Introduction

International City is one of Dubai’s affordable residential areas developed by Nakheel. It is home to over 60,000 residents across its 8 million square metres. Moreover, the city is made up of 10 clusters, each featuring a unique architectural vibe that reflects the country it is named after.

Dubai International City is a mixed-use development located in the Al Warsan region of Dubai. The development consists of 485 buildings, comprising of residential units, retail outlets, and commercial spaces. The area is known for its affordable housing options and is home to a large expatriate population.

One of the biggest benefits of living in International City is that it offers you a multicultural community lifestyle while keeping the price tags modest. It is most ideal for anyone looking to settle in closely-knit communities.

Key Facts

  • Dubai International City was launched in 2002 and spans over 800 hectares.
  • Dubai International City is divided into distinct residential and commercial districts, including China Cluster, Greece Cluster, Morocco Cluster, and Spain Cluster.
  • Dubai International City offers affordable housing options, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.
  • Dubai International City is home to several commercial and retail establishments, including supermarkets, restaurants, and shops.
  • Dubai International City offers several amenities and facilities, including parks, playgrounds, fitness centers, and swimming pools.
  • Dubai International City has a diverse cultural experience, with each cluster showcasing the unique architectural and cultural elements of its respective country.
  • Dubai International City is located in close proximity to several key destinations, including Dubai International Airport, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dragon Mart.
  • Dubai International City is a popular choice for expats and budget-conscious residents due to its affordable housing options and convenient location.

Key Features of International City Dubai

Spreading over an area of 800 hectares (8 million square meters), the arrangement of the city is inspired by the traditional carpets of the Middle East. Once completed, Dubai International City is divided into multiple phases, each with its own set of residential and commercial clusters.

One of the key features of International City is its low-rise country-themed clusters, each named after a different country. These 10 clusters offer a wide range of apartments, from cozy studios to spacious 2-bedroom units, each with its design and character. With names like Greece, China, Morocco, and Russia, the buildings transport residents to far-off lands without ever leaving Dubai. However, International City is much more than just a collection of buildings. It is a thriving community with a multitude of amenities to keep residents’ content and entertained. Sprinkled throughout the development, you will discover numerous parks and green spaces, perfect for picnics, strolls, or outdoor activities.

Transportation and Accessibility

Dubai International City is strategically positioned in the Al Warsan region, making it highly accessible via multiple transportation modes. The community’s connectivity is enhanced by its proximity to major highways and a robust public transportation network, ensuring that residents and visitors can travel with ease.

Major Highways and Road Access

Dubai International City is conveniently located near two major highways:

1-E 311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road)

2-E 44 (Dubai-Hatta Highway)

These highways provide direct routes to various parts of Dubai and beyond, facilitating quick and efficient travel for daily commuters and tourists alike.

Commute times by car

From Dubai International City it takes roughly 21 minutes to drive to Dubai Mall, 33 minutes to Palm Jumeirah, 32 minutes to Burj Al Arab and 37 minutes to The Walk JBR. *

Airport proximity Dubai International Airport (DXB) is roughly 29 minutes’ drive and the new Al Maktoum International Airport is roughly 44 minutes’ drive. *

Public transport

Four bus routes serve this district but there is no metro.

Buying Real Estate in the area

Pros of investing in Dubai International City include its affordable housing options and its convenient location close to the Dubai International Airport. Popular areas for buying property in Dubai International City include the Warsan and Dragon Mart clusters. Current real estate prices in the area are more affordable compared to other developments in Dubai.

Future development plans in the area include the construction of new retail outlets and community facilities, which will further enhance the appeal of the development. However, it is important to note that the market for affordable housing in Dubai is highly competitive, which may impact future growth potential.

Affordability

Affordability is a major concern when renting an apartment in Dubai. In this regard, International City is an excellent option, with several units available at reasonable rates.Let’s look at the starting rental and sales prices of properties in the area.

  • According to the rental transactions for apartments in international city, asking rates range from AED 20k to AED 23k per annum for a studio and AED 28k per year for a 1-bedroom flat.
  • Those who want to buy apartments in International City can expect to pay a starting price of AED 234k for a studio.
  • The villas for rent in International City cost a minimum of AED 74.9k annually.
  • Looking to buy villas? The sales transactions for villas in international city range from AED 1.39M to AED 4.60M.

