Top 5 neighborhoods in Dubai to buy property to rent out

Dubai remains one of the most attractive cities in the world for real estate investment. High demand, tax advantages and stable price growth make the city an ideal choice for investors. 

However, success often depends on location. Find out in which area of Dubai it is better to buy an apartment to earn passive income.

Dubai Marina

Target Audience 

1. Expats working in the business clusters of JLT, Jebel Ali, Media City.  
2. Tourists who prefer short-term rentals due to proximity to beaches and attractions.
3. University students in neighboring areas.

Pros

• Significant interest in real estate. The location is popular among foreign professionals and tourists due to its proximity to the sea, restaurants and active evening life.
• Developed infrastructure: DMCC metro station, Marina Walk pedestrian promenade, Dubai Marina Mall, Marina Plaza business center, beaches, schools and medical clinics.

What is the best apartment to buy for rent?  

Studios and one-bedroom apartments are ideal for singles or couples without children. It is better to choose such properties with panoramic windows and sea views - as a rule, they are more expensive to rent. 

Apartments with two or more bedrooms are popular for long-term rent among families with children. Look for residential complexes with playgrounds, swimming pools and play areas.  

Note: Turnkey apartments attract more potential clients.

Rove Home Dubai Marina is a luxury residential tower in the Dubai Marina area with excellent service and the signature style of Rove Hotels. The complex features a fitness room, sports field, infinity pool, sauna, library, co-working space, movie theater, barbecue terrace, karaoke and more. Bluewaters Island is 10 minutes away and Palm Jumeirah is 12 minutes away. Dubai International Airport is 25 minutes away.

Price: from AED 1,500,000

Handover: Q4 2027

Downtown Dubai

Target Audience 

1. Tourists looking to rent accommodation with a view of Burj Khalifa.
2. Wealthy expats working in DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) or near Dubai Mall.  
3. Corporate clients who prefer to live in apartments when traveling on business.  

Pros 

• The premium segment is most often sold here within walking distance of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains. Even in times of crisis, demand in this location remains high due to tourists and wealthy expats. 
• Developed infrastructure: metro station Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, comfortable pedestrian bridges to Dubai Mall and Business Bay, validation of parking for residents in shopping centers.  
• Lots of entertainment for every taste: the largest shopping center in the world Dubai Mall, ice rink, oceanarium, viewpoint At the Top, Dubai Opera. 
• Proximity to Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), offices of global companies such as Google, Microsoft, etc.

What is the best apartment to buy for rent?  

Studios and one-bedroom apartments are great for tourists and business travelers. The money rate can be increased for sightseeing views. 

Apartments with more bedrooms and penthouses are usually sought after by VIP tenants and families in the long term.  

Note: Apartments with terraces or access to private pools can be popular in this neighborhood.

One Residence by Ginco Properties is a premium residential complex in Downtown. Apartments are presented with designer finishes and Smeg appliances. Residents will have at their disposal: gym, yoga studio, golf simulator, children's playground, swimming pools, movie theater, barbecue area, Zen garden, etc. Major iconic places of Dubai like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall are 5 minutes away, Jumeirah Beach is 10 minutes away. The drive to Dubai International Airport will take 20 minutes.

Price: from AED 1,520,000

Handover: Q1 2027

Jumeirah Village Circle, JVC

JVC is one of Dubai's fastest growing family neighborhoods with affordable prices and developing infrastructure. It is an ideal choice for investors who want to strike a balance between stable returns and a reasonable budget.  

Target audience

1. Families with children. 
2. Young professionals working in neighboring business clusters (Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Barsha).  
3. Expats on a tight budget looking for a quiet neighborhood.  

Pros

• Price affordability.
• Steady interest in 'long-term'.
• Presence of green spaces: parks, playgrounds, bicycle paths.  
• JVC is still actively building up, so the infrastructure is improving every year. Convenient exit to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, schools, clinics and shopping centers nearby. 

What is the best apartment to buy for rent?

Studios and one-bedroom apartments are better with a balcony and park views, as they rent out much faster. One-bedroom apartments are popular with families. 

Note: Look for complexes close to parks and schools, with a swimming pool and children's area. By the way, white-box finishing is popular here: it allows tenants to adapt the space to themselves.  

LUME Residence by S&S is a modern residential complex in Jumeirah Village Circle. The apartments are delivered with clean finishes and built-in appliances. Residents have access to a gym, padel tennis court, swimming pool, barbecue terrace and more. The popular Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina areas are 18-20 minutes' drive away. Dubai International Airport is 30 minutes away.

Price: from AED 693,777

Handover: Q2 2027

Business Bay

Target Audience

1. Office employees working in business towers (DIFC, Dubai World Trade Centre). 
2. Middle to high income expats who prefer modern accommodation without overpaying for “premium”.  
3. Tourists who are attracted by the proximity to Dubai's attractions.  

Pros

• Business Bay is the “little brother” of the Downtown district. Here you can buy apartments cheaper, but rent them out at almost the same rates. 
• Infrastructure is ideal for business and life: Business Bay metro station, easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. Office towers The Binary, Cayan Business Center are in close proximity. 
• Accessible waterfront with many restaurants and pedestrian areas.

What is the best apartment to buy for rent?  

In this location, the best option is to buy a studio or one-bedroom apartment. These apartments are usually sought after by young couples or expats who have come to work in Dubai. 

Note: Choose a property with a view of the canal or the city - this can increase your income.  

Royal Regency Suites by Al Seeb is a luxury residential tower in the vibrant Business Bay neighborhood. The Hi-Tech style apartments feature clean finishes, branded bathroom fixtures, and built-in storage systems. For residents there is a wide range of amenities for every taste: a fitness center with panoramic windows, equipped with a professional sound system, a luxurious swimming pool with a view of the city and a lounge area with a Jacuzzi, separate saunas and steam rooms for men and women, cafes and restaurants, a walking area. The main attractions of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Opera can be reached in 10-15 minutes. Dubai International Airport is 20 minutes away.

Price: from AED 1,468,144

Handover: Q1 2027

Dubai Hills Estate

Target audience

1. Families with children (plenty of schools, parks and safe areas).  
2. Top managers and expats working in Dubai Marina, DIFC or Al Maktoum Airport.  
3. Active lifestyle enthusiasts renting villas near the Dubai Hills Golf Club course.  

Pros

• Luxury real estate: apartments overlooking golf courses.  
• Demand for long-term rentals.
• Developed infrastructure: convenient exit to the highway Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Road, the metro station Dubai Internet City in 15 minutes by car. Entertainment for every taste and budget: Dubai Hills Mall, 18-hole golf course overlooking the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hills Park with picnic areas and sports. 

What is the best apartment to buy for rent?  

The highest demand among families are 2-3 room apartments and townhouses. The average term is 2-5 years. Also, potential clients in the area are ready to pay for a more premium approach.

Note: If possible, choose a villa overlooking a park or golf course.  

Parkwood by Emaar is an elegant residential development in Dubai Hills Estate. The bright modern interiors are designed by Vida. The complex has all the necessary structure: gym, multi-sports court, children's playground, swimming pool, outdoor movie theater, lounge area, barbecue terrace, etc. The popular landmarks Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina are only 10 minutes away. The journey to Dubai International Airport will take 15 minutes.

Price: from AED 1,720,000

Handover: Q1 2029

Conclusion

Dubai offers options to buy rental properties for every budget. The leaders are Dubai Marina and Downtown, and for conservative investors will suit JVC and Business Bay. It is better to choose areas with developed infrastructure and limited offer - this will minimize risks and provide a stable income.