Everyone needs a little help when relocating to a new location, this is intended to help you ‘find your bearings’ when thinking about your preferred area to live in Dubai. 
You’ll find useful information on schools, healthcare facilities and information on the most popular neighborhoods for expats in Dubai.
Jumeira and Umm Suqeim
Jumeira and Umm Suqeim residential areas are located by the sea and are characterized by quiet streets lined with large elegant villas and plenty of shops and restaurants. There are several nurseries and schools in this area: Jumeirah College, Horizon School GEMS Jumeirah Primary School, Emirates International School (the largest in Umm Suqeim). Expat’s most popular choices are JESS (Jumeirah English Speaking School) and GEM Wellington International School (located not too far). The area also hosts two Raffles International campuses. There’s plenty of healthcare facilities, dentists and private doctors in Jumeira and Umm Suqeim. The Medcare Hospital near Safa Park offers an emergency room, while the Iranian Hospital (located in Al Wasl Road) has an excellent reputation.
Downtown
Downtown Dubai buildings are both high and low-rise residential units. This is the area where you will find the popular Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, a city landmark. Most of the buildings are high-end constructions and most residential units have these facilities: playrooms, libraries, barbecue areas, gyms, pools and sport courts. Several nurseries are available in Downtown Dubai, but the closest schools are the ones in Jumeira. There is a large medical facility called Mediclinic Dubai Mall, and the closest hospitals are Medcare Hospital and the Iranian Hospital.
Al Barsha
Al Barsha is divided into two areas, while one offers large individual villas, the other tenders older apartment blocks. New villas are available in Al Barsha South. Al Barsha is home to two popular schools, the Dubai American Academy and Al Mawakeb. Other popular schools for expat families are nearby JESS (Jumeirah English Speaking School), Dubai College and Wellington International School.
Marina
The Dubai Marina area features tall buildings and it’s bursting with restaurants, shops and cafes. Dubai Marina is very popular amongst expats for the wide variety of apartments offered.
Certain areas though, have on going construction works which might result in heavy traffic.
The closest schools are the International School of Choueifat and the Wellington International School, located only a few minutes away from the Marina.
The closest healthcare facilities are Medcare, near Safa Park and Cedars Jebel Ali International Hospital.
Jumeirah Beach Residence
Also known as JBR, this residential development features several identical towers with communal pools, green areas and recreational facilities. The closest schools are the International School of Choueifat and the Wellington International School, which are located a few minutes away from the Marina. The closest healthcare facilities are Medcare, near Safa Park and Cedars Jebel Ali International Hospital. There is also a medical center in JBR.
Jumeirah Lake Towers
These 79 towers are also known as JTL ( Jumeirah Lake Towers) The complex is located across the road from the Marina. There are two metro stations nearby, as well as several supermarkets, cafes and shops for residents. There is ongoing construction works in some areas. The closest schools are the International School of Choueifat and the Wellington International School, which are located a few minutes away from the Marina. The closest healthcare facilities are Medcare, near Safa Park and Cedars Jebel Ali International Hospital.
Emirates Living
This is one of the most popular choices among expats with children. There are plenty of villas, green areas and common recreation grounds. Each individual zone: The Spings, The Meadows and The Lakes, has a separate gated entrance. Popular schools in this area are Emirates International School, Dubai British School, Dubai International Academy, and Dubai American Academy. Raffles International School operates several nurseries in the area. The Rosary Medical Centre, , is located in The Springs.
The Greens
The Greens is located next to Emirates Living and offers a range of one to four-bedroom apartments. There are two lakes and pathways lines with plenty of trees and flower beds. The closest schools are located in the Emirates Living areas, and the nearest healthcare facility is the Saudi German Hospital.
Discovery Gardens / Al Furjan
Discovery Gardens is home to a very “green” community, made up mainly of low-raise apartment blocks, with studios and one-bedroom apartments. There is a feeder bus that connects the area to the metro station, which makes this a very convenient spot for expats. Al Furjan is very popular among families with children, offering 50 hectares of park and outdoor spaces. It’s a low-rise complex, featuring both apartments and houses. There are two schools located 15 to20 minutes’ drive, Jebel Ali Primary School and the Winchester School. Aster Medical Centre attends to the healthcare needs of the community and The Cedars Jebel Ali Hospital is also located nearby.
Dubai Motor City
This complex features medium-rise high-end apartments, surrounded by a very pleasant environment.
It’s a popular choice for dog owners, as most landlords allow tenants to have pets. The area is also popular among single people and child-free couples.
Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches is a mature and well-established family-oriented community. Composed only by villas, the compound features several swimming pools, tennis courts, a BBQ zone and green areas. It also has its own 18 holes golf course. Most of the residents are home owners, and it might sometimes be difficult to find availability.
The Villa
This development offers large villas and reasonable prices. You might want to bear in mind though, that this area is further away from the city’s main attractions, and can therefore lack some facilities.
Green Community / Green Community West
This established building complex is a good choice for families, however it can be hard to find available properties. Mainly made up of good quality villas and low-rise apartment blocks, it’s located a bit further away from the city, but is convenient for people working at the Jebel Ali Free Zone. The Children’s Garden is the local school, and offers bilingual English/French and English/German curricula. The Cedars Jebel Ali International Hospital is fairly close, and a local healthcare facility called Green Community Medical Centre is available. The famous Jumeirah Golf Estate, offering two 18 holes golf courses, is located nearby.
Palm Jumeirah
Apartments in the well-known artificial archipelago with the shape of a palm, the apartments are located on the trunk of the palm. There are several high-end hotels and restaurants and a wide variety of facilities. It’s a very sought-after spot, not only for its location, but also for the fact that it’s away from the city’s hustle and bustle. There are no schools in Palm Jumeirah.