Mirdif

HIGHLIGHTS

ABOUT MIRDIF

Mirdif offers family-friendly suburban living not often felt in Dubai, especially at its price point. Compared to the city’s other orchestrated and newer neighbourhoods, this area has really evolved over the past few decades. It is a world away from the chrome and metal of modern Dubai, beloved by residents – many of whom have been living in Mirdif for years. The area emerged as the most popular with affordable villa rentals according to the 2020 Dubai Real Estate Market Report.

This area guide of Mirdif Dubai looks at the many amenities of the community, along with what makes living here ideal for families and what to consider before moving.

IN A NUTSHELL

• An organically evolved community in Dubai
• Situated close to the Dubai International Airport
• Known for its eclectic villa architecture
• Home to the massive Mushrif Park
• Beloved by long-time expats as well as locals
• Dubai’s newest freehold zones are launched here
• Mirdif City Centre is one of the family-friendly attractions in Dubai

NEIGHBOURHOOD

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Beloved in equal measures by Emiratis and expats from across the world, a number of families living in Mirdif have done so for their entire lives and quite honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else in Dubai! What makes renting in Mirdif so special is the fact that it is genuine and has been developed for the needs of the residents – not as a tourist destination. In fact, it is one of the few communities in Dubai without a hotel. Home to a wide range of educational institutes and other facilities, Mirdif is counted among the best residential areas in Dubai for families.

PROPERTIES IN MIRDIF

The area currently has four low-rise apartment sub-communities:

• Ghoroob
• Uptown Mirdif
• Mirdif Tulip
• Shurooq

Only the latter is available as freehold to foreign nationals. Mirdiff Hills is also 95% completed with handover expected soon. It is also freehold, offering a range of modern, affordable luxury as it promises. Apart from Mirdif Tulip, the rental apartments in Mirdif have been developed by Union Properties and come in a variety of finishes and layouts, from studio to 3-bedroom units. The different sub-communities, each have their own individual features, but you are guaranteed amenities of a standard comparable to the rest of the city no matter which one of these apartments in Mirdif you choose.

Rental Trends in Mirdif

Rents are generally calculated on a per annum basis while some landlords or realtors may offer flexible payment schedules. If you’re interested, check out the price trends for renting in Mirdif and make an informed decision.

Despite the size of properties on offer, the area has long commanded one of the more affordable rents in the city. Currently, the price for renting 1-bed flats in Mirdif averages at AED 50k and AED 35k for rental studios. More spacious, 2-bed apartments for rent in Mirdif go for as low as AED 50k per year. One can also choose renting brand new apartments in Mirdif costing around AED 75k per annum.

However, it is the villas for rent in Mirdif Dubai that make this community so popular among renters. Located all around the community, luxurious townhouses, detached and semi-detached 2 to 5-bedroom villas make up the properties on offer. The rent for a 2-bedroom villa starts from AED 50k and from AED 60k for 3-bedroom villas in Mirdif. If you are interested in Mirdif 4-bed villas, the average rental range would be AED 106k, per annum. On the more luxurious side, one can easily rent Mirdif villas with private pools.

These properties vary wildly in terms of layout, design and amenities. Many have private pools, shared pools or larger gardens hence it is worth viewing a few different properties to see what works for you and your family. Renting a standard villa with garden that spans over 900 sq. ft. can cost around AED 75k per annum. Those who prefer living in close-knit communities can choose from 2 to 4-bedroom townhouses for rent in Mirdif.

Sale Trends in Mirdif

Those interested in investing in Mirdif can check out the sale trends over the year. There is a range of apartments and villas to choose between.

Foreign nationals who are interested in buying apartments in Mirdif can expect to shell out around AED 1.7M for ready to move-in flats, around AED 561k for studios and at least AED 900k for 1-bed apartments on sale. Likewise, prices would vary based on the configuration type, the apartment complex and the floor the unit is built on.

• Sale price range of 2-bed flats in Mirdif: AED 930k to AED 1.5M
• Sale price range of 3-bed flats in Mirdif: AED 1.6M to AED 2.76M

Those interested in the more luxurious 4-bed apartments can prepare to fork out around AED 2.6M. These are a few units concentrated in the newly developed Mirdif Hills project. One may also find duplex residences here.

Investing in villas for sale in Mirdif is feasible for those who can shell out around AED 3M. There’s a choice of 3-bed, 4-bed, 5-bed and luxurious 6-bedroom units. A typical 3-bed villa for sale in Mirdif averages at AED 2.57M. Additionally, the asking price of townhouses starts from AED 2.5M.

ROI in Mirdif

Interested investors can consider buying studio apartments in Mirdif with the potential ROI of 5.6% 2 and 3-bedroom apartments follow with 4.6% returns while 1-bed units can generate a 4.5% rental yield.

