Best Areas to Buy Apartments in Dubai 2026 — Top 10

16 July 2026 · Updated September 2026

Published 16 July 2026 · Updated September 2026 · Source: Dubai Land Department (DLD)
Dubai's top 10 areas by apartment sales in the year to September 2026: Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) leads with 5,099 transactions, followed by the city's other busiest communities. MOVA analysis of Dubai Land Department data.
MOVA analysis of Dubai Land Department data · as of September 2026.

In September 2026, the ten most active apartment communities in Dubai collectively accounted for 33,193 ready sales, which represents approximately 74.1% of all ready apartment transactions in the emirate, as reported by the Dubai Land Department. Leading the pack, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) recorded 5,099 sales.

The average prices within these top ten communities vary significantly, ranging from AED 484,000 in International City to AED 4,106,000 in Downtown Dubai. This price range illustrates the diverse options available to buyers, allowing them to choose between high-volume, budget-friendly neighborhoods and premium locations near the waterfront or in the bustling Downtown area, all while engaging in one of the most active segments of the market.

For prospective buyers, a higher transaction volume typically indicates improved liquidity, making it easier to purchase and resell properties in the future. The communities highlighted in this ranking are currently witnessing the highest number of completed deals, underscoring their appeal in the market.

Top 10 areas by ready apartment sales

#AreaSalesAvg priceAvg PSFShare
1Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) (Al Barsha South Fourth)5,099AED 1,112,000AED 1,23711.4%
2Dubai Marina (Marsa Dubai)3,287AED 2,990,000AED 2,3417.3%
3Business Bay3,054AED 1,976,000AED 1,9936.8%
4Meydan (Al Merkadh) (Al Merkadh)2,217AED 1,479,000AED 1,9694.9%
5Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa)2,009AED 4,106,000AED 3,0224.5%
6Jebel Ali (Jabal Ali First)1,955AED 1,142,000AED 1,1354.4%
7Al Hebiah Fourth1,542AED 1,308,000AED 9303.4%
8Al Barshaa South Third1,451AED 942,000AED 1,3193.2%
9International City (Al Warsan First)1,428AED 484,000AED 6823.2%
10Wadi Al Safa 31,424AED 1,630,000AED 1,1313.2%
11Al Khairan First1,405AED 2,803,000AED 2,4133.1%
12Dubai South (Madinat Al Mataar)1,364AED 1,587,000AED 1,0173.0%
13Nadd Hessa1,278AED 997,000AED 1,0402.9%
14Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid1,277AED 2,556,000AED 2,2362.8%
15Wadi Al Safa 51,206AED 1,864,000AED 8162.7%
16Al Yelayiss 21,101AED 1,711,000AED 1,2912.5%
17Al Thanyah Fifth1,051AED 1,638,000AED 1,4602.3%
18Me'Aisem First1,045AED 1,023,000AED 1,0582.3%

Ready (Existing Properties) apartment sales over the trailing 12 months, grouped by DLD registration area. Share is of all ready apartment sales in Dubai. Common market names shown; official DLD area name in brackets.

What this means for your mortgage

We believe that transaction volume serves as a key indicator of a vibrant and liquid market. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and its counterparts effectively balance ample supply with consistent demand, which helps maintain stable pricing. If you're considering purchasing a home, we recommend starting with our mortgage eligibility calculator to establish your budget before narrowing down your community options. See also new home purchase mortgage and free mortgage pre-approval.

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Dubai propertyDubai area rankingapartment salesUAE real estateDLD data
This article is MOVA's original analysis. Facts are based on the original report by Dubai Land Department (DLD). Figures are informational and not financial advice; confirm current rates with your lender or our advisors.