Category · Housing
Housing
The basic flow foreign residents follow to find a place in the UAE.
5%
Agent fee (annual rent)
2-4cheques
Post-dated payments
220AED
Ejari registration
2,000AED
DEWA deposit
Week 1
Area research
Marina · JVC · Al Barsha
Week 2
Viewings
Bayut · Property Finder · Dubizzle
Week 3
Ejari contract
DLD system registration
Week 4
DEWA connection
Utilities account setup
WarningPre-signing checks
Confirm the agent is RERA-registered. Contract should spell out AC servicing, paint, renewal terms. Avoid landlords who skip Ejari registration.
InfoEjari is the gatekeeper for everything else
DEWA (power + water), school registration, family visa, home internet — all require Ejari paperwork. Register it first.
Housing type
Family of 3+, two parking spots, garden needed?
Yes
Villa (Arabian Ranches · Mirdif)180–350k AED / year
Middle
Townhouse (Town Square · DAMAC Hills 2)130–220k AED / year
No
Apartment (Marina · JVC · Downtown)70–160k AED / year
Dubai Marina / JBR
Beachfront · nightlife
110-180k / yr
- Best central access
- Walkable beach
- Heavy summer humidity
Commute sweet spot
Downtown / Business Bay
Central business district
120-200k / yr
- Most metro + bus options
- Dubai Mall at your doorstep
- Peak-hour traffic brutal
JVC / Al Barsha
Value family areas
70-120k / yr
- More square footage
- Family-friendly
- Metro less convenient
Detailed guides