Properties for Sale in Dubai International City

About Dubai International City

Dubai International City is one of the most distinctive culturally diverse communities in the UAE. Designed and master-planned by Nakheel, one of Dubai's leading real estate developers, the community was envisaged as a global village - a place where different cultures, architectural styles and ways of life could co-exist in one carefully planned urban environment. The project is situated along the Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) making it one of Dubai's fastest developing development corridors, and covers some 800 hectares in the Dubailand zone.

International City is unique in Dubai with its clusters of architecture, all themed around a country's heritage. This pioneering design, created in the early 2000s, remains part of its identity. Besides its cultural richness, it is a popular residence due to affordable pricing, excellent transport links and vibrant amenities, especially Dragon Mart. The community attracts a diverse group of people from young professionals to families as an affordable hub in a vibrant city.

Community Overview

International City is located in the eastern part of Dubai, on Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), which offers easy access to the community to the larger road network of the city. Located centrally in the Dubailand corridor, its residents have easy access to key employment hubs including Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Healthcare City, Academic City, and Dubai International Airport. The E311 also has a direct link to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, giving International City excellent inter-emirate connectivity.

The community is divided into ten different country clusters: China, England, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Persia, Russia, Spain and the Emirates Cluster. Each cluster has a unique architectural character with building facades, street level design elements and public realm features reflecting the country in question. The China Cluster, the largest and most commercially active, encircles the Dragon Mart retail complex and is the community's main commercial spine. The Persia and Morocco Clusters are noted for their detailed architectural design and are popular with South Asian and Middle Eastern populations respectively. The Greece, Italy and Spain Clusters attract tenants and buyers looking for a quieter, more residentially focused environment.

Community at a Glance

Dubai International City Master Plan

Nakheel envisaged the master plan of Dubai International City as a large scale mixed-use development that would integrate residential, retail, commercial, hospitality and community facilities within a cohesive, walkable framework.

Phase 1

Phase 1 of the master plan covers the original country cluster residential buildings from ground-plus-three to ground-plus-seven storeys in height. The cluster layout is radial to the Dragon Mart shopping mall. Each country zone occupies a defined area of the overall plan. The internal roads within the clusters are pedestrian friendly, with the ground floor retail, landscaped courtyards and community open spaces forming the backbone of the public realm. The development has mosques scattered all around to cater to the needs of the large Muslim residents. Petrol stations, community parks and healthcare clinics are also scattered along the way to ensure that daily essentials are never out of reach.

Phase 2

Phase 2 of the master plan saw the launch of a dedicated hospitality and hotel development zone which further expanded the community eastward and now includes a number of internationally branded properties. The specification for this phase was higher than for Phase 1, with wider roads, better landscaping, more contemporary architectural finishes and a greater focus on the pedestrian and visitor experience. This phase also includes the Dragon Mart 2 expansion that will add significant retail, entertainment and F&B capacity for the overall master plan.

Properties in Dubai International City

International City Dubai's residential property market is predominantly a mix of studios and one-bedroom apartments, catering to the working expat population, lower to middle income. The majority of the stock is mid-rise, built between 2004 and 2010, with a mix of fit-out quality and maintenance depending on the landlord and building.

Apartments in Dubai International City

International City studio apartments are usually small, functional spaces with an area of 400 to 550 sq.ft. They are the most popular choice for single professionals and newly arrived residents looking for the most affordable entry point into the Dubai rental or ownership market.

One-bedroom apartments are the next step up in the market. These units appeal to couples, young families and professionals who want a dedicated sleeping space without the larger footprint of a two bedroom apartment.

In several clusters, select buildings feature two-bedroom apartments, which are less common in the overall community stock.

Villas and Townhouses in Dubai International City

Warsan Village is a first-class gated family community in Dubai International City, open 24/7. It features duplex townhouses and villas, all with 3 bedrooms and a maid's room, all the same size. Each unit measures exactly 2,013 square feet. These properties provide a suburban and safe lifestyle with exclusive neighborhood amenities such as a dedicated clubhouse, swimming pool, gym and outdoor parks.

Souk Warsan Townhouses is a unique integrated urban lifestyle consisting of spacious three bedroom duplex units set directly over the vibrant Souk Warsan retail pavilion. These podium residences have larger interior footprints from 2,360 to 2,385 sq. ft., private rooftop terraces and dedicated vehicle parking.

