Best Areas to Live for Expats Working in Dubai or Sharjah
The most important decision for expatriates to make when they move to the UAE is choosing the right place to live. Whether you are employed in Dubai or Sharjah, the location in which you stay can have a dramatic effect on your commute time, way of life, and living expenses.
Dubai offers a cosmopolitan way of life with upscale communities, nightlife, and modern infrastructure. Sharjah, on the other hand, is renowned for its family-friendly neighborhood, affordable housing, and cultural scene. This article compares the best residential hotspots in both Emirates to help you choose an area that suits your budget, lifestyle, and work schedule.
Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
Before making a decision, expats must consider:
Commuting to work or business areas
Rent levels and other expenses (utilities, parking, etc.)
Proximity to schools, hospitals, and shopping areas
Lifestyle – peaceful and family or vibrant and social
Access to public transport
Traffic condition and parking availability
Best Places to Live in Dubai for Expats
1. Dubai Marina
Lifestyle: Waterfront, modern living with an active nightlife
Average Rent: AED 80,000 – AED 120,000/year for a 1-bedroom apartment
Pros: Restaurants and malls, and beaches; highly desired by young professionals
Cons: Traffic during peak hours
2. Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
Lifestyle: High-rise residential cum commercial units
Average Rent: AED 65,000 – AED 100,000/year for a 1-bedroom
Pros: Cheap in comparison to Dubai Marina, extremely well linked by metro
Cons: Parking space in limited clusters
3. Downtown Dubai
Lifestyle: Luxury apartments alongside iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Average Rent: AED 90,000 – AED 140,000/year for a 1-bedroom
Pros: Prime location, luxury facilities, walkable neighborhood
Cons: Expensive rents
4. Al Barsha
Lifestyle: Family-friendly, close to Mall of the Emirates
Average Rent: AED 55,000 – AED 85,000/year for a 1-bedroom
Pros: Good schools within walking distance, easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road
Cons: Extremely little nightlife
5. Mirdif
Lifestyle: Suburban community of villas and low-rise flats
Average Rent: AED 45,000 – AED 70,000/year for a 1-bedroom
Pros: Affordable, large houses; close to Dubai International Airport
Cons: Far from Dubai Marina and Downtown
Best Areas to Live in Sharjah for Expats
1. Al Majaz
Lifestyle: Waterfront area with parks and family-friendly facilities
Average Rent: AED 28,000 – AED 45,000/year for a 1-bedroom
Pros: Affordably priced, views, cultural events within walking distance
Cons: Rush hour traffic jams
2. Al Nahda (Sharjah)
Lifestyle: Popular with Dubai commuters as it is cheaper
Average Rent: AED 25,000 – AED 40,000/year for a 1-bedroom
Pros: Close to Dubai border, shopping malls, and hospitals
Cons: Can be crowded and noisy
3. Muwaileh
Lifestyle: Residential complex near universities and schools
Average Rent: AED 20,000 – AED 35,000/year for a 1-bedroom
Pros: Affordable, good for students and families
Cons: No nightlife and entertainment
4. Al Khan
Lifestyle: Seaside district with easy accessibility to both Dubai and Sharjah
Average Rent: AED 28,000 – AED 45,000/year for a 1-bedroom
Pros: Sea views, relaxed atmosphere
Cons: A bit older buildings in some sections
Dubai vs. Sharjah – Which is Better for Expats?
Dubai is ideal for those who like modern amenities, nightlife, and accessibility. But the rents are a lot higher.
Sharjah is ideal for families and those seeking budget-friendly living and a quiet lifestyle, though daily commuting to Dubai can be challenging.
Expats Advice on Choosing Where to Live
Set a budget in the first place.
Take a walk around the neighborhood at different times of the day to consider traffic and noise levels.
Check terms of lease carefully – some landlords require rent in 2–4 cheques per year.
Negotiate over rent – many landlords are prepared to negotiate, especially for longer leases.
Check transport – if you don’t drive, ensure there are public transport connections.
Conclusion
It is your professional and personal choices that decide the appropriate place to live in Dubai or Sharjah. If you are an expat working in Dubai who wants active, modern life, places like Dubai Marina or Downtown are suitable choices. If budget and a less active life style are your priority, then Sharjah locations like Al Majaz or Muwaileh are suitable. With the balancing of cost, life style, and accessibility, you can enjoy a nice and enriching experience in the UAE.