My Dubai Rent: Bargain Dh31,000 studio offers respite from busy city life

With new amenities and easy access to highways, Nidal Ben Madhkour enjoys a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle in Dubailand in contrast to her office in bustling Downtown Dubai

Nidal Ben Madhkour has lived in Dubailand for the past five years. All photos: Antonie Robertson/The National

Nidal's community, situated on the outskirts of Dubai, is very peaceful

Nidal pays Dh31,000 a year in rent for a studio apartment

Her building is surrounded by lots of greenery

The kitchen area is small but well equipped

The apartment has a sweeping desert view

Nidal loves how much natural light shines into her main room

Decorated in neutral tones, the apartment is spacious and comfortable

My Dubai Rent takes you inside a reader's home to have a look at what they get for their money, how much they pay in rent and asks them what they like and don't like

For the past three years, Nidal Ben Madhkour, 38, has lived in a studio apartment in Dubailand Residence Complex. She moved to Dubai five years ago for work and quickly found a comfortable studio, where she now enjoys the quiet surroundings and easy access to everything she needs.

Working in guest relations at an events company, she said she appreciates the peace and quiet away from the hustle of her office in Downtown, while still being close enough to her job.

She invited The National for a tour of her home on the outskirts of the city to see what is that makes it special to her.

Tell us about your home

It’s a studio apartment with a spacious, open layout. I’ve been living here for three years, and I love how much natural light the place gets, thanks to the big windows. I’m currently paying Dh31,000, and it’s chiller-free, which is a big plus. When I first moved in, I was paying Dh22,000, but the rent has increased as the area has developed. I think it’s still a good deal, given how much the area has improved.

Why did you choose this area?

When I first moved to Dubai, I was living with a roommate in the same area. I liked the peaceful, family-friendly vibe of Dubailand, so when I decided to move into my own place, I stayed here. It’s quiet, away from the busy city, and has everything I need, from supermarkets to beauty salons. They’ve also recently improved the infrastructure, making it easier to access major roads, and there are more shops and facilities than when I first moved here.

Did you get a good deal on the rent?

Yes, I got a great deal at Dh22,000 when I first moved in, which was just after the Covid-19 pandemic. The area wasn’t as developed back then, but it’s grown a lot since. Now I pay Dh31,000, and while it’s more than I used to pay, I think the increase is fair considering all the new amenities and improvements in the area.

What was your first impression when you walked into the studio?

I immediately loved it. The open view, the big window, and all the natural light made it feel spacious. I visited a lot of apartments before choosing this one, and I just had a good feeling about it. It felt like the perfect place for me, especially since it was new, and no one had lived here before me.

What kind of facilities do you have access to?

We have a gym and a pool on the rooftop, which is great. There’s also a small park for families and kids in the building, and there are more parks around the area where people can exercise or relax. The building also provides free parking, which is a big plus, and the apartment is chiller-free, so I don’t have to worry about extra cooling costs. I’m not far from everything I need, and the facilities are definitely a big plus.

Do you feel like the property offers value for money?

Yes, I do. The rent prices in Dubai have increased a lot, but for Dh31,000, I think I’m getting a good deal. The apartment is spacious for a studio, and with chiller included, it helps save on other costs. Plus, the area has grown and improved a lot in terms of infrastructure and services, which adds to the value.

What personal touches have you made to your place?

The first thing I did to make it feel like home was to furnish it myself. I think furnishing your own place really makes it feel personal and comfortable. I bought all my own furniture and decorated it to my taste. It’s important for me to feel like the space is truly mine, and furnishing it myself helped me achieve that.

Are there any downsides to where you live?

Some people say it’s too far from Downtown, but I don’t think so. With the new roads, it only takes me about 15 minutes to get to Downtown and 20 minutes to get to work. So for me, the distance isn’t really a downside, but I can understand why others might feel that way.

Do you plan on staying in Dubailand much longer?

I’m very comfortable here. I don’t feel the need to move closer to Downtown, especially since the rent prices there are much higher. For now, I’m happy in Dubailand, and I don’t have any plans to move.

Would you recommend this area to others?

Definitely. Whenever someone asks me where to live in Dubai, I always recommend Dubailand. It’s quiet, comfortable and has a lot of family-friendly amenities. Plus, the prices are more affordable compared to other parts of the city.

How do you feel about rent prices in Dubai in general?

The rent prices in Dubai can be unpredictable. It’s frustrating that the prices can increase from year to year, which makes it hard to plan. In other countries, rent is more stable, but here, you always have to be ready for the possibility of paying more. I think it’s something that could be improved for renters.

If you could change one thing about your studio, what would it be?

If I could, I’d upgrade to a one-bedroom apartment. My studio is spacious and comfortable, but having a bit more space would be nice. That said, I’m still very happy with where I am.