Where to retire in Dubai?

If you want to retire to Dubai you will need to be at least 55 and have officially retired. You can then apply for the Dubai retirement visa.
The financial requirements for the Dubai retirement visa are one of the following:

• An annual income of at least AED 180,000 (£38,000)
• Savings of AED 1 million (£209,000)
• A combination of the above to a value of AED 1 million (£208.340) and a property worth AED 500,000 (£104,170)

If you meet these criteria you can then apply for your retirement visa and start to follow your dream of living in Dubai.

With properties to rent or buy to suit a range of budgets, Dubai comprises several different districts.

If you want to live in the heart of the city, Downtown Dubai is the place. You’ll be moments from the major sights such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain and have plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from. Property can be more expensive here due to the central location.

Dubai Marina offers a more sedate lifestyle but still reflects city living. This is the perfect location to take a stroll and view the luxury yachts, enjoy cocktails by the waterside and practise your favourite watersports. This region is a self-sufficient part of Dubai, located a 30-minute drive from Downtown Dubai and another relatively expensive part of the city.

The famous Jumeirah spreads into the ocean like a giant palm tree. A popular place to live for expatriates and a playground for the rich, Palm Jumeirah offers a beach lifestyle away from the buzz of the city. With shops, health centres and gyms, this area is known as one of the most exclusive areas of Dubai and comes with a price tag to match.

Offering a selection of properties, from apartments to villas, this residential development offers a suburban lifestyle that’s close to the city. More tranquil than living in the city centre, Jumeirah Village Circle has plenty of restaurants, shopping malls and more than 30 parks. If you’re searching for peaceful living, this district is a good choice. Public transport can be limited, so you will need a car to travel.

If you’re a golf or equestrian fan Arabian Ranches is your ideal location. Set around an 18-hole golf course and with 2 polo fields, 15 tennis courts and 2 lakes, this gated community is 25 minutes from Downtown Dubai. Offering plenty of green spaces and barbecue areas to enjoy, Arabian Ranches is ideal if you want to meet other expatriates.

A quiet residential area that feels very international due to the vast mix of nationalities that live here. With its shopping malls, health centres and facilities, Al Barsha is another self-contained district of Dubai. You’ll also find an indoor ski slope, the Dubai Miracle and Butterfly Garden and a theatre, so there’s lots to keep you entertained when you retire to Dubai.

The table below shows the average prices per square foot for the above districts in July 2024.

Something to note is that all districts are increasing in price year on year. If you are considering buying property to retire to, it may be wise to invest in Dubai sooner rather than later. Even if you are not ready to retire yet, you could consider investing in Dubai now and using your home for seasonal rentals.

If you choose to live in the heart of the city you’ll find a selection of apartments suitable for retirement. You may decide on a 1-bedroom studio to allow you to spend more of your income on enjoying the Dubai lifestyle, or you might prefer a sprawling penthouse with a rooftop pool and plenty of room for family and friends to stay.

Villas can be found in the districts on the outskirts of Dubai, and many offer a private garden and pool – perfect if you prefer a more secluded lifestyle.

Another popular option is townhouses – which give a balance between an apartment and a villa. You’ll often find extra amenities with a townhouse, such as running or cycling tracks, tennis courts, a shared pool and a gym.

If you want to retire to Dubai, iad Overseas can help smooth the transition. We have à partnership with à local property agency who are familiar with the market and have access to many properties for sale. Contact us to make your dream of retiring to Dubai come true.