Are Dubai’s New Projects Really Family Friendly

Thinking about moving your family to Dubai? The city's landscape is continually evolving, with many new communities emerging. For parents considering relocation, a vital question arises: do these developments genuinely cater to family needs and daily life? This guide will delve beyond the surface to examine the practical amenities and features that make a truly comfortable, easy, and enjoyable environment for every member of your household. The city is working diligently to enhance residents' lives through initiatives such as the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033. This includes building over 200 parks, expanding cycling paths, and creating new beaches specifically for women. All these efforts make Dubai an appealing destination for families seeking a safe and promising future.

The Appeal of Dubai for Families

Dubai has long held a certain charm for people moving from other countries. The city has very low crime rates, a strong economy, and no income tax, all of which are significant advantages for families seeking a safe and prosperous future. In addition to the financial benefits, Dubai offers a mix of cultures that helps children understand the world better and exposes them to different ways of life and ideas.

The government genuinely wants to improve the lives of everyone living in Dubai. This is evident through plans such as the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033. This plan includes building more parks, creating special beaches for women, and making more paths for walking and cycling. These efforts demonstrate that Dubai is increasingly focused on the well-being of families and promoting outdoor activities.

Key Considerations for Relocating Parents

When considering a move to Dubai, parents need to look beyond the shiny new buildings and focus on the everyday practicalities of family life. Here's what to look for in Dubai's new projects:

Education

Finding the right school is a top priority for families moving to Dubai. The city has many international schools, mostly offering British, American, or IB curricula. Famous ones like GEMS Dubai American Academy often get "Outstanding" ratings from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

But there are even more choices! Families from India can find excellent schools that use the CBSE or ICSE systems, which are often more affordable. You'll also find schools offering French, German, and other European curricula, some of which teach in two languages. It's smart to consider all these options and check their additional activities and KHDA ratings to find the best fit for your child.

When choosing a new neighbourhood, proximity to schools is a key factor. Many new areas are designed with education close by, which makes daily life much easier for families. Within Sobha Hartland 2, you'll find schools such as Hartland International School (British) and North London Collegiate School Dubai (British), which offer direct access to residents. For Haven by Aldar (Dubailand), excellent British curriculum schools, such as GEMS FirstPoint School and The Aquila School, are about a 16-minute drive away from the community. Similarly, for The Valley (by Emaar), although it features a nursery (Maple Bear Nursery) within its pavilion, international schools such as GEMS FirstPoint School are 21 minutes away, and The Aquila School is located around a 23-minute drive from the community.

Healthcare

Having good healthcare is essential for families. In Dubai, health insurance is a must. While many employers provide it, it's important to understand what your family's plan covers. The city has top-class hospitals and clinics in almost every area.

New neighbourhoods are being built with healthcare in mind. Many have their medical centres or are located very close to major hospitals. New communities like Haven by Aldar (Dubailand) and The Valley (by Emaar) have easy access to various polyclinics and medical centres nearby, including Medcare Medical Centre – The Valley.

When considering a new project, always inquire about the nearest clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals in the area. Also, check the types of health insurance available and whether they cover all your family's needs, such as care for new mothers or regular check-ups for children. Dubai is also actively expanding its healthcare sector. Plans are in place for three new hospitals and 33 primary healthcare centres by 2033. These new facilities are being specifically built in important, growing residential areas, including Nad Al Sheba, Lehbab, Hind City, Al Lisaili, Al Yalayis, and Al Awir, which ensures that new communities have direct and nearby access to quality medical care.

Community and Lifestyle

A house feels like a home when it's part of a lively community. New projects in Dubai are increasingly creating complete communities where people feel a sense of connection. Look for neighbourhoods that offer a variety of things for families to enjoy.

• Green Spaces and Play Areas: Children require play and exploration spots. The new neighbourhoods, such as Haven by Aldar (Dubailand) and The Valley (by Emaar), are developed with the well-being of residents in mind, focusing on green spaces, parks, and specially designed play areas. Sobha Hartland 2 is also characterised by vast green lawns and picturesque water lagoons, which combine the elements of nature and opulence.
• Recreational Facilities: Besides playgrounds, look for swimming pools, sports courts (like for basketball or tennis), and cycling paths. Neighbourhoods such as Athlon by Aldar encourage an active life with modern sports facilities and many community buildings.
• Community Centres and Events: A community that holds regular events, markets, and social gatherings can help families settle in and make friends. Some new developments even feature unique elements, such as a treehouse community centre in Haven by Aldar (Dubailand). Other larger, master-planned developments, such as The Valley by Emaar with its "Town Centre," are designed to host dynamic activities, including food trucks and outdoor markets.
• Shops and Places to Eat: Having easy access to supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants makes everyday life much simpler. Many new communities include shops and dining options in their plans, so you don't have to travel far.

