Pet-Friendly Lets

The most pet-friendly areas to rent across the UAE

To many of us, pets are family. They make us laugh, comfort us when we’re feeling down, and give us plenty of unconditional love. However, they do come with lots of responsibilities. You have to look after their diet and health and make sure they get enough exercise. For this, the place where you choose to live matters a great deal.

An area with ample parks and playing spaces for your furry friend to run around in, easy access to veterinary clinics and the highest-quality pet food delivery services would check all the right boxes for pet parents.

Finding such a place, however, isn’t always as easy as it sounds, especially in rental properties. To help you in this quest, we have analysed data from PropertyFinder to highlight the most pet-friendly living areas in Dubai and other cities across the UAE.

Pet-Friendly Lets Across the Emirates

As the UAE continues to grow into a global expat hub, the number of pet parents in the country is also increasing. According to a Global Media Insight report, approximately 88.52% of the UAE’s population are expats.

This, combined with the growing trend of remote work and changing attitudes towards pet ownership (where pets are treated more like family members), has prompted many landlords and property developers to adapt their policies to accommodate residents with furry companions.

Here is an overview of the total number of available rentals in each Emirate, along with the corresponding figures and percentages for pet-friendly options.

Emirate	Total Number of Rentals	Number of Rentals That Allow Pets	% of Rentals That Are Pet Friendly
Abu Dhabi	34437	16189	47.01%
Ras Al Khaimah	1731	795	45.93%
Sharjah	6001	2566	42.76%
Ajman	3182	1213	38.12%
Dubai	55827	19889	35.63%
Umm Al Quain	29	7	24.14%
Fujairah	85	19	22.35%

1. Abu Dhabi

Coming in on top is Abu Dhabi, the nation’s capital, with 16,189 pet-friendly rentals out of a total of 34,437 properties across the city. This accounts for a remarkable 47.01% of the available rentals. Here, you’ll find various options, from luxurious villas, townhouses and duplexes to cosy one-bedroom apartments.

Abu Dhabi is home to many public parks, restaurants and communities that are welcoming of your four-legged friends. Some of the most popular pet-friendly residential areas in Abu Dhabi include Al Reef, Reem Island, Zayed Sports City and Sas Al Nakhl Village.

These neighbourhoods have multiple amenities and services and provide access to many outdoor spaces perfect for walking your pets. Additionally, there are several pet shops around Abu Dhabi where owners can conveniently find the best supplies for their furry companions, most notably Pet’s Delight stores in Waitrose Khalifa City and Al Raha Gardens Plaza Khalifa City.

2. Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is another UAE city whose property market has opened its doors for pet owners. As of now, there are 1,731 available rentals in Ras Al Khaimah, with 795 being pet-friendly — this accounts for 45.93% of the total properties.

Dog parents will especially appreciate the launch of Ras Al-K9, a community-wide initiative that offers a range of activities to enjoy with their furry companions, from mountain treks and valley strolls to beach outings, desert explorations and overnight stays.

The Ras Al-K9 programme spans 25 establishments, including hotels, restaurants, outdoor parks and beaches throughout the emirate.

3. Sharjah

Sharjah is the second largest expat destination in the UAE, right after Dubai. As such, it also has a significant percentage of pet-friendly properties. Out of the total 6,001 rentals on PropertyFinder, 2,566 allow pets — that’s 42.76%. Al Nahda, Muwaileh and Al Taawun are some of the most accommodating residential areas for pet owners in Sharjah.

The Most Pet-Friendly Lets in Dubai

Whether you’re a doting dog owner or a feline fanatic, you’ll find that Dubai is a very pet-friendly city. While some neighbourhoods and buildings might be more accepting of your furry friend than others, it’s relatively easy to find a home that welcomes you both with open arms.

Here’s where you’re most likely to find a pet-friendly apartment across the city:

Dubai Areas	Total Number of Rentals	Number of Rentals That Allow Pets	% of Rentals That Are Pet Friendly
The Villa	67	45	67.16%
The Greens	170	101	59.41%
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)	3709	2168	58.45%
Motor City	103	58	56.31%
Meadows	158	87	55.06%
Meydan	905	483	53.37%
Al Furjan	668	350	52.40%
Reem	428	224	52.34%
Town Square	279	145	51.97%
Tilal Al Ghaf	1149	590	51.35%

1. The Villa

The Villa, a residential paradise in Dubailand, tops the list with 67.16% of its properties allowing pets. It offers a serene, luxurious lifestyle in a suburban setting, with plenty of landscaped courtyards, jogging tracks and lush green gardens for your furry friend to explore. Not to mention you have access to our Centro Mall store!

