans about 7 square kilometers and is still a lively business and residential area.

Deira offers great metro access to multiple stations, including Gold Souq Station, City Center Deira Metro Station, and Al Rigga Station on the Green and Red Lines. The residents can walk from the metro station in 5-15 minutes. At present, Deira's average return on investment (ROI) is 5% to 7% per annum with potential positive returns as the Deira Islands project develops.

7. Bur Dubai

A combination of old and new, Bur Dubai has some of Dubai's best attractions like the historic Al Fahim Museum. The area has traditionally been expanding as a government initiative, but now it has been in continuous private development and is slowly becoming modernized. The total area of Bur Dubai is around 9 sq km and the Dubai Creek is situated to the west of the area.

Al Fahidi and BurJuman Metro Stations are situated in Bur Dubai and can be easily walked from most residential pockets in 5-10 minutes. The return on investment of the area is on average between 5% and 6.5% per year, depending on the continued demand of tourists, working people and long-term residents.

8. Al Furjan

Al Furjan is a well-planned family community, which has gained a fair amount of popularity in recent years. The community is planned for approximately 5.6 sq km, with families being supported through broad streets and parks/cycle paths.

The change of Al Furjan Metro Station on the extension of Route 2020 Red Line has turned the situation of this community upside down. The station is located in a highly convenient area, with most residential areas within a 5-minute walking distance. Al Furjan offers a mid-range annual ROI of 7% as it is a family-friendly investment and has better connectivity with the Metro.

9. Al Barsha

Al Barsha has always been a key community for Dubai's families and professionals, with its convenient location and long-established community. The community, which is about 8 square kilometers in size, is developed by Dubai Properties and some private developers in a prime central location.

Al Barsha's main hub is Mall of the Emirates Metro Station on the Red Line, and most sub-communities are within a 5-12 minute walk or taxi from the station. Al Barsha offers an average annual ROI of 5% with strong occupancy and a wide and diverse range of tenants.

10. Dubai Internet City

The UAE's leading technology and innovation hub, Dubai Internet City, was created by TECOM Group of Companies, a subsidiary of the UAE's Dubai Holding. The technology park covers about 3 square kilometers and has a number of the world's biggest tech firms such as LinkedIn, Google and Microsoft.

Two Metro stations serve the community: Dubai Internet City Metro Station (Red line) and Al Khail Metro Station (Red line), both within 5-10 minutes walking distance. Dubai Internet City and its immediate environs offer an average annual return on investment of 5.5% to 7% from the high-income professional tenant base. So not only does it yield high profits, but it is also the assurance that you'll have top-tier and dependable tenants.

Closing In

The communities that are linked with the metro are among the most interesting real estate opportunities in Dubai. Furthermore, the future development of the metro network will release new high-potential areas in the near future. As such, it is not only a prudent living alternative, but also a sound investment option to be in the community close to the metro. Whether you are looking for a luxurious lifestyle in Downtown Dubai or opt for the budget-friendly lifestyle in Discovery Gardens, there is a home for everyone. Get your real estate journey started right away and book your spot in one of the world's most thrilling real estate markets.