UAE residents are increasingly choosing neighbourhoods that match their varied lifestyles and family needs.
When Andrew Davidson relocated from Newcastle, UK, to Dubai in 2023 with his wife, Kayleigh, and their two daughters, Mila, 8, and Eze, 6, he knew what he wanted from his new neighbourhood.
“I wanted to live in a community that offered plenty of green space, good amenities, a safe environment for children, and a genuine neighbourhood feel rather than simply another residential development,” he says.
The family found what they were looking for in DAMAC Hills.
With its established landscaping, championship golf course and vibrant community, the development appealed to Davidson, a fitness enthusiast who enjoys spending time outdoors.
“There’s a really good balance between having plenty to do and being able to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle.”
Within a year, the family moved from their rented four-bedroom townhouse in Park Residence 4 into their own villa, which Kayleigh has since redesigned and renovated.
Their daily routines revolve around the facilities available within the community. Davidson enjoys walking, playing football and padel, while Kayleigh and the girls go horse-riding nearby. The children also attend a local school that they love.
At home, Davidson’s favourite place is the outdoor area, which features a pool, sauna and ice bath. “Living in Dubai, having your own outdoor area and somewhere to unwind makes a huge difference,” he says.
Living in a Dubai community also means experiencing festivals and celebrations from different cultures. Occasions such as Halloween and Diwali bring added excitement, creating opportunities for families to come together and for children to celebrate with friends close to home.
For Halloween, residents transform their homes into elaborate displays featuring everything from witches and ghouls to themes inspired by The Addams Family and Pirates of the Caribbean. DAMAC communities’ Halloween events also attract large crowds, offering a range of activities for families.
For some families, however, choosing a home is just as much about its layout as the amenities available nearby.
Ruchika Arya and her family visited several communities before settling on a four-bedroom townhouse in Greenwood, Park Residences, at DAMAC Hills.
“DAMAC Hills stood out because it ticked two of our main boxes: a downstairs bedroom for our parents, who visit us often, and a great community swimming pool for the kids,” she says.
The family purchased the Greenwood property in June 2024, when construction was around 85 per cent complete, and received the keys in May 2025. They then customised the home to suit their requirements, adding a sitting area for visiting parents and extending the living space with a bespoke pergola. The family moved in that October.
“From the time we purchased the property to the day we moved in, everything went pretty much as planned, and we were quite satisfied with the support we received from DAMAC throughout the process, even after the handover,” she says.
The home has since become a haven for Ruchika, her banker husband, Gagan Arya, their children, Avyan and Samiha, and their newest family member, Ollie, a three-month-old Shih-poo.
“The kids are in love with Malibu Bay, calling it their own private beach, while the dog park and cricket grounds give the community an unbeatable family vibe,” Ruchika says.
Room to play and connect
As residential communities expand, the needs of their residents evolve too. While parks, sports facilities and restaurants remain important, indoor recreational spaces are increasingly becoming part of the offering.
“Indoor play areas are now as vital as outdoor lagoons and sports facilities,” says Ahmad Turani, Founder and CEO of Mabany Holding.
Using insights from DAMAC, Turani identified an opportunity to introduce indoor entertainment in DAMAC Hills 2, where he subsequently launched MMS Play Area. The indoor facility caters to the growing neighbourhood, which comprises thousands of villas.
“About 90 per cent of our visitors are regular attendees, coming more than three times a week,” says Turani, who also operates two restaurants, Nay Oxygen and Oh Lala, in DAMAC Hills. “We are also in the final stages of discussions with DAMAC to renovate the entire area, introducing new, modern features, including role play and arts and crafts activities.”
Some families, meanwhile, are drawn to communities that offer an escape from the city’s pace, with green landscapes, scenic lagoons and a resort-style atmosphere.
Allen Livingston Roberts and his wife, Olivia, first discovered DAMAC Hills 2 through Roberts’ niece and her husband. Taken by the development, they purchased a row house in Cluster 14, Claret, in October 2021.
They received the keys in January 2022 and moved into their new home the following month with their children, Rachel and Reuben.
“I particularly enjoy the early winter mornings and evenings,” Roberts says. “The Indian Oak and Jasmine trees create a lovely atmosphere, filling the air with a subtle floral fragrance.”
The backyard has become one of his favourite places. “I love gardening and enjoy spending quiet mornings there, connecting with nature. Nurturing plants and seasonal flowers is both relaxing and rewarding.”
Roberts also values the combination of privacy and community interaction, with opportunities to join music groups and make use of nearby sports facilities.
“You can enjoy your privacy when you want it, while still having plenty of opportunities to connect.”
Davidson appreciates the same sense of belonging. He says the mix of nationalities and welcoming residents makes it easy to feel at home. “You regularly see residents out walking, exercising, spending time with their children, or enjoying the parks.”
His enthusiasm for the development has even led him to purchase another V4-type villa in DAMAC Hills. He has rented it out for now but plans to renovate it in the future.
“We absolutely love DAMAC Hills,” Davidson says.
