Guide

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Dubai Named As the Cleanest City in the World Once More

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

Flying Drones in the UAE: Updated Guidelines For Personal Use

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

MOTN Festival Returns For 2024: What's In Store & Where to Get Tickets

Top Tree Lighting Ceremonies to See for Christmas 2024 in Dubai

UAE National Day 2024 Fireworks in Dubai: Locations & Timings

Education

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

Build Your Child's Education Your Way, With King's InterHigh

How to Get Your University and College Degrees Attested in the UAE

Money

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Minimum AED 5,000 Fine for Smoking Near Children in the UAE

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Arabian Ranches (vs Springs)

618

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 16:31

A year ago we moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and we came to the Springs because our understanding was that Arabian Ranches was difficult to get in and out of and as such, felt more 'removed'. Is this still the case? Have things changed? We're thinking of moving again and are wondering about the ranches.
Any thoughts on Ranches vs Springs?
Also, are any parts of the ranches (ie: Al Reem, Alma, Palmera, etc) more desirable than others and why?
Thanks so much.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

210

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 May 2011 - 01:30

We moved to AR about 6yrs ago when it was deemed to be the back of beyond and the Arabian Ranches Interchange on Emirates Road was still a roundabout with no traffic lights which, then, made it a nightmare getting in and out. Taxi drivers had no idea where it was either. Since then the Interchange has been built which makes access to all parts of Dubai so easy, as has the Dubai Bypass Road which makes it much easier to get to the Northern Emirates (Ajman, UAQ and RAK) without needing to go through Sharjah City on the Emirates Road (E333). And we have Motor City just over the road with, as another has said, the largest Spinneys in the UAE and loads of coffee shops, takeaway restaurants etc. The retail centre at The Ranches is small compared to the Springs but le Marche (off shoot of Geant at Ibn Battuta Mall) does a pretty good job of servicing all the different nationalities who live at The Ranches and there's a pet shop, Lloyds Bank, ATM outlets, book shop, watch shop, pharmacy, travel agent, A&E outlet, Kodak photo shop (handy for all those passport photos you need for everything here in Dubai), Tips & Toes, hair dressers/beauty salon, men's hairdresser, etc etc. There's also a medical centre by the retail centre. We're still waiting for Emaar to develop the area around the lake (which is supposed to feature a gym, nursery and cafes around the lake) but not holding our breath to see when/if this will ever happen. Would suggest you come and have a look ... you may be surprised at how pleasant it is!

1046

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 23:12

I think the best way to answer your ?'s is to come and have a look! AR itself has a shopping centre - not as big as Town Centre, but it has a reasonable range of shops, including 2 coffee shops. We also have Motor City just over the road which has the biggest Spinneys in Dubai, loads of restaurant's/takeaways, a really good bakers, Early Learning Centre, Mothercare etc. We also have the golf club and polo club which have all sorts of facilities. Layan is not in AR, it is a few kilometres inland at the bypass road - that's why it's cheaper. The most desirable parts of AR are those closest to JESS and the shops, so Saheel, Savannah, ALma and Mirador, but all areas are nice. These areas are also closest to access Emirates Rd. Alma and Al Reem are like the Springs - town houses. The other areas have 3-6 bed villas. All villages have pools, play areas and mostly parks. AL Reem has a lake. Palmera is also town houses, so where you live will partly depend on your budget and how important proximity to shops/the exit is. House Hunters who specialise in the Ranches have a kiosk in the shopping centre, so suggest you talk to them and they will be able to give you loads of info. I don't think you can say some areas are more desirable than others, it all depends on your budget, the needs of your family and what appeals to you. Some people wold find being as far away from JESS and the shops as possible preferable. All areas are desirable in AR!

48

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 22:36

Another vote for the Ranches. We are in Mirador and love it here. We moved up from AD and DH still does the commute but it's worth it b/c of the quality of life in AR. It's really easy to get in and out of here and just tonight buzzed up to MCC for dinner with my two LO's and afterwards did a quick stop at Spinneys at Motor City. Everything is very convenient to AR. Hi Ladies, I dont wanna deviate the conversation but on average what would a 3 br villa cost in the AR, we are planning to move to a neighborhood that is close to the ASD and need your suggestions?

