House of Essex Real Estate

Dubai area guide / City

International City

Country-themed apartment clusters near Dragon Mart and Dubai Academic City.

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Future metro access

Dubai Metro Blue Line.

Planned opening 9 September 2029

Two planned stations, International City 1 and 2. International City 1 is the junction of the Blue Line's two branches, linking towards Creek, Academic City and the Red Line at Centrepoint.

Based on Roads and Transport Authority announcements as of October 2026. Station names and positions may change before opening.

Dubai freehold area guide

Location

Situated in the Al Warsan district of eastern Dubai, near Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Academic City, adjacent to Ras Al Khor and accessible via Al Ain Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. No metro station serves the community directly; residents rely on buses and cars.

Overview

A low-rise, budget-focused residential development themed around country clusters (England, France, Spain, China, etc.) built around the massive Dragon Mart retail complex. The overall feel is dense, functional, and affordable rather than upscale, with older mid-rise apartment blocks and heavy reliance on Dragon Mart for shopping.

Who lives here

Predominantly South Asian and other budget-conscious expatriate workers, students (from nearby Academic City), and lower-to-middle income renters; a strong renter-majority market with investors seeking high-yield, low-entry-cost units. Family presence exists but is less prominent than single workers/sharers.

Price points

AED / Mid-2026 indicators

Apartments

Studio AED 320K-420K, 1BR AED 450K-550K, 2BR AED 800K-950K (Central Business District/Warsan cluster commands a premium)

Typical gross rental yield

Among the highest in Dubai, approximately 7.5-8.5% gross

Figures are approximate market indicators as of mid-2026, compiled for general orientation purposes only. They do not constitute a valuation or investment advice — please confirm current pricing and availability before making a decision.

Lifestyle & amenities

  • Dragon Mart 1 and 2 (largest Chinese trading hub outside mainland China)
  • Proximity to Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Academic City
  • Local nurseries, clinics, and mosques
  • Community parks
  • Affordable supermarkets and multicultural retail
  • Access to Al Ain Road (E66) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311)

Best for

Best for budget renters, students, and yield-focused investors seeking the lowest entry price points and highest rental yields in Dubai's freehold market.

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