Skyward Living: Exploring the Different Types of Apartments in the UAE

As a prominent regional hub for tourists and expats, the UAE has a diverse real estate market comprising many different types of residential properties catering to the housing needs of its multicultural population. Additionally, as smaller and more affordable options, apartments are the most commonly available property type in the country. Given their unique architecture, different configurations and sizes, apartments in the UAE are further categorised into different types.

Whether buying or renting, apartment seekers need to learn about the different types of apartments in the UAE. Such information would help them make an informed choice. Here, we’ll discuss each of the UAE apartment types while learning more about their distinctive features.

Types of Apartments in the UAE 

From budget-friendly residential units to luxurious accommodations, the different types of residential apartments according to their specifications and sizes are mentioned below:

Studio Apartments

Studio apartments are compact living spaces designed to provide a comfortable and functional dwelling for individuals or couples. These self-contained units typically comprise a single open-concept room that combines the living, dining and sleeping areas. 

Despite their modest size, studio apartments offer several advantages, such as affordability, low maintenance and efficient use of space. People searching to buy studio apartments in Dubai or any other Emirate may find plenty of options in different neighbourhoods.

Common Features of a Studio Apartments

• Size: Studio apartments are among the most common types of flats in the UAE, typically ranging from 330 to 600 square feet and offering a cosy living environment. 
• Layout: The open layout maximizes space by eliminating interior walls and separate rooms, allowing for flexible furniture arrangements. 
• Kitchenette: Studio apartments usually feature a small kitchenette equipped with basic appliances like a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave and sink. 
• Storage: To make the most of the limited space, studio apartments often have built-in storage solutions like closets, shelving units or under-bed storage. Here are some more useful tips for arranging furniture in small spaces.
• Bathroom: A separate bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink is typically included, catering to all the basic needs. 
• Ample Natural Light: Studio apartments often offer a combination of open layouts and large windows, allowing abundant natural light in interiors.

Regular Apartments

Regular apartments are popular housing options designed to be more comfortable and spacious than studio apartments. These types of residential apartments in the UAE are usually classified according to their number of bedrooms, such as 1-bed, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments. 

Alongside bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom are also a part of the regular apartment setup. Whether buying apartments in Ras Al Khaimah or anywhere else, apartment seekers will find an impressive variety of options across the UAE. 

Common Features of Regular Apartments

• Variety of Sizes: These types of flats in the UAE can vary in size, ranging from 750 sq ft and going up to 6000 sq ft. However, the size factor depends on the number of bedrooms.
• Floor Plan: They typically feature a well-defined floor plan, with separate areas for sleeping, living, dining and cooking.
• Kitchen: A standard feature in regular apartments, the kitchen usually includes a sink, cabinets and space to install or keep appliances.
• Bathroom: Regular apartments have at least one bathroom, equipped with a toilet, sink and a shower or bathtub.
• Storage: Some apartments provide built-in closets or storage spaces to help residents organise their belongings. While deciding, take note of matters related to space and privacy, among other noteworthy pros and cons of living in apartments.

Penthouse Apartments

Perched on the topmost floors of high-rise buildings, penthouse apartments, simply known as penthouses, are lavish living spaces offering panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape or natural landscapes. Since they are technically built near rooftops, penthouses usually have spacious layouts and an abundance of natural light. Check out these pros and cons of living in a penthouse for a better understanding.

Common Features of a Penthouse

• Size: Penthouse apartments are among the most spacious UAE apartment types. They are typically larger than regular apartments. Generally, penthouses may go up to 5000 sq ft or even more in size with spacious floor plans. 
• Private Rooftop: One of the noteworthy features of penthouses in the UAE is their access to the exclusive rooftop space, which often includes a private terrace, swimming pool, garden and other types of outdoor amenities.
• Elevators with Private Foyers: Like luxury apartments, most penthouses are also exquisite and spacious dwellings where privacy is given due importance. Residents of penthouse apartments may also have access to elevators with private foyers.
• Unobstructed Views: Thanks to their elevated position, penthouses offer unobstructed vistas of the surrounding skyline, waterfront or cityscape. Panoramic views and more space are among the key factors to consider when comparing penthouses vs apartments to make an informed choice.

Serviced Apartments

Since Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle and tourism activities, serviced apartments are quite common and popular in the Emirate. Their presence greatly adds to the convenience of travellers and expats, alike. Moreover, with an added luxury factor and convenience, serviced apartments are further categorised as hotel apartments in the UAE.

However, people often confuse hotel apartments with holiday homes, which may not be the case. Here are some key differences between holiday homes and hotel apartments. 

Common Features of Hotel and Serviced Apartments

• Furnishings: Fully furnished residences with separate living, dining and sleeping areas.
• Outfitted Kitchens: Well-equipped kitchens with necessary appliances, cookware and utensils.
• Concierge Services: Services like housekeeping and concierge assistance are pretty common in both hotel and serviced apartments. 
• Easy Access to Amenities: Residents of hotels and serviced apartments may have access to swimming pools, fitness centres, spas and business centres.
• Facilities Exclusive to Hotel Apartments: Some of the following facilities may only be found in hotel apartments, such as interiors outfitted with top-grade materials, 24/7 front desk service, valet parking and round-the-clock access to WIFI, among other amenities.

Duplexes

The trend of duplex apartments in the UAE is also quite popular. Simply called a duplex, they are found in almost all the major Emirates across the country. One of the standout features of duplex apartments is that they are based on a two-story layout. This allows the residents to enjoy more privacy and space.

Common Features of Duplex Apartments

• Size: Duplex apartments typically feature a larger floor area, thanks to their split-level layout. These residential units provide ample space for living, dining and other household activities.
• Bedrooms: Duplex apartments often include multiple bedrooms, usually located on the upper level. However, it may depend on the design and layout of the property.
• Multiple Outdoor Spaces: Many duplex apartments may have multiple outdoor areas, including balconies, terraces or patios, depending on the available space and floor plan.
• Sunfilled Space: With larger windows often spread across multiple levels, duplex apartments enjoy an abundance of natural light throughout the day.

This marks the end of our guide on different types of apartments in the UAE. Please note that the features and specifications mentioned above may vary from project to project and their host locations. Different types of properties in the UAE may have different configurations based on the preferences of the dwellers, their whereabouts and local laws.

However, if you are on the fence about deciding whether to live in a house or an apartment, read here and make an informed decision.

For more informative pieces on different types of properties across the UAE, keep reading our real estate blogs.