The Lakes area guide

About The Lakes

The Lakes is a residential development in Emirates Living by Emaar Properties, set close to Emirates Hills, The Meadows, The Springs, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Sheikh Zayed Road. Developed mainly as a villa and townhouse area, it feels more private than many parts of Dubai, where tall buildings shape daily life. Homes usually come in three- to seven-bedroom layouts, so the area suits families, long-term residents, and people who want more room at home. Residents get access to parks, walking paths, lakes, play areas, schools, nurseries, retail centres, and nearby leisure spots. Daily life here has a steady neighbourhood rhythm. People walk their dogs, children play outside, and families use the outdoor spaces after work or school. Its location also helps, since key business zones, malls, beaches, and main roads are a short drive away.

Location and connectivity in The Lakes

The Lakes is just off Sheikh Zayed Road, near Interchange 5, within Emirates Living and close to Emirates Hills, The Meadows, The Springs, The Greens, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Media City. It has easy road access to key areas like Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Mall of the Emirates.

The Lakes’ transportation & parking

Most residents in The Lakes drive. It is a villa district in Emirates Living, so a car makes daily life easier. Public transport is available, but most people need a taxi, Careem, Uber, or private car to reach the metro from inside the community.

Public transport connections in The Lakes

Dubai metro

• No direct metro station inside the neighbourhood
• Al Khail Metro Station is one of the nearest Red Line stations
• Dubai Internet City Metro Station is also close
• Al Khail Metro Station and Dubai Internet City Metro Station connect residents to Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai International Airport through the Red Line

Public bus network

• The Lakes has access to the Lakes Turnoff bus stops near First Al Khail Street
• Route F31 serves the area and connects The Meadows and Dubai British School with the Dubai Internet City Metro Station
• Route F31 also passes near The Greens, Regent International School, Emirates Hills Turnoff, The Springs, and The Meadows
• Route 93 also runs near The Lakes Turnoff and connects to the Mall of the Emirates and Al Ghubaiba Bus Station

Taxis and ride-hailing

• RTA taxis are available in and around The Lakes
• Uber and Careem are widely used for short trips to metro stations, schools, offices, malls, and nearby communities
• Many residents use taxis when a second car is not available at home 

Roads and private vehicles in The Lakes

• The Lakes is close to Sheikh Zayed Road and First Al Khail Street
• Drivers can reach Dubai Marina, JLT, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, The Greens, and Mall of the Emirates without a long drive
• The development is located off Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road and is also close to Al Khail Road, which connects further to other parts of Dubai

Sub-communities in The Lakes

Source: Property Monitor

Who is The Lakes best for?

The Lakes suits people who want a villa or townhouse in a settled Emaar community near Emirates Living. The area has six main clusters: Hattan, Deema, Maeen, Zulal, Forat, and Ghadeer. Homes are mainly 3 to 7-bedroom villas and townhouses, so buyers who search for villas for sale in The Lakes are usually looking for space, a garden, parking, and a quieter setting near Dubai’s main business areas. Smaller homes in Zulal can start around 2300 sq ft, while larger rental listings in the wider community can reach around 7,500 sq ft or more, depending on the villa type and plot.

Families

The Lakes works well for families who need more room than an apartment can offer. A typical home here gives you bedrooms for children, a maid’s room in many layouts, private parking, and outdoor space. Villas and townhouses in The Lakes range from 3 to 7 bedrooms, making the area suitable for both small families and larger households. People looking at villas for rent in The Lakes usually care about space, privacy, and a genuine neighbourhood feel.

Long-term residents

The Lakes suit residents who want to stay in one place for years. The community is already built and lived in, so it does not feel like a new area still trying to find its shape. Homes here are considerably larger than typical city apartments. Many layouts exceed 2,500 sq ft, and larger villas can provide families with the space that makes daily life easier. Tenants checking properties for rent in The Lakes are usually not chasing a short stay. They want comfort, a garden, and a calm daily routine.

Investors

The Lakes can work for investors because villa supply is limited and demand comes from families who want a central location. The area has around 600 residences across its main clusters, so supply is limited, which supports resale and rental demand. Limited supply can help well-kept homes hold attention in the resale and rental market. Investors looking at properties in The Lakes usually focus on upgraded villas, lake-facing homes, and layouts with strong tenant appeal.

