Arabian Ranches, Dubai: Architecture, Design & Area Guide

Arabian Ranches is one of the most sought after areas for both expats and locals looking for either an investment property or their forever home, and it’s also one of the first suburban gated communities in Dubai.

As a leading architectural practice in Dubai and a reputable Arabian Ranches villa renovation company, we are often appointed by those looking to put their own stamp on properties in the area. We’ve created this guide to help you to understand a bit more about the neighbourhood, as well as exploring some of its architectural and design influences.

Arabian Ranches: overview

Arabian Ranches is part of Dubailand, a development designed and conceptualised in 2004 to offer a premium experience of residential life. The Ranches is a popular prospective property location for many different types of homeowners – from those scoping out the perfect setting for family life, to professionals hoping to be within easy reach of the city. 

Arabian Ranches 1, 2 and 3

Since construction work began, there have been 3 phases of the neighbourhood, and the third is set for completion in 2025. In total, the Ranches neighbourhood covers twice as much land as Central Park in New York City, stretching across a vast 1,650 acres. Within  each phase of the project, you’ll also find a series of sub-areas, including Hattan, Mirador. Saheel, and Savannah, 

Each phase is designed to target different kinds of homeowners; Arabian Ranches 1 caters to those seeking a classic, established suburban environment, Arabian Ranches 2 appeals to families looking for a blend of traditional and modern living, and Arabian Ranches 3 targets younger families and first-time buyers looking for contemporary living.

Arabian Ranches: the surroundings & living style

The community has been meticulously landscaped throughout, and you’ll find pristinely maintained leisure spaces nestled across the neighbourhood, including parks, swimming pools and picnic areas. 

The abundance of these communal, open-air leisure areas is a purposeful addition to encourage residents to make the most of their beautiful landscape around The Ranches. The principle of outdoor living is common throughout Dubai, and Arabian Ranches offers the perfect setting to sample it in. 

The Ranches is also one of the few pet-friendly residential areas of Dubai, and many homeowners take advantage of this fact – there’s no shortage of places to enjoy long walks with your four-legged friends. 

Properties in Arabian Ranches

Arabian Ranches is predominantly a townhouse and villa community, with over 4,000 properties currently in the neighbourhood, and there are currently 158 properties for sale in the area. 

You’ll find homes of all different sizes, from ample four-bedroom villas to luxurious three-story townhouse apartments, and prices range from 2,550,000 to 45,999,900 AED. There are also plenty of homes that present renovation opportunities, as well as dwellings that have already been refurbished by property developers. 

We have recently completed a full residential fit-out in Arabian Ranches, and our project breakdown will give you an understanding of the renovation potential that properties in the area can have.

Architectural styles in Arabian Ranches

The architectural blueprint for The Ranches has been heavily influenced by Arabian and Mediterranean design, though there are some examples of alternative, contemporary buildings developed in the neighbourhood. 

In terms of exterior architecture, many homes are constructed with stucco walls in shades of beige, white, and terracotta, with asymmetrical facades. The Arabian influence can be observed in homes that have put their own twist on traditional elements, taking features such as arches and domes, and giving them a modern update by using materials such as concrete, glass, and steel. 

Modern living is also a key concept in Arabian Ranches architecture, and many home designs have been crafted purposefully to add convenience and practicality to properties. Interior layouts can vary, from expansive open plan living areas, to homes that make use of physical boundaries to create zones for different uses. Homes that opt for open-plan layouts are less conventional in regards to Arabian tradition, as the culture dictated for spaces in the home to be defined and contained. 

Architecture has also served a purpose in helping to create spaces that blend the outdoors with interior spaces, and this also draws upon Arabian heritage; as many traditional Arabian homes were built around courtyards, where families would get together for meals and to socialise. 

Interior design trends in Arabian Ranches

The residents of Arabian Ranches include 124 different nationalities, so homes across the community have a real melting-pot of interior design palettes. Some spaces have been designed with Scandinavian-inspired, minimalist decor, and other homes opt for palettes, textures, and styles that embody the rich, vibrant, expressive nature of traditional Arabian culture. The interior design brief for our most recent villa renovation in Arabian Ranches gravitated towards contemporary styling, but we still managed to incorporate some nods to tradition throughout.

Invest in a stunning property in Arabian Ranches with us

Already got a property in the Arabian Ranches district of Dubai, or looking at villas on the market in the area? As trusted architects in Dubai, we are here to help you to design the space that you have envisioned through an Arabian Ranches villa refurbishment, with our project management, architecture, and interior design expertise. To start a project with us, enquire now or feel free to book a complimentary design consultation with our lead architect.