Interested investors can consider 5-bed villas in Mirdif. The highest ROI expected for such units is 6% The other two villa types (4-bed and 3-bed) can reap up tp 4% and 3.4% rental yield, respectively.

Most Popular Communities in Mirdif

The apartment complex of Uptown Mirdif is the most popular with Ghuroob following next. Shorooq Mirdif comes third. There is a range of villas in Shorooq with annual rents starting from AED 73k. Ghoroob Mirdif and Mirdif Tulip are newer communities with 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments.

Mirdif Hills is one of the few areas in Mirdif Dubai where expatriates can purchase property. 2-bedroom apartments for sale in Mirdif Hills cost an average of AED 1.5M. Foreign nationals who are interested in purchasing apartments can also head to Mirdif Tulip, where freehold 1-bedroom flats start from AED 1.M.

Mirdif Floor Plans

Those looking for Mirdif Floor Plans can browse through the 2D and 3D layouts available for each apartment block and communities in Mirdif.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SPACES IN MIRDIF

When it comes to parking in Mirdif, there is little to complain about. Those living in apartment complexes are usually allotted one parking space, so it might be best to have a single vehicle if you want to avoid the hassle of finding a spot for parking. The villas on the other hand, usually have space outside for parking or dedicated garages.

Public Transportation in Mirdif

Although there are no metros currently operating in the area, there are plenty of buses for those relying on public transportation in Mirdif. The nearest metro station is the Rashidiya on the red line.

AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE

Supermarkets in Mirdif

In addition to the Spinneys supermarket within Uptown Mirdif and the large Carrefour supermarket in Mirdif City Centre, there are several smaller groceries and mini-marts conveniently located around the neighbourhood.

Churches, Temples and Mosques in Mirdif

As is the case with most residential areas in the city, there are more than a few mosques in Mirdif to cater to the spiritual needs of the community. Notable among these are Mirdif Grand Mosque, Mirdif Masjid, Mohamed Khamis Saeed Albadi Masjid, Imam Abu Hanifa Masjid and Bilal Masjid.

The closest church is the St Mary’s Church 16 minutes away in Oud Metha and the nearest temples are the Shiva and Krishna temples 25 minutes away in Bur Dubai.

Schools in Mirdif

Mirdif is a very family oriented neighbourhood. The area also has a few international nurseries and schools in Mirdif, meaning that parents don’t have to worry about a long school run in the morning. Institutions in the area are GEMS Royal Dubai School, it follows the UK curriculum until Year 6 and has received the outstanding rating from KHDA for the last 3 years. Star International also follow the British curriculum until Year 6 only. For those looking at options for the full International Baccalaureate (IB) system will find that Mirdif has 2 reputable schools: Uptown School and Dar Al Marefa School.

Clinics and Hospitals in Mirdif

In case of health issues, there are two options, Medcare Medical Centres and a Mediclinic hospital in Mirdif, within easy reach from most parts of the neighbourhoods. One can easily find many clinics and pharamacies in Mirdif.

Nearby Areas

Dubai Festival City is under 15 minutes away and has two popular hotels, the Intercontinental and Crowne Plaza with Dubai institutions, Belgian Beer Café and Trader Vic’s under their roofs. The Festival City mall is also where you can find the city’s only Hard Rock Café, a live music venue that’s known the world over.

On the more residential side, Rashidiya is a few minutes from Mirdif, as are some other of the city’s older neighbourhoods such as Al Warqa and Al Mizhar.

LIFESTYLE

SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

Malls in Mirdif

The massive City Centre Mirdif widely called MCC is situated on the edge of the community. It is loaded with international fashion outlets, home and lifestyle brands, restaurants and plenty of options to keep the kids entertained (including indoor football). Besides many shops in City Centre Mirdif, a roster of world-class performers and entertainment to enthral those of all ages. The branch of VOX Cinemas is another popular favourite.

You can also find the Arabian Centre and Etihad Mall located just next to the community. Park Centre Mirdif is another one of the popular shopping malls in Mirdif.

Apart from these huge malls, there are several other retail outlets dotted around the neighbourhood for shopping in Mirdif. The Abaya Mall is a specialised showroom for women’s abaya as well as a branch of the popular clothing brand Promod.

Also, there are several other shopping centres in Mirdif such as the Golden Gate Shopping Centre or the Khansaheb Lifestyle Park that features some upscale dining options, flower shops, tailors and organic supermarkets. The residents living in Shorooq Apartments can also have their shopping fix fulfilled in their own Shorooq Community Centre. For the pet owners, you can find pet shops in Mirdif such as the Paws & Claws Pets that also offers dog grooming services, along with a few other shops.

