Emaar South: Dubai's Emerging Golf Haven
Emaar South emerges as a master-planned community in Dubai South, blending suburban tranquillity with urban connectivity. Developed by Emaar Properties, this visionary project caters to investors, families, and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle near Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai. This guide explores its investment potential, property landscape, amenities, and quality of life, supported by market data and strategic insights.
About Emaar South
Emaar South represents one of Dubai’s most promising emerging communities, strategically positioned to capitalize on the city’s southern expansion corridor. Developed by Emaar Properties, a globally renowned developer with a track record of creating iconic destinations like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, this master-planned community offers a balanced lifestyle proposition combining residential comfort with investment potential.
Emaar South is a 7-million-square-meter master-planned community featuring 22,700 diverse residential units within Dubai South. The community features a thoughtfully designed mix of villas, townhouses, and apartments arranged around an 18-hole championship golf course. The development’s lifestyle offerings include more than 20 neighbourhood parks, 53,000 sq. m. of retail space, and numerous recreational amenities. Its strategic position within Dubai South’s 145 sq km economic free zone promises substantial future growth potential as the region evolves into a global hub for aviation, logistics, and commerce.
Emaar South embodies a vision of sustainable community living, where residents enjoy the tranquillity of suburban life while remaining connected to Dubai’s metropolitan energy. The population currently consists of a diverse mix of professionals, families, and investors, with a significant proportion being expatriates from South Asia (particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), alongside smaller European and the Middle Eastern communities. Many are drawn to the area’s promise of future appreciation and the relative affordability compared to central Dubai neighbourhoods.
Current developments in the area focus on completing residential components, community retail centres, and the continued development of the golf course, with future projects like Greenway Villas and Fairway Villas 3 expanding options even more.
A lush fairway on Emaar South’s championship golf course at Dubai South, flanked by modern Expo Golf Villas
At a Glance
- Master-planned community by Emaar Properties
- Strategic location within Dubai South (5 minutes to Al Maktoum Airport; 30-35 minutes to Downtown Dubai)
- Built around an 18-hole championship golf course with 25 community parks
- Over 25 beautifully landscaped parks, green spaces, and eco-friendly design principles
- Diverse property portfolio with 22,700 residential units across 10 complexes
- 53,000 sqm retail space with dining and shopping options
- Essential amenities include GEMS Founders School, Al Maktoum Airport Clinic, South Village mall
- Established phases completed: Golf Views (May 2020), Golf Links (January 2020)
- New phases under development: Golf Edge (Q1 2029), Golf Acres (Q4 2028), Golf Dale (Q2 2029), Golf Meadow (Q1 2029), Golf Point (Q4 2028), Fairway Villas (Q3 2026), Fairway Villas 2 (Q4 2026), Fairway Villas 3 (Q1 2028), Greenway (Q2 2028), Greenway 2 (Q2 2028), Greenspoint (Q1 2029), Greenspoint 2 (Q1 2029), Expo Golf Villas 6 (Q4 2025)
- Expanding luxury options: Greenway/Fairway Villas and premium golf-facing developments
- Strong infrastructure investment in surrounding area: AED 128 billion Al Maktoum Airport expansion and AED 150 million stormwater tunnel project
- Emerging community with significant growth potential: Property prices forecast to rise 15-20% with over AED 15 billion in transactions in first 5 months of 2025
Why Invest in Emaar South
Emaar South sits at the junction of Dubai’s ambitious expansion plans, positioned to benefit directly from the investment into Al Maktoum International Airport and the continued development of the Dubai South logistics hub. According to Khaleej Times, the southern corridor is projected to accommodate over 1 million residents in the coming years.
The Dubai South project, which encompasses Emaar South, is estimated to generate 500,000 jobs when fully operational, according to Dubai South Authority (2025). This employment hub, which is focused on aviation, logistics, and commercial sectors, is creating a substantial pool of potential residents and tenants for Emaar South properties.
Emaar South’s own market trajectory shows strong potential with its 22,700 residential properties attracting both end-users and investors seeking competitive returns.
The area’s strategic positioning has contributed to steady property value appreciation, with residential rental yields averaging 6-8% and prime commercial areas reaching up to 8%.
