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Area guide
Living in International City
One of Dubai’s most affordable places to rent: 10 country-themed clusters of low-rise apartment buildings, next to Dragon Mart.
History
Nakheel launched International City in the early 2000s on about 800 hectares near Al Warsan. Dragon Mart opened in 2004, and the first homes were handed over in 2006, with studio rents starting from AED 31,000.
Warsan Village added townhouses and apartments, finished in 2019, and Dragon Mart 2 opened in 2015. Today there are more than 500 residential buildings in 10 clusters named after countries, from England and France to China and Persia. Three Blue Line Metro stations are due to open in 2029.
What it’s like to live here
Busy and practical, with shops, restaurants and services in every cluster. Buildings are mostly low-rise and many have a design inspired by the country the cluster is named after.
Who it suits
Renters on a budget, and investors looking for low entry prices and high rental yields.
Getting around
International City sits beside Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Al Awir Road. There is no Metro yet; RTA buses link to Centrepoint, Etisalat and Al Nahda stations. Dubai International Airport is about 25 minutes away, and Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Marina about 30 to 35.
Schools, healthcare and shopping
Nurseries include Chubby Cheeks, Kids World International, Little Sprouts and Gingle Kids Early Learning Centre.
Aster Specialty Clinic in the France cluster, NMC Clinic in the China cluster and Aster Clinic in the Russia cluster serve residents. Dragon Mart 1 and 2 have more than 4,000 stores, and Al Warsan Lake and Dubai Safari Park are nearby.
Things to check before you rent or buy
- Mostly studios and one-bedroom flats, with townhouses in Warsan Village
- Parking: check what comes with the flat, as street spaces fill up
- Traffic at peak hours
- Older buildings vary in upkeep, so view the building as well as the flat
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 International City, with how far it is to the airports, Downtown and the coast.
Market numbers
Recent prices, rents, yields and sales activity in International City.
Average sale prices
Property Finder transaction data
| Average, all units | AED 651,415 |
|---|
Average annual rents
H1 2026
| Studio | AED 41,000 |
|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | AED 61,000 |
| 2-bed apartment | AED 82,000 |
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, Property Finder transactions
Who buys and rents here
Dubai’s cheapest place to buy, with the highest apartment yields in Bayut’s reports.
Investors who buy here
- High-yield investors (among the highest yields in Dubai)
- Buyers with a small budget
- Portfolio landlords buying several studios
People who live here
- Renters on a tight budget
- Single professionals and shared households
- Traders working at Dragon Mart and nearby markets
Photos of International City
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 International City
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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.
International City FAQs
Is International City a freehold area?
Yes. International City is a freehold area, so foreign nationals can buy property here outright.
How far is International City from the airport?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is about 11 km away in a straight line, roughly 25 minutes by car outside peak hours.
Is there a Metro station in International City?
Not yet. Three Blue Line stations are due in 2029. For now, buses link to Centrepoint, Etisalat and Al Nahda stations.
How much does it cost to rent in International City?
Average rents are about AED 41,000 a year for a studio; about AED 61,000 a year for a 1-bed apartment; about AED 82,000 a year for a 2-bed apartment (H1 2026). 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 International City?
Gross rental yields average about 8.8% (apartments). That is before service charges, maintenance and any time without a tenant, so the net return will be lower.
Who does International City suit best?
It suits renters on a tight budget, single professionals and shared households, and traders working at Dragon Mart and nearby markets. For investors, it suits high-yield investors (among the highest yields in Dubai).
Own a property in International City?
Get a free rental valuation based on real lets nearby, and a management proposal in writing.