Dubai

DAMAC Hills 2 (Akoya by DAMAC): Affordable Green Living on Dubai's Outer Edge

DAMAC Hills 2 — formerly known as Akoya Oxygen — makes a bold claim for a Dubai community: that you can have a villa with a garden, a golf course at the end of your street, and a genuine eco-friendly ethos, all at a price point that doesn't require a director's salary. Having followed this market since the first handovers, I'd say the claim holds — with one honest caveat about distance from the city that you need to factor in before signing.

The vibe

DAMAC Hills 2 is Dubai's most aggressively green residential community, and it wears that identity in practical ways: solar-powered water heating, sustainable building materials, a hydroponic café, and a master plan centred on parks, lakes, and a golf course. The atmosphere is noticeably calmer and more nature-oriented than any comparable community at this price point in Dubai.

The community is primarily townhouses (53% of stock) and villas (31%), with a smaller apartment component. It draws a mix of young families priced out of closer-in communities, remote workers who can absorb the commute, and investors attracted by yields and capital growth. The overall character is family-first and community-minded, with the emphasis on outdoor living rather than mall-based entertainment.

Property and rents

This is where DAMAC Hills 2 makes its clearest case. With an average property price of around AED 1.58 million, it is genuinely affordable by Dubai villa community standards — and the spread from AED 360,000 at the entry end to AED 6 million at the top of the range reflects real choice rather than a token low-end. Three-bedroom townhouses currently average around AED 115,000 per year in rent, roughly 45% cheaper than equivalent units in Dubai Hills Estate.

Investor metrics are compelling: average rental yields of around 7%, with over 4,900 DLD-recorded sales transactions in 2024 alone. With 558 active listings in the market, buyers have genuine choice. The medium price category classification is accurate — this is an affordable entry into the Dubai villa market, not a compromise product.

Getting around

The honest truth about DAMAC Hills 2 is that it sits at the intersection of E77 (Jebel Ali–Lehbab Road) and E66 (Al Ain–Dubai Highway), approximately 35 to 50 minutes from Downtown Dubai or Business Bay. The Al Qudra Road expansion completed in late 2025 shaved around 12 minutes off peak-hour journeys to Business Bay, which helps. Media City is around 30 minutes, Studio City around 25.

There is no metro connection and a car is non-negotiable. RTA bus routes now include a direct shuttle to Expo City Metro Station every 20 minutes, which provides a public transport option for those willing to use it — but day-to-day life here runs on private vehicles. If you commute daily to DIFC, Downtown, or the Marina, this is the defining trade-off of the community, and it deserves clear-eyed consideration before you commit.

Schools and family life

Schools are located outside the community rather than within it, and the school run adds another layer to an already meaningful commute. Most families in DAMAC Hills 2 use schools along the Al Ain Road corridor or in Remraam and Mudon, typically 10 to 20 minutes from the community gates.

Within the community itself, the family infrastructure is excellent: parks, lakes, a golf course, sports courts, and a range of outdoor activity zones give children a genuinely rich environment on weekends and evenings. The eco-friendly design elements — including the hydroponic café — are conversation starters and genuinely educational for older children. For families prepared to manage the car-dependent logistics, DAMAC Hills 2 offers strong value for the living environment it delivers.

Who it suits

DAMAC Hills 2 is the right choice for buyers who want a villa lifestyle without paying Dubai Hills or Arabian Ranches prices, remote workers or those with flexible commuting arrangements, and investors looking for high yields and strong capital growth from an established but still-maturing community.

It's a harder sell for anyone commuting daily to central Dubai — the 35 to 50-minute drive is real, and in peak hours it can stretch further. It's also not the right fit for people who want walkable urban amenities: everything non-essential requires a car journey. The community's strength is exactly the distance that makes it less suitable for city workers — the quiet, the green space, the affordable square footage. Know which side of that trade you're on before you decide.

I cover the outer-ring Dubai communities that most guides dismiss — and DAMAC Hills 2 is the one I'd most readily recommend to anyone asking where to buy a villa for under AED 2 million.

FAQ

What is the average property price in DAMAC Hills 2?

The average property price is around AED 1.58 million, with entry points from AED 360,000 for apartments and townhouses. Villa prices can reach AED 6 million for larger premium units. It is one of Dubai's most affordable villa community markets.

How far is DAMAC Hills 2 from Downtown Dubai?

Approximately 35 to 50 minutes by car in normal traffic. The Al Qudra Road expansion completed in late 2025 improved journey times by around 12 minutes versus 2024. There is no direct metro access — a car is essential.

What rental yields can investors expect in DAMAC Hills 2?

Average rental yields are around 7%, backed by strong transaction volume — over 4,900 DLD-recorded sales in 2024. Three-bedroom townhouses rent for roughly AED 115,000 per year, about 45% below comparable units in Dubai Hills Estate.

Is DAMAC Hills 2 eco-friendly?

Yes — it is Dubai's most established eco-focused residential community. Properties feature solar-powered water heating, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly lighting. The community also has a hydroponic café and extensive parks and lakes as part of its green master plan.

Are there schools in DAMAC Hills 2?

Schools are not located within the community itself. Most families use schools in nearby Remraam, Mudon, or along the Al Ain Road corridor — typically 10 to 20 minutes by car.

Is DAMAC Hills 2 suitable for families?

Yes, strongly — for families who can manage a car-dependent lifestyle. The community has parks, lakes, a golf course, sports facilities, and outdoor activity zones. The trade-off is that schools require a drive and the commute to central Dubai is significant.

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