Whether you are moving to Dubai or been here a while and looking for a location change, here are some of the most popular communities with British families.

Arabian Ranches

One of Dubai’s first developments by Emaar, this gated community is made up of townhouses and villas and is popular with British Mums for its close, community feel. There are plenty of pools and play areas to keep the kids busy with the advantage of a golf course, licenced restaurants, shops, a medical centre and a school.

Arabian Ranches 2

Like it’s predecessor, this Emaar community sits south to Arabian Ranches on Al Qudra Road and is made up of townhouses and stand alone villas. With newer properties and facilities, you’ll get a community feel with a local primary school, leisure centre, shops, restaurants and a huge soft play.

Arabian Ranches 3 

The newest development is located close to Global Village and Al Habtoor Polo Club. It’s partially completed so you can expect some surrounding construction until the end of 2026. It promises modern world-class facilities, a vibrant community, and lush landscapes once completed.

Al Barari 

This community offers a green lifestyle and is made up of apartments, townhouses and villas. It claims to be an eco-friendly area with 60% of its space dedicated to nature and its pet-friendly thanks to its dedicated dog park. There’s lots to do for kids with a lovely playground with splash park and plenty of facilities like swimming pools and play areas.

Al Barsha 

Close to Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha spans a large area and has plenty of large, independent villas. Its popular with British Mums for its central location and proximity to a number of schools and nurseries.

Al Furjan 

This development of apartments, town houses and villas by Nakheel is well connected and close to Discovery Gardens, Ibn Battuta Mall and Jebel Ali. There are easily accessible play areas for children and community facilities with shops, restaurants and Al Furjan Club with a pool, gym and a McCafferty’s on site.

Barsha Heights 

Barsha Heights offers apartment living with nearby hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and great transport links. It’s popular with families thanks to its proximity to Palm Jumeirah and the marina.

Damac Hills

A luxury residential community in Dubai developed by DAMAC Properties, centred around the Trump International Golf Club. It offers a mix of villas, townhouses, and apartments, along with high-end amenities like parks, lakes, schools, and retail outlets. It provides a serene, green lifestyle with easy access to key areas like Motor City and Dubai Sports City.

Damac Hills 2 

A community by DAMAC Properties, offering affordable villas and townhouses surrounded by greenery and themed clusters. It features amenities like water parks, sports facilities, retail outlets, and landscaped gardens, promoting a tranquil and active lifestyle. Located a bit further down Al Qudra Road, it provides a peaceful suburban setting while still being within reasonable driving distance of central Dubai.

Downtown 

Want to be at the centre of it all? Apartment living in Downtown could be your best bet, with plenty of cafes, shops, and community pools, and The Dubai Mall within walking distance. Apartments can be on the smaller and more expensive side, but you pay for location – and that is exactly what you get.

Dubai Hills 

Dubai Hills Estate is a fairly new community developed by Emaar Properties. It offers a diverse range of residential options, including villas, townhouses, and apartments, with plenty of lush greenery and expansive parks. Within the community there is an 18-hole championship golf course, Dubai Hills Mall, schools, healthcare facilities, and extensive cycling and walking paths.

Dubai Marina and JLT 

The Marina and JLT are separated by Sheikh Zayed Road and both offer apartment living. What you don’t get in outdoor space, however, is made up for with the chance to stroll out your building and walk to beaches, pools, restaurants, supermarkets, nurseries and public transport links.

Emaar South 

Emaar South is a community developed by Emaar Properties, offering a variety of residential options such as villas, townhouses, and apartments. Located within the Dubai South district, it features amenities like an 18-hole golf course, parks, and retail spaces, promoting an active lifestyle. It’s prices can be more affordable but also be aware that it’s located next to Al Maktoum International Airport so there may be increasing noise in the coming years.

Emirates Living 

This area of Dubai is made up of several villa communities, including The Springs, The Lakes, The Meadows and Emirates Hills. Each community is fully developed, with shops, community pools and play areas, restaurants, and enviable lake views. There is something for every budget – from 2 bedroom town houses, to vast sprawling villas in Emirates Hills. 

Falcon City 

Officially known as ‘Falconcity of Wonders’, itis a unique mega-development designed to feature full-scale replicas of the world’s famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and Pyramids of Egypt. The community offers a mix of themed villas, townhouses, and planned attractions, aiming to combine residential living with tourism and entertainment. Located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, it provides easy access to major parts of Dubai while offering a distinctive, globally inspired lifestyle experience.

Green Community 

Just to confuse you there are two Green Communities; One in Motor City (sometimes a bit noisy with the race track nearby) and one near Dubai Investment Park. They share the same layouts and these villa and luxury apartment communities promise beautiful landscaping, lake views, shops, restaurants, nurseries, and communal pools.

