Ultimate guide to renting an apartment in Dubai

[FrankV]

Hi all,

I have looked at a couple of appartments in the Marina for around 80-100k/annum, two bedrooms. It seems that all of them have about the same style/quality of finishing, and I don't find it very good (small ovens/ ugly tiles on the floor/ lots of fake cheap wood/ small fridge, etc.).

Is this because I am not in the right budget zone and if I would move up it will become better, or is this just the way it is? And, if so, the way it is in the Marina or Dubai in general?

Thanks in advance,

Frank

[Felixtoo2]

I saw what looked like a good deal whilst surfing through dubizzle last night, 85k for a two bed in Al Majara. I lived there for two years and its a decent building with better than average finnishing.
Lots of places in JBR down to your price range too although I`m not a big fan of that side of the Marina due to the traffic.

[rasskass]

from my research, 70-110 is for one bedroom. for 2 bed you need to be looking around 120

Originally Posted by FrankV

Hi all,

I have looked at a couple of appartments in the Marina for around 80-100k/annum, two bedrooms. It seems that all of them have about the same style/quality of finishing, and I don't find it very good (small ovens/ ugly tiles on the floor/ lots of fake cheap wood/ small fridge, etc.).

Is this because I am not in the right budget zone and if I would move up it will become better, or is this just the way it is? And, if so, the way it is in the Marina or Dubai in general?

Thanks in advance,

Frank

[Bounty Hunter]

Some very interesting opinions. I am glad to read them all but I am still in the darl.. I am retired USAF and will be there in mid-July. Looking for a decent one bedroom with a dedicated parking space. I will be working at the airport so living too far is not for me. Was thinking along the 36K-47K AED/year ($10K-13K USD). Any suggestions? I mean I don't want to live in a dump, just somewhere reasonable. Please help!

[Ohio State Sucks]

Originally Posted by Bounty Hunter

Some very interesting opinions. I am glad to read them all but I am still in the darl.. I am retired USAF and will be there in mid-July. Looking for a decent one bedroom with a dedicated parking space. I will be working at the airport so living too far is not for me. Was thinking along the 36K-47K AED/year ($10K-13K USD). Any suggestions? I mean I don't want to live in a dump, just somewhere reasonable. Please help!

For 50k AED/year you can find a one-bedroom in Business Bay, but still not too many amenities in the area. Also, since you are working at the airport, perhaps look at a apartments close to a metro station and take the metro to work--numerous places along SZR meet that criteria.

[Bounty Hunter]

Originally Posted by Ohio State Sucks

For 50k AED/year you can find a one-bedroom in Business Bay, but still not too many amenities in the area. Also, since you are working at the airport, perhaps look at a apartments close to a metro station and take the metro to work--numerous places along SZR meet that criteria.

Thanks for the information! (Go U of M!) What is SRZ? Second, are there many expats that have/own cars? I heard that it is quite $$ to rent a car. WHere is Business Bay? I have looked at dubizze and found some decent looking places but it is so hard to tell from the terrible pics that get posted...

Bounty Hunter

[Italia06]

Originally Posted by Bounty Hunter

What is SRZ? Second, are there many expats that have/own cars? I heard that it is quite $$ to rent a car. WHere is Business Bay? I have looked at dubizze and found some decent looking places but it is so hard to tell from the terrible pics that get posted...

Bounty Hunter

I'm guessing SRZ is Sheikh Zeyed Road. I'm new in town, and heard that it is expensive to rent a car as well, and it's better to buy one instead.

Look up Business Bay off a Dubai map, it'll help you put things into perspective that way. There's a map on an app called: Definitely Dubai.

As for Dubizzle, I've looked up places there too, but your best bet is to call and actually go see them in person. What is clean and great to them may not be to you... I speak from personal experience!

[Ohio State Sucks]

Originally Posted by Bounty Hunter

Thanks for the information! (Go U of M!) What is SRZ? Second, are there many expats that have/own cars? I heard that it is quite $$ to rent a car. WHere is Business Bay? I have looked at dubizze and found some decent looking places but it is so hard to tell from the terrible pics that get posted...

Bounty Hunter

Bounty Hunter,

SZR=Sheik Zayed Road

Business Bay is a new area(lots of construction), I would describe it as the area behind Old Town/Downtown.

Here is my experience about renting cars in the UAE. I'm in Dubai 50% of the year, I rented a car in March for three weeks at an affordable, but the kicker is there are speed cameras everywhere! In three weeks driving in Dubai, Sharja and Ajman I ended up getting over 3,000AED in speeding tickets(I find it difficult to drive 100k/h). I have a need for speed, and all the speed cameras in the UAE took their toll on my wallet.

Also, be careful when you decide to buy a car in Dubai. Sharja has a number of garages that specialize in making clunkers look like brand new cars, be certain of the source and make sure it passes its inspections.


Lot's of foreigners own cars, no big deal here. The way people drive here(including many taxi drivers) is absolutely aggressive and life threatening.

[Bounty Hunter]

Thanks Italia06 and Ohio State Sucks! I am looking forward to getting over there and finding a place. As far as buying a car, where is a reputable place where I won't get bent over? I'd hate to buy a lemon...

[anothernewguy]

Hello folks, thanks to all for the contributions on this thread. Have found some very useful information while trying to piece together plans for a possible move to Dubai.
I am pending an offer for a company based in Dubai Internet city. I am a South African transplant currently living in Austin, Texas. My fiance and I plan to move over (she will come over after the wedding) and depending on if I accept an offer.
We are trying to plan a few things and figure out budget. We will be brining our dog along and hope to find a good villa. I know that The Springs is not too far off.
Any other areas near to internet city to look for a villa?
What would a good estimate be for a 2-3 bedroom with a private pool be? Most places I have seen have community pools rather than private pools.
I am sure it will help when I am on the ground, have been to Dubai many times, just never been house hunting there!