Renting an Apartment in Dubai with Kids: 5 Must-Check Features Before You Sign That Lease!
“Home is where one starts from.” — T.S. Eliot
Moving to Dubai, we were eager to build a fresh life, away from chaos, turmoil, and economic uncertainty back home.
When we started searching for an apartment for our family of three, we quickly realized that renting a home wasn’t a piece of cake. You see all the tall buildings, yet finding a place to call home becomes a challenge.
Driving along Sheikh Zayed Road, it’s easy to be dazzled by the sheer number of options and think, “Wow, so many choices!” But the truth is, finding a place that truly feels like home — one that meets all your needs — can be much harder than it seems. Amid the endless listings, discovering a genuine “home” often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Our experience showed me just how tricky — yet doable — it is to find that perfect place to call home. If you’ve gone through something similar, keep reading.
Before you sign that lease, keep these five essential factors in mind when searching for a family-friendly apartment in Dubai:
- Storage
- Space
- Windows
- Cleanliness
- Community
Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
We Need Storage For Our Stuff
Affording a two-bedroom apartment in Dubai is a massive struggle for many middle-class expats who come to the city for a better life.
In 2025, a 2BHK in an area like Discovery Gardens is for anything over 90,000 AED/year. This amount only increases as we scan other neighborhoods like Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, Dubai Silicon Oasis, or Downtown Dubai. Thus, many expats are squeezing their families into one-bedroom apartments, which are also steadily rising in rent.
Nonetheless, there are still many areas in Dubai offering reasonably priced apartments. The thing you need to see is how big they are. We visited Binghatti Diamonds as one of our rental options in DSO and were shocked by the sheer size of the apartment. It was a 60:40 ratio, meaning a whopping 40% was the balcony. There was hardly any storage, such as cupboards in the kitchen or built-in wardrobes in the bedrooms.
If you observe most apartments in Dubai, people have stored several things on the balcony, but…
a) It spoils the look of the building.
b) There is a chance your things might burn in the scorching sun.
c) Your items might also suffocate under all the dust.
Many one-bedroom apartments in areas like Jumeirah Garden City are 500 to 800 sqft, renting out for 76,000 to 90,000 AED with limited storage space. However, neighborhoods like Al-Quoz or The Gardens have apartments with more closets or space to add extra storage.
Anyhow, what you need to focus on is the space. With a family, you need space and storage. You need cupboards and racks in the kitchen and spacious wardrobes in the bedroom with walls to keep storage boxes, almaris (cabinets), a chest of drawers, etc.
Am I Renting a Balcony or an Apartment?
As mentioned above, some balconies are seriously “Yuge!”
Sure, having a balcony can be a blessing — a little outdoor space where you can step out, set up a mini garden, enjoy your coffee, read a book, or even stargaze. But when you have young kids at home, balconies often stay locked for safety reasons. So, for parents with toddlers, a big balcony isn’t always a bonus — it’s more of a “nice-to-have” that rarely gets used.
That’s why, when you’re apartment hunting in Dubai, always check how useful the balcony is. If it’s not adding value to your lifestyle, don’t hesitate to move on. The goal is to find a well-balanced apartment — one with practical indoor space like a comfortable lounge, functional kitchen, and decent bedroom sizes. It might take time, and yes, the process can be exhausting, but you will find something that fits your family’s needs.
When you’ve got kids, how the space is divided between indoor and outdoor areas matters a lot. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re living in a cramped burrow, especially when you’re paying high rent. After all, you’re not paying for a balcony you can’t even use!
Our Window of Opportunity
Back in Karachi, Pakistan, I remember standing in front of the large, square, grilled window in my mother’s bedroom when she said, “This is a window of opportunity.” I never asked her what she meant, but now, living in an apartment with a full-length window of my own, I finally get it.
At my mom’s place, that window was more than just a view — it opened up to the greenery outside, offered a way to hand a glass of water or food to someone passing by, and gave her a clear view of the gate to keep an eye on who was coming and going. It was her way of staying connected and watchful.
In our current home, the tall and wide windows have been a blessing — they bring in light, air, and life. During our apartment hunt, we visited some places that felt more like boxes than homes, with tiny windows that barely let in sunlight. Some felt suffocating, like being trapped inside.
Thankfully, many new apartments in Dubai now come with large, floor-to-ceiling windows. But here’s the catch — most of them don’t have grills, barriers, or any extra protection. While they look great and let in lots of light, they can feel a bit unsafe, especially with kids around. We just hope these modern windows are as strong as they look.
Still, there’s something comforting about having a home with a real “window of opportunity” — one that brings in not just fresh air, but a sense of openness, safety, and connection to the outside world. Especially when you have children, it’s more than just a design feature — it’s peace of mind.
A Clean Place, Pretty Please.
What’s The Neighborhood Like?
Dubai is a safe city across the board, but not every neighborhood will match your needs, lifestyle, or personality. If you have children, it’s especially important to choose a family-friendly community that supports your values and daily routines.
Some of the best areas for families to rent in Dubai include Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Wasl Gate Village, Discovery Gardens, and The Springs. Depending on your budget, you’ll find both affordable and high-end options in these locations.
When renting with kids, look for a community that’s built to support family life, encourage healthy development, and make everyday living easier and safer. Here are some key features to look for:
Features of a Family-Centered Community:
- Playgrounds where kids can play freely and make new friends
- Sports facilities to keep them active and healthy
- Green spaces and parks to inspire outdoor play and imagination
- Wide sidewalks for safe walking, jogging, and stroller rides
- Well-lit streets for secure evening strolls
- Zebra crossings for safe street crossings with little ones
- Stroller-friendly ramps for added convenience
- Security guards and CCTV for peace of mind
- Community centers with essentials like clinics, pharmacies, and grocery stores
- Daycare centers to support early learning and working parents
- Swimming pools so kids can learn a lifelong skill
- Medical centers nearby for emergencies or regular check-ups
- Shops and retail outlets within walking distance
- Low-traffic streets to let kids run around more safely
- Family dining options close to home
- Reputable schools within reach
- Cafes with play areas so parents can get a breather
- And of course, a strong sense of safety — always a priority
Yes, the search for the almost perfect home can take time. But it’s not impossible. Be patient, be realistic, and stay focused on what matters most for your family.
You may not find everything in one apartment — and that’s okay. It will always be a mix of pros and cons. What matters is choosing a place that checks the boxes that matter most to you.
Good luck on your search — and fingers crossed your kids will love the new place just as much as you do!
