2 minutes read

Written by
Emily Louise Wade
Pros and Cons of Living in Dubai South
Updated: Feb 05, 2025, 12:49 PM
Covering an area of around 145 square kilometers, Dubai South community constitutes a new neighborhood that is still growing and expanding; in the hope of housing one million persons.
Launched in 2006 by the Government of Dubai, this project aims to achieve Dubai Ambition 2021 as stated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum's ambition.
Dubai South, also known as Dubai World Central, is a freehold and leasehold community boasting residential complexes. Real estate options available cater to the needs of various demographics. The neighborhood also offers many amenities and attractions that make a living in Dubai South a pleasure.
Dubai South offers many advantages to homeowners and renters alike. This strategically located neighborhood enjoys modern and well-maintained infrastructure and a myriad of real estate options. It’s a free zone area with many amenities, making it an ideal home for families. Let’s delve into the pros of choosing to live in Dubai South.
Dubai South community boasts outstanding infrastructure that focuses on sustainability. This master-planned city includes modern roads, state-of-the-art amenities, smart technologies, and eco-friendly practices, giving it a sense of a futuristic environment.
Strategically located near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Emirates Road (E611), and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11); Dubai South ensures smooth commute to other hubs in the city thanks to its expansive network of roads. Additionally, its location places it near the port of Palm Jebel Ali, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the Etihad Railway network.
The real estate market in Dubai South is both rich in options and affordable, as many major real estate developers in the UAE have undertaken projects there. Additionally, many options for apartment rentals, including affordable options such as studio apartments for rent.
As a free-hold area, foreigners are allowed 100% ownership of property in Dubai South, which makes for a great option to live or invest. Here’s a glimpse at the average pricing of properties:
AED 490,000 to AED 19,000,000 | |
AED 750,000 to AED 1,300,000 | |
AED 490,000 to AED 790,000 |
Dubai South ensures a high level of security and safety which makes it an ideal neighborhood for families. The area is also rich and diverse; welcoming expats and their families from all around the world. Families with pets can also keep their furry buddies with them since Dubai South is a pet-friendly community.
Thanks to its central location, Dubai South offers its residents easy access to many amenities in addition to the community parks, hotels, hairdressers, and gyms, available within the masterplan. Here are the most important amenities you can find nearby:
Recreational facilities:
Shopping:
Hospitals and clinics:
Restaurants
Schools and Universities:
While Dubai South has many attractive qualities that make it a great place to live, there are certain factors to take into consideration before making a decision. The community isn’t complete which means there is still construction work going on. The traffic congestion especially around rush hour should also be taken into consideration, especially amid the limited public transport options.
Dubai South is a relatively new community that isn’t fully completed. This means that there are still ongoing construction projects which entail disturbing noises, dust, and construction equipment and vehicles. If you are looking for a calm and tranquil life, you might consider a different locality.
Amid the construction work and the influx of crowds during events at Expo South, Dubai South witnesses some traffic jams, especially during rush hours. This factor, which is exacerbated by the scarcity of public transport, should be accounted for, especially for those who commute to work daily.
Granted that Dubai South boasts excellent road access; it lacks bus and metro lines; which might prove inconvenient to residents who rely on public transport for their commute. The only bus route available is the DS1 from Expo City to Dubai South. Dubai Investments Park DIP bus station is 18 minutes away by car and from there, residents can take the X92 and X94 to other parts of Dubai.
As a 2,300-hectare mixed-use development, Dubai Investments Park (DIP) is divided into three zones: an industrial complex, a commercial district, and seven eco-friendly residential communities. Dubbed DIP 1, DIP 2, and Green Community Village, this neighborhood offers world-class infrastructure and freehold properties, such as villas, townhouses, and apartments.
Located near the Dubai Expo 2020 site; the 10-year visa law enhances its appeal to local and international investors.
Developed by DAMAC Properties, DAMAC Hills 2, formerly known as Akoya Oxygen, is a tranquil residential community in Dubai. The community has an eco-friendly theme, with landscaped gardens, parks, water fountains, and a golf course, ensuring a serene lifestyle.
Considered to be the world's largest free economic zone, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), contributes over 23% of Dubai's GDP. JAFZA offers convenient access to the Dubai Metro Red Line as it spans 57 sq. km along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and borders Abu Dhabi. The area is home to over 8,000 global companies and employs 130,000 people worldwide. JAFZA also hosts industrial units, retail and e-commerce businesses, trading opportunities, and residences for onsite employees.
Projections related to Dubai South’s real estate market predict an exponential boom as the number of constructed villas and apartments grows at a rapid speed. The top-notch facilities provided in the neighborhood accommodate the needs of the discerning clients.
With a highly desirable real estate market, investments are flooding into the area as developers plan to build AED 25 billion worth of real estate, catering mostly to middle-class families and professionals, in the form of 6,000 townhomes and apartments.
The community of Dubai South will soon live up to its original goal as the home to more than a million people. Over five thousand new job opportunities will likely be created following China’s investment in Dubai South, amounting to around three billion dollars.
Dubai South living provides many advantages, especially to those looking for a freehold area where families feel safe and secure. Amenities are never in short supply, which adds a layer of comfort and convenience to this ever-growing community. Nevertheless, one must keep in mind that ongoing construction projects will result in dust and noise; and rush hour traffic might create a burden, especially amid the lack of public transport.
Dubai South is located near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Emirates Road (E611), and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). It neighbors Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Investments Park.
Dubai South enjoys a vast selection of residential buildings available for rent and sale. Contact our team to help you narrow the search and find the best home for you.
Dubai South is a great community to live in, especially for families. This pet-friendly community is rich with amenities, boasts a modern infrastructure, and allows 100% foreign ownership.
As a fairly recent community, there is still construction work going on which might create nuisances, such as noise and dust. The region also witnesses traffic jams and congestion around rush hour due to the restricted public transportation options.
Dubai South is considered relatively affordable compared to more affluent communities. While groceries and other expenses depend on your preferences and lifestyle, the average rent for an apartment in Dubai South is between AED 40,000 and AED 120,000.
Dubai South enjoys many great amenities and services such as recreational facilities (Dubai Parks and Resorts, Legoland Dubai, Riverland Dubai, Al Sufouh Beach); shopping (Lulu Hypermarket, The Outlet Village, Sapphire Mall, Rababt AlMadina SuperMarket LLC); hospitals and clinics (NMC Royal Hospital, Dr. Sunny Medical Centre, Al Shifa Al Khaleeji Medical Center LLC); restaurants (Viva Ristorante, EatNStay Restaurant, Hari Prasad Pure Vegetarian Restaurant, Carluccio’s Italian Restaurant, TakaHisa Japanese Restaurant); Schools and Universities (GEMS Founders School, Dove Green Private School, Victory Heights Primary School, American University in Dubai, Sunmarke School, Zayed University).
Dubai South offers a fully integrated ecosystem with both a commercial and residential component. The community is also pet-friendly, adding to its appeal to residents. With well-planned infrastructure and a great location, it stands out as one of the largest metropolitan developments in the UAE.