Restaurants in Mirdif

Mirdif has you covered in terms of gastronomic offerings. Apart from the restaurants in the City Centre, there are quite a few eateries in Uptown Mirdif, which are popular with those residing in Mirdif. Mirdif also has its fair share of quirky, small cafes that sit alongside global chains such as Starbucks, giving residents a choice of what they’re in the mood for that day!

There are many restaurants in Mirdif, you can choose from Aljood Mandy Restaurant 2, Al Arrab Restaurant, Chin Chin Chinese Restuarant, a Lebanese Restuarant called Arz Lebanon and more. Further, you have Filli Cafe, Macchiato Cafe, Costa Coffee, Kana Cafe, Kuttab Cafe and several others. These are all excluding the array of restaurants and cafes you can find inside City Centre Mirdif.

Beaches near Mirdif

The area is located quite inland, however, if you want to visit the beach, the Jumeirah beach is only a 25-minute drive away. In order to swim, there is a gym in the neighbourhood that has its own pool while the apartments in the area also enjoy access to communal swimming pools. Whether or not your villa has a shared (or private) pool depends largely on which property you opt for, so it’s worth looking around!

Leisure Activities and Notable Landmarks

Mirdif is home to one of the best parks of Dubai. Mushrif Park is a key highlight of the area. Out of the many things to do in Mushrif Park, a unique attraction includes the collection of miniature traditional houses from across the world that is displayed across an area of the park. The largest in the city, Mushrif Park is also considered to be the oldest park in Dubai.

Mushrif Park is easy to get to from anywhere in the community of Mirdif. The easy access to this massive park is certainly one of the exciting benefits of living in Mirdif, where you can enjoy a full-on leisure day out with the several cycling routes, play areas, picnic spots, BBQ spots, an aerial adventure course and jogging tracks that are sure to appeal to all ages. It is also a great place to develop or hone your horse riding skills, thanks to an equestrian centre right in the park. The leafy green park is usually cooler compared to the rest of the city making it an ideal leisure location during hotter months.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY

Lovers of the outdoors and all things fitness are huge fans of Mushrif Park, located just next to Mirdif, with its numerous cycling routes, jogging tracks, children’s play areas, picnic spots and even an aerial adventure course! For leisure spots within the community, you can also find two parks in Mirdif itself. Both are located at convenient intervals making it ideal for residents living in any part of the neighbourhood. There is the Mirdif Park and the well facilitated Uptown Mirdif Park, both a pleasant spot for kids and families. The residents can also often be found running, jogging or simply walking their furry friends just around the neighbourhood itself.

When it comes to fitness facilities, there are several gyms in Mirdif spread out across the community. There is Fitness First Mirdif City Centre, it is a fully equipped gym with a swimming pool and a separate ladies only gym. Other gyms in Mirdif include Fitness Boot Camp (FBC) Dubai in Uptown Mirdif Park or the Techno Fitness Gym Mirdif. There is Fitness First Mirdif in Uptown Mirdif, it is a mixed gym.

As for beauty salons in Mirdif, the community yet again has an abundance of options to choose from. You can find Hairy Berry Beauty Salon, Nail Lounge Salon LLC which, as the name suggests, is a nail salon, Modern Women Salon, Sisters Beauty Lounge and several more. There is also a salon called Style Image for gents only. You can also, again, find some beauty salons inside the City Centre.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Apartment communities such as Uptown Mirdif hold several family-friendly events during the year, it is the convivial spirit of the neighbourhood that means residents don’t wait for a developer to organize an event! Neighbours often have their own impromptu gatherings to celebrate special occasions, something that is not often seen in other parts of the city.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

One of the most commonly held misconceptions about the area is that due to its proximity to the airport, the sound of aeroplanes is deafening! However, the majority of residents who live there admit that the sound isn’t an issue inside houses thanks to double glazed windows. If you are looking at moving to Mirdif, it’s worth noting that it would be easiest if you had a car since the metro is still quite far away from the community.

FAQs about Mirdif

Is Mirdif a good place to live?

One of the biggest pros of living in Mirdif is its serene environment. The development is purely aimed to create a comfortable residential environment. It boasts a family-friendly vibe with all the basic amenities including a mall, various notable schools, clinics and recreational facilities within the area.

Is Mirdif a city?

Mirdif is a community within Dubai. Like other parts of the emirate, it is home to mixed nationalities.

When did Mirdif City Centre open?

Mirdif City Centre is the go-to place for all shopping needs of Mirdif residents. It opened in 2010.

When is City Centre Mirdif open?

Mirdif City Centre is opened Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and from 10:00 am to 12:00 am from Thursday to Saturday.

Location

• Situated close to the main highway, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and the Airport Road
• Easy to get to places like Downtown Dubai and DIFC in under 20 minutes
• The Dubai International Airport is also just 12 minutes away
• If you don’t have a car, however, regular public buses service the neighbourhood, taking residents from Mirdif to the Rashidiya metro station