Getting around Dubai: metro, tram and choosing a district

In Dubai, cars remain widely used, but public transport has developed significantly. It increasingly factors into the choice of a district.

The metro

Dubai's metro is driverless and runs through several key districts, including Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai Marina and the areas near the airport. It is fast and air-conditioned. Living or investing near a station is an asset for renting out a property, particularly for professionals working in the centre.

The tram

The tram serves Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Al Sufouh. It complements the metro for short trips within the marina area.

The Palm Jumeirah monorail

A line connects the island to the mainland and to the tram line, serving several hotels and residences.

Buses, taxis and cars

Buses cover a large part of the city, taxis are plentiful and ride-hailing apps make getting around easier. For families and outlying residential districts, a car often remains essential.

Major projects underway

New metro lines and the development of the UAE-wide rail network could change the appeal of certain districts by the end of the decade. These are prospects that depend on the actual construction timeline.

What this means for a purchase

• A property a few minutes' walk from a station generally rents out more easily.
• A well-connected district reduces dependence on a car and improves comfort for tenants.
• New transport lines can support values, provided they come with coherent development of the district.

Check before you buy

Measuring the actual travel time between the property and the station, at peak hours, assessing traffic and comparing it with tenants' likely workplace is more reliable than relying on a map.

To review your project and check the conditions currently in force, book an appointment with Arzouni Properties.