The vibe
The Lakes is quiet, leafy, and genuinely beautiful in the way that few communities in Dubai manage. Most of the villas look out over one of the development's many lakes and landscaped waterways, and the streets are wide, tree-lined, and low on through traffic. The six sub-communities — Maeen, Zulala, Ghadeer, Deema, Hattan, and Forat — each have their own character, but they share the same well-kept, unhurried atmosphere. This is a neighbourhood where residents know their neighbours and where expat families tend to stay for the long term.
The community skews toward affluent families, often with children in the nearby international schools. It's not a party neighbourhood and it's not a place people choose for proximity to nightlife — it's chosen for the lifestyle: space, greenery, water views, and a genuine sense of community.
Property and rents
The Lakes is firmly in the high price category. The average sale price is approximately AED 9.66 million, and the range is wide — from AED 4.85 million for an entry-level three-bedroom townhouse to AED 35 million for the largest, most prominent lakefront villas. The 12 architectural styles across the community mean there's real variation in feel and finish, from the more compact three-bed Maeen villas to the substantial six- and seven-bedroom Hattan homes.
Annual rents average around AED 372,000. Rental yields in the Emirates Living area have averaged around 4%–5.5%, which is respectable for a community at this price level. The Lakes benefits from structural undersupply — there are only around 600 villas and turnover is low — which has historically supported capital values through market cycles.
Getting around
The Lakes sits within the Emirates Living cluster off Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, giving residents good access to Dubai's main arteries. Dubai Marina is roughly 15 minutes by car; Mall of the Emirates around 16 minutes; Downtown Dubai is approximately 25 minutes. The nearest metro access points are Dubai Internet City Station, which is around a 10-minute drive. Like all of Emirates Living, The Lakes is effectively car-dependent — the environment is designed for family life with vehicles, not public transport commuting. Dubai International Airport runs 30–35 minutes on a typical morning.
Amenities and community facilities
The Lakes Club sits at the community's heart and functions as the social anchor: a clubhouse with pools, a gym, a kids' club, and event space. Across the six sub-communities there are 11 community pools and parks in total, with each area having at least one pool and park. Day-to-day retail is covered by The Greens Souk and The Meadows Town Centre, both within a few minutes' drive.
Schools are a major draw. Dubai British School, Regent International School, Emirates International School, and Dubai International Academy are all within a 10–15 minute drive, which is a significant factor for the families who make up the majority of The Lakes' residents.
Who it suits
The Lakes is a very specific fit: affluent families — often with children — who want space, privacy, water views, and the community infrastructure to match. If you're a single professional or a couple without children, the community isn't wrong for you, but it's calibrated around families and you'll feel that in the daily rhythm of the place. The high price point (AED 4.85M minimum) means this is a deliberate choice, not an entry-level market. For investors, the limited supply and consistent tenant quality make it a reliable long-term hold rather than a yield play.
The Lakes is one of those communities I've watched appreciate quietly and consistently for years — it doesn't need to market itself, because people who find it tend to stay.
FAQ
What is the average property price in The Lakes Dubai?
The average sale price is approximately AED 9.66 million. Properties range from AED 4.85 million for smaller three-bedroom villas up to AED 35 million for the largest lakefront homes.
How much does it cost to rent a villa in The Lakes?
Annual rents in The Lakes average around AED 372,000. Actual rents vary by villa size, sub-community, and lake-view position.
Which sub-communities make up The Lakes?
The Lakes comprises six gated sub-communities: Maeen, Zulala, Ghadeer, Deema, Hattan, and Forat, each with a slightly different mix of villa sizes and architectural styles.
Are there good schools near The Lakes?
Yes — Dubai British School, Regent International School, Emirates International School, and Dubai International Academy are all within a 10–15 minute drive, making The Lakes one of the better-connected communities for families.
What are the rental yields like in The Lakes?
Yields in the Emirates Living area — including The Lakes — have averaged 4%–5.5%. The Lakes tends toward the lower end of that range given the high asset values, but capital appreciation and tenant quality compensate.
Is The Lakes a good investment?
For long-term capital preservation, yes. Limited supply (around 600 villas), low turnover, and strong tenant demand from affluent families have kept values resilient. It's better suited to hold-and-appreciate investors than those chasing maximum yield.