From Hatta to Jebel Ali Village: Five retiree-friendly locations in Dubai

Authorities in Dubai are promoting a visa that allows residents of other countries to retire in the emirate. But where should they live?

Dubai Creek today is a popular tourist destination and could now be a place to retire. Reem Mohammed / The National

Hatta's Hollywood-style sign. Courtesy: Meraas

Families at Al Qudra lake. Reem Mohammed / The National

Ain Dubai at Bluewaters Island. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Older style villas at Jebel Ali Village, Dubai. Anna Nielsen for The National

Dubai is encouraging the world’s retirees to come and settle in the emirate.

Its retirement visa is open to anyone from around the world provided they meet certain criteria.

They must be over the age of 55, have valid UAE health insurance and meet one of three requirements - have a monthly income of Dh20,000; Dh1 million in cash savings; or own Dh2m worth of property in Dubai. But where can they live once they are here?

Here are five interesting locations in the emirate which gives retirees access to plenty to do:

Hatta

As an enclave of Dubai located high in the Hajar mountains, Hatta is unlike anything you will find in the emirate. Retirees choosing to move there will be able to escape the bustle of the city to benefit from the area’s laid back pace of life.

It does, however, still feature numerous activities for active retirees, including hiking, biking and kayaking. It is also cooler than the rest of the UAE, which is another benefit during the summer, when temperatures soar elsewhere in the country.

With its own Hollywood-style sign on the hills, it also has the wow-factor for visiting friends and relatives. It is a 90-minute drive from Dubai city.

Jebel Ali Village

This is another quiet spot for retirees looking to spend their lives post-work in peace.

It is also one of Dubai’s oldest residential areas, having been built in 1977. It has undergone several upgrades, but retains its charm and includes a mix of older villas and new properties. Tenants receive the benefit of a free one year’s annual membership at Jebel Ali Recreation Club and one month’s free rent.

The village is located near Nakheel’s Ibn Battuta Mall, which features supermarkets, other shops and amenities.

Bluewaters Island

Located off the coast of Dubai, Bluewaters Island is home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest ferris wheel, which is currently under construction.

It is brand new, with shiny hotels, restaurants and shops all on the doorstep and has easy access via a bridge to the city which is open to both pedestrians and golf buggies.

There are a variety of apartments, penthouses and townhouses available to buy or rent, and many have beautiful sea views.

A man sits by Dubai Creek on Baniyas road in Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

Dubai Creek

This is another of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, which different from anywhere else in Dubai.

Life once revolved around the Creek as the centre of the pearling industry, until the invention of cultured pearls hastened the industry's demise in the 1930s. But it remains the city’s cultural heart and is home to the Gold and Spice Souks, as well as the Dubai Museum and the historical neighbourhood, Bastakiya. Visiting friends and family would likely be wowed by walks around the city’s old streets, as well as trips on an abra, a traditional boat made of wood.

Al Qudra

If retirees are searching for a place to live in peace, Al Qudra is worth a look. It is a quiet area, but still close enough to the city so as not to feel unconnected.

Rent is cheap, at around Dh30,000 a year for a brand new one bedroom apartment in Al Qudra 3.

It is also close to Al Qudra cycling track and Al Qudra Lakes, which are popular with people looking to get away from it all. The lakes are home to several hundred birds species and some have observation towers. The latest addition is "love lakes" which consists of two overlapping heart-shaped lakes with a jogging track around it.