774

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 21:24

Another vote for the Ranches. We are in Mirador and love it here. We moved up from AD and DH still does the commute but it's worth it b/c of the quality of life in AR. It's really easy to get in and out of here and just tonight buzzed up to MCC for dinner with my two LO's and afterwards did a quick stop at Spinneys at Motor City. Everything is very convenient to AR.

2958

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 20:04

Ranches wins hands down - it's so easy to get to everywhere from the Ranches. I now see so much more of Dubai than I did when I was on Jumeirah Islands. Used to go to the town centre but the big spinneys at Motor city is now my regular shop and it's fantastic!

437

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 19:46

Arabian Ranches hands down. Lived in both and there's no comparison.

70

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 19:19

I think the best way to answer your ?'s is to come and have a look! AR itself has a shopping centre - not as big as Town Centre, but it has a reasonable range of shops, including 2 coffee shops. We also have Motor City just over the road which has the biggest Spinneys in Dubai, loads of restaurant's/takeaways, a really good bakers, Early Learning Centre, Mothercare etc. We also have the golf club and polo club which have all sorts of facilities. Layan is not in AR, it is a few kilometres inland at the bypass road - that's why it's cheaper. The most desirable parts of AR are those closest to JESS and the shops, so Saheel, Savannah, ALma and Mirador, but all areas are nice. These areas are also closest to access Emirates Rd. Alma and Al Reem are like the Springs - town houses. The other areas have 3-6 bed villas. All villages have pools, play areas and mostly parks. AL Reem has a lake. Palmera is also town houses, so where you live will partly depend on your budget and how important proximity to shops/the exit is. House Hunters who specialise in the Ranches have a kiosk in the shopping centre, so suggest you talk to them and they will be able to give you loads of info.

618

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 18:36

Thank you ladies. Much appreciated. I know nothing about the ranches. Can anyone who knows the Ranches AND the Springs compare? I love it here because we're a 5 minute walk from Choitrams and a 5 minute drive from Spinneys and I go to Shakespeare's almost every morning and take LO into the Town centre to wander past all the shops. Does AR have the coffee shops and shops and all the rest of it? And what about the areas. According to Dubizzle it looks like Layan rents are very low. Am I right?? And if so, why? Is there a diference between being there or Al Reem or Alma. (I mention those three only because they're the ones I see come up over and over) Thanks so much.

70

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 18:23

MKing - I think your info is over 2 years out of date. since our interchange was finished, there is no traffic here! Getting in and out is a breeze. You can get to MOE quicker than from some parts of Springs/Meadows. Festival City and Dubai Mall are within 20mins. From here you cut round all the traffic in town, so though the distances might be greater, it's all free flowing. Now that they have opened the 2 new bridges going down to Tecom from here, you can get to SZR and that area in about 10mins - taxi driver last night did it in 8, but I wouldn't recommend that!

30

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 17:15

Ranches and horrendous traffic? I have heard that about Green Community but AR... I have lived here for the past two years and have never had any trouble getting out or in the Ranches. My DH leaves for work around 7:00 am and is in Media City 15-20 minutes later. I take the kids to school in Sports City and we are there in 7 minutes. From AR to MoE 15 - 20 minutes depending on the traffic after Al Khail roundabout, on Fridays 10 minutes. 15 minutes to Mirdif City Center. The traffic here is a breeze. Sadly we are leaving Dubai this June but if we ever come back, AR it is!

618

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 16:46

Well, DH's work is pretty much equidistant and DD isn't at school yet. In other 'travel' we go to the beach on weekends and we go to MOE or Ibn Battuta for shopping and that. But I mean, it's hardly any distance between the Springs and the Ranches, but I had heard that the traffic getting in and out of the Ranches could be horrendous.

39

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 16:40

I would say the choice is more to do with how easy it would be from each location to get to your various schools,offices,clubs etc . I live at the Ranches as my children go to school here .I have another friend who has just moved from here to Meadows as her child goes to DBS ,so neither of us have a commute anymore ,which is utter bliss . Other than that ,they seem much the same -mind you ,Ive only been to a couple of houses in the Springs so not an expert .

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

Dubai public parking fees to change from April 2025

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge 2025 news

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Region's first ever baseball park to open in the UAE

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

UAE food delivery scam news

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

How to get a car loan in Dubai and UAE

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

Dubai pilot launches 4-day work week for government employees

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

Health insurance will be included in UAE tourist visa

Visitors Will Soon Get Health Insurance With Their UAE Tourist Visas