2. The Greens

The Greens is a favoured choice for pet-friendly living, particularly for dog owners. With amenities like expansive playgrounds, pedestrian-friendly routes, shaded walkways and beautiful lakes, it’s a hit among canine lovers. Currently, 59.41% of its rentals allow pets.

Among the top outdoor activities to experience with your furbaby in the Greens is a visit to the famous Greens Dog Park, located on Street 6, and the Arrows and Sparrows Dog Cafe, where you can savour a meal with them by your side.

3. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

JVC in Dubai is a haven for pet parents, offering green spaces, scenic walking trails, and charming parks. The community atmosphere is welcoming, and the area is affordable for families. Additionally, there are plenty of pet shops and veterinary clinics in the area to make sure your pet stays happy and healthy.

The lively community also arranges exclusive events and activities for pet owners, keeping everyone informed through the “Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) Pet Owners” Facebook group. With 58.45% of its rental properties allowing pets, JVC is undoubtedly one of the most pet-friendly areas in Dubai.

The Areas In Dubai With the Lowest Number of Pet Friendly Apartments

While Dubai is a generally welcoming city for pets, there are some areas where it can be more challenging to find a pet-friendly rental. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they should be ruled out for pet owners as they still have plenty to offer pet parents.

Here’s an overview of the areas in Dubai with the least availability of pet-friendly options:

Dubai Areas	Total Number of Rentals	Number of Rentals That Allow Pets	% of Rentals That Are Pet Friendly
Al Warsan	431	17	3.94%
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)	794	146	18.39%
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)	350	72	20.57%
The Lakes	58	12	20.69%
Barsha Heights	252	56	22.22%
Liwan	251	59	23.51%
Dubai Harbour	529	144	27.22%
Downtown Dubai	5792	1589	27.43%
Business Bay	3375	1006	29.81%
Culture Village	77	23	29.87%

1. Al Warsan

Al Warsan has a low percentage of pet-friendly properties (only 3.94%). However, the area is gradually undergoing significant developments in residential projects, with more affordable, spacious options that are ideal for pet owners popping up.

Warsan 3, specifically, is home to Al Warsan Pet Market, a Dubai Municipality project featuring four expansive complexes with over 80 pet shops, medical facilities, grooming centres and an animal hotel — basically, everything your beloved pet could ever need.

Across from the pet market, you’ll also find a large grassy area where your dog can have some leash-free fun.

2. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

DSO is quickly evolving into a multi-cultural residential area with plenty of options for young professionals and families. Currently, 18.39% of its properties allow pets, which means it’s making headway as a pet-friendly location in Dubai.

There’s already a branch of Pet’s Delight located in Cedre Villas Spinneys to cater to the needs of DSO’s growing community of pet owners.

As more residents move into DSO and demand for pet services, walking areas and play spaces increase, we can expect more rental options to open up for pet owners.

3. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubbed as the financial hub of Dubai, DIFC is predominantly a commercial district with high-rise buildings and luxury offices. It also has a vibrant residential community that offers modern, luxurious apartments and penthouses. Living in DIFC is especially practical for working professionals due to its proximity to areas like Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.

As far as pet-friendly living goes, DIFC has a lower percentage of available rentals at 20.57%. Still, this shouldn’t deter pet owners from considering DIFC as a potential home.

5 Things to Consider Before Picking a Place to Live With Your Pet

When looking for a rental property with your pet in the UAE, there are a few things you can do to make the house-hunting process simpler and show prospective landlords that you are a responsible pet parent and tenant. Here are our top tips:

1. Plan Ahead

The more time you give yourself, the better your chances of finding a home that is not just pet-friendly but also meets all your other requirements. Start your search at least six weeks before you plan to move, and try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to property type and location.

2. Build a Pet Resume

Providing your potential landlord with a lot of information about your pet is an excellent way to put their mind at ease and reassure them that you’re a responsible owner.

Some things to include are your pet’s medical details, such as their latest vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, as well as neutering and microchipping confirmation.

You can also share the contact information of your vet and a person who will look after your pet in case of an emergency. Additionally, If you’ve previously rented in the UAE, you can ask former landlords for references to attest to your pet’s good behaviour.

3. Introduce Your Pet

Seeing is believing, so if possible, arrange for your landlord to meet your pet. Dogs, particularly, can be a point of contention for some landlords because of the potential damage and noise they might cause.

If you’re comfortable with it, you can invite your landlord to visit your current home so they can observe firsthand how your furbaby interacts with strangers and how well-behaved they are.

4. Offer a Security Deposit

Some landlords may be more open to the idea of renting to pet owners if you offer them an additional security deposit. Showing willingness to cover the costs of any damage your pet causes, however unlikely it may be, will ensure your landlord feels more secure in renting to you.

