Welcome to Emirates Hills: A Local’s Guide to One of Dubai’s Most Iconic Neighborhoods
Emirates Hills isn’t just a gated community, it’s one of those places where you instantly feel the quiet. Wide leafy roads, palm-lined boulevards, and these incredible villas that really do all look different from one another. It’s peaceful but also polished, and the thing that stands out most is how private everything feels. You’ll pass a stretch of green, or a shimmering lake, or a driveway that looks like it belongs in California. And then just around the corner, there’s a local café where someone’s sitting outside with a laptop and a coffee.
This is a community where people settle for the long term. It’s made up of distinct sectors with names like Montgomerie Maisonettes, Sector E, Sector H, Sector W, and so on, but everyone simply refers to them by the letters. Each cluster has its own charm. Some are directly on the golf course with sweeping views over the fairways, while others wrap around tranquil lakes or have skyline views toward the Marina and JLT. If you enjoy a bit of seclusion, you’ll find plenty of corners here that feel tucked away and very private.
And the golf course is a major part of life here. Emirates Hills wraps around the Montgomerie Golf Club, which is beautiful by the way. You don’t even have to play to enjoy it. The club has a fantastic restaurant, Nineteen, which is perfect for a relaxed lunch or evening drinks. The course itself is managed by Address Hotels, so it’s always in top shape, and there’s a pro shop, teaching pros, and regular events for anyone who wants to get involved. You’ll often see residents going for evening walks along the golf paths too, it’s just part of the lifestyle.
Schools are very close by. Dubai International Academy is literally just outside the gates, and it’s one of the most established IB schools in the city. There’s also Emirates International School and Regent International School within a short drive, along with Jumeirah English Speaking School in nearby Arabian Ranches if you don’t mind a bit more of a morning commute. Nurseries like Raffles and Dovecote are nearby too, and they’re popular with families in this area.
Shopping is easy here. You’re just five minutes from Meadows Souk, which has a Waitrose, Starbucks, salons, and everyday essentials. The Springs Souk is another great option with more cafés and a cinema. For bigger shopping days, Dubai Marina Mall is about ten minutes away, and Mall of the Emirates is around fifteen. Everything is close without ever feeling too busy.
And then there’s public transport. Emirates Hills itself is very much a driving community, so most residents use cars or private drivers. But if you need a metro, the DMCC and Nakheel stations are not far off. Some people use Uber or Careem for quick access to the Marina or Downtown.
Healthcare is well covered. Mediclinic Meadows and Aster Clinic are right nearby for everyday needs. For hospitals, Al Zahra, Saudi German, and Mediclinic Parkview are all within a short drive, depending on which direction you’re coming from.
Cafés and restaurants around here tend to be understated but really good. Places like Baker & Spice, Café Bateel, and Jones the Grocer in the Lakes are great for coffee or casual meals. For something more refined, you can book dinner at Reform Social & Grill or The Farm in Al Barari, which is not too far and feels like a little getaway in itself.
For dog owners, the lawns and walking tracks around the lakes are perfect. There’s no formal dog park in Emirates Hills, but many residents treat the community paths like one big shared outdoor space. You’ll see dogs being walked early mornings or just before sunset, and everyone’s quite relaxed about it.
There’s also something to be said for how Emirates Hills feels at different times of day. Mornings are crisp and bright, with gardeners and joggers out and about. Afternoons are quiet. And evenings, especially as the lights come on across the golf course and skyline, feel quite magical. It’s the kind of place where you can entertain friends in your garden or just enjoy a peaceful cup of tea on the terrace.
If you’re considering a move into Emirates Hills, or even just curious about what it feels like to live here, we’d be more than happy to talk you through it. There’s no rush and no pressure. Just real conversations and honest advice, because that’s how we do things.