Dubai South or Meydan?
Side by side on published prices, yields, new developments and drive times.
Pictured: Azizi Venice by Azizi Developments
Where each one leads
Drawn only from published figures and the developments we list, each with its source.
Lower price per sq ft
Dubai South averages AED 1,599 per sq ft against AED 2,050 in Meydan, about 22% less (Property Finder, from registered transactions, 12 months to 12 November 2026).
Higher gross yield
Meydan shows a gross yield of 7.04% against 6.36% in Dubai South (Property Finder, from registered transactions, 12 months to 12 November 2026). Gross yield is before service charges and empty months.
Higher average rent
New tenancy contracts in Dubai South average AED 83,416 a year against AED 73,787 in Meydan (Property Finder, from registered tenancy contracts, 12 months to 12 November 2026).
Lower entry price
The lowest developer price we list in Dubai South is AED 758,000 at Azizi Venice, against AED 1,219,000 at Azizi Riviera in Meydan.
Side by side
| Measure | Dubai South | Meydan |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai |
| Tenure | Freehold | Freehold |
| Price per sq ft | AED 1,599Property Finder, 12 months to 12 November 2026, 14,741 sales | AED 2,050Property Finder, 12 months to 12 November 2026, 1,818 sales |
| Gross rental yield | 6.36%Property Finder, 12 months to 12 November 2026, 14,741 sales | 7.04%Property Finder, 12 months to 12 November 2026, 1,818 sales |
| Average annual rent | AED 83,416Property Finder, 12 months to 12 November 2026, 7,898 contracts | AED 73,787Property Finder, 12 months to 12 November 2026, 9,025 contracts |
| Developments we list | 1 | 6 |
| Lowest developer price | AED 758,000Azizi Venice | AED 1,219,000Azizi Riviera |
Each figure is shown as its publisher states it, with the period it covers. A row appears only where both areas have a figure. Property Finder’s figures are averages across home types, so they mix studios and large homes. Read 12 November 2026.
New developments in each
Meydan
- Azizi RivieraAzizi DevelopmentsAED 1,219,000
- Riviera BeachfrontAzizi DevelopmentsAED 1,258,500
- Everly PlaceEllington PropertiesAED 1,940,000
- Riviera RêveAzizi DevelopmentsAED 2,357,355
- KnightsbridgeLEOS DevelopmentsAED 7,940,000
- Knightsbridge 2LEOS DevelopmentsAED 13,800,000
What each area is like
Dubai South
The 145 sq km government-planned district around Al Maktoum International Airport, mixing logistics, aviation and free-zone land with residential communities. Low entry prices; the case rests on the airport's long expansion.
Who it suits
- Budget-conscious buyers who accept a long commute for a lower price
- People employed at the airport, in logistics or in the Dubai South free zone
- Patient investors taking a ten-year view on the airport relocation
- Families wanting a villa below the prices of established suburbs
In its favour
- 145 sq km planned district built around Al Maktoum International Airport
- AED 128 billion airport expansion approved in April 2024, planned for up to 260 million passengers a year
- Direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Emirates Road (E611)
Worth weighing
- Very large pipeline: Property Finder listed 144 new projects here in November 2026, most handing over between 2028 and 2030
- The airport expansion is a multi-decade programme, and passenger services at Al Maktoum International have so far been limited
Meydan
The large development zone around Meydan Racecourse, south of Downtown Dubai. Lagoon-side apartments, villas and dozens of new towers from many developers, with little public transport.
Who it suits
- Investors buying smaller apartments below Business Bay prices
- Families looking at villas near the city centre
- Buyers who drive and want quick access to Al Khail Road
- Those comfortable with a district still under construction
In its favour
- About 16 minutes by car from Burj Khalifa and 20 from Dubai International Airport (Bayut area guide)
- Direct access to Al Khail Road and Ras Al Khor Road
- Lower apartment entry prices than Downtown Dubai or Business Bay
Worth weighing
- Very large pipeline: 73 new and off-plan projects on Property Finder in November 2026, many from smaller developers whose delivery record needs checking one by one
- Limited public transport and no metro station in the area today
Dubai South or Meydan: quick answers
Is Dubai South or Meydan cheaper per square foot?
Dubai South is cheaper on the published figures: AED 1,599 per sq ft against AED 2,050 in Meydan (Property Finder, from registered transactions, 12 months to 12 November 2026). Averages move with the mix of homes sold, so compare like with like before relying on the gap.
Which has the higher rental yield, Dubai South or Meydan?
Meydan, on the published figures: a gross yield of 7.04% against 6.36% in Dubai South (Property Finder, from registered transactions, 12 months to 12 November 2026). Gross yield is before service charges, empty months and fees, so the net return is lower.
What is the average rent in Dubai South and Meydan?
New tenancy contracts average AED 83,416 a year in Dubai South and AED 73,787 in Meydan (Property Finder, from registered tenancy contracts, 12 months to 12 November 2026). Both averages mix small and large homes.
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai South and Meydan?
Dubai South is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Meydan is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Sales in Dubai are registered with the DLD.
Which new developments can I buy in Dubai South and Meydan?
In Dubai South: Azizi Venice from AED 758,000. In Meydan: Azizi Riviera from AED 1,219,000, Riviera Beachfront from AED 1,258,500, Everly Place from AED 1,940,000 and Riviera Rêve from AED 2,357,355.
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Not sure which area fits?
Tell us your budget, your timing and whether you will live there or let it, and we will set the two areas against each other for you.
- Current price list and availability, direct from the developer
- No fee to you on off-plan purchases: the developer pays us
- One salaried adviser, not on commission, from first call to handover