In fact, since its launch, Emaar South properties have demonstrated exceptional growth, with villas and townhouses appreciating 20-30% annually, reflecting the broader Dubai South market’s strong performance where property values increased 25% since the airport expansion announcement. Dubai South villas recorded the highest quarterly price change, rising 33% in Q3 2024 alone, while apartments in the area experienced 73% growth over 12 months.
Golf-facing villas in Golf Links have performed strongly, with current market prices ranging from AED 4.95 million to AED 7.1 million, supported by Dubai South’s overall villa appreciation trends that show 94% growth since Q1 2020. The area’s rental yields remain attractive at 4.2%-5.1% for villas, indicating sustained demand.
Off-plan purchases in newer developments have significantly outperformed expectations, with Emaar South’s off-plan market experiencing a remarkable 30.24% increase in average property prices. Expo Golf Villas phases have consistently sold out, demonstrating investor confidence and strong capital appreciation potential well above the initial projections.
Investment prospects are further strengthened by the master developer Emaar’s track record and the community’s all-encompassing amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf course and extensive green spaces. The Emaar brand is associated with higher construction quality and community management standards compared to less-established developers, supporting long-term value appreciation potential.
Emaar South Investment Metrics (2024)
Category | Metric | Apartments 1BR (Golf Point) | Villas 3BR (Expo Golf Villas) |
|---|---|---|---|
Cap Rate | Average | 6.8% | 5.2% |
Price/Sq. Ft | Median | AED 1,402 | AED 1,190-1,381 |
Rental Yield | Range | 6.5%–7.5% | 4.9%–5.8% |
Emaar South Market Trends
Metric | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Median Price | AED 1,291,425 (apartments) | AED 1,118,000 (apartments, estimated) | +16.5% |
Median Price
Rental Occupancy
| 91.6% | 87.6% (2023 baseline) | +4.0 p.p. |
Market analysts are highly optimistic about future performance, projecting 15-20% near-term capital growth driven by the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion. With property transactions exceeding AED 15 billion in just the first five months of 2025 and rental rates increasing 20% year-to-date, the fundamentals support continued robust appreciation as Dubai South’s infrastructure reaches maturity.
For Property Investors: Emaar South offers compelling fundamentals with:
- Competitive rental yields (5.18-5.45%) outperforming Dubai’s 4.87% average
- Strong capital appreciation of 25-30% since 2020
- Strategic location benefiting from Al Maktoum International Airport expansion
- Established developer (Emaar Properties) with proven track record
- Diverse property portfolio across 22,700 residential units
- Expected returns bolstered by premium amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf course and 53,000 sq. m. of retail spaces
Key Investment Considerations:
- Lower yields than Dubai South average (7.78%) but appropriate for villa-type community
- Long-term growth potential driven by infrastructure development
- Suitable for investors seeking capital appreciation over maximum rental yield
Emaar South Location and Access
Residents enjoy the perfect balance of peaceful living and easy access to urban amenities and business districts, thanks to Emaar South’s strategic location in Dubai’s southwestern growth corridor.
The community is part of the larger Dubai South district, close to Al Maktoum International Airport (5-10 minutes away), a 15-minute drive from Expo City Dubai and about 22-25 kilometres (35-45 minutes by car) from Downtown Dubai.
The community enjoys direct access to major arteries including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Emirates Road (E611), offering swift commutes to Abu Dhabi via E311 and enhanced intra-Dubai connectivity through E611.
Residents have multiple public transportation options at their disposal. The Expo City Dubai Metro Station (formerly Expo 2020 Station) is accessible via a 15–20-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride (Route F55), while RTA bus services operate from the Dubai World Central (DWC) stop, a 9-minute drive from the community.
The proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport makes international travel effortless. Additionally, ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are readily available throughout Emaar South, ensuring seamless mobility for all residents.
Travel times to key locations include:
- Al Maktoum International Airport: 15–20 minutes by car
- Expo City Dubai: 10–15 minutes by car
- Dubai Marina: 25–30 minutes by car
- Palm Jumeirah: 25–30 minutes by car (28.5 km via E311)
- Downtown Dubai: 35-40 minutes by car (22 km via E311)
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): 45–50 minutes by car (60–61 km via E311 and E66)
- Abu Dhabi City centre: 75 minutes by car (117–118 km via E11 and E22)
Key infrastructure investments, which will further enhance Emaar South’s long-term value proposition, include:
- The AED 128 billion (USD 35 billion) expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, with first phase completion scheduled for 2032
- The AED 1.2 billion Road and Transport Authority (RTA) road network enhancement connecting the area to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road
- The planned Route 2020 Metro extension that will eventually link the area to Dubai’s broader public transportation network
- The Etihad Rail project, which will establish a freight and passenger connection to Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE rail network
These infrastructure investments not only improve accessibility but also enhance the area’s desirability for both residents and businesses, supporting strong capital appreciation prospects for early investors.
