Dubai’s real estate market continued its boom into 2025, driven by a surge of both international and local buyers. In the first half of 2025 alone, Dubai attracted nearly 95,000 new investors (a 26% increase year‑on‑year). Policies like 10‑year Golden Visas and Dubai’s 0% income tax have further bolstered buyer confidence. Amid this city-wide upswing, Motor City, a motorsport-themed, family‑oriented suburb, is standing out as a high-potential submarket.
Once on the fringes of Dubailand, Motor City now offers comparatively affordable prices and strong yields, capturing steady demand from tenants and investors alike. In this guide, we will explain how all this, and more, can benefit you as an investor.
Location and Accessibility
Motor City is a master-planned community along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, just south of Dubai Sports City and Jumeirah Village Circle. Its strategic spot means very good connectivity to the rest of Dubai. Key access times include:
- 20–25 minutes to Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall) and Dubai Marina.
- 25–30 minutes to Dubai International Airport.
- Immediate proximity to major highways (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road).
- A planned Red Line Metro extension will add a Motor City station (expected by ~2030)
These transport links give Motor City a blend of suburban tranquillity and easy access to urban hubs. Residents can reach Dubai Marina, Media City, and other business zones via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in under half an hour.
Community and Lifestyle
Motor City is built around the Dubai Autodrome racetrack and other leisure attractions, yet it feels like a leafy residential enclave. As one report notes, the community “balances” a landmark motorsport facility with “tree-lined streets, schools, supermarkets, and plenty of families”. For example, First Avenue Mall (with shops and dining) is just 2 minutes away and the Autodrome itself is a 5‑minute drive. Nearby sports amenities include the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club (about 5 minutes off-road).
More broadly, Motor City offers a full range of family‑oriented amenities. Walking around the community, one finds nurseries, healthcare clinics, gyms, and outdoor parks integrated into the neighbourhood. Indeed, “schools, nurseries, medical facilities, cafés, restaurants, and shopping centres” are all within walking distance of most residents. This focus on infrastructure and green space, along with the thrill of living beside a racetrack, makes Motor City unique.
Market Performance & Key Trends (2024–2025)
Strong Price Growth Overtime
Mid-market areas in Dubai have seen double-digit annual gains. In fact, Motor City’s average flat values rose roughly 20–24% from early 2023 through March 2025. By 2025, typical sale prices in Motor City averaged about AED 1,500–1,550 per sq.ft. (for flats). To put this in perspective, a two‑bedroom flat in Motor City now averages around AED 1.5–1.85 million, significantly lower than similarly sized units in Dubai Marina or Downtown.
High Rental Yields
Motor City consistently delivers higher yields than prime Dubai districts. Current gross rental returns are generally in the 6–8% range for flats. Bayut data shows mid‑tier communities like Motor City have ROI above ~8.7%, reflecting this strong rental income. Smaller units (studios/1BRs) in new projects can push yields toward the upper end of that range. In short, investors can expect solid cash flow alongside price appreciation here.
Overall Stable Tenant Demand
The community’s family-friendly profile underpins reliable occupancy. Residents include long-term expats and Emirati families who value the schools, nurseries, and parks nearby. Professionals working in Media City, Business Bay, and JVC also commonly rent here for convenience. In Motor City, 100% occupancy rates are not unusual, thanks in part to this broad tenant base. Analysts note that a “balanced price-to-rent ratio” (affordable rents vs. purchase prices) makes the yield attractive.
Infrastructure Boost
New infrastructure is set to enhance Motor City’s appeal further. In the coming years, the Red Line metro extension will add a station near Motor City, directly linking it to Downtown Dubai and Expo City. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to complete this extension by around 2030. Improved transit access typically translates into higher property values. Combined with the community’s highway access, the metro will make commuting even easier, strengthening both demand and price growth over time.
About Sobha Orbis (Motor City)
Sobha Orbis is one of the most prominent new developments reshaping Motor City’s landscape. Developed by Sobha Realty, it consists of seven residential towers (1, 1.5 and 2-bedroom flats, with size range from 545 sq ft to 988 sq ft) slated for handover in 2027. The project’s design emphasises modern glass facades and resort‑style amenities, Zen gardens, swimming pools, fitness centres, BBQ areas, kids’ play zones and retail zones.
Flats are also finished to a high standard with Bosch kitchens and large panoramic windows overlooking the Autodrome.
Sobha Orbis offers a strong case for investors. Units start from AED 1,039,000 (approximately GBP 210,000), making entry relatively affordable by Dubai luxury standards. According to market reports, Sobha’s launches (including Orbis and the nearby Sobha Solis) are targeting rental yields of about 5-6% for investors.
Gulf Businesses confirms there is “consistent demand” for Sobha Orbis in Motor City, reflecting confidence in the brand’s quality and the area’s growth prospects.
Why Invest in Motor City in 2025?
Motor City combines several qualities that make it attractive to investors today:
Affordable Entry Price
Compared to central Dubai districts, Motor City homes are cheaper. A two-bedroom flat averages AED 1.5–1.85M, versus AED 3–4M+ in Dubai Marina or Downtown. This lower base means buyers can get more square footage and attract tenants at lower rents (boosting yields).
Strong Rental Returns
As noted, rental yields of 6–8% are typical. Some newer projects even aim for ~9% yields. In a tax-free environment, these returns compare very favourably with other investment classes.
Stable Tenant Base
The community is popular with families and professionals, who tend to stay longer. Good schools (GEMS Metropole, etc.), nurseries, and amenities ensure steady rental demand. In fact, occupancy is consistently high, giving investors confidence of ongoing income.
Improving Infrastructure
The upcoming metro station will link Motor City directly to downtown and Expo City. Better connectivity typically yields higher rents and capital values. Existing road networks already make Motor City an easy commute to key employment hubs (Media City, Dubai Internet City, etc.).
Investor-Friendly Environment
Dubai’s regulatory and fiscal setup is very supportive. There is no property or income tax on rentals, and buyers (especially in new projects) can obtain long-term Golden Visas. Such incentives continue to draw international and regional capital into Dubai’s real estate.
Lifestyle Appeal
Finally, Motor City offers a unique blend of urban lifestyle and suburban calm. Investors know it’s not just a cold financial play, it’s a liveable community that appeals to quality tenants. As one analyst puts it, Dubai’s mix of “lifestyle and legal certainty” has been a game-changer, attracting HNW buyers seeking stable, long-term investments.
Contact IP Global Today
At IP Global, we specialise in helping investors identify the most promising opportunities in markets like Motor City, Dubai. From market analysis to end-to-end guidance on financing, legal requirements, and long-term strategy, our team ensures your investment journey is easy and successful.
Whether you’re considering your first overseas property or expanding an existing portfolio, now is the time to explore Dubai’s market.
Contact us today to speak with one of our consultants and discover how IP Global can help you unlock the potential of Motor City, Dubai in 2025.
