International City district
International City
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
Photos: 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.
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
Transport access
Things to do in the district
Dragon Mart
The largest Chinese mall outside China
Themed clusters
Neighbourhoods in the style of China, Greece, Italy
Wholesale shopping
Goods and shops at low prices
Asian cuisine cafés
Affordable and varied food
Dubai Safari Park nearby
A next-generation zoo
Where to stay
Budget hotels and apartments
BudgetThe district's affordable housing
Hotels by Dragon Mart
BudgetClose to the market
Serviced apartments
ApartmentsFor 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
Architecture Dubai Creek Harbour
A modern waterfront district on Dubai Creek with a panoramic promenade, views of the city skyline and the site of the future Dubai Creek Tower.
Tip: Come to the Creek Marina promenade at sunset — it offers one of the best views of the Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa in the distance.
Nature Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
A wetland sanctuary within the city, where thousands of pink flamingos spend the winter.
Tip: Entry is free, and there are three observation hides with binoculars.
Infrastructure Dubai Metro
A modern driverless metro: the Red and Green lines link the airport, Downtown, Business Bay and Dubai Marina.
Tip: Buy a nol card — you cannot enter the metro without one, and a single card works on the metro, the tram and the buses.
Architecture Dubai Frame
A giant golden frame 150 metres high in Zabeel Park — a bridge between old and new Dubai.
Tip: From the upper gallery you can see the contrast: the old city on one side, skyscrapers on the other.
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.