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Area guide
Living in Dubai South
A 145 sq km new city built around Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City, with apartments, townhouses and villas at accessible prices.
History
Dubai South was announced in 2006 as Dubai World Central, a new city around what would become Al Maktoum International Airport. The airport opened to cargo in 2010 and to passengers in 2013, and the area was renamed Dubai South in 2015.
The Residential District and Emaar South were unveiled in 2016, and the first homes were handed over at the end of 2018. More than 25,000 people now live here. In 2024 Dubai approved a new AED 128 billion passenger terminal at the airport, which is expected to bring many more residents to the area.
What it’s like to live here
New, spacious and still growing, with modern buildings, parks and golf. It is quiet compared with the city, with Expo City next door for events and days out.
Who it suits
People who work at the airport, in aviation or logistics, first-time buyers, and investors buying early in an area set for long-term growth.
Getting around
Dubai South sits next to Al Maktoum International Airport, with direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. The Expo 2020 Metro station, on the Route 2020 branch of the Red Line, is at Expo City.
Schools, healthcare and shopping
GEMS Founders School and Tappy Toes Nursery serve the community.
Al Maktoum Airport Clinic and Saudi German Clinic offer round-the-clock care. Expo City Mall and a Lulu Hypermarket cover shopping.
Things to check before you rent or buy
- It is a long way from central Dubai, so you will need a car
- Shops and services are still limited in places
- Many projects are off-plan, so check handover dates and the developer’s track record
- Distances between neighbourhoods can be large
Facts and figures from Bayut area guides, with history from developer announcements and local press. Checked October 2026. Numbers change as new buildings complete.
Map, hotspots and distances
Schools, transport, shops, places to eat and things to do in and around Dubai South, with how far it is to the airports, Downtown and the coast.
Market numbers
Recent prices, rents, yields and sales activity in Dubai South.
Latest price change: +3.3% (apartments, H1 2026)
Average sale prices
H1 2026
| Studio | AED 541,000 |
|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | AED 827,000 |
| 2-bed apartment | AED 1,413,000 |
| 3-bed villa | AED 2,730,000 |
Average annual rents
villas H1 2026 (Bayut); 1-bed June 2026 (Property Finder)
| 1-bed apartment | AED 60,000 |
|---|---|
| 3-bed villa | AED 147,000 |
| 4-bed villa | AED 191,000 |
About these numbers. Bayut figures are average asking prices and rents from listings on Bayut, not completed sales. Sales counts are Dubai Land Department records shown by Property Finder or DXBinteract. Yields are gross, before service charges and other costs. Checked October 2026; we update these figures regularly.
Sources: Bayut H1 2026 sales report, Bayut H1 2026 rental report, Bayut 2025 sales report, DXBinteract Emaar South, Gulf Business rent guide (Property Finder data)
Who buys and rents here
An affordable to mid-market area that Bayut lists among the most searched villa communities.
Investors who buy here
- Early-stage investors betting on the new airport terminal
- Yield investors in apartments (about 7%)
- Off-plan buyers
People who live here
- Airport, aviation and logistics workers
- First-time buyers
- Families wanting a new villa at a lower price
Photos of Dubai South
Homes here with us now
All homes to rent hereAll homes for sale hereNo homes listed here right now. Tell us what you need and we will let you know.
Calculate the potential return on a property in Dubai South
We have filled in recent average figures for this area. Change them to match the home you are looking at.
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For illustration only. This calculator gives estimates based on the figures you enter and our standard assumptions. It is not financial, tax or legal advice, and actual fees, rents, prices and mortgage terms will vary. Official fees are set by Dubai Land Department and the UAE Central Bank; other figures are typical estimates. Please speak to us, your bank and a qualified adviser before making decisions.
Dubai South FAQs
Is Dubai South a freehold area?
Yes. Dubai South is a freehold area, so foreign nationals can buy property here outright.
How far is Dubai South from the airport?
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is right next door, about 10 minutes by car. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is about 43 km away in a straight line.
Is there a Metro station in Dubai South?
Expo 2020 station, on the Route 2020 branch of the Red Line, serves Expo City at the northern end of Dubai South.
How much does it cost to rent in Dubai South?
Average rents are about AED 60,000 a year for a 1-bed apartment; about AED 147,000 a year for a 3-bed villa; about AED 191,000 a year for a 4-bed villa (villas H1 2026, Bayut; 1-bed June 2026, Property Finder). Rents vary with the building, view and condition, so ask us for current rents on a specific home.
What rental yield can investors expect in Dubai South?
Gross rental yields average about 7.2% (apartments; villas 4.9%). That is before service charges, maintenance and any time without a tenant, so the net return will be lower.
Have property prices gone up in Dubai South?
Yes. Average asking prices per sq ft for villas are up about 25% since 2024, based on Bayut market reports. The latest change for apartments is +3.3% (H1 2026).
Who does Dubai South suit best?
It suits airport, aviation and logistics workers, first-time buyers, and families wanting a new villa at a lower price. For investors, it suits early-stage investors betting on the new airport terminal.
Own a property in Dubai South?
Get a free rental valuation based on real lets nearby, and a management proposal in writing.