Villa buyers

Villa buyers are the main audience here. The Lakes is not an apartment-led community. People searching for villas for sale in The Lakes can find 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and, in some cases, 7-bedroom homes. Zulal has 3- and 4-bedroom villas and townhouses from around 2,300 to 4,100 sq ft, while Maeen 3 homes are listed at around 2,600 to 6,100 sq ft. Larger homes in other clusters can go much higher.

Buyers looking at sub-communities

The Lakes has different sub-communities for different budgets and space needs. Hattan is usually linked with larger villas. Zulal offers more townhouse-style options and is useful for buyers seeking a smaller entry point. Maeen, Deema, Forat, and Ghadeer also appeal to buyers seeking family-sized villas in a mature community. People searching for townhouses for sale in The Lakes may find Zulal more relevant than the larger villa clusters.

Tenants

Tenants who want a full house near Dubai Marina, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Media City may find The Lakes practical. Villas in The Lakes usually suit families, senior professionals, and people who want a garden without moving far out of the city. Rental listings in the area range from 4,200 to 7,500 sq ft, offering tenants more living space than most nearby apartment communities.

Who it is not for

The Lakes may not suit buyers seeking high-rise towers, small units, or direct metro access within the community. It also may not suit people who want the lowest possible entry price in Dubai. Villas here require a higher budget because homes are larger, plots are more usable, and the location is close to major work zones.

Property types in The Lakes

Before choosing a home in The Lakes, buyers can compare available units through betterhomes, review the property and transaction details, and complete the title transfer through DLD.

Villas in The Lakes

Villas are the main property type in The Lakes. Most homes include private parking, gardens, maids’ rooms, large living areas, and outdoor space.

Source: Property Monitor

Townhouses in The Lakes

Townhouses are available, but the supply is thinner than villas. Current listings show townhouse options mainly in Zulal and Maeen.

Source: Property Monitor

The Lakes’ property market overview

The table below summarises how villa and townhouse prices, rental income, and returns have performed over the last year.

Source: Property Monitor

Schools in and around The Lakes

Here are the schools within and around The Lakes: 

Nurseries in and around the Lakes

Below are the nurseries serving families with young children in and around The Lakes. 

Clinics in and around The Lakes

These are the healthcare options available to residents of The Lakes: 

Pharmacies in and around The Lakes

Here are a few pharmacies for the residents of The Lakes:

Pros and cons of living in The Lakes

The Lakes is a ready Emaar community in Emirates Living. It has a quiet villa setting, lakes, parks, walking paths, and easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, The Meadows, The Springs, and Emirates Hills. 

Pros of living in The Lakes

• Ready community with completed homes and no construction wait
• Around 600 villas and townhouses, so the area feels less crowded
• Gated community setting with security
• Strong family feel with quiet roads, parks, play areas, lakes, and walking paths
• The Lakes Club offers a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, squash court, restaurant, and small supermarket
• Good road access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, JLT, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Media City
• Pet-friendly feel due to open spaces and walking paths
• Good choice for people who want villa living without moving far from central Dubai

Cons of living in the Lakes

• A car is needed for most daily trips 
• No metro station inside the community 
• Limited sale and rental supply due to the small number of homes 
• Older homes may need upgrades, so buyers should check AC, flooring, bathrooms, garden work, and general maintenance before purchase
• Public transport is available nearby, but it is not practical for daily life without a car

Nearby landmarks

Key destinations reachable from The Lakes include:

The Lakes gives buyers and tenants a clear idea of what villa life in Dubai can look like when space, privacy, and location matter. It is not a tower community, and it is not built for people who want noise at the doorstep. It suits families, long-term residents, and people who want a ready home near Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Media City. Daily life here feels easy because the community has parks, lakes, walking paths, a club, and nearby retail options. Whether someone is comparing neighbourhoods or looking for Dubai real estate blogs, betterhomes can help buyers understand the market, compare available homes, and choose a property that fits their budget, lifestyle, and future plans.