Jebel Ali Village 

Jebel Ali Village is a well-established residential community in Dubai, originally built in the 1970s and recently redeveloped with modern villas and townhouses while preserving its nostalgic charm. It offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with green spaces, community parks, and proximity to schools, making it ideal for families. Conveniently located near Sheikh Zayed Road, it provides easy access to key areas like Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali Port, and Expo City Dubai.

JVT 

Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT) is a peaceful residential community in Dubai developed by Nakheel, offering a suburban lifestyle with a mix of spacious villas and townhouses. It’s known for its green spaces, quiet streets, and a strong sense of community, making it ideal for families and those seeking a calm environment. Located near major roads like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, JVT provides easy access to Dubai’s key destinations including Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers.

JVC 

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) in Dubai is a popular residential community developed by Nakheel, known for its family-friendly environment, affordable housing options, and modern amenities. It features a mix of villas, townhouses, and apartment buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens, parks, and schools. Its central location offers easy access to key areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and major highways, making it convenient for residents and commuters.

Jumeirah Park 

This premium villa community in Dubai developed by Nakheel, offers spacious, landscaped homes designed in distinct architectural styles. It’s known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere, with parks, jogging tracks, and the popular Jumeirah Park Pavilion shopping centre. Strategically located near Sheikh Zayed Road, it provides convenient access to Dubai Marina, JLT, and other major hubs.

Meydan Community  

A lot of the villas in Meydan Community are occupied by Emirates Airline staff and their families. This community is centred around the world-famous Meydan Racecourse, home to the Dubai World Cup. The area features luxury residences, hotels, and attractions like Meydan One Mall and the upcoming Meydan One Tower, aiming to set new records in retail and architecture. Located close to Downtown Dubai, Meydan blends high-end living with sports, leisure, and futuristic urban planning.

Mirdif

Mirdif is a well-established residential area in Dubai known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a blend of villas and low-rise apartment buildings. It features excellent amenities including parks, schools, and shopping centres like Mirdif City Centre, making it a convenient and self-sufficient community. Located near Dubai International Airport, it’s often popular with airline staff and their families but certain properties may be affected by flight path noise.

Mudon

This gated residential community is in Dubailandand known for its spacious townhouses, villas, and family-friendly atmosphere. It features lush parks, jogging tracks, schools, and the Mudon Community Centre, offering residents a well-rounded suburban lifestyle. With easy access to major roads like Emirates Road and Al Qudra Road, Mudon provides convenient connectivity to key parts of the city.

Palm Jumeirah 

An iconic, man-made island in Dubai shaped like a palm tree, renowned for its luxury residences, world-class hotels, and beachfront lifestyle. It features upscale apartments, villas, and resorts on your doorstep. Connected to the mainland via a monorail and major roads, it offers easy access around Dubai, but we’ve heard that some residents rarely leave.

Serena

A Mediterranean-inspired residential community developed by Dubai Properties in the heart of Dubailand. Offering a mix of 2 to 4-bedroom townhouses and semi-detached villas. Residents enjoy amenities such as parks, fitness centres, and retail outlets, promoting a balanced and active lifestyle. Strategically located near Emirates Road and Al Qudra Road, Serena provides convenient access to key areas in Dubai. ​

The Sustainable City 

If you’re passionate about sustainability, this eco-friendly community has been designed to minimise environmental impact through solar energy, car-free zones, and waste recycling systems. It features energy-efficient villas, greenhouses, biodomes, free community golf buggies, a cycling and jogging path, two swimming pools and a gym. Located in Dubailand, it promotes a healthy and active family-friendly environment.

The Villa and Villanova 

Fairly new residential communities in Dubailand, developed by Dubai Properties. Inspired by Mediterranean architecture, they offers 2 to 6-bedroom villas in various styles. Ideal for families seeking tranquillity, the communities are next to each other andprovide amenities such as parks, fitness centres, and retail outlets, promoting a balanced lifestyle.​  

Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah 

This area runs alongside Jumeirah Beach, from Burj Al Arab right down to Jumeirah Mosque. The villas and compounds are independent and some of the oldest in Dubai. This means you can’t necessarily expect high-spec finishes – but you can expect lots of character, plenty of space, and facilities within walking distance (most notably, the beach).

Victory Heights 

This premium, family-oriented residential community is nestled within Dubai Sports City, offering a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city’s key areas. The community features over 850 villas and townhouses designed in European architectural styles. Residents enjoy a range of amenities, including parks, playgrounds, and bicycle paths, as well as proximity to The Els Club golf course, providing an active and social environment. With its lush green spaces and community-centric layout, Victory Heights provides a serene retreat for families seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Still not sure where to live? Head over to the British Mums Dubai Facebook group and use the search function to find out what other mums have said, or ask your own question. It’s a wonderful community who love to help!