Amenities

Dubai International City offers a variety of amenities and facilities to its residents, including supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets. Some popular supermarkets in the area include Carrefour and Spinneys, while dining options range from local eateries to international franchises.

Schools

Each cluster of International City is home to nurseries and schools. Here are some top-notch options for your little ones:

  • Fly High Nursery
  • Kids World International

For Secondary School options, there are some great schools to consider nearby in Nal Al Sheba:

  • The International School of Arts and Sciences with the American curriculum.
  • GEMS Modern Academy with the Indian curriculum up to grade 12.
  • Repton School with a British program.
  • The American School of Dubai
  • Jumeirah English Speaking School

International City is right next to Dubai International Academic City, where you can find many prestigious local and international colleges. If you live here, you’ll have access to some major universities in Academic City, such as:

  • Zayed University
  • Murdoch University Dubai
  • The University of Birmingham Dubai.

Whether you have nursery-going, school-going or university-going children, International City has you covered for education.

Churches, Mosques and Temples

In International City, you’ll find several prominent mosques, including:

  • Cabin Mosque located in the Persia cluster
  • Sheikh Abdel Hameed Masjid based in Spain cluster
  • Masjid-e-Noor situated based situated in England cluster

Moreover, residents who wish to attend prominent churches in Dubai can reach Dubai City Church and St Mary’s Church. They are located in Oud Metha which is about a 30-minute drive by road.

For those looking for temples, nearby options are Krishna Temple and the Shiva Temple situated in Bur Dubai, reachable in approximately half an hour.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, if you’re up for a day at the beach, Jumeirah Beach is the nearest sandy spot to International City, just a little over a half-hour drive away. Additionally, Dubai is renowned for its lush golf courses and International City is no exception. The Track at Meydan’s golf course is a drive of about 15 minutes. The golf course is situated in Nad Al Sheba.

Utility Costs

On average, monthly utility costs for electricity, gas, internet, and water will cost about 2,000 AED (544 USD) a month. Much of this cost will go towards electricity and the air conditioning charges. Internet should only cost about 400 AED (108 USD) per month.

Healthcare Facilities

One of the biggest benefits of living in Dubai International City is the easy availability of healthcare facilities. The area offers access to some of the most popular clinics in Dubai, including German Medical Centre and Aster Clinic, to cater to your medical needs. Others include NMC DIC Clinic and Pharmacy, Aster Medical Center International City, Right Health Ruby Clinic LLC, Better Care Medical Centre, Benessere Poly Clinic, Dr. Shanil Medical Centre L.L.C., LIFE Medical Centre and Novitas Clinic, among others.

Shopping, Dining and Leisure

Dubai International City offers a variety of shopping and dining options for its residents. The Dragon Mart, located in the heart of the community, is one of the largest Chinese marketplaces outside of China, featuring over 4,000 stores selling a wide range of products from fashion and accessories to electronics and furniture. The community also has a number of supermarkets and convenience stores, providing easy access to daily essentials.

For dining, residents can choose from a wide range of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and Middle Eastern. There are many affordable restaurants and cafes located in the area, as well as some higher-end options. There are several authentic restaurants in International City, such as the highly-rated Chinese hotpot restaurant Nine Squares Restaurant and the local favourite Dyar Al Sham.

Sports enthusiasts will also be happy to know that the city’s popular equestrian Centre’s, like the Desert Equestrian Club and Desert Palm Polo Club, are located near International City.

Safety and Security in International City, Dubai:

International City is a well-planned and secure community in Dubai, with the following safety and security measures in place:

A. Gated Community: International City is a master-planned, gated community with controlled access points and strict security measures.

B. Security Patrols: The community is patrolled by a dedicated team of security personnel, who monitor the area and maintain a visible presence.

C. Access Control: Visitors and guests are required to go through a proper access control process, with security checkpoints and visitor management systems in place.

D. Emergency Response: International City has an efficient emergency response team and well-defined procedures to handle any unforeseen incidents or emergencies.

E. CCTV Surveillance: The community is equipped with a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring and deterring potential criminal activities.

Conclusion

Dubai International City is a unique and diverse community that offers a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Its affordable real estate prices, convenient location, and various amenities make it an attractive option for those looking for a place to live or invest in Dubai.

The community’s proximity to the Dubai International Airport, several landmarks and attractions, and public transportation options make it a convenient location to access other parts of Dubai. Whether it’s for leisure, work, or business, Dubai International City has something to offer for everyone.