Al Qusais

Al Qusais is a large, established district in eastern Dubai, on the green metro line and close to the Sharjah border. It is one of the most practical places to rent if your work is on that side of the city, and it splits cleanly into a residential section and a separate industrial area, so knowing which one you are looking at matters from the first search.

How the area is divided

Al Qusais comprises six numbered sub-areas: one residential district, officially Al Qusais First, and five industrial zones, Al Qusais Industrial First to Fifth. In everyday use and in property listings, "Al Qusais 1", "2" and "3" refer to different pockets of the residential district rather than to separate official areas. The district borders Al Nahda, Al Twar and Muhaisnah, and sits on Dubai's northern edge against Sharjah. As of the 2016 census, the area held a population of just over 63,500.

Al Qusais grew up as one of Dubai's older residential expansions beyond Deira, and its industrial zones developed alongside it to house the workshops and small businesses that still employ much of the district's population. That long settled history is part of why rents are lower here than in Dubai's newer master planned communities, even with good metro access.

Getting around

The Green Line of the Dubai Metro has five stations in Al Qusais: Etisalat, Al Qusais, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Al Nahda and Stadium, which between them put most of the district within a short walk or a quick bus ride of the metro. Dubai International Airport's Terminal 2 is about four kilometres from the Dubai Airport Free Zone station, close enough to be convenient and close enough that aircraft noise is a factor on some streets.

What is nearby?

• Five Green Line stations serving different parts of the district.
• Al Nahda Pond Park and Al Mamzar Beach Park within reach.
• Long established schools, covering Arabic, Australian, British, American and Indian curricula, plus private institutes offering dance, music, art and computer classes.
• Government institutions including Al Qusais Police Station, founded in 1977 as one of Dubai's original ten police stations, and the Dubai Civil Defence headquarters.
• Dubai Airport Free Zone, and Dubai International Airport close enough to matter for both convenience and noise.

Who does Al Qusais suit?

People working in Deira, Al Nahda, Sharjah or along the green line, and families who want more space at a lower rent than central Dubai. Commuters who cross daily into Sharjah often choose it deliberately for the road access. The housing stock is mostly low and mid rise apartment blocks, with some older villa streets in the residential sub-areas, which suits tenants looking for a larger, older style of flat rather than a new tower.

It suits people commuting to Dubai Marina or Media City poorly: that is a long drive at peak times.

What should you check before renting?

• Which section, and how close it is to the industrial area.
• Building age and condition, particularly air conditioning.
• Parking, which is often on street and contested.
• Aircraft noise, depending on orientation and distance from the airport.
• Whether utilities are bundled, which some landlords do at this price point.

What about buying?

Freehold options are limited in this part of Dubai, so buyers drawn by the rental demand usually compare it with freehold districts a similar distance out, notably Al Jaddaf or Jumeirah Village Circle.

Frequently asked questions

What is available now?

We may have nothing listed in Al Qusais today. Tell us what you are looking for using the form on this page and we will come back to you. You can also see what we currently hold to rent and for sale, and compare it with neighbouring Al Nahda and Muhaisnah.