Dubai remains one of the world’s most attractive property markets, especially for investors aiming for long-term rentals. With a fast-growing expat population, tax-free returns, and transparent regulations, the city offers excellent opportunities for stable and structural rental income.
However, not every neighbourhood is equally suitable for long-term rentals. In some neighbourhoods, tenants change quickly, or demand is mainly focused on short-stay. Other neighbourhoods attract serious expats, young professionals, and families who stay for longer periods. Exactly the target group you are aiming.
Unlike short-term rentals, where occupancy rates and daily costs can fluctuate greatly, long-term rentals offer stability and minimum commitment.
One of the key advantages in Dubai: many tenants pay the annual rent in one go, or in 1 to 4 cheques, which ensures a stable cash flow and less administrative work. You also suffer less from vacancy, cleaning, or service charges, and, as a landlord, you don’t have to bother as much with day-to-day operational matters.
In this blog, we list 6 promising neighbourhoods for long-term rentals, including rents, tenant profiles, and investment potential.Â
*Rental figures are based on current market data from Bayut, Property Finder, and Dubizzle.
Dubai Hills Estate
Dubai Hills Estate is an established neighbourhood with a high quality of life, lots of greenery, and modern amenities. It is especially popular among expat families looking for peace, space, and good schools nearby.
Thanks to its location between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, Dubai Hills is easily accessible, and demand for rental properties remains strong. Many tenants sign annual contracts here, with multi-year renewals.
Yearly rental income:
- 1BR flat: AED 95,000 – 130,000
- Villa 3BR+: AED 250,000 – 400,000
Things that makes it interesting for investors:
- Tenants often stay for several years
- Few vacant family homes
- High-quality finishes and stable rent trends
- Low risk and above-average length of stay
Business Bay
Business Bay is next to Downtown and is one of the best real estate areas in Dubai. The area attracts an international target group of tenants: young individuals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads looking for central locations and well-equipped apartments.
Business Bay is interesting for investors because of its stable rents and high rotation without long-term vacancy.
Yearly rental income:
- Studio: AED 60,000 – 75,000
- 1BR: AED 85,000 – 120,000
- 2BR: AED 120,000 – 160,000
Things that makes it interesting for investors:
- Constant influx of tenants
- Very suitable for 1- and 2BR units
- Central location and good accessibility
- High occupancy rate + luxury amenities
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
JVC has been a popular neighbourhood for tenants and investors for years. Rents are relatively low, while demand for properties remains stable. Expats just coming to live in Dubai, couples, or remote workers often choose JVC because of its good value for money.
With the growing number of new construction projects, the supply is diverse, but well-developed flats with amenities are still quickly rented out.
Yearly rental income:
- 1BR: AED 60,000 – 80,000
- 2BR: AED 80,000 – 110,000
Things that makes it interesting for investors:
- Low purchase prices
- Growing community and infrastructure development
- High rentability of 1- 2 BR units
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s best-known neighbourhoods and remains hugely popular with expats. The mix of beach, amenities, and accessibility ensures a continuous flow of tenants – from expat couples to international businessmen.
While purchase prices are higher than in JVC, rental prices are also higher. This is a very interesting market for those aiming for high-end tenants.
Yearly rental income:
- Studio: AED 70,000 – 90,000
- 1BR: AED 90,000 – 130,000
- 2BR: AED 130,000 – 180,000
Things that makes it interesting for investors:
- Low vacancy rate, high visibility on rental portals
- Good ROI on well-positioned units
- High-quality buildings and waterfront views are highly sought-after
- Many long-term tenants, despite the tourist character
Motor City
Motor City is a quiet neighbourhood that offers plenty of space, especially in the townhouses and larger flats segment. This neighborhood offers a lot of potential for investors with a budget focused on family rentals.
Tenants are often long-term residents of Dubai and value quietness, security, and neighbourhood amenities.
Yearly rental income:
- 1BR: AED 70,000 – 90,000
- 2BR: AED 90,000 – 120,000
- 3BR townhouse: AED 120,000 – 160,000
Things that makes it interesting for investors:
Tenants stay longer on average than in central areas
- Less competition
- Very attractive price per sq m when buying
- Practically no vacancy in well-maintained projects
Dubai Creek Harbour
Strategic growth location with upscale tenant profile
Dubai Creek Harbour is one of Dubai’s most promising new neighbourhoods. The combination of skyline views, waterfront living and high-quality finishes makes this neighbourhood attractive to tenants looking for something new as well as quality.
The neighbourhood mainly attracts young individuals and couples who want a relaxing environment without compromising on luxury and accessibility.
Yearly rental income:
- 1BR: AED 80,000 – 110,000
- 2BR: AED 110,000 – 150,000
Things that makes it interesting for investors:
- Strong expected property value development
- Attractive to tenants with higher budgets
- New construction with high standard of finishing
- Little supply on the market, resulting in relatively high rents
Conclusion: focus on neighbourhoods that continue to rent
When aiming for long-term rentals in Dubai, it is not just about the rent per month, but above all about stability, minimal vacancy and the right type of tenant. Neighbourhoods like Dubai Hills Estate, JVC, Business Bay and Dubai Creek Harbour combine those elements optimally.
In practice, the return on your investment is often determined by how long your unit is rented out, and how little hassle you have with it. This is exactly why it pays to invest in neighbourhoods where people want to stay. Think of neighbourhoods with infrastructure, amenities, quality of life and future potential.
Want to know which type of property best suits your goals – or in which neighbourhood you can achieve the highest return? Feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you with a personalised strategy that suits your situation.