Modern family living at Golf Links, Emaar South: sleek villas with covered garages, landscaped verges and tree-lined sidewalks designed for comfort and style.
Property Types and Real Estate Options
- Emaar South provides a wide selection of residential options catering to various lifestyles and investment needs, featuring 22,700+ housing units, which include more than 15,000 apartments and over 7,700 independent villas and townhouses spread across different sub-communities.
- Golf Links showcases elegant standalone villas (2,800-3,800 sq. ft) with panoramic golf course views and premium finishes. Perfect for families seeking space and luxury.
- Parkside villas in the Expo Golf development offer even more generous living spaces ranging from 1,482-3,091 sq. ft for 3-4 bedroom units. These homes feature direct access to community greenways and stunning golf vistas—ideal for those who value outdoor living.
- Golf Views apartments provide practical, well-designed spaces starting at 657 sq.ft. With rentals from AED 48,000 annually and purchase prices beginning at AED 813,888 for studios, they offer an accessible entry point for first-time buyers or investors.
- Urbana town homes blend affordability with space, featuring 2-bedroom units from 1,159 sq.ft and 3-bedroom options up to 3,370 sq.ft. Available in both tiered and standard designs, these homes appeal to young families and professionals wanting more space than an apartment without the price tag of a villa.
Residential Prices and Rental Yields
The rental market in Emaar South shows exceptionally strong demand, driven by professionals working in the Dubai South district and families seeking value without compromising on quality. Dubai South experienced rental increases of up to 30% in 2024, making it one of the highest-performing rental markets in Dubai. Rental yields remain highly attractive compared to more established communities, with average yields of 7.4% for apartments and strong performance across all property types, offering investors a compelling income-generating opportunity while benefiting from capital appreciation.
For entry-level investors, Golf Views apartments at AED 1,025,000 for studios with current market data showing 1-bedroom units renting from AED 60,000-75,000 annually. This accessible price point provides an excellent starting opportunity with strong yields of 6.5%-7.5%.
Family-sized options include the prestigious Golf Links villas (3-5 bedrooms). Current market data shows 3-bedroom villas at AED 4.7-5.3 million to 4-bedroom units at AED 5.0-6.0 million. These properties combine lifestyle benefits with steady appreciation potential and rental yields of 4.2%-5.1%.
The popular Urbana townhouses bridge the gap between apartments and villas, starting at AED 1.6-1.7 million for 2-bedroom units (1,159 sq.ft), while spacious 3-bedroom configurations (up to 3,370 sq.ft) reach AED 2.2-2.55 million. With current rental yields at 5.45%, Urbana properties offer excellent value and entry points at AED 1.6 million reflect the area’s strong appreciation.
Whether you’re seeking maximum yield from apartments (6.5%-7.5% for Golf Views) or long-term appreciation from villas (4.2%-5.1% for Golf Links), Emaar South’s diverse price points cater to various investment strategies. Urbana townhouse pricing reflects the area’s strong appreciation, with entry points now at AED 1.6 million, demonstrating the robust market performance and sustained investor confidence in Dubai South’s growth trajectory
Residential Sub-Communities
Emaar South offers a diverse range of property types catering to different lifestyle needs and investment budgets:
Golf Links Villas:
- Unit Types: 3–5BR standalone villas (2,804–3,842 sq.ft).
- Price Range: AED 2.6M (3BR) to AED 4.65M (5BR).
- Features: Golf course views, private gardens, gated security.
- Rental Yield: 4.2%–5.1% (3BR villas).
Expo Golf Villas (Parkside & Greenview):
- Unit Types: 3–4BR villas (1,482-3,091 sq. ft).
- Price Range: AED 1,469,888-AED 3.5M
- Features: Proximity to Expo City Dubai, tiered designs, adjacent to linear parks and green spaces.
- Price/Sq. Ft: AED 1,190-1,381.
Golf Views Apartments:
- Unit Types: 1–4BR apartments (657–2,602 sq. ft).
