International City
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About International City
International City in Dubai is an affordable area in the property market, offering flats with high rental yields. The area consists of 10 clusters of buildings named after countries, creating a cosmopolitan community.
The area has overcome initial concerns about sanitary conditions and is now becoming a sought-after place to live. International City offers a variety of amenities, including shops, salons, and laundries, and is home to the major shopping centres Dragon Mart 1 and 2. Additionally, the area is close to Dubai Safari Park and Academic City, providing further entertainment options for residents.
Properties in International City
International City has more than 500 apartments spread across 10 residential clusters. The second phase of the project is currently under development, and several buildings are already open to buyers and tenants. Rental properties in International City are popular with expatriate families and individuals.
The residential clusters are named Persia, Greece, Spain, Morocco, England, France, Italy, Russia, China, and the UAE. In the Central Business District, located at the center of the clusters, you can find larger 2- and 3-bedroom apartments for those looking for more space. Freehold properties in International City include several villas and townhouses, currently limited to Warsan Village, located on the southwestern border.
Residents of International City Dubai enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle with lush communal areas, lakes, and the overall relaxed atmosphere of an expat community.
Rental trends in International City
Rental prices in International City vary depending on the type of property. For villas, the average rental price for a studio is AED 28,000 per year, while a 1-bedroom villa is priced at AED 46,000 annually. Larger 3-bedroom villas are available for an average rental price of AED 118,000 per year.
For apartments, the average rental price for a studio is AED 33,000 per year. A 1-bedroom apartment averages AED 46,000 annually, while 2-bedroom apartments rent for around AED 62,000 per year. The larger 3-bedroom apartments have an average rental price of AED 102,000 per year. These options offer a variety of choices for potential tenants, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Sale Trends in International City
The neighbourhood also offers freehold properties for those looking to invest in Dubai’s real estate market. If you’re interested in purchasing an independent unit, you can choose between villas and townhouses in International City. For villas, the average sales price for a 3-bedroom unit is AED 1,824,000.
For apartments, the average sales prices vary depending on the size of the unit. A studio apartment typically sells for around AED 355,000, while a 1-bedroom apartment is priced at an average of AED 518,000. Larger 2-bedroom apartments have an average sales price of AED 888,000, and for those seeking even more space, 3-bedroom apartments are available for around AED 1,495,000.
ROI in International City
A typical 3-bedroom villa or townhouse, priced around AED 1 million, is expected to generate a return on investment (ROI) of 5.8%. However, 3-bedroom villas in International City show a higher ROI of 6.47%.
For apartments, studio units offer the highest ROI in International City at 9.28%. A 1-bedroom apartment provides an ROI of about 7.92%, while 2-bedroom apartments generate an average return of 6.77%. Interestingly, 3-bedroom apartments have an ROI of 7.55%.
Most Popular Developments
The most popular communities in International City are Phase 2 (Warsan 4), Warsan Village, the Central Business District, the England Cluster, and the Morocco Cluster.
In International City Phase 2 (Warsan 4), rental prices for 1-bedroom apartments range from AED 42,000 to AED 85,000, while 2-bedroom apartments range from AED 50,000 to AED 96,000. For sale, 1-bedroom apartments are priced between AED 530,000 and AED 2 million, and 2-bedroom apartments range from AED 850,000 to AED 2 million.
In Warsan Village, rental prices for 3-bedroom apartments range from AED 100,000 to AED 120,000, and for sale, they are priced between AED 1 million and AED 2 million.
Transportation and parking spaces
In International City, most parking is free; however, not all buildings offer dedicated parking spaces for residents. As a result, both residents and visitors may need to find parking on the street.
Regarding public transportation, International City does not have direct access to the subway. Instead, there are four bus routes that connect to nearby metro stations, including Centrepoint Metro Station, Etisalat Metro Station, and Al Nahda Metro Station. Access to major roads is convenient, as the neighborhood is situated between junctions 5 and 6 on Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. However, traffic congestion can occur during weekday rush hours.
Stores and Supermarkets in International City
For those looking to do their monthly shopping and stock up on essentials, the Carrefour in Dragon Mart 2 is the ideal destination. Other well-known supermarkets in International City include compact versions of Lulu and Growth Mart.
