The pearl of the Persian Gulf has never been more popular, whether for property investment, relocation or a potential ‘Plan B’. But where are the popular buying options in 2025?

Dubai’s current property boom means there’s even more choice for foreign investors in the emirate. The special zones where foreigners are allowed to own freehold property continue to grow outwards and upwards as developers launch new projects.

Despite rising prices, there’s still plenty of stock for investors on lower budgets – we highlight five of the most affordable neighbourhoods in 2025.

Al Furjan

Another one of Dubai’s more affordable neighbourhoods, Al Furjan is a quiet, residential community located in the Jebel Ali district. It has its own metro station and is close to major highways, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The local Al Furjan Pavilion and West Pavilion malls offer retail and eating out options, while the Al Furjan Club has sports and fitness facilities.

Where should you buy in Dubai? Al Furjan has excellent transport links

An attraction of Al Furjan is being close to the popular Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai’s largest themed mall. The closest beaches are 15to 20 minutes’ away at the waterfront communities of Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Who: Al Furjan is a popular choice for families thanks to its diverse property options, community-focused environment and access to schools, parks, and retail centres.

Property: Best known for its affordable villa and townhouse communities, Al Furjan also has a choice of apartment complexes. Average prices for a one-bedroom apartment are around £225,000, £750,000 for a three-bedroom townhouse or £1.2m for a four-bedroom villa.

Arjan (Dubailand)

Part of the mega-city Dubailand community, Arjan is emerging as an affordable residential district that benefits from a suburban feel while being well connected. It’s very close to popular spots like Jumeirah Village Circle, Motor City and Sports City, and being located just off the main Umm Suqiem Road makes it within 15 minutes of Dubai’s major tourist spots.

The closest seafront and beach is Al Sufouh, also about 15 minutes’ drive. Highlights in Arjan, dotted amongst it complexes, retail outlets and offices, include the Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden, as well as its many leafy areas.

Who: Suited to young professionals and young families who want a peaceful lifestyle, as well as investors with tighter budgets.

Property: Predominantly modern apartments and townhouses within low and mid-rise complexes. Arjan offers entry point investments into the Dubai real estate market with one- and two-bedroom apartments accessible for £150,000 and upwards.

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Overlooking Dubai Marina, JLT is a buzzing mixed-use community of 80-plus high-rise towers accommodating a population of 100,000 and set around landscaped lakes. Split into 26 clusters, at the heart of this multicultural residential environment is the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a trade and enterprise hub with Free Zone status and home to multiple international businesses.

Jumeirah Lakes Towers

Suited to residents who enjoy a lively, urban lifestyle, JLT has access to every type of leisure, entertainment, sports and retail amenity. With two accessible metro stations, its location on Sheikh Zayed Road gives direct road access to areas like Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and the Dubai International Airport, while Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah are a few minutes away.

Who: JLT is a go-to neighbourhood for young professionals who enjoy a fun active lifestyle as well as young families who prefer to be amongst the bright lights. Its desirability makes it a sought-after investment area.

Property: It’s all apartments and penthouses in JLT. Typical prices there are £180k for a studio, £300,000 for a one-bedroom, £450,000 for a two-bedroom and £625,000 for a three-bedroom, while penthouses can range from £800,000 to £5m.

Discovery Gardens

Affordability and family-friendliness sum up Discovery Gardens, an established community in the Jebel Ali district made up six themed clusters, each inspired by unique garden concepts.

Conveniently located along the Sheikh Zayed Road and with its own metro station, its central location makes all of Dubai’s key hubs accessible, while being close to Jebel Ali Free Zone attracts working professionals. Families benefit from its well-rounded environment and proximity to schools and recreational spots, not to mention the Ibn Battuta mall. Dubai Marina and Al Furjan are also close by. Discovery Gardens offers some of the most competitively priced apartments in Dubai.

Who: Entry level prices suit first-time investors, as well as professionals and young families.

Property: Predominantly studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, resales for the smallest units can be as low as £150,000, off-plan from around £200,000.

Dubai Production City (IMPZ)

Dubai Production City (DPC), formerly known as the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), is a mixed-use community designed as a pedestrian-friendly and lush landscaped environment. A designated Free Zone created as a hub for Dubai’s growing media industry – and today home to 250-plus media and broadcasting business, it has evolved into an affordable residential and commercial district, catering to a broad spectrum of people. Its location along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road makes DPC accessible for major business hubs like Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Meanwhile, its City Centre Me’aisem mall, with its retail and leisure outlets, acts as a community hub.

Who: DPC is especially popular among young professionals, students, and small families.

Property: Predominantly apartments, from studios to three-bedroom units. One bedrooms are available from around £150,000, two-bedrooms from £200,000.