Thanks to its vibrancy, a high quality of living, and a fast-growing economy, Dubai has been rated among the best places to live in the Middle East.

Student.com will help you to find quality accommodation in the “City of Gold.” Our student accommodation in Dubai provides modern and fully equipped student residences at the heart of Dubai Academic City.

Contact us to learn more about our student accommodation offerings in Dubai. Our booking consultants are always happy to help!

Dubai at a glance

Home to about five million people in its metropolitan area, Dubai is the largest city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is arguably the best-known of the seven emirates that make up the federation of the elective monarchy.

Once a small fishing village in the Arabian Gulf in the 18th century, Dubai has transformed into a sun-soaked modern metropolis, earning the nickname “City of Gold” because of its involvement in the global gold trade.

Now one of the most compelling cities in the Middle East, Dubai has been compared to Singapore and Hong Kong and leads the region in shopping and tourism.

With an unparalleled coastline decorated with beaches and ports, beautiful desert, architectural magnificence, and shopping extravaganzas, the city offers a truly memorable experience, attracting people from all over the world.

Famous Landscape 

Dubai’s unique landscape is one of the city’s main attractions. Renowned worldwide for its incredible vision and ingenious feats of architecture, millions of tourists flock to Dubai to experience its breathtaking landscape.

The small stretches of sandy beaches in the western end have bolstered the city’s tourism. In the absence of natural offshore islands, Dubai has increased its limited seafronts constructing giant man-made islands off the coast of the city. The most famous of these is the palm tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah, while the cluster of small islands of the “World” islands resembles a world map when viewed from above.

Dubai straddles a natural inlet on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf, which separates the city from Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. A popular walking area and home to a selection of local restaurants and activities that delight both tourists and residents, Dubai Creek is the lifeline and pulse of the city.

As the emirate’s first major port, it is also full of historical significance. Because of the city’s early reliance on fishing, pearl diving, and maritime trade, the area was Dubai’s centre for more than a century.

The creek lines the oldest buildings in Dubai, most of which are one story in height dating from the 1960s. On the western shore of the creek in the Bastakiyyah quarter, many of the much older buildings feature the distinctive wind tower design that was imported by Persian merchants in the early 20th century.

Dubai is multicultural

Dubai has transformed into one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Home to over 150 nationalities, with expats comprising over 80 percent of the population, Dubai is incredibly diverse.

The local population is predominately Muslim, but thanks to Dubai’s strong international standing, the significant Christian, Hindu, and Sikh communities all coexist harmoniously with its traditional Arab values, cultures, and customs. You will find churches and Hindu temples mixed in with the city’s mosques. This gives Dubai the feel of a Middle Eastern melting pot.

A city of innovation and possibility

Dubai’s economy is not oil-based, as most people would think. The wealth established from oil in the 20th century was strategically used to enhance other sectors, such as physical infrastructure, trade, and tourism. In fact, trade remains at the core of Dubai’s economy. The city operates two ports that are among the world’s largest, as well as a busy international air cargo hub.

The regime has invested heavily in technology, developing the city through smart systems that elevate the standards of living and facilitate big business, which creates consistent employment opportunities. From the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the twisting Cayan Tower, the curvaceous The Museum of the Future, to the banks of the Creek, Dubai shouts possibility and innovation.

The city’s art and film industries have developed substantially since the turn of the 21st century with the annual Art Dubai fair showcasing contemporary art and the Dubai International Film Festival promoting local and international films.

Development has also eased the frustrations of transportation around the city with the building of new bridges, roads, and a fully automated, driverless metro rail system.

Student living in Dubai

With year-round sunshine, thousands of international students, and a thriving nightlife scene, Dubai lends to a high-quality student life. The city’s abundance of indoor activities and attractions ensures that students have enough to see and do all year round.

Exploring the city

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city by visiting the 18th-century fortress that houses the Dubai Museum or the Etihad Museum, where you can view artifacts and exhibits related to the city’s history, formation, culture, and values. Galleries such as Alserkal Avenue compile and showcase the city’s diverse artistic disciplines.

The thrilling desert safaris are a must-experience. The day-long drives usually include dune bashing, camel rides, and dinner in the middle of the desert.

Amusement parks, virtual reality parks, and waterparks such as the IMG Worlds of Adventures, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, and Aquaventure Waterpark, are also popular amongst visitors.

But it is the vibrant and exotic nightlife that is the highlight of Dubai for many students and visitors.

Vibrant and exotic nightlife

The emirate is home to some of the most popular nightclubs in the world. Nightclubs in Dubai regularly host the most renowned DJs from across the globe.