- Rentals: From AED 48,000/year (1BR).
- Sale Prices: AED 813,888 (1BR) to AED 2.8M (penthouse).
- Features: Golf course views, private gardens
- Rental Yield: 6.5%–7.5%.
Urbana Townhouses:
- Unit Types: 2–3BR townhouses (1,157-3,370 sq ft).
- Price Range: AED 1.44M – AED 2.15M
- 2-bedroom units: AED 1,435,000 – AED 1,675,000 (1,159-2,073 sq ft)
- 3-bedroom units: AED 1,850,000 – AED 2,150,000 (2,160-3,208 sq ft)
- Features: Tiered layouts, Parkside locations, private gardens
- Rental yield: 5.45% (competitive for villa-type properties)
- Price appreciation: 29.55% increase over 1-year period
Greenspoint Townhouses:
- Property Type: 3 & 4-bedroom townhouses only
- Size Range: 2,434 – 2,737 sq. ft
- Price Range: AED 3,360,000 – AED 4,360,888
- Total Units: 196 townhouses in four-plex design
- Handover: Q1 2029
- Features: Gated community, private gardens, golf course views, family-oriented design
Golf Edge Apartments & Townhouses:
- Property Type: 1-3 bedroom apartments + 3-bedroom townhouses
- Apartment Size Range: 796 – 2,987 sq. ft
- Price Range: AED 1,170,000 – AED 2,950,000
- Total Units: 179 apartments + 5 townhouses
- Handover: Q1 2029
- Features: Golf course views, infinity pools, yoga decks, premium clubhouse access
Enjoy weekend strolls through the central park of Golf Links, where manicured lawns, shaded walkways and sleek villa façades create a serene community oasis.
Life in Emaar South
Emaar South offers residents a balanced lifestyle that combines tranquillity with convenience. The community’s design emphasises open green spaces throughout the development, with significant land area dedicated to landscaping, parks, and the 18-hole golf course. This creates a refreshing suburban atmosphere that contrasts with the more urban environments found in central Dubai districts.
Designed for modern family living, Emaar South exemplifies a vibrant residential ecosystem with its extensive network of 25 neighbourhood parks, jogging tracks, and cycling paths. The community offers diverse living options for residents seeking freedom and flexibility in their lifestyle choices.
Popular Sub-areas and Communities
Within Emaar South, several sub-communities have developed distinct characters, for example:
- Golf Links: Featuring 4–5BR premium villas overlooking the golf course, this area attracts golf enthusiasts and families seeking spacious accommodations with scenic views.
- Urbana: Offering 2–3BR tiered townhouses, this sector appeals to young professionals and small families prioritizing community amenities like parks and swimming pools.
- Parkside: Characterised by 3–4BR villas adjacent to linear parks and greenways, this area attracts families due to its proximity to GEMS Founder School and abundant green spaces.
Educational and Healthcare Facilities
Establishing a thorough support system for families, Emaar South integrates premier educational and healthcare facilities within its masterplan. Healthcare options include the Saudi German Clinic South Village, located within Emaar South, and Al Maktoum Airport Clinic, accessible within 17 minutes by car. For advanced care, NMC Royal Hospital is a 20-minute drive, offering state-of-the-art facilities.
Educational facilities currently include GEMS Founders School in Dubai South (opened August 2024 for FS1–Year 8 students), with plans to expand to a full K-12 curriculum as the community matures. Dove Green Private School, which provides the National Curriculum for England, is approximately 23 minutes away in Dubai Investment Park.
Shopping and Dining Destinations
The areas commercial real estate component integrates 53,000 sq.m. of retail space, anchored by operational hubs like South Village Mall and upcoming mixed-use zones in Fairway Villas 3, which will house co-working spaces and logistics offices to serve professionals in the Dubai South employment corridor.
Beyond educational and medical conveniences, Emaar South also presents residents with diverse retail and culinary experiences. The community mall, South Village, spans 22,000 sq. m., featuring essential retailers like Geant Express for daily shopping needs. The strategic proximity to Ibn Battuta Mall, 24–25 minutes away by car, offers access to many more outlets and dining venues.
South Central Kitchen Bar & Terrace, located 5 minutes from the community, delivers diverse dining options, while Golos Italia Restaurant provides authentic Italian cuisine within a 14-minute drive. Convenience stores like Zoom Supermarket, situated 7 minutes away, cater to immediate shopping needs.
