Watch out for property prices, rents in Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City
Last updated: June 12, 2025
Property prices in Dubai Silicon Oasis have already gone through a significant round of gains in the last 12 months. The Dubai Metro Blue Line will add to that.
Dubai: Property prices in and around Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Creek Harbour will be the center of attention as work progresses on Dubai’s newest expansion to its Metro network – the Blue Line.
Fact is Dubai Silicon Oasis’ apartment prices have already seen gains of 80% and even more between end 2022 and 2024. Just in the last 12 months, average price per square foot at DSO were higher by 50%.
Now, with the Blue Line – scheduled for opening in September of 2029 – DSO is in for another round of fast-track gains on the property side.
Future gains for Silicon Oasis
So, what are property buyers looking at when it comes to future growth at DSO?
“While Dubai Silicon Oasis may not consistently feature among the Top 5 areas in Dubai on transaction volumes or luxury price point, it is one of the city’s top-performing locations for rental returns,” said Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties.
“It also ranks among the Top 5 areas for investment yield on apartments, offering long-term value for investors focused on income-generating assets.”
The best part, property sources say, is that most of the areas that come under the Blue Line have already seen fairly extensive infra and real estate developments. Which makes it easier for property investors to plan on the ideal time to enter the market. Or exit for those existing property owners who want to get the most out of it.
So, ideally, existing apartment owners in DSO will be better off holding onto their assets – and wait for the Blue Line and 2029 to take care of the future growth. The Bayut portal lists a studio at DSO for Dh43,000 and going up to Dh57,000 for a one-bedroom unit. According to estate agents, most DSO buildings have limited vacancy levels.
Since the Blue Line announcement was initially made, ‘Many of the existing property investors in Silicon Oasis had shelved plans to sell,” said a broker. “Because they realize these homes, especially in the high-demand buildings, could appreciate more by 2030. They are prepared to wait.”
Blue Line expansion
It was this week that Dubai formally made the move with the Blue Line expansion for the Metro, stretching to 30 kilometers and covering 9 areas through 14 stations. The already established DSO will be an obvious beneficiary, but the gains from the new line will filter through to upscale locations such as Dubai Creek Harbour and Festival City.
Dubai Festival City will be another location that will have its own share of gains from the Metro’s Blue Line rollout.
The connection between Dubai Metro stations and upsides for property values near them has always been clear.
“Following the launch of the Metro’s Red and Green Lines in 2009, properties within walking distance of stations saw price gains of over 50% between Q1-2010 and Q1-2018,” said Syed.
“With the Blue Line under development, well-located assets along this corridor are forecast to outperform the broader market by up to 5% in capital value appreciation, as connectivity improves and investor focus shifts toward transit-linked zones.”
Dubai Creek Harbour
Now, the Emaar-backed Creek Harbour has built its reputation by being an emerging residential choice for higher income end-users and tenants – and offering a distinct ‘Downtown Dubai’ vibe. Current rental trends show a one-bedroom apartment listing for Dh100,000 and above, with a two-bed unit at Dh140,00 and thereabouts. Even here, the Metro expansion will work its wonders, say property market sources.
“For developers and investors, the Blue Line presents a clear opportunity to align with Dubai’s next wave of infrastructure-led growth…” – Farooq Syed
“The Blue Line is expected to act as a catalyst for several strategically positioned – but under-utilised – districts across Dubai,” said Syed. “Dubai Creek Harbour and Festival City stand to benefit most immediately supported by integrated masterplans, strong infrastructure, and direct connectivity to interchange stations.”
Along the Blue Line, housing options in Mirdif and Al Wara too should see ‘renewed’ interest. Options also open up in Academic City, while already well-established low- to-mid-income residential hub of International City will be another major gainer.
“Even industrial zones, such as Ras Al Khor, may begin to attract asset reconfiguration strategies as infrastructure unlocks new frameworks for land use,” said Syed.
Emaar’s angling for land in Ras Al Khor
Emaar recently confirmed it’s looking to nail down a land deal in Ras Al Khor, with DFM-listed Amlak being the seller. Property market sources add that Ras Al Khor offers significant real estate growth options, and the Blue Line is just what’s needed to speed up things.