Since Fridays and Saturdays are considered the weekend in Dubai, the clubbing scene starts from Thursday with most clubs offering exclusive Ladies’ Nights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Dubai has so much to offer regarding nightlife. One of the premier nightclubs in Dubai, Boudoir, is reminiscent of the French clubs in the early 1920s but attracts mostly the Lebanese crowd. It’s the spot for the well-dressed and the partygoers.

Experience the best of Dubai nightlife with a glowing red catwalk dominating the dance floor at Catwalk, a club featuring innovative drinks, some of the best music in town, friendly people, and affordable prices.

Stereo Arcade is an up-and-coming nightclub that has gathered popularity amongst the youth and has become a must-go. One of the primary reasons for attracting the young and hip is its electrifying vibe.

With one of the most spectacular views of the city and the Palm islands, Bar 44 is one of the best bars in Dubai. It’s famous for attracting the chic party crowd that enjoys an exquisite range of champagnes, wines, malts, and cocktails from expert mixologists.

In Dubai you’ll be able to party to the wee hours of the morning without having to worry about your safety as Dubai is a relatively crime-free place with monitored streets and 24-hour security in many areas of the city.

Many food options

From budget-friendly eateries and home-styled restaurants to fine-dining, molecular gastronomy, and international food chains, Dubai is home to a variety of cuisines and experiential food options.

Takeout food is also available thanks to online food delivery companies, including Deliveroo, Talabat, Zomato, and Carriage.

A shopper’s heaven

Dubai is also a shopper’s heaven where you can find designer clothes, jewellery, and food among many other things in the city’s many shopping malls. Some of the city’s favourite and most visited spots include Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Kite Beach, City Walk, Dubai Marina, JBR, Al Seef, and La Mer.

Where to study in Dubai?

Dubai is home to five public and 58 private colleges and universities in serving both Emiratis and expatriates. The following are some of the most prominent local and branch campus universities in the city.

University of Dubai (UD)

Established in 1997 by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) primarily to address skills and qualifications gaps in the workforce, the University of Dubai (UD) is an internationally and nationally accredited university.

Based in the city centre, UD offers bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, management, marketing, finance, banking, accounting, human resources management, entrepreneurship management, economics, supply chain and logistics management, and information technology. It also offers master’s degree programs in business administration (MBA), information systems (MScIS), and law (LLM).

Al Ghurair University (AGU) 

AGU is a private local university licensed by MOHESR (Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research). It offers bachelor’s degrees across its three colleges:

• The College of Business Studies (COBS)
• The College of Computing
• The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

The university also has a School of Design that prepares students academically for professional practice in interior design.

Zayed University

Zayed University is the newest of the three government-sponsored universities in the UAE. Two of its three main campuses are located in Dubai, while the third one is in Abu Dhabi. It’s comprised of six different colleges offering globally recognized bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the arts, business, communication and media sciences, education, sustainable sciences and humanities, and technological innovation.

Zayed also hosts the University College (which prepares students for university-level learning) and the Institute for Islamic World Studies.

Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)

With more than 55,000 UAE national graduates, HCT is one of the largest institutions of higher learning in the UAE.

Two (Dubai Men’s College and Dubai Women’s College) of HCT’s 17 campuses are located in Dubai. DMC, which is located in Dubai International Academic City, offers graduate programs in engineering management, business administration, construction engineering and communication technology, and computer and information science. DWC offers programs in computer and information science, applied communications and engineering, business, health sciences, and education.

Frequently asked questions about student residences in Dubai

How do I apply for student dorms in Dubai?

Use the search filters, comparison, and map tools on our website to find your ideal student property. Once you’ve found a place you like, go to the property page by clicking ‘View rooms’.

On the property page you’ll see all the different types of rooms on offer in that particular property. Once you’ve chosen your preferred room, click ‘Book Now’ or ‘Enquire’. One of our booking consultants will contact you thereafter to answer any further questions you may have and guide you through the next steps in the booking process.

What types of rooms are available in Dubai on Student.com?

We currently offer three different types of rooms in our properties in Dubai. Not all properties have all room types available however.

Shared Rooms provide a shared bedroom with at least one roommate. You’ll share a bathroom and a kitchen with other tenants from other rooms.

Private Rooms provide you with a private bedroom, and in some properties also a private bathroom. Other facilities are shared with other tenants from other rooms.

Entire Place provides a fully private studio property with private room and living facilities. You’ll have your own bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette and won’t have to share any facilities with anyone else.

Are bills included in the rent?

Yes, usually all bills are included in the rent. Check on the property page if this is the case with the property you’re interested in however, as some landlords might have different policies.

Are the residences rented fully furnished?

As with bills, most of the properties we list are rented fully furnished, but check the property page to make sure if this is the case with your favourite property.