International City: The Dubai city that offers the best of 'all' worlds

There are more than 387 buildings across International City with about 5,000 ground-floor retail units.

You don't necessarily have to catch a flight to go to China, Russia, France, Greece, England or Italy - just head down to International City and you'll find a melting pot of diverse cultures, foods, shops and a multinational community.
International City lives up to its name quite literally as it offers exactly that - an international experience. It has many different country-themed building clusters and offers cuisines from all over the world. And, not to forget, it's just a stone's throw away from Dragon Mart 1 and 2, the largest trading hub of Chinese products outside Mainland China. It's a place where you can spend your entire day at, though a map of the area is highly recommended if you're unfamiliar with the directions inside the mall.
Launched in 2002 by developer Nakheel, International City has become a popular residential choice among expats as it is well known for being affordable. Currently, rents for a one-bedroom apartment at the China Cluster, for example, range from Dh32,000 to Dh37,000 a year. A studio with a balcony is going for about Dh25,000.
An Indian resident who has lived and worked at the Russia Cluster for seven years now, Sooraj Nair said he's not surprised that many expats have been moving into the neighbourhood, as the area offers affordability, convenience and a variety of dining and retail options.
"Several families and individuals of various nationalities have relocated to International City over the years. From my point of view, there are several reasons for this progress. One of them - and the most important thing - is the expansion of the roads and recent opening of flyovers near Al Warsan," said Nair, who owns a media production studio at the Russia Cluster.
"These road network developments have really helped ease the traffic in and out of International City. Besides, there is a wide variety of cuisines available here, encouraging us to try mouthwatering international dishes. Shopping is also not a problem with Dragon Mart and The Pavilion Mall nearby."
There are more than 387 buildings across International City with about 5,000 ground-floor retail units.
Located near Academic City, the community is also a convenient choice for university students. A Nigerian student who moved to International City in 2015, Aisha Isa-Zailani, lends proof to the ease and accessibility the community offers.
"I go to a university in Academic City, which means International City is the best option for me. For a student like me, this community provides everything I need - there are restaurants, laundry shops, cafés, salons and supermarkets. So, I don't have to travel far to get what I need," she said.
"Also, the public bus network is very convenient for all the residents here who don't have a car. If I want to go anywhere in Dubai, there's a bus here that will get me there."
Isa-Zailani, however, did show concern about the rising rents in the area. She said she pays Dh47,000 for a one-bedroom. "I used to pay much less when I first moved here, but it's been going up. Maybe it's because the area is developing more and more and the construction work has decreased, so it has become a more popular place for everyone to live in."
Despite the increasing rents, she plans on staying in International City even after she graduates from university.
Must know
1-Convenient, accessible
Located near Academic City, the community is a convenient choice for university students. Roads have also been expanded and flyovers have been built to ease the traffic flow in and out of International City. Public buses are readily available for those who don't have cars.
2-A foodie's haven
The neighbourhood offers a wide variety of restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world. Residents and visitors get to try "authentic, mouthwatering" food from different cultures without  having to travel far.
3-Unique Leisure HUB
Besides having thousands of shops across the community, International City is just a stone's throw away from Dragon Mart 1 and 2, the largest trading hub of Chinese products outside Mainland China. For children and animal lovers, a visit to the nearby Dubai Safari, a new wildlife sanctuary, is also a must.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai