Dubai has always been at the top of the list for international high-net-worth individuals seeking a second home. The launch of the city’s first freehold villa projects provided these same individuals the opportunity to become homeowners, permanently altering the real estate sector. Today, villa projects in Dubai represent the pinnacle of its residential offerings. Some communities go beyond the ordinary, whether it is the exclusivity of their location, or the meticulous craftsmanship involved in their design. Here are some of Dubai’s most exclusive villa communities where you can experience the very best of luxury living.
1. Emirates Hills
Often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of Dubai", this prestigious gated community was the first freehold villa project in Dubai. It launched in 2003 as a series of residential plots, quickly attracting a niche demographic of a-list residents including well-known figures from the world of international entertainment, sport, and politics. The neighbourhood is renowned for its sprawling villas and mansions, each one featuring expansive layouts, intricate architectural detailing, and bespoke design elements. Large plots lend themselves to beautifully landscaped gardens and private resort-style swimming pools.
Emirates Hills is uniquely positioned between Emirates Golf Club and Montgomerie Golf Club, two of Dubai’s most acclaimed golfing venues. Each home is nestled in an abundance of greenery with views of the rolling golf greens in the foreground and the skyline of Dubai Marina in the backdrop. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of the villas have open rooftop terraces where homeowners can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of their surroundings.
For those seeking the very highest levels of privacy and security in a premium residential neighbourhood, Emirates Hills remains a top choice more than two decades after it was first established.
2. Palm Jumeirah
With its distinctive palm tree shape, Palm Jumeirah is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Dubai. What started as an ambitious, if not fantastical, construction undertaking, has become a symbol of coastal luxury in the city. The most distinctive element of the Palm is its 17 ‘fronds’. Modelled after the fronds of a palm tree, each of these narrow strips of land is its own private seafront neighbourhood (Frond G, for instance, is often referred to as ‘Billionaire’s Row’).
The villas on the fronds are largely custom builds, with distinctive architectural details and design. There are two main types of villas - the Garden Homes and the Signature Villas, the latter of which tend to be more grand and sit on larger plots. Every single home on the fronds has its own stretch of private beach and enjoys sweeping views that encompass the sea and the city’s glittering skyline, as well as the Palm’s own landmarks such as the Atlantis Resort and Palm Tower.
These homes are highly coveted by international buyers, a fact that is underscored by the Palm’s transactional history. The island has broken its own record for the most expensive villa sold in Dubai multiple times, with a buyer profile ranging from international celebrities to business magnates.
There is a single point of entry and exit off each frond which is controlled by a security gate so residents never have to worry about unwanted visitors. The fronds also enjoy easy access to the many amenities that Palm Jumeirah has to offer, including award-winning restaurants, bustling beach clubs, and high-end shopping at Nakheel Mall.
3. Pearl Jumeirah
Pearl Jumeirah is a relatively new island community located off the coastline near Port Rashid in one of Dubai’s older districts. Designed to provide a lifestyle of complete exclusivity, the island is primarily made up of custom-built villas and residential plots that look out over unbroken sea views.
Pearl Jumeirah is something of a hidden gem in Dubai’s luxury property landscape, which only adds to its unique charm. Here, residents will find exceptionally designed homes set on spacious plots with plenty of distance between neighbouring villas, all set within a private enclave that has controlled access.
Because of the island’s location, it is only a few minutes from many key destinations in the city, including Downtown Dubai and other main business districts. It is roughly a thirty-minute drive from coastal destinations like Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, but residents won’t need to go that far as the island has its own beaches to enjoy and is right next to the emerging maritime community known as Rashid Yachts & Marina.
4. Al Barari
Al Barari is known as Dubai’s greenest community, with over 60% of its land area dedicated to beautiful gardens, landscaped walking trails, and soothing water features. Tucked deep in the heart of the city, the community offers some of the highest levels of privacy for residents. The boundaries of the community are lined with trees and visitors have to drive through a forested path before they enter the residential part of Al Barari.
The villas in Al Barari are generally contemporary in terms of architecture, though there are a few that have traditional Mediterranean-inspired detailing. It has launched a number of new villa projects since its establishment in 2012, such as The Nest, Lunaria, and Chorisia – all of which sold out quickly after launch, highlighting the cachet the community holds among elite property buyers.
Residents of Al Barari enjoy access to exclusive amenities within the community, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a holistic spa, a boutique retail centre known as The Well, and organic restaurant The Farm. Each of these facilities is surrounded by greenery as well, offering a unique experience that’s unlike anything in Dubai.
5. District One
District One is a premier villa project within the larger Mohammed Bin Rashid City development, and it is the closest villa community in proximity to Downtown Dubai. There are three distinct parts to District One: the villa neighbourhoods, the mansion enclaves, and the apartments, known as District One Residences. This is a gated and secure community that is only accessible to residents and guests, adding to its exclusive nature.
The villas and mansions in District One are divided into three distinct architectural styles - Modern Arabic, Contemporary, and Mediterranean. Each style has similar characteristics, including large open plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious gardens, and finished basements. Many homes in District One have been upgraded by their owners, bringing a unique and individualised charm to the property landscape of this coveted neighbourhood.
Every residence in District One enjoys easy access to the Crystal Lagoon – one of the largest man-made lagoons in the world. This beautiful body of water is ringed by a 14-kilometre boardwalk and offers a plethora of water-based activities. The community also has its own shopping centre, play areas for children, and other amenities that are ideal for a refined family lifestyle.
6. Jumeirah Bay Island
Dubai is a haven for private islands, and Jumeirah Bay Island is one of the most exclusive of all, with just 128 villa plots. It is home to the highest density of billionaires in Dubai, outpacing other prestigious areas like Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah. The remarkable seahorse-shaped island is best known as the home of Bulgari Resort & Residences and the upcoming Bulgari Lighthouse, both of which have a limited number of branded villas. Apart from that, Jumeirah Bay Island also offers premium villa projects - Villa Amalfi and the Island Villas.
The Island Villas are all custom-built on residential plots along a narrow strip at one end of the island, whereas Villa Amalfi is spread across a central stretch. Both communities have their own individual private access. The combination of a secluded location and limited availability of units have helped to make Jumeirah Bay Island one of the most-sought after addresses in the city.
