Inside a Dh250,000 Four-Bedroom Villa in Dubai's Umm Suqeim

Ana Elisa Seixas and her family have embraced the charm of 'old Dubai,' renting a four-bedroom villa in the Umm Suqeim neighbourhood for Dh250,000 annually. Despite a recent 70 per cent rent increase, the Portuguese marketing professional, along with her husband Catalin Marin, their eight-year-old son Ethan, and cat Gruffy, remain deeply attached to the community they have called home for seven years.

The family's home features four bedrooms, an office, a double garage, and a modernised closed kitchen. A private garden opens directly into a shared community green space where local children gather to play. The neighbourhood's appeal lies in its authentic architecture, proximity to Kite Beach, and a strong sense of community among diverse residents.

While rising rents and increasing traffic pose challenges, and many historic villas in the area are being replaced by modern townhouses, Ms Seixas and her family value their lifestyle here too much to leave. Although they have invested in Dubai real estate by purchasing a property in Arabian Ranches, they continue to rent out that investment so they can stay in their cherished Umm Suqeim villa.