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Satellite image: International City
Residential

International City district

International City

Coordinates: 25.162, 55.407

An affordable residential district of themed clusters by country, next to the Dragon Mart market.

About the district

International City is a large and affordable residential district made up of themed clusters designed in the style of different countries of the world — China, England, Greece, Persia and others. It's one of the most popular addresses for budget rentals.

Nearby is the huge Dragon Mart shopping complex with goods from China. The district is multinational and convenient for those looking for affordable housing with well-developed everyday infrastructure.

International City is about saving money: neighbourhoods styled after different countries offer some of the cheapest rents in Dubai, while the neighbouring Dragon Mart replaces a dozen markets. The district is remote and unpolished, but people come here for wholesale shopping and inexpensive Asian food.

District photos

Фото: Unsplash

Who the district suits

Those looking for the most affordable rent and wholesale shopping at Dragon Mart.

+ Pros

  • Some of the lowest rental prices
  • Dragon Mart — a giant Chinese market
  • Themed clusters by country
  • Affordable food of various cuisines

Cons

  • Far from the centre and the beaches
  • No metro nearby
  • Dense, uniform development
  • Infrastructure problems in places

How much International City costs

Price benchmarks — from a cup of coffee to renting a home — to estimate your district budget.

from ~22,000 AED
Studio rental, /year
~6–9k AED
Property purchase, /m²
from $35–60
Budget hotel, night
~50–120 AED
Lunch for two
~50–70 AED
Taxi to Downtown
~40–55 AED
Taxi to DXB airport

Prices are approximate and depend on season and conditions — verify before your trip.

District on the map

Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the area.

District infrastructure

Themed clusters by country
Dragon Mart shopping complex
Affordable housing rentals
Shops and cafés in the clusters
Well-developed everyday infrastructure

Transport access

Exits onto Al Awir Road
Bus routes to the metro
Getting around is more convenient by car
About 20–25 minutes to the centre

Things to do in the district

1

Dragon Mart

The largest Chinese mall outside China

2

Themed clusters

Neighbourhoods in the style of China, Greece, Italy

3

Wholesale shopping

Goods and shops at low prices

4

Asian cuisine cafés

Affordable and varied food

5

Dubai Safari Park nearby

A next-generation zoo

Where to stay

Budget hotels and apartments

Budget

The district's affordable housing

Hotels by Dragon Mart

Budget

Close to the market

Serviced apartments

Apartments

For long stays

Where to eat

Themed cluster cafés

Asian cuisines at affordable prices

Dragon Mart food court

A bite while shopping

The district's restaurants

Affordable food of various cuisines

Notable places nearby

Government institutions nearby

Consulates, migration centres, police and city authorities closest to International City.

Related articles

Frequently asked questions about International City district

What is Dragon Mart?+

It's the largest shopping complex with Chinese goods outside China, located next to International City.

Is housing in International City expensive?+

No, it's one of the most affordable districts in Dubai in terms of rent.

What makes International City unusual?+

The district is divided into clusters designed in the style of different countries of the world — China, England, Greece, Persia and others.

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