Property Types & Typical Sizes

Off Plan Projects in Dubai International City

While the core residential clusters of Dubai International City are a largely mature and built-out community, the broader development zone and surrounding corridor continue to attract significant off-plan activity. Nakheel, as the master developer, has periodically launched new phases and sub-developments within the International City framework, and neighbouring communities in the Dubailand and MBZ Road corridor have seen a steady stream of off-plan project launches from a range of developers targeting the affordable to mid-market buyer segment.

International City's off-plan market is appealing for investors and first-time buyers due to lower prices and attractive payment plans. The extended payment options range from three to five years after handover.

Dubai International City Floor Plan

International City floor plans are practical and efficient and designed for affordable living. Functionality and usable space take precedence over grandeur. But premium units, especially corner flats and higher floors have comfortable, well-designed spaces comparable to like-priced Dubai properties.

Studio apartments at International City are open plan with living, sleeping and kitchen areas combined, but with separate enclosed bathrooms. Most of the studios have small balconies and benefit from morning light, especially those facing south or east. Built-in wardrobes are also perfect for studio floorplans, to maximise storage. One-bedroom apartments are more private, with separate bedrooms and enclosed kitchens (separate living and dining areas). These units also offer a master bathroom that is accessed only from the bedroom, and an additional guest bathroom. This layout is usually used for two-bedroom homes, and can include a second full bedroom or a flexible multi-use space.

Rental Trends in Dubai International City

Rental prices in International City are dependent on factors such as location, floor and quality of the building.

Annual Rental Price Ranges (AED)

Apartments for Rent in Dubai International City

Studio apartments in International City are available in all country clusters and are usually priced between AED 20,000 and AED 30,000 per annum. The lower end of this range applies to older buildings in quieter clusters while the upper end reflects well-maintained units in higher-demand locations such as the China and Persia Clusters. Newly upgraded studios with modern kitchen fixtures and reliable air conditioning systems attract a premium and can sometimes go beyond AED 30,000 in annual rent during times of increased market activity.

1-bedroom apartments in the community start from AED 30,000 to AED 45,000 per year for furnished and unfurnished options respectively. The most sought-after one-bedroom units - those in well-managed buildings with covered parking, gym access, and proximity to Dragon Mart - can reach AED 45,000 or above, particularly in a strong rental market. Two-bedroom apartments cost anything between AED 45,000 and AED 65,000 per year, and the Russia and Spain Clusters are generally the best value for this type of accommodation. Most landlords in the community are very flexible with payment schedules which greatly alleviates the financial strain on potential tenants.

Townhouse for Rent in Dubai International City

There are few opportunities to rent stand-alone townhouses within the core International City cluster buildings because the community's built form is almost entirely mid-rise apartment blocks. But within the wider International City development zone, there is a residential sub-community called Warsan Village, which offers a range of townhouse-style properties for families who want ground-level living with private outdoor space. Townhouse rentals in Warsan Village are between AED 60,000 and AED 103,000 annually depending on size, configuration and condition.

Sales Trend in Dubai International City

The Dubai International City property market is attracting investors seeking high-yield residential assets. Sales remain strong, especially in the studio and one-bedroom apartment segments. Dubai's property market has seen an overall recovery since 2021 which has helped increase its appeal, with prices and transaction volumes rising across all segments, including affordable options.

Apartments for Sale in Dubai International City

Average sale prices for studio apartments in International City are currently between around AED 250,000 and AED 523,000, with the lowest price per square foot in the city.

Average Sale Prices by Unit Type (AED)

Townhouse for Sale in Dubai International City

The International City cluster buildings' built form is apartment-dominant, making townhouse sales a rarity within the community. Still, in the larger development zone, the townhouse units of Warsan Village are for sale, and they constitute a niche but expanding part of the local sales market. Generally these properties are between 1,200 and 1,800 sq ft.

ROI in Dubai International City

Dubai International City is widely recognised by real estate professionals, data analysts, and property investment platforms as one of the highest-yielding residential communities in the entire Dubai market.

Gross Rental Yield by Property Type (%)

Hotels in Dubai International City

The hospitality offering of Dubai International City has flourished over the last decade, supported by the development of the Phase 2 hotel corridor and the community's evolution as a credible mid-market destination for both business and leisure visitors.

Premier Inn Dubai International City

Premier Inn Dubai International City is one of the most established properties in the community, and reflective of the UK-based brand's strong footprint across the UAE. Comfortable, well-appointed rooms, a swimming pool, gym facilities and a full-service restaurant make the hotel a reliable choice for short and extended stays.

