PLEASE ADVISE on where to live in Dubai (new to the city)

My Pleasure hun!

Our agent's name was Mehroz and this is his info: Mehroz 115, Al Futtaim Business Centre Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai - UAE Office: +971 4 3388471 Fax : +971 4 3388472 www.wateredge.ae Thanks! DC

Our agent's name was Mehroz and this is his info: Mehroz 115, Al Futtaim Business Centre Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai - UAE Office: +971 4 3388471 Fax : +971 4 3388472 www.wateredge.ae

We also just moved here 2 weeks, and after seeing almost 50 units all around town- we finally settled on the Grand Trident in the marina. We wasted, so much time, saw soo much garbage unfortunately :( We also realized that prices quoted on places like Dubizzle.com, were very very false- the units online- were not the units shown to us and the prices were not accurate. We finally fell upon a really great agent, we unfortunately went way way way above our budget (ours was the same budget as yours), but we're so happy we finally found a place that we will love. We were looking for a 3 bedroom though- as we have a little one, and are expecting a lot of guests from back home to come and visit :) Cleo4e please can you advise which agent you used who was great? DC

I agree with Amelia - we were in JBR for 4 years (just moved to Arabian Ranches last month as we wanted more room and a garden for our puppy). We loved living in JB|R as there is so much happening down there and is great for when you are first getting to know Dubai. Some people complain about the noise but I think that is if you are on the main thoroughfare as we were one row back (still with full seaview) and never heard any traffic noise at all.

BTW just to add, for quality and good finishings we suggest you narrow your search to three main developpers: EMAAR, DAMAC and Trident... units by them were the best we saw!

We also just moved here 2 weeks, and after seeing almost 50 units all around town- we finally settled on the Grand Trident in the marina. We wasted, so much time, saw soo much garbage unfortunately :( We also realized that prices quoted on places like Dubizzle.com, were very very false- the units online- were not the units shown to us and the prices were not accurate. We finally fell upon a really great agent, we unfortunately went way way way above our budget (ours was the same budget as yours), but we're so happy we finally found a place that we will love. We were looking for a 3 bedroom though- as we have a little one, and are expecting a lot of guests from back home to come and visit :)

Dubai has a warm and pleasant climate for 8 to 9 months of the year with June through September being extremely hot. Dubai does offer a great year round rental potential with , with tourists being attracted to Dubai throughout most of the year. Options for the housing budget from 70-80k offer a wide range of options. Dubai Marina: Is a good option, but you need to be careful with different towers in Marina, as some of them have low quality and are not up to date. There are some, such as Park Island, Ocean Heights, Al Sahab Tower and Trident Tower that are high quality buildings. However, the price can range between 95k - 120k. Depending on your preference of view options several of these buildings have marina facing apartments and villas. In addition, the Dreams Tower in Marina is great and 2 BR apartments are at very reasonable prices and between 70 to 85k budget. It might be difficult to get a maid's room or a store room along with a 2 BR's in this budget, however you may try in Marina Crown and Dreams Tower if you are really tight on the budget. Greens: There are many apartments in the old Greens that may suit your budget. However, the high-rise towers at Greens may be a bit expensive. Other areas such as Tecom, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and JBR may also be suitable options within your budget. DIFC: Has some really good towers such as Limestone House and Index Tower. Availability in Limestone Tower is however limited and Index Tower at the moment is going under a revamp process as they have a little bit of construction to do on the front side. It is advisable to check out towers such as Rolex Tower and Sama Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road to compare prices and choose accordingly. In addition, the metro station line connects throughout the Sheikh Zayed Road and provides convenient access to malls such as Mall of Emirates and Dubai Mall every day of the week. I hope this information proves to be useful. If you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

sarahkay686 says to avoid JBR but sorry, I don't agree with her. We have lived there for three years and just signed for another. We love it and so do a lot of other people who have chosen to live here. It is important to choose your tower carefully and avoid anything that overlooks the main or side roads. We have a very spacious two bed. with two balconies, sea view and a closed kitchen. Lovely to have the beach just over the road and a great choice of restaurants and bars. Choithram's and Al Maya just downstairs. Everything is within walking distance. <em>edited by amelia on 01/07/2011</em>

Look also at the Marina where appt tend to be bigger. Torch, I hear from friends, has more space and better finishes than anything they saw downtown. Also from some developments can use the metro easily. I would give Torch a miss - many of the owners are in dispute with the developer.

avoid JBR what a dump!

Are there any apartment buildings in the Marina which allow you to have 2 parking spaces? DC

the lofts are quite reasonable too. we are in a two bed in the old tow, furnished for 110k and i know rents are coming down. i don't think the lisings on dubizzle are at all reflective of the rental market at the moment.

i would also have to say Business Bay, Executive Towers. moved in a couple of weeks ago and im loving the location and the finishing in the building is really good. the apartments are big compared to the other places i saw in Marina, tecom or the greens.

Marina for me is the best place for a couple. He can take the metro to go to work. I live there and don't want to live anywhere else. The budget you have is feasible for 2 BR in Marina. Good luck and welcome!

I'd recommend Dubai Marina, it's in a good lively location and good views :)

Look also at the Marina where appt tend to be bigger. Torch, I hear from friends, has more space and better finishes than anything they saw downtown. Also from some developments can use the metro easily.

I work in DIFC and all the single and / or child free guys stay in downtown, although I can't comment on the proces. You might also look at an area called The Greens which is further away but still only 15 mins drive...lots of apartments there. We stumbled on it by accident when we went to view a car and really liked it...it had a great villagey vibe

downtown! close to difc and has everything you need. one beds are going for 60 sometimes less. you get an extra guest toilet in most one bedders. most of the modern towers have gyms so that saves on gym memberships. search on dubizzle and LOTS will come up. bets of luck.

if you cant find an appt in difc or downtown, try walking up and down sheikh zayed road ( i know its hot take water and use an umbrella !) and find apt blocks you fancy go in and ask the prices and ask to view there and then, most will let you, ask what facilities they offer and make sure what ever apt you fancy has free a/c as in the summer its a heavy burden on the wallet. also some apts now are offering free utilites as well, dont be shy to ask. ask re free pool and gym. how many parking spaces, is it open or undercover is it free, is it allocated to your apt. as even if theres any cleaning on offer - as i know when we lived in ghaya residence on sheikh zayed road they used to offer 2 days cleaning ( 1 hour 6 people cleaning twice a week ) in with the price. you dont ask you dont get. loads are empty, most do offer free a/c or chiller as some call it, . if you can stay near your husbands work place it makes life a lot easier. and sheikh zayed/difc are on the metro, so handy and so good. try looking on www.dubizzle.com as well. good luck.

Executive Towers in Business fits your budget. Its brand new, 5 mins (if that) to DIFC so close to your DH work. Worth a look for you I think. I live here with my family and am very happy.