Top Apartment Buildings in Dubai in 2025

Types of Apartment Buildings in Dubai

Contrary to what many people assume, Dubai offers a diverse range of apartment buildings, catering to various budgets, lifestyles, and requirements. Here is a brief list of the different kinds of apartment buildings you can find in Dubai:

Low-Rise & Mid-Rise Residential Buildings

These are the most popular options for people who are buying an apartment in Dubai. Popular in communities like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Arjan, and Al Furjan, these buildings typically range from 4 to 12 floors. They offer a more private, community-oriented feel, often with shared amenities like gyms, pools, and children’s play areas.

High-Rise Apartment Buildings

These areas are typically found in locations such as Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina. Often exceeding 20 floors, high-rise buildings offer stunning skyline or waterfront views, rooftop pools, and premium amenities. They tend to attract working professionals and international investors.

Serviced Apartment Buildings

These professionally managed buildings offer fully furnished units along with hotel-style services such as housekeeping, concierge, and laundry. Located in both freehold and hospitality areas, they appeal to short-term tenants, business travelers, and investors seeking hassle-free rental income.

Branded Residences

Developed in collaboration with luxury brands—such as Armani, Bvlgari, or Dorchester Collection—branded apartment buildings combine designer aesthetics, exclusive amenities, and high-end services. These residences cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking prestige and long-term value.

List of Top Apartment Buildings in Dubai

Amongst the many apartment buildings in Dubai, which are the highly sought-after ones? Here is a list to consider: 

Burj Khalifa – Downtown Dubai

Still the most iconic address in the city, Burj Khalifa offers unmatched prestige, panoramic views, and direct access to The Dubai Mall and Dubai Opera. Its residences attract high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusivity and long-term value.

Bluewaters Residences – Bluewaters Island

With its prime location off JBR and views of Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Residences combines beachfront living with urban accessibility. The spacious units, modern finishes, and vibrant lifestyle appeal to both end-users and investors.

Montage by KeyMavens – Al Jaddaf

A new entry in 2025, Montage blends innovative design with smart home tech and over 15 luxury wellness and lifestyle amenities. Located in Al Jaddaf near Dubai Creek, it offers both affordability and upside potential for long-term capital appreciation.

Opera Grand – Downtown Dubai

This Emaar-developed tower is part of the Opera District and offers large, luxurious apartments with stunning views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Ideal for both residents and investors seeking a Downtown address with consistent demand.

One Za’abeel – Trade Centre District

As one of Dubai's newest architectural icons, One Za’abeel features ultra-luxury residences suspended across “The Link,” the world’s longest inhabited skybridge. Its central location and branded amenities set a new standard for high-rise living.

Six Senses Residences – Dubai Marina

One of the tallest residential towers in the world, Six Senses Residences brings its wellness-centric philosophy to Dubai Marina. With half- and full-floor penthouses, rare materials, and longevity-enhancing tech, it’s designed for elite buyers seeking sustainable luxury.

Atlantis The Royal Residences – Palm Jumeirah

Part of the Atlantis resort brand, apartments at Atlantis The Royal Residences feature resort-style luxury and exclusive beachfront access. It's one of the most high-end offerings on the Palm, with record-breaking sales and rentals.

Address Sky View – Downtown Dubai

Managed by Address Hotels, this twin-tower development offers fully serviced apartments with hotel-style living, ideal for short-term lets or long-stay luxury. Its views, location, and brand add strong value retention.

Marina Gate – Dubai Marina

A three-tower development with striking architecture and premium facilities, Marina Gate consistently performs well for investors thanks to its location, finish quality, and appeal to expats and professionals.

Creekside 18 – Dubai Creek Harbour

Positioned as part of the future-forward Dubai Creek Harbour masterplan, Creekside 18 offers panoramic views, excellent layouts, and a more accessible price point while still delivering strong ROI as the community matures.

Cavalli Tower – Dubai Marina

Recently handed over in late 2025, Cavalli Tower offers ultra-luxury branded residences with interiors by Roberto Cavalli and panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah. The building includes private sky pools, bespoke concierge services, and a beach club, making it a standout for lifestyle-driven investors and end users.

Key Features to Look for in Dubai’s Apartment Buildings

When you visit a Dubai apartment building for sale or, there are certain features to keep an eye out. Understanding the key features to look for can help you decide your priorities and find the perfect building for you:

Security

Does the apartment building provide ample security features to ensure the safety of its residents? Look for elements such as CCTV surveillance, 24/7 security guards, and access control systems. A secure building not only enhances peace of mind but also increases a property's appeal to future tenants and buyers.

Amenities

Most apartment buildings in Dubai offer a range of amenities designed to enhance residents' lifestyles. In luxury communities, you might find spas, private cinemas, fitness centres, and sports facilities.

Other residential buildings may offer essentials like playgrounds, jogging tracks, and parking. Depending on your lifestyle or tenant profile, selecting an apartment building with the right combination of amenities can significantly impact your satisfaction and future returns.

Necessities

Is the apartment building conveniently located near key necessities such as grocery stores, hospitals, schools, and transportation hubs? If vibrant nightlife or proximity to major business districts is important to you, prioritize communities that offer these conveniences. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter environment, consider locations known for their greenery and privacy.

Maintenance

Evaluate whether the apartment building has been well-maintained. Look for signs of wear and tear, recent renovations, or ongoing maintenance programs. Poor building maintenance can lead to unexpected costs and lower rental appeal, impacting both your immediate expenses and long-term investment value.

Renting vs. Buying in an Apartment Building

Should you be buying an apartment building in Dubai or renting one? This is an important question posed by many. While evaluating both options, here are some factors to keep in mind: 

• Cost: While renting an apartment involves monthly bills and a security deposit, buying a property requires a down payment, maintenance, service charges, and other associated costs. Analyse the potential costs to understand what suits your finances. 

• Market Conditions: Market trends will have an impact on this decision. As of late 2025, Engel & Völkers has observed that more residents are exploring ownership as a long-term solution to rising rental costs. With apartment rents increasing by double digits in several key communities, owning an apartment has become a strategic hedge against future rent inflation.

• Flexibility: What are your long-term plans in Dubai? For those looking to stay in Dubai for a short period or those who like to move properties regularly, renting is likely to be the best option. But, for residents looking to establish long-term roots in Dubai, buying could be a shrewd move.

Can You Buy an Entire Apartment Building in Dubai?

Yes, you can. In fact, there are many real estate agents who can help you find Dubai apartment buildings for sale. 

While buying an entire apartment building would require a sizable investment, you can make significant returns from both high rental yields and capital appreciation. If you are buying an apartment building in one of Dubai’s prime or emerging districts, you could benefit from very high demand from tenants amidst Dubai's growing population.  

Conclusion: Finding the Right Apartment Building in Dubai

Dubai’s property market offers an impressive variety of opportunities—whether you're searching for a high-rise luxury residence, a serviced apartment, or an off-plan investment in an emerging area. Choosing the top apartment building comes down to aligning your goals—whether lifestyle-driven or investment-focused—with the right location, developer, and building features.

From icons like the Burj Khalifa and Bluewaters Residences to exciting new launches like Montage and Six Senses Dubai Marina, the city's top apartment buildings combine strong capital growth potential with world-class living standards.

If you’re considering buying an apartment—or even an entire apartment building—Engel & Völkers can help you make a confident, informed decision backed by market insight and global expertise.Get in touch with our experts today to find the best apartment building in Dubai that suits your needs.