Emirates Living Grows: Springs, Meadows and Lakes

The group of villa communities that Emaar is developing off Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Emirates Golf Club and the free zones, is growing quickly. The Springs and The Meadows are being joined by The Lakes, and together they are creating a large, landscaped residential area that families can actually afford, in a city where good family homes have long been scarce and expensive.

Three communities, three products

• The Springs: townhouses and compact villas, aimed at young families and first-time buyers.
• The Meadows: larger villas on bigger plots, for established families who want space.
• The Lakes: villas set around water features and green spaces, offering a slightly different character and price point.

What families value most

Our conversations with families buying in these communities point to the same priorities: safe streets where children can play, nearby schools, shops within a short drive, and gardens that are pleasant to use for much of the year. Community management, from landscaping to security, also matters a great deal.

How to choose a home

Within each community, homes can be very similar, so position is key. Homes facing lakes or parks, on quieter streets and away from main roads are usually the most popular. Orientation affects comfort: living rooms that avoid the strong afternoon sun are cooler and cheaper to air-condition. Buyers should also check the specification carefully, from kitchen fittings to air-conditioning systems.

Schools and services

The success of these communities will depend heavily on schools and services nearby. Families moving in now are relying on promises that schools and shops will follow. Buyers should ask what is planned, who will operate the facilities and when they are expected to open.

Investment perspective

For investors, these communities offer the prospect of steady rental demand from professional families working in the nearby free zones. Townhouses and smaller villas tend to have the broadest tenant pool, while larger villas appeal to a narrower but often longer-staying group.

Our view

Emirates Living is becoming one of the most important residential areas in new Dubai. For families, it offers a quality of life that has been hard to find in the city. For investors, it offers a relatively accessible way into the market. In both cases, careful choice of location within the community is essential.