Cost of Living

While Dubai offers tax-free income, living costs can be high, especially for families. Housing, education, and healthcare are big expenses. When considering new projects, please factor in the total costs associated with them.

• Accommodation: Dubai has some of the world's most expensive homes. While there are many luxury villas, new developments also offer more affordable options, such as townhouses and apartments, to suit different family needs and budgets. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is often seen as a more budget-friendly option. New neighbourhoods, such as The Valley (by Emaar), also offer various townhouse and villa options for different budgets.
• Utilities: Be sure to include the costs of utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet. These bills can add up, especially since air conditioning is used a lot during warmer months. 
• Daily Travel: Although Dubai has a good public transportation system, such as the Metro, many families find that having a car makes daily life much easier. This is especially true for school runs, grocery shopping, or visiting places across the city with children. Owning a car means extra costs for fuel, insurance, and road tolls (called Salik).
• Other Expenses: It's also wise to set aside money for fun activities, such as gym memberships or other personal expenses, as these can add up. Dubai offers a wide range of entertainment options, from large theme parks and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures. By planning for these costs, you can enjoy your life here without unexpected money worries.

A family of four might expect monthly costs, excluding rent, to be approximately AED 11,000 to AED 15,000. Rent adds significantly to this; a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre might cost around AED 16,854 per month, while one outside the centre could be approximately AED 10,945 per month.

Safety and Security

Dubai is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, boasting extremely low crime rates. This means parents can feel very secure and let children play freely. When choosing a new community, look for gated communities with 24/7 security, which are common in many family-focused developments, such as Haven by Aldar and Sobha Hartland 2. The city's legal system and a strong sense of community also contribute to making it a very safe place to live.

Emerging Family-Friendly New Neighbourhoods to Consider

Several new developments in Dubai are proving to be truly family-friendly.

• Sobha Hartland 2: A new community with large green areas, clear water lagoons, and a focus on luxury villas and townhouses, with nurseries and schools such as Hartland International School and King’s School close by. Nearby hospitals are American Hospital, Clinicare Medical Centre, and Miracure Medical Centre.
• Haven by Aldar (Dubailand): This is Dubai's first neighbourhood built with wellness in mind. It features numerous green spaces and is situated close to nature. The community is home to several schools, including GEMS Firstpoint and Lycée Français International School, and features a unique treehouse community centre. You'll also find medical clinics nearby, such as Fakeeh University Hospital, which makes healthcare conveniently accessible.
• Athlon by Aldar: This community is designed for active living, with many walking and cycling paths, several community buildings, and plans for a community school. Schools nearby include Dunecrest American School, GEMS Metropole School, and Jumeirah English Speaking School. Hospitals near Athlon are Mediclinic, Parkview Hospital, Onyx Medical Centre, and Medeor Clinic.
• The Valley (by Emaar): This is a promising new suburban community that features well-planned areas, lush green spaces, and convenient access to schools and clinics. Schools such as The Aquila School, Vernus International School, and Dubai English Speaking College are located near The Valley. The community boasts a large Town Centre offering shopping, dining, food trucks, and a farmers’ market. Additionally, The Valley provides numerous parks, play areas, and sports facilities, encouraging an active outdoor lifestyle.

These new neighbourhoods are designed with the modern family in mind and offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and a high quality of life.

Conclusion

Dubai’s new projects are indeed becoming increasingly family-friendly, moving beyond just aesthetics to offer complete living environments. For parents considering a move, the key is to carefully evaluate each project's practical features, including schools, access to healthcare, community facilities, and overall living costs. Dubai’s focus on safety, along with its ongoing building plans to enhance residents' well-being, makes it an appealing destination for families seeking a secure and exciting home.

With good planning and a clear understanding of your family's specific needs, you can certainly find a new home in Dubai that offers both luxury and the necessary comforts for a fulfilling family life. Contact us today to explore your ideal family home.

Related blog: Discover Tree-Lined, Family-Friendly Communities in Dubai