UAE’s ‘most-searched’ communities: See where renters, buyers want to live now

As UAE real estate continues its momentum into 2025, new data from UAE-based real estate platform Skyloov reveals the top neighbourhoods capturing attention — and the very different priorities of renters and buyers.

The platform, analysed over 44 million search queries and 540 million property views in Q2 2025, offering one of the clearest windows yet into what’s driving real estate decisions across the UAE.

Here are the key takeaways from the data:

1. Renters are choosing affordability over flash

With rising living costs, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, affordability has become a top concern for renters.

Convenience and access to amenities are also critical — with professionals, couples, and families searching for communities that balance value with location.

Most searched rental communities:

In Dubai

• International City

• Deira

• Bur Dubai

• Dubai Marina

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

In Abu Dhabi

• Al Reem Island

• Hamdan Street

• Khalifa City

• Electra Street

• Mohammed Bin Zayed City

These areas offer relatively lower rents while remaining close to schools, retail, transit, and business hubs — making them attractive for cost-conscious residents.

2. Buyers are eyeing investment corridors and future-ready zones

While renters lean toward current convenience, buyers are looking ahead. The most popular search areas for buyers are less saturated, more affordable, and near planned infrastructure — positioning them for capital appreciation and high rental yields.

Most searched buyer communities:

In Dubai

• Dubai Investment Park (DIP)

• Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT)

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

In Abu Dhabi

• Khalifa City

• Mohammed Bin Zayed City

In the Northern Emirates:

• Al Nahda (Sharjah)

• Select communities in Ras Al Khaimah

These areas are appealing to investors and end-users seeking long-term value rather than instant convenience.

3. There’s a clear renter–buyer divide in decision-making

Skyloov’s data underscores a growing behavioural divergence: “Renters are prioritising access and affordability, while buyers are strategically looking for growth potential,” said Dr Abdulaziz Albwardi, chairman of the Board at Skyloov.

He added that data-driven platforms are now essential to understanding and responding to this shift: “In a market as dynamic as the UAE, data is no longer a supporting tool — it’s a strategic advantage.”

4. Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are emerging hotspots

Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah’s Al Nahda are rising in buyer interest, signalling broader investor confidence outside traditional centres. The appeal includes lower entry points, infrastructure development, and new lifestyle offerings in these emirates.

5. Data is redefining how people search and decide

With over half a billion property views in one quarter, Skyloov’s platform illustrates just how digital and data-led the UAE real estate market has become.

As renters and buyers alike make sharper, value-conscious decisions, platforms that offer behavioural insights will shape where and how the next wave of real estate growth happens.

Read: Real estate trends in 2025: Dubai developers share insights