Studio M Arabian Plaza

Studio M Arabian Plaza offers a more lifestyle proposition to the community with stylish contemporary interiors, social spaces and a rooftop terrace that appeals to younger travellers and those looking for a boutique hotel experience at a mid-market price point.

Radisson Blu and Millennium Place Mirdif

Additional properties serving the community and its surrounding catchment are Radisson Blu and Millennium Place Mirdif, offering business-focused amenities such as meeting and conference facilities, multiple F&B outlets, and spa and wellness services.

Transportation and Parking Spaces in Dubai International City

Dubai International City has excellent road connectivity with direct access to the Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), one of the main highways in the UAE. The E311 connects the community to almost all key destinations in Dubai including Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Healthcare City and Dubai International Airport. All of these can be reached in a journey time of not more than 25 to 35 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The highway provides direct access to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, making International City a prime location for professionals commuting between emirates.

Parking within the community is predominantly surface based and complimentary to residents, with the majority of buildings providing allocated or unallocated parking bays on the building's ground floor or within the adjacent plot.

Public Transportation in Dubai International City

Dubai International City Bus Services - Dubai International City is served by several bus routes operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) which integrate the area into the wider public transport network.

Taxis are readily available in International City at any time of day and Uber and Careem are both very busy in the area providing residents a reliable and affordable range of ride-hailing choices.

Public Transport Options

Supermarkets in Dubai International City

International City is well served for grocery shopping with a variety of supermarkets and hypermarkets to cater to the diverse population of the community. International City has a dense network of smaller convenience stores, mini-marts, and specialty food shops distributed throughout the country clusters.

Dragon Mart

Dragon Mart also has a number of food and household goods retailers, offering bulk buying and more niche product ranges not always seen in regular supermarkets.

Carrefour Market

Carrefour Market operates in the community and is one of the most popular choices for everyday grocery shopping. They offer a wide range of fresh produce, household goods and international food products at competitive prices.

Nesto Hypermarket

Another popular option is Nesto Hypermarket, especially popular with South Asian residents for its wide selection of South Asian staples, spices, fresh meat and speciality items. Al Madina Hypermarket completes the supermarket offering with a wide product range and competitive pricing on household essentials.

Schools in Dubai International City

Families with school-aged children living in International City have a variety of educational options within the community and its immediate vicinity. For younger children, several nurseries and pre-schools operate within International City itself, providing easy early education options without requiring parents to make long journeys.

Indian High School

Indian High School is one of Dubai's longest-established and most well-regarded institutions following the CBSE curriculum, is accessible from International City within a short commute and is a popular choice for the community's large Indian expat population.

Springdales School

Springdales School Dubai is a co-educational institution located in Al Quoz 4 that holds a consistent KHDA "Good" rating and provides dedicated school bus transit options directly to Dubai International City.

Delhi Private School

Delhi Private School Dubai (DPS Dubai) is a well-known co-educational Indian curriculum school located in The Gardens, Jebel Ali, which has a dedicated bus route (through Al Saraya Buses Rental) for families residing across Dubai International City and Warsan Village.

Academic City

Another benefit for families with university-age children is the community's proximity to Academic City, Dubai's dedicated higher education zone, with a short drive connecting residents to a multitude of degree programmes across several institutions.

Hospitals and Clinics in Dubai International City

Healthcare within International City has come a long way over the years. There are a number of general practice clinics, dental practices and specialist consultation centres within the ground floor retail units across the clusters. Aster Pharmacy, Bin Sina Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy outlets are located throughout the community's retail strip and provide easy access to prescription and over-the-counter medications at any time of the day.

Aster Clinic

The Aster Clinic is one of the most well-utilised and accessible healthcare facilities in the community. It offers general practice consultations, specialist referrals, diagnostic services and access to a pharmacy all under one roof.

NMC Medical Centre

NMC Medical Centre provides a comparable range of primary care and specialist services, making it another reliable choice for residents looking for regular healthcare without the need to visit a hospital. There are also a number of general practice clinics, dental practices and specialist consultation centres in the ground floor retail units of the community throughout the clusters.

Rashid Hospital in Deira and Dubai Hospital

Rashid Hospital at Deira and Dubai Hospital can both be reached from International City by E311 with a driving time of around 20 to 30 minutes. These government hospitals offer the full range of secondary and tertiary care services.

Malls in Dubai International City

Dragon Mart 1 and 2 form a retail ecosystem that is virtually self-sufficient, drawing visitors from far beyond the local community and producing plenty of foot traffic to the benefit of International City's wider retail and hospitality economy.

