Al Warqa vs International City:
Which Is Better to Live In?
Data-driven comparison of two popular Dubai areas. Compare rent prices, property values, yields, lifestyle, and commute to make an informed decision.
1BR rents in Al Warqa are 22% higher than in International City (DLD Ejari, Nov 2025 – Nov 2026, 16,008 leases).
Our Verdict
International City is about 18% cheaper to rent: a 1BR costs AED 41K a year, against AED 50K in Al Warqa. Homes sell for less in Al Warqa, though: a median AED 1.4M, against AED 1.75M in International City.
Al Warqa
- Median 1BR Rent/Year
- AED 50K
- Median Home Price
- AED 1.4M(villas)
- Transactions
- 876
International City
- Median 1BR Rent/Year
- AED 41K
- Median Home Price
- AED 1.75M(villas)
- Transactions
- 34,141
Quick Comparison
| Metric | Al Warqa | International City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median 1BR Rent/Year | AED 50K | AED 41K | International City lower |
| Rental Yield | Data not available | Data not available | — |
| Median Home Price | AED 1.4Mvillas | AED 1.75Mvillas | Al Warqa lower |
| Transactions | 876 | 34,141 | International City higher |
| Lifestyle | N/A | Family-Friendly, Busy | — |
| Metro Access | Data not available | Limited | — |
| Traffic Level | Data not available | Moderate | — |
Rent by Apartment Size
| Size | Al Warqa | International City |
|---|---|---|
| Studiounder 50 sqm | AED 41K | AED 30K |
| 1BR50-90 sqm | AED 50K | AED 41K |
| 2BR90-145 sqm | AED 63K | AED 57K |
| 3BR145-230 sqm | AED 80K | AED 105K |
| 4BR+230+ sqm | AED 58K | AED 35K |
| 3-bedroom villa | — | AED 115K |
Median annual rent of registered Ejari leases, 2025-11-08 to 2026-11-02. Ejari does not record bedrooms for apartments, so rents are grouped by floor area; the bedroom type shown is the usual one at that size.
Median Sale Price by Year
Median price of all sales registered with the Dubai Land Department each year. Years with fewer than 20 sales are left out.
Lifestyle & Commute
Al Warqa
International City
Lifestyle: Family-Friendly, Busy
Metro: Limited
Traffic: Moderate
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Data Methodology
Rental Yield: Gross yield = median annual rent of registered leases ÷ median price of ready (not off-plan) sales of the same kind of home, both from Dubai Land Department data. Shown for Dubai areas only.
Average Rent: Median annual rent of registered Ejari residential leases for 50–90 m² flats (the typical 1-bedroom size). Shown for Dubai areas only.
Transaction Data: Sourced from Dubai Land Department. Transaction counts may be zero for areas with limited direct reporting, even where rental activity exists.
Anomaly Flagging: Values marked ⚠ are statistically unusual for the area and may reflect premium property mixes, data aggregation errors, or limited sample sizes.
Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Property prices, rents, and yields are based on 2026 market data and may vary. Always consult a licensed real estate advisor before making investment decisions.