All about Arabian Ranches: The community of communities

Arabian Ranches Dubai, better known as “The Ranches”, is one of Emaar’s original master planned communities, offering a well-balanced mix of villas, townhouses and a strong sense of community living. The community is made up of Arabian Ranches 1, 2 & 3, each spanning across a distinct area.

With a wide variety of options available, navigating The Ranches can be both exciting and overwhelming for buyers and renters alike. We’ve put together this easy guide to help you get to know the different communities, the lifestyle perks and what makes each one special. Read on to find the missing piece to your perfect move.

What is the difference between Arabian Ranches 1 and 2 and 3?

Launched in 2004, Arabian Ranches 1 quickly became a favourite among families and investors, leading to the launch of Arabian Ranches 2 in 2012 and the most recent addition, Arabian Ranches 3, in 2019. While each phase has its own identity, all three are equally sought after for their lifestyle appeal and community feel.

When Arabian Ranches 1 first hit the market over 20 years ago, it stirred up a bit of controversy, thanks to its then remote location, distinctive design and the bold move of being one of Dubai’s first freehold communities, opening the door for expatriates to own land and property in the city.
 

Arabian Ranches 1

The first of The Ranches communities, Arabian Ranches 1 is a self contained, gated development by Emaar that set the benchmark for family living in Dubai. This established neighbourhood is made up of 29 distinct sub-communities, including popular enclaves like Aseel, Mirador and Saheel, each offering a unique blend of architecture, landscaping and lifestyle. The community is conveniently located off Sheikh Zayed Road and just minutes from Al Qudra Road, giving residents easy access to some of Dubai’s most important destinations.

You can get lakeside charm at Al Reem 1 Arabian Ranches, Spanish-style townhouses in Palmera 1 Arabian Ranches and a centrally located home when choosing to live in Alma Arabian Ranches near the retail centre. With green spaces, pet friendly parks, golf, equestrian facilities and excellent connectivity, Arabian Ranches 1 continues to attract long term residents and investors alike.
 

Arabian Ranches 2

The second phase of Arabian Ranches, Arabian Ranches 2 is the smallest in terms of total units, but it certainly doesn’t fall short on charm or lifestyle appeal. Offering desert themed suburban living, the community is made up of thoughtfully designed villas and townhouses, making it a great option for families and investors alike. As a freehold area, it also presents strong investment potential, with steady demand from both end users and rental seekers. Plus, its location near the leisure hotspots of Dubailand adds to its appeal as a well-rounded, lifestyle focused neighbourhood.
 

Arabian Ranches 3

The newest addition to the Arabian Ranches collection, Arabian Ranches 3 is currently under construction, with handovers expected to begin in 2027 and some units anticipated as early as 2026. While many phases have already sold out, there are still opportunities to buy in, as early investors from the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage are now reselling units in the pre-handover market. For buyers looking to secure a spot in this upcoming master community, now’s a great time to get your foot in the door.

While Emaar remains the master developer of Arabian Ranches 3, it has introduced a mix of branded projects and unique clusters to bring fresh energy to the community. These include designer villas by Elie Saab, larger independent homes in Caya and June and Santorini-style townhouses in Bliss, each offering a modern twist on family living. Though it’s the newest of the three, Arabian Ranches 3 is still the most affordable entry point into The Ranches. 

Is Arabian Ranches a good place to live?

Arabian Ranches is often seen as the blueprint for family living in Dubai and for being the community that helped shape the way suburban life looks and feels across the city. Its success has inspired a wave of similar master planned neighbourhoods across the city. Families are drawn here not just for schooling and safety, but for the everyday lifestyle that feels anything but ordinary. What can top weekend horse riding lessons, a quick nine holes before brunch and having the space for your kids to cycle around freely? This is community life with a bit more soul and a lot more space.
 

Arabian Ranches Golf Club

The Arabian Ranches Golf Club in Dubai is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course located within Arabian Ranches 1, close to the Alma and Saheel sub-communities, where many homes overlook the fairways. Opened in 2004, it’s a central lifestyle feature for residents whether they play golf or simply enjoy the green views and relaxed atmosphere. There’s a Spanish-style clubhouse that includes dining options and event spaces, making it a social hub for the wider community.
 

Arabian Ranches schools

Known as one of Dubai’s most popular family friendly areas, Arabian Ranches is ideally located near a range of highly regarded schools. Within Phase 1, residents have access to JESS Arabian Ranches, which follows the British curriculum. Ranches 2 is home to Ranches Primary School, also offering British curriculum education in a nurturing environment. Just a short drive away, families can also reach GEMS Metropole School in Motor City, making school runs simple and convenient.