Al Karama is a dense, established apartment district in the older centre of Dubai, between Bur Dubai and Oud Metha. It is one of the most affordable genuinely central places to live in the city, and one of the most walkable.

It is a long standing residential area rather than a master planned community, which means low rise apartment blocks, small shops at street level, and a street life that most of new Dubai does not have.

Who does Al Karama suit?

People who work in Bur Dubai, Deira, Healthcare City or along the metro, and who would rather spend less on rent and be central than pay for a tower with a pool. It has a large long term resident population, and a food scene that draws people from across the city.

It suits buyers looking for freehold ownership less well: this is largely a leasehold rental district, so most enquiries here are from tenants.

What is it like day to day?

• Walkable in a way most of Dubai is not, with shops, laundries, clinics and restaurants at street level.
• Karama Market for clothing and souvenirs, and Zabeel Park a short distance away.
• Metro access on the green line, plus dense bus routes.
• Older buildings, so lifts, plumbing and parking vary a great deal from block to block.

What should you check before renting here?

• The specific building. Age and management vary enormously, and this matters more here than the street.
• Parking, which is the most common complaint in the area and is not guaranteed.
• Whether the flat has been maintained, especially air conditioning and bathrooms.
• How many cheques the landlord wants, since that is where the negotiation usually is.
• Ejari registration, which protects you and is not optional. See Ejari explained.

Is Al Karama worth considering as an investor?

Rental demand is consistently strong because the location is central and the rents are among the lowest for that centrality, but ownership options are limited compared with freehold districts, and buildings are older, which means maintenance. Most investors looking at this part of Dubai end up comparing it with Al Jaddaf or Business Bay, where freehold stock is available.

What is available now?

We may not have an Al Karama listing today. Tell us what you are looking for using the form on this page and we will come back to you. You can also browse everything we currently hold to rent, or read our tenant guide.