Emirates Hills is one of Dubai's original freehold areas, designated for foreign ownership by Regulation No. 3 of 2006, and the one community in the city where an owner can design and build a villa from scratch around the Montgomerie Golf Course.
What sets Emirates Hills apart
Emirates Hills is unique in Dubai: owners may build their villa to their own architectural design, so residences range from Mediterranean-style villas to contemporary design builds, each with its own character.
The community is tightly secured, with gatehouse control, patrols and camera surveillance. Plots run from around 1,000 sqm to more than 5,000 sqm, with living space typically between 600 and 3,000 sqm; gardens are usually established, with mature planting and water features.
A tightly held market
Emirates Hills 1, 2 and 3 were among the original 23 sectors the Ruler named for foreign freehold ownership in Regulation No. 3 of 2006, alongside Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. No new plots have been released since, so what changes hands is always an existing villa or a rebuild.
Sales are infrequent by the standards of most Dubai communities, and a meaningful share happen through private networks, away from the public listings.
Location and accessibility
Emirates Hills sits centrally in New Dubai, directly off Sheikh Zayed Road, with Dubai Marina and Mall of the Emirates both a short drive away and Downtown Dubai and the airport reachable without leaving the main road network.
Its immediate neighbours are The Springs, The Meadows and The Lakes, quieter family communities that reinforce the area's green character. The Montgomerie Golf Course, 18 holes designed by Colin Montgomerie, forms the heart of the community.
International schools nearby include Emirates International School, Dubai British School, Regent International School and Jumeirah English Speaking School.
Building and renovating in Emirates Hills
Unlike other communities, in Emirates Hills you can build your own villa. The process runs: acquire a plot, or an existing villa you plan to demolish and rebuild; engage an architect to design within Emaar's guidelines; submit the design to Emaar for approval; then select a contractor and start construction, a project that typically runs well beyond a year.
Renovation is equally common. Many older villas are being modernised with new kitchens, bathrooms, home automation and more efficient cooling; the cost depends entirely on the scope, from a cosmetic refresh to a full rebuild.
Our team in Dubai for Emirates Hills
We have guided transactions in Emirates Hills for buyers who need a discreet, personal service.
We offer access to off-market listings, an independent valuation from a certified RICS valuer, legal due diligence including plot verification, supervision of a construction or renovation project, and coordination with interior designers. All communication stays confidential, since transactions at this level are rarely made public.