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Community guide · Dubai

Living in Dubai South

The 145 sq km city around Al Maktoum International Airport, with a growing residential district.

About Dubai South

Dubai South is a 145 sq km master-planned city around Al Maktoum International Airport, developed by the government master developer Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central).

Its Residential District is growing, with projects such as South Bay, and other developers building inside the wider area, including Emaar South and Azizi Venice.

Key facts
EmirateDubai
OwnershipConfirm per unit
Home typesApartments, townhouses, villas
Main developerDubai South (master developer)
Price per sq ft*Ask uslatest prices on request
Rental yield*Ask usdepends on the unit
*Bayut Dubai H1 2026 market report. Market data changes; ask us for today's figures.

Market data: registered sales

What homes in Dubai South actually sold for, from sales registered with the Dubai Land Department. DLD records this area as Dubai South Residential District.

Sales registered (12 months)3,277
Median sale priceAED 1,197,828+17.4% vs previous 12 months
Median price per sq ftAED 1,360+20.5% vs previous 12 months
Gross rental yield6.2%median rent vs median price
Off-plan share of sales69.0%
Home typeMedian sale priceMedian rentGross yieldSales
StudiosAED 544,608AED 40,000 a year8.3%510
1-bedroom apartmentsAED 1,026,027AED 53,000 a year7.2%1,196
2-bedroom apartmentsAED 1,514,555AED 80,000 a year7.1%1,119
3-bedroom apartmentsAED 2,256,828AED 145,000 a year4.8%201
4-bedroom apartmentsAED 4,150,000AED 190,000 a year4.5%124
5-bedroom apartmentsAED 5,150,000AED 250,000 a year4.6%60
Source: datadubai.ae / DLD (Dubai Land Department open data, CC BY 4.0). Registered sales Oct 2025 to Sep 2026, data to 15 Oct 2026. Figures are medians of real registered transactions (resale and off-plan), not asking prices, developer prices or a valuation. Records: Dubai South Residential District.

Your guide to Dubai South

Buying in Dubai South

  • Choose between ready homes and off-plan launches across the district. Ask us which projects are still selling from the developers.
  • Foreign buyers can own freehold in Dubai's designated freehold areas. We confirm every unit's title and status with the Dubai Land Department before you pay anything.
  • Budget for the one-off 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee. It is a purchase cost, not a yearly tax.
  • Homes worth AED 2 million or more can qualify for the UAE 10-year Golden Visa, off-plan included. The authorities make the final decision.

Renting in Dubai South

  • Close to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City. Ask us for available homes.
  • Every Dubai lease is registered on Ejari.
  • Rent increases at renewal follow the RERA rental index, so check the official calculator before you agree a new rent.

Investing in Dubai South

  • Growth here is tied to the long-term expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and new homes in the Residential District. We help you check the numbers per unit.
  • Individuals' rental income from UAE property is outside UAE Corporate Tax (Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2023), and there is no annual property tax.

Selling or letting in Dubai South

  • New launches nearby compete for the same buyers, so price it right. Ask us for a valuation.
  • New launches compete for the same buyers, so a ready home has to stand out on price, condition and photos. We handle all of that for you.

Lifestyle and amenities

Airport city

Built around Al Maktoum International Airport.

Residential District

Homes in projects such as South Bay (Dubai South).

Expo City

Expo City Dubai sits within the wider area.

Space

145 sq km master plan.

Dubai SouthDubaiOpen in Google Maps →

Getting around

  • Al Maktoum International Airport · in the district
  • Expo City Dubai · nearby*
*Check live traffic before you travel.

Dubai South FAQs

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Sources (checked 14 October 2026)
  1. Gulf News - Dubai South, master developer of the 145 sq km city around Al Maktoum International Airport
  2. Gulf News - Dubai South's Residential District and South Bay (Khalifa Al Zaffin)
  3. Dubai Land Department
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Prices, yields and rules change; we confirm the latest position before you commit.

Thinking about Dubai South?

Tell us your budget and timing. An iRealtor advisor will share the best options on Dubai South, ready or off-plan.