In Partnership: If a good life could be mapped, where would you live?
In the UAE, the good life isn’t confined to the flashiest emirates, cities, and neighbourhoods. Naturally, the most coveted addresses still top the list, but often for reasons that are less obvious until the data reveals them.
Using insights from studies conducted by Bloom Holding in 2024 and 2025 on the UAE’s most desirable and most fun cities, we map how the idea of a good life is being defined today — by tracing where exactly it can be found.
Whether you’re planning a property for your family’s next chapter or curating your own version of soft solo living, here’s your inside look at our own version of the UAE’s good life map.
Palm Jumeirah: Luxury grew up
Palm Jumeirah continues to lead rankings as the #1 most desirable place to live in Dubai. But its appeal now extends beyond status. The research shows that families are drawn to its strong school network and sense of security. Investors love its steady demand, particularly given the global search interest (96,000 per month), which indicates it continues to capture international attention.
Ras Al Khaimah: The all-rounder we didn’t see coming
Ras Al Khaimah ranks as the UAE’s most fun city. Its appeal lies in its mix of affordable recreation, natural beauty, and year-round activities. A night out here costs an average of AED 125.87, far below the national average, while the city also leads in arcade and gym density. RAK offers something that’s increasingly hard to find: a good life that feels accessible, with a surprising range of options for everyone.
Abu Dhabi: The power player
The UAE’s capital holds 3rd place in the fun ranking and continues to be #1 in culture and sophistication. It holds high ratings for recreation, dining, and lifestyle experiences, and being one of the most expensive cities for nightlife didn’t hurt. With a simple evening of dining and drinks at AED 163.26, Abu Dhabi simply knows its worth.
JVC: The expat magnet
Jumeirah Village Circle ranks 2nd in Dubai’s desirability index. It’s the #1 most-searched neighbourhood in the city with more than 340,000 global searches each month. The data shows it’s prized for its family-friendly spaces, great connectivity and relative affordability. For many, JVC represents the sweet spot of city energy and suburban vibes.
Ajman: The fun capital
The data ranks Ajman as the UAE’s 2nd most fun city. Despite being the smallest emirate, it punches well above its weight with the highest concentration of amusement parks in the country (30.1 per 100,000 residents). Ajman proves that smaller cities can deliver just as much enjoyment without breaking the bank.
Dubai South & Jebel Ali: The new frontiers
Dubai South and Jebel Ali are primed for big growth. Once seen as outliers, both now rank in the UAE’s top 5 most desirable places to live. Property sales in these areas jumped 54% in 2024, showing just how much appetite there is for well-planned, community-led living. These districts capture a market that is interested in more space, fairer prices, and long-term value over brand-name postcodes.
Dubai Marina: The timeless classic
The findings place Dubai Marina as the 3rd most desirable place to live in Dubai. It captivates both local and global markets, and saw a 20.4% increase in property sales in 2024, driven by strong demand among professionals and expats. All in all, the Marina continues to represent the best of the city lifestyle in the UAE.
Fujairah: The quiet multitasker
Fujairah ranks as the 4th most fun city in the UAE. Its eastern coast setting gives it a slower, more grounded rhythm. If you live here, your life will be framed by wide beaches, rugged peaks, and oases that make leisure feel so easy and natural. At the same time, it scores high in recreation and entertainment. Its offering of golf courses, cinemas, and coastal escapes reflects a quieter, more scenic side of UAE living.
What these rankings reveal is that the concept of “living well” is evolving. The next era of luxury in the UAE won’t be measured in square footage or status, but in how much freedom, balance, and joy a city can give back.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: @marwaalhash
