International City – Area Guide

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL CITY DUBAI

International City is a prominent and budget-friendly residential community in Dubai’s dynamic real estate landscape. Known for its diverse architectural clusters, the area offers affordable living options with great rental yields, as highlighted in Bayut’s Annual Dubai Rental Report 2023. Investors and buyers can explore the sales transactions in International City recorded by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) over the past year for lucrative opportunities.

IN A NUTSHELL

Features a variety of studio and 1-bedroom apartments.

Offers freehold properties with high rental returns.

Comprised of low-rise buildings with culturally themed architecture.

Self-sufficient clusters featuring shops, salons, and essential services.

Home to Dragon Mart 1 and 2, massive shopping destinations.

Located near Dubai Safari Park and Academic City.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Reflecting Dubai’s cosmopolitan essence, International City is designed as a multicultural residential hub. The community is divided into 10 distinct clusters, each inspired by global cultures. These include Persia, Greece, Spain, Morocco, England, France, Italy, Russia, China, and Emirates.

International City offers affordable rental and freehold properties ranging from studios to spacious villas and townhouses in the Warsan Village development. Residents can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle enriched with nearby retail and leisure facilities, including the iconic Dragon Marts, a popular shopping and entertainment destination.

Despite its early challenges with infrastructure, International City has matured into one of Dubai’s sought-after budget-friendly communities. It is an ideal location for singles, families, and investors seeking affordable yet quality housing.

PROPERTIES IN INTERNATIONAL CITY DUBAI

International City boasts over 500 residential apartments spread across its themed clusters. Properties include studios, 1-bedroom apartments, and larger units in the Central Business District. The newer developments in Phase 2 offer more upscale options for buyers and renters.

Key Features:

Affordable rental properties starting at AED 14k annually for studios.

Villas and townhouses available in Warsan Village.

Self-contained clusters with essential amenities like shops and clinics.

Communal green spaces and lakes fostering a serene lifestyle.

TRANSPORTATION AND CONNECTIVITY

While International City lacks direct metro access, it is well-connected via four bus routes to key metro stations, including Centrepoint, Etisalat, and Al Nahda. Strategically located near Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, residents can easily commute to other parts of Dubai. However, traffic congestion during peak hours can be a challenge.

AMENITIES, SCHOOLS, AND HEALTHCARE

Supermarkets:
Residents have easy access to Carrefour in Dragon Mart 2 and several smaller supermarkets, such as Lulu Express and Growth Mart. Specialty ethnic stores cater to diverse culinary needs.

Places of Worship:

Mosques: Cabin Mosque (Persia Cluster), Sheikh Abdel Hameed Masjid (Spain Cluster), and Masjid-e-Noor (England Cluster).

Churches and Temples: Dubai City Church and Krishna Temple are within a 30-minute drive.

Education:
Families have access to nurseries like Kids World International and Fly High Nursery. Nearby schools include the International School of Arts & Sciences (American curriculum) and GEMS Modern Academy (Indian curriculum). Dubai International Academic City offers higher education options with institutions like Zayed University and the University of Birmingham Dubai.

Healthcare:
Residents can visit clinics like Aster, Amber, and Apple Clinic, all conveniently located within the clusters. Major pharmacies, including Life Pharmacy, are also readily available in Dragon Mart and the surrounding area.

LIFESTYLE IN INTERNATIONAL CITY

Shopping:
Dragon Mart 1 and 2 are International City’s retail highlights, featuring over 4,000 stores. These malls are a haven for bargain hunters and offer unique products, diverse dining options, and cinemas.

Dining:
The area is a food lover’s paradise with eateries serving cuisines from around the globe. Restaurants range from casual outlets like Chili’s and Starbucks to authentic local cafes and shisha lounges within the clusters.

Outdoor Activities:
Residents can unwind at Al Warsan Lake or Paris Children’s Park in the France Cluster. Fitness enthusiasts can access gyms like Fitness 360 and V Fitness, while nature lovers can visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, just 15 minutes away.

NEARBY AREAS

Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City for residential and educational hubs.
Safari Park Dubai for recreational activities with over 2,500 animals.
Dubai Central Fruit and Vegetable Market for fresh produce, just 8 minutes away.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

International City offers excellent value for affordable living in Dubai. However, residents should consider the following:

Limited direct metro access requires reliance on buses or private vehicles.
Parking spaces can be limited in some clusters, especially during peak hours.

LOCATION

Dubai International Airport: 25 minutes away.
Sheikh Zayed Road: A 30-minute drive.
Dubai Marina: 30–35 minutes by car.
Rashidiya Metro Station: Easily accessible via Bus 365.

International City is a perfect blend of affordability, cultural diversity, and convenience, making it a popular choice among residents and investors in Dubai.