Dragon Mart

Dubai International City's Dragon Mart is the biggest retail destination in the UAE. It has more than 150,000 square metres of space and includes Dragon Mart 1 and 2. Dragon Mart 1 is a wholesale marketplace, with thousands of shops selling everything from furniture to electronics and building supplies. It attracts individual shoppers, retailers and professionals from the region. With the addition of Dragon Mart 2, the area is now a one-stop shopping destination with a cinema, a larger food court, a Carrefour hypermarket, more fashion outlets, a children's entertainment zone and improved common areas for a better shopping experience.

Restaurants in Dubai International City

The dining scene in Dubai International City is one of the most culturally authentic and diverse in Dubai. This is due to the multinational resident and working population in the community. There are dozens of independent restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets operating at any one time, and the country's cluster streets and main internal commercial roads are well supplied with Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Arabic and Persian cuisines.

A significant aspect of the community's F&B offering is the Dragon Mart food court, which has a wide variety of fast food, casual dining and specialty cuisine outlets catering to shoppers and visitors throughout the day and into the evening. The Phase 2 hotel corridor offers a more elevated dining experience, with the hotel restaurants providing international buffets, themed dining nights and a la carte menus that appeal to residents looking for a special meal out without travelling across the city. One of International City's most underrated assets is its overall dining scene - affordable, diverse and really reflective of the global community that makes the area home.

Beaches Near Dubai International City

Dubai International City is an interior community within the Dubailand development corridor and does not have direct beach or waterfront access.

Jumeirah Open Beach

One of the most popular picks among International City residents, Jumeirah Open Beach offers decent public access stretches, lifeguard stations and F&B outlets.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Al Mamzar Beach Park, Deira: With lawns, chalets, swimming pools and calm sheltered waters, Al Mamzar Beach Park is a family friendly beach and a popular weekend getaway for families in the community.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim is home to water sports facilities, food trucks, outdoor gyms and a lively social scene for those who want a more active and energetic beachside lifestyle.

Things to Do in Dubai International City

Dubai International City is not just a residential and trading community; it offers a broader and more varied range of activities to residents and visitors. The growing leisure and hospitality offerings along the Dubai-Al Ain Road corridor are all within easy reach, as are the desert getaways, adventure sports facilities and cultural attractions within the wider Dubailand region.

Dragon Mart

Dragon Mart is the obvious starting point for any exploration of the area's lifestyle offering - even if you have no intention of shopping, the scale, variety and cultural energy of the complex make it a genuinely fascinating destination. The Cinema at Dragon Mart 2 screens a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, regional Arabic and South Asian films and art house productions, making it a popular, convenient and cost-effective entertainment option for the local community.

Community Parks and Open Spaces

Community parks and open spaces dot the country clusters giving residents outdoor areas for relaxing, exercising and socialising. These spaces really come into their own during the cooler months of the Dubai year from November to February when outdoor life in the city is at its most enjoyable.

Fitness and Wellness Facilities

Fitness and wellness-conscious residents have a growing choice of gyms, martial arts academies, yoga studios and health clubs operating in and around International City. The hotel gym and pool facilities within the Phase 2 hospitality corridor are also available to non-hotel guests. Community sports courts and outdoor exercise stations on the cluster grounds encourage more informal physical activity for residents of all ages.

Global Village

Just a few minutes away is one of Dubai's most loved and popular annual cultural and entertainment events, Global Village, which runs from October to April every year, offering residents of International City a world-class international culture, food, shopping and entertainment experience with minimum travel.

The Dubai Camel Racecourse

The Al Marmoom Camel Race Track is the largest and best known venue for traditional camel racing in the UAE and is operated by the Dubai Camel Racing Club. The facility is infused with Emirati culture and hosts competitive races on massive tracks from 4 to 10 kilometres. Robotic jockeys, operated by remote control, ride high-speed camels with trainers racing alongside in SUVs behind them.

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is the first of its kind in the UAE and comprises 10 percent of Dubai's total landmass in the Saih Al Salam desert area. It is operated by the Dubai Municipality, the reserve is open to the public free of charge and is an important habitat for local wildlife, most notably the country's largest population of Arabian Oryx, as well as sand gazelles, desert foxes and over 360 species of migratory birds.

Al Qudra Cycling Track and Love Lakes

For those looking to deepen their connection to nature, Al Qudra Cycling Track and Love Lakes are a short drive away, providing a scenic outdoor experience that contrasts beautifully with the urban energy of the community itself.