The blend of local cafeterias, restaurants, and retail outlets guarantees residents enjoy both convenience and variety in their shopping and dining experiences, enhancing the community’s appeal as a self-sufficient residential destination.
Lifestyle Amenities
The development’s emphasis on green spaces and outdoor activities creates an environment where residents can embrace an active lifestyle. This thoughtful integration of essential facilities and recreational spaces positions Emaar South as a self-contained community that caters to modern living requirements.
The community features comprehensive lifestyle amenities including:
- 18-hole championship golf course with clubhouse facilities
- Swimming pools across sub-communities (e.g., Urbana, Golf Views)
- Tennis courts in Urbana and Golf Links
- Fitness centres with modern equipment
- Children’s play areas and splash pads
- South Village Mall with supermarkets, pharmacies, and services
- Cafés and restaurants (e.g., South Central Kitchen Bar & Terrace) with outdoor seating
- Mosques and prayer rooms integrated into community design
- 16 km of walking/jogging tracks through landscaped parks
- Dog-friendly parks with designated pet play zones
The relative tranquillity compared to Dubai’s busier districts appeals particularly to families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle while maintaining access to the city’s broader offerings.
Emaar South Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Competitive property prices compared to central Dubai communities, with strong ROI potential averaging 5.18-5.45% rental yields (outperforming Dubai’s 4.87% average) and 25-30% capital appreciation since 2020. | Limited public transportation, with two bus stops nearby (Dubai World Central Staff Village & Freight House) and metro access 17 minutes away at UAE Exchange Metro Station. |
Higher rental yields for property type: 5.18% for apartments, 5.45% for Urbana townhouses, 4.61% for Golf Links villas – competitive for villa communities and superior to established Dubai areas. | Ongoing development of retail and community amenities with 53,000 sq m retail space planned, though basic facilities like Zoom Supermarket and South Village are operational. |
Master-planned community with 22,700 residential units, 20+ community parks, 18-hole championship golf course, and integrated infrastructure across 10 residential complexes. | Distance from central Dubai, requiring 25-30 minutes to Dubai Marina and 35-40 minutes to Downtown Dubai, though strategic location near Al Maktoum Airport (15-20 minutes) and Expo City (12-15 minutes). |
Abundance of outdoor facilities, including 25 neighbourhood parks, cycling trails, sports courts, and 480,000 sq. m of open space promoting healthy lifestyle. | Maturing retail/dining scene with 53,000 sq. m retail space under development, though operational facilities include cafes, supermarkets, and dining options. |
Family-focused environment with schools, healthcare facilities, and playgrounds within self-contained community designed for over 1 million residents. | Commute times of 20+ minutes to major business hubs like Dubai Marina, though excellent highway connectivity via E311 and E611 provides efficient access. |
Strong growth potential tied to Dubai South’s economic zone, AED 128 billion Al Maktoum Airport expansion, and proximity to Expo City – properties appreciated 25-30% since 2020. | Active construction in newer phases with multiple off-plan projects (handovers 2025-2029), though phased development minimizes impact on existing residents. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Emaar South a good investment compared to other Dubai communities?
Emaar South offers a compelling combination of lower entry prices (starting at AED 450,000 for apartments), strong rental yields (7–9%), and exceptional capital appreciation potential (15-20% appreciation since 2021 with an additional 15-20% growth expected) due to its strategic location within Dubai’s southern growth corridor near Al Maktoum Airport and Expo City Dubai.
What educational options are available for families with children?
Nearby educational options include GEMS Founders School (Dubai South) opened, offering the British curriculum for FS1–Year 8, with plans to expand to K-12; the Dove Green Private School (23 minutes, National Curriculum for England) and South View School (27 minutes, British curriculum). Ranches Primary School (29 minutes) provides primary education in a nurturing environment.
How is healthcare access in Emaar South?
What is the security situation in Emaar South?
Emaar South employs 24/7 security with gated residential clusters, patrols, and CCTV in common areas. Dubai’s low crime rate (ranked 7th safest globally in 2024) further ensures resident safety.
What is the security situation in Emaar South?
Emaar South employs 24/7 security with gated residential clusters, patrols, and CCTV in common areas. Dubai’s low crime rate (ranked 7th safest globally in 2024) further ensures resident safety.