5. Get It in Writing

Before signing the tenancy agreement, make sure you have your landlord’s permission to keep a pet on the property. Ask for an addendum to be added to the rental agreement, outlining exactly what is expected of you and your pet.

You should also ensure that any “No Pets” clauses are no longer included. Having this in writing will protect you from potential conflicts or misunderstandings with your landlord down the line.

Pet-Friendly Lets in Dubai - Total

It’s important to remember that property owners have the final say on whether or not to allow pets. For this reason, you must always have a candid conversation with your landlord about their rules and requirements regarding pets before moving in.

Additionally, you should familiarise yourself with the general guidelines and regulations for pet ownership in Dubai, including registering your pet with the Veterinary Services Section in Dubai Municipality, ensuring annual vaccinations at a veterinary clinic and only walking dogs in permitted areas.

Dubai Areas	Total Number of Rentals	Number of Rentals That Allow Pets	% of Rentals That Are Pet Friendly
The Villa	67	45	67.16%
The Greens	170	101	59.41%
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)	3709	2168	58.45%
Motor City	103	58	56.31%
Meadows	158	87	55.06%
Meydan	905	483	53.37%
Al Furjan	668	350	52.40%
Reem	428	224	52.34%
Town Square	279	145	51.97%
Tilal Al Ghaf	1149	590	51.35%
Arabian Ranches 3	1023	521	50.93%
International City	676	344	50.89%
Jumeirah Park	341	169	49.56%
The Views	201	99	49.25%
The Springs	546	262	47.99%
Dubai Festival City	53	25	47.17%
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)	967	450	46.54%
Arabian Ranches 2	448	207	46.21%
Dubai Hills Estate	1239	548	44.23%
Mudon	161	70	43.48%
Dubai Residence Complex	69	30	43.48%
Old Town	171	73	42.69%
Arjan	673	286	42.50%
Jumeirah Golf Estates	190	80	42.11%
Jumeirah	550	231	42.00%
Discovery Gardens	424	178	41.98%
Dubai Production City (IMPZ)	238	98	41.18%
Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT)	180	74	41.11%
Park Gate Residences	84	34	40.48%
Dubailand	664	267	40.21%
Al Barari	137	55	40.15%
Remraam	63	25	39.68%
Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City)	1218	482	39.57%
Dubai South	814	318	39.07%
Damac Hills	792	302	38.13%
Jumeirah Islands	95	35	36.84%
Palm Jumeirah	2184	796	36.45%
Dubai Investment Park (Dip)	158	57	36.08%
Dubai Sports City	514	185	35.99%
Dubai Science Park	53	19	35.85%
Dubai Creek Harbour	2260	769	34.03%
Bluewaters Island	372	126	33.87%
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)	1396	467	33.45%
Dubai Marina	4823	1573	32.61%
Arabian Ranches	268	87	32.46%
Culture Village	77	23	29.87%
Business Bay	3375	1006	29.81%
Downtown Dubai	5792	1589	27.43%
Dubai Harbour	529	144	27.22%
Liwan	251	59	23.51%
Barsha Heights	252	56	22.22%
The Lakes	58	12	20.69%
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)	350	72	20.57%
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)	794	146	18.39%
Al Warsan	431	17	3.94%

At Pet’s Delight, we’re a family-owned and operated boutique store with eight conveniently located branches in the heart of the UAE’s central communities to address the needs of pet lovers, wherever they are.

As pet parents and animal lovers ourselves, we put the well-being of your furry and feathered friends in mind when choosing products for our stores. As such, we offer best-in-class pet nutrition and the most extensive range of pet accessories, all at affordable prices.

Here are a few reasons why Pet’s Delight is the go-to destination for pet owners in the UAE:

Reliable online and on-site source of pet food, supplies and accessories.
Carefully curated product collection from high-quality, world-renowned brands.
A team of friendly pet care experts offering advice and support.
Timely delivery services for online orders are available across the UAE.

No matter where you decide to put down your roots, we’re always within reach to make sure you raise happy, healthy and delighted pets.

Methodology and Sources

We collected rental data from PropertyFinder, analysing the number of rental properties in each Emirate and also each area of Dubai.

We took the total number of rental properties and compared this to the number of rentals that are listed as 'pets allowed', and to normalise the number, we took a percentage.

We removed any areas with under 50 rental properties listed, including:

Dubai Waterfront
Al Khail Heights
Emirates Hills
Dubai Studio City
Mirdif Hills
Jumeirah Heights
The Sustainable City
Mirdif Tulip
Wadi Al Safa 2

All data correct as of 26/10/23

Nov 14