The residential clusters in the area are home to convenience stores that cater to everyday needs, with some offering grocery home delivery with just a phone call. The specialty ethnic stores in these clusters are popular for providing authentic products from their countries of origin.
Cultural and Religious Sites in International City
Some of the most notable mosques in International City include the Cabin Mosque in the Persia Cluster, Sheikh Abdel Hameed Masjid in the Spain Cluster, and Masjid-e-Noor in the England Cluster. For residents wishing to visit churches, the closest options are Dubai City Church and St. Mary’s Church in Oud Metha, both located about a 30-minute drive away. The nearest temples are Krishna Temple and Shiva Temple in Bur Dubai, which can be reached in around 30 minutes as well.
Schools and universities in International City
Dubai International City is home to several nurseries, including Kids World International and Fly High Nursery, as well as reputable schools located in the Al-Warqa area. These schools include the International School of Arts and Sciences, which offers an American curriculum, and GEMS, which provides an Indian curriculum and the IB system. Also in the area is Repton School, offering the British curriculum and the IB.
The neighborhood is conveniently close to Dubai International Academic City, which hosts renowned international and local universities such as the University of Birmingham Dubai, Murdoch University Dubai, and Zayed University. Residents of International City can easily access these universities.
Clinics and Hospitals in International City
If you’re not feeling well, you’ll find hospitals in International City just a short distance away, with at least two clinics in each cluster. Some of Dubai’s top clinics, including Apple Clinic, Aster Clinic, and Amber Clinic, have branches here, making it easy to get a quick consultation. Pharmacies are a common feature in most building clusters, and both Dragon Marts host large branches of Life Pharmacy.
Shopping Malls, Shopping, and Restaurants
The massive Dragon Mart is the ultimate shopping destination for those in International City. It consists of Dragon Mart 1 and Dragon Mart 2, both of which are the largest trading hubs for Chinese goods in Dubai, making them a popular choice for retail therapy. With over 4,000 stores, these malls feature a wide range of retail outlets offering brands you may not find elsewhere. Walking around Dragon Mart and discovering the best deals is one of the biggest perks of living in International City.
Beaches near in International City
If you’re in the mood for a day at the beach, the nearest option to International City is Jumeirah Beach, located just over a half-hour’s drive away.
Leisure activities and notable landmarks
Dubai has become famous for its lush green golf courses, and International City is no exception. The Track at Meydan Golf Course in Nad Al Sheba is just a 15-minute drive away.
For those looking to explore new sports and activities in International City, equestrian centers like the Desert Palm Polo Club and the Emirates Desert Equestrian Club are fantastic places to visit. Nature enthusiasts can spend hours watching migrating birds at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, located just 15 minutes from the neighborhood. One of the greatest benefits of living in International City is the opportunity to see large numbers of pink-legged flamingos up close during the winter months!
Outdoor activities, fitness and beauty
One of the key updates to the International City development was the introduction of the Lake District in Al Warsan. While the residential complexes here are still under construction, Al Warsan Lake, surrounded by landscaped parks, is already a popular spot for evening walks and jogs. The neighborhood also features Paris Children’s Park in the France Cluster. Fitness enthusiasts will be pleased to know that there are several gyms in the area, in addition to the smaller fitness centers within the buildings. Notable gyms include V Fitness, Fitness 360, and Target Gym.
Q&A:
Is International City freehold?
Yes, International City is a freehold area, primarily offering apartments for sale.
Which is the best cluster in International City?
Among the 10 clusters in International City, the most popular is the Spain Cluster. The buildings in this cluster feature Mediterranean architectural details, such as low-pitched roofs, domed windows, stucco exteriors, and peach-colored tiling. Overall, the most sought-after community in International City is the Phase 2 development.
Which metro station is closest to International City?
The closest metro stations are Centrepoint Metro Station and Etisalat Metro Station. The best way to get to International City is by taking the Dubai Metro to Centrepoint Metro Station and then transferring to Bus 365, which goes directly to International City.
Location:
- Dubai International Airport is 25 minutes away
- A 30 to 35-minute drive to the central district, Dubai Marina
- Dubai Central Fruit and Vegetable Market is just 8 minutes away
- Sheikh Zayed Road is 30 minutes away
- Academic City and residential hub Dubai Silicon Oasis are close neighbours