DAMAC Hills 2 and EMAAR South are Dubai’s most famous master-planned communities. These are developed by leading real property agencies DAMAC Properties and EMAAR Properties.
Both provide suburban living with the right of entry to facilities but have a few excellent differences that domestic customers, investors, and citizens should be privy to.
Here we will compare DAMAC Hills 2 vs EMAAR South across various factors like region, facilities, infrastructure, houses, faculties, way of life, and funding capability. Read on for an in-depth comparison that will help you determine which community may be more suitable for your wishes.
Overview Of DAMAC Hills 2
DAMAC Hills 2, previously known as Akoya Oxygen, is a huge master-planned community by DAMAC Properties. It is located among major highways –Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road (E77) and Al Ain – Dubai Highway (E66)
Spanning over 42 million square ft, it’s miles Dubai’s First residential project promoting green living and sustainability. The structure and landscaping aim to provide citizens with a healthful lifestyle via solar-powered homes, recycling, waste management, ample green areas, parks, and walkways.
As in step with the master plan DAMAC Hills 2 will house over 10,000 independent villas and townhouses. There can also be around 1,200 flats and more than 2,000 hotel rooms.
The community is designed to provide a convenient suburban experience with quick access to the rest of Dubai through adjoining foremost roads and highways. At the same time, it provides a tranquil environment surrounded by greenery and services for day-to-day wishes.
Overview Of EMAAR South
Like DAMAC Hills 2, EMAAR South is a freehold mixed-use community by EMAAR Properties. It covers approximately 7 million square meters.
Strategically located close to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 site, EMAAR South is predicted to be a modern-day, self-sufficient community catering to families, working specialists, and entrepreneurs.
The master plan consists of over 15,000 residences. The community will even have around 53,000 sq. meters of retail space, office buildings, and ‘EMAAR Square’ – a retail and enjoyment spot.
One of the flagship attractions includes an 18-hole championship golf course designed by way of expert golfer Ernie Els. The Golf course aims to offer a unique golfing experience with views of the Dubai skyline.
Like DAMAC Hills 2, EMAAR South additionally seeks to offer properly linked suburban living where citizens can access top amenities and facilities.
The Comparison Parameters
Location and Connectivity
Before assessing the specifics of the communities, let’s first compare their location and connectivity to the rest of Dubai.
Where Is DAMAC Hills 2 Located?
DAMAC Hills 2 enjoys a strategic location is located between Al Ain – Dubai Highway (E66) and Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road (E77), and is close to the Expo 2020 site. The community offers easy access via:
- Emirates Road (E611 highway)
- Al Ain Road (E66 highway)
- Al Qudra Road (D63)
By car, it takes approximately 30-35 minutes to reach Downtown Dubai , 25-30 minutes to reach Dubai Marina and around 30 minutes to the Mall of the Emirates or Burj Khalifa. The drive to Dubai International Airport takes half an hour.
In essence, DAMAC Hills 2 enjoys quick access to important sights and enterprise hubs way to adjoining highways. This strategic location appeals to home buyers who need a suburban ecosystem without being too long way from the city.
Where is Emaar South located?
Like DAMAC Hills 2, EMAAR South is located in the Dubai South community. It enjoys proximity and connectivity to major roads and highways. The project has direct access to:
- Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311)
- Emirates Road (E611)
The drive to Downtown Dubai takes around 25-30 minutes throughout non-peak hours. The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are approximately half an hour away. Dubai International Airport is a 20-25 minute drive.
The location appeals to specialists working around the airport or nearby commercial enterprise parks, permitting easy access to work combined with comfortable living.
Verdict: Regarding connectivity, both communities enjoy proximity and access to main highway networks. Both allow short transportation throughout Dubai.
Amenities: How Do DAMAC Hills 2 And EMAAR South Compare
Master-planned communities provide residents with ample amenities and facilities. Let’s see how DAMAC Hills 2 and Emaar South compare in terms of amenities on offer:
Amenities In DAMAC Hills 2
As in keeping with the master plan, Akoya Oxygen targets to have a range of services and sights inside the network along with:
- Shopping facilities with retail stores, restaurants, grocery shops
- Sports and amusement facilities like football grounds, tennis courts, cycling tracks
- Healthcare centers like standard clinics, pharmacy
- Parks and playgrounds for children to play
- Nurseries and colleges offer curriculums like British, American, IB etc.
- Mosques for offering prayers
While the community is still shaping up, some amenities already operational include:
Carrefour supermarket for groceries and daily needs
- Mediclinic Parkview Hospital – Multi-speciality medical centers
- CK Fitness Gym – Providing gym equipment, group classes etc.
- Al Tawon Restaurant– Offering multi-cuisine dishes
- Akoya Oxygen Community Centre – With eateries, nursery, gym, clinic
- Communal swimming pools, children play areas
- Pet-friendly zones such as parks and trails
Amenities in EMAAR South
Like its counterpart, EMAAR South also aims to be a comprehensive community with everything residents need onsite, including:
- EMAAR South – Upcoming retail and entertainment destination
- Dining options like cafes, restaurants, coffee shops
- Cricket academy, golf course, and other sports facilities
- Bicycle tracks around community
- Nurseries such as Greenfield Nursery
- Clinics and pharmacy
- Parks and play areas for kids
- Supermarkets for groceries and daily necessities
Some of the amenities already open include:
- EMAAR South Golf Course – 18-hole championship course
- Cycling tracks of 5 km for enthusiasts
- Cafes and retail outlets in the community center
- Spinneys Supermarket for grocery shopping
- The Els Club – Includes sports bar, outdoor grills, swimming pool
- Kids play areas in residential clusters
- Convenience stores and restaurants
So, while the community is still developing, some key highlights, like the golf course, retail center, cycling tracks, convenience shops, etc., are already operational for residents
Verdict: Regarding amenities, both EMAAR South and DAMAC Hills 2 are the same.
Infrastructure Comparison
Along with amenities, infrastructure like road networks and transportation links are important in any development. Let’s see how both communities fare when it comes to infrastructure
Properties: What’s Available in DAMAC Hills 2 vs Emaar South
The properties and accommodation choices are important considerations for potential residents and investors. Let’s see what both communities provide:
DAMAC Hills 2 Properties
DAMAC Hills 2 offers a diverse selection of apartments and villas:
Property Types:
- 1, 2, 3 BHK apartments
- 3, 4, 5 BHK townhouses
- 3, 4, 5, 6 BHK standalone villas
Popular Areas:
Popular locations include Vardon, Basswood, Albizia, and Amargo. As per the area’s masterplan, there are five leisure spots in DAMAC Hills 2: Motor Town, Water Town, Down Town, Equestrian Town, and Sports Town.
Key Details And Prices(AED)
| Type | Bedrooms | Price | Property | Bedrooms | Price | Type | Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartments | Studio | 414,000 | Townhouses | 3 | 1.2M | Villas | 3 |
| Apartments | 1 | 570,000 | Townhouses | 4 | 1.6M | Villas | 4 |
| Apartments | 2 | 799,000 | Townhouses | 5 | 2.3M | Villas | 5 |
| Apartments | 3 | 1,316,000 | Villas | 6 |
EMAAR South Properties
In EMAAR South, the following property types are available:
Property Types:
- Golf Ridge, Urbana, Green Views
Key Details And Prices(AED)
Type Bedrooms Price Type Bedrooms Price Type Bedrooms Price
Apartments 1 500k Townhouses 2 1M Villas 3 1.5M
Apartments 2 750k Townhouses 3 1.4M Villas 4 2.8M
Apartments 3 1.5M Townhouses 4 1.8M Villas 5 3.5M
Verdict: For apartment and villa buyers on a budget, DAMAC Hills 2 provides more affordable options. Emaar South caters to the mid to high-end segment with larger price tags. Both provide similar configurations like 1,2,3 bed apartments and 3,4,5 bed villas.
Investment Potential
As popular master-planned developments, both DAMAC Hills 2 and Emaar South hold promising prospects for real estate investors. But which offers better returns? Let’s analyze:
Returns in DAMAC Hills 2
Villas – With 3 bed villas starting at AED 1.3M, annual returns of 6-7% can be expected
Townhouses – Entry price around AED 1.2M for 3 bed allows yields of 6.5-7%
Apartments – 1 bed units start at AED 300k, giving returns of 7-8%
Factors like lower price points, upcoming amenities and surrounding off-plan projects make DAMAC Hills 2 a lucrative prospect with potential for capital growth and rental yields.
Returns in EMAAR South
Villas –With 3 bed villas starting at AED 1.5M, returns are upward of 5.2%
Townhouses – Entry price of AED 1M for 2 bed translates to yields of 5-5.6%
Apartments –1 bed units fetching AED 500k can generate 6.8% returns
While returns are slightly lower, Emaar South offers a more premium positioning for investors targeting mid to high-end rental demand. Its golf course and surrounding projects by Emaar provide stable growth prospects.
Verdict: For optimum returns, DAMAC Hills 2 clearly seems the better investment option right now owing to lower capital values and upcoming attractions. But Emaar South also appeals to investors looking at higher-end properties.
Schools And Universities Nearby
Easy access to education facilities like schools, colleges and universities is a key priority for families looking to reside in any community. Let’s see how DAMAC Hills 2 and Emaar South compare in this aspect:
Schools Near DAMAC Hills 2
As the community is still developing, many schools have opened within DAMAC Hills 2. The nearby options are in surrounding communities like:
- South View School
- Regent International School
- Greenfield International School
- JSS International School
- Jebel Ali School
Most of these schools offer curriculums like CBSE, IB, British, American.
Universities are further away. Nearest options include:
- Heriot-Watt University
- Zayed University
- The University of Dubai
- Schools near EMAAR South
Similar to DAMAC Hills 2, EMAAR South also has schools within the community currently. Nearby options in neighboring areas include:
- British Oak Montessori Nursery
- Chubby Cheeks Nursery
- Emirates British Nursery
- Gems International School
- Greenfield International School
- Dove Green Private School
Verdict: Both communities offer many schools and universities in the vicinity. Residents need to travel 10-20 minutes by car to access education facilities in nearby areas.
Healthcare Facilities Nearby
Along with schools, hospitals and healthcare facilities should also be easily accessible from any community. Here’s an overview of medical centers near both projects:
Medical Facilities Near DAMAC Hills 2
- Some hospitals and clinics near DAMAC Hills 2 include:
- Aster Clinic in Arabian Ranches (16 min)
- NMC Royal Hospital in Dubai Investments Park (26 min)
- Mediclinic Parkview Hospital at Umm Suqeim Road (22 min)
- Saudi German Hospital in Dubailand (35 min)
Medical Facilities Near EMAAR South:
Residents of EMAAR South have the following healthcare options nearby:
- Al Maktoum Airport Clinic
- NMC Royal Hospital, DIP (22 min)
- Mediclinic Meadows (32 min)
- Aster Clinic (30 min)
- Medcare Medical Centre (20 min)
Verdict: In terms of medical facilities, both areas are serviced by reputed hospitals and clinics at a 10-15 minute driving distance. Overall, both offer adequate healthcare access.
Lifestyle Amenities: Shopping, Dining And Leisure
Along with essential amenities, access to lifestyle facilities like malls, restaurants and leisure is also important. Here’s an overview:
Lifestyle Attractions Near DAMAC Hills 2
- Malls: Dubai Outlet Mall, Cityland Mall
- Restaurants: Taqado Mexican Chicken, Tuk Tuk Thai, Chuck E Cheese
- Leisure: Malibu Beach, IMG Worlds, Dubai Parks
- Golf: 30,000 sq. ft. the Trump World Golf Club Dubai
Lifestyle Attractions Near EMAAR South
Malls: Ibn Battuta Mall, City Centre Me’aisem
Restaurants: Starbucks, Hatam Restaurant, T.G.I Friday’s, Barbeque Delights
- Leisure: Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Parks, Dubai Miracle Garden.
Golf: EMAAR South Golf Course within community
Verdict: Both communities are strategically situated to provide quick access to malls, dining, leisure and entertainment hubs in Dubai via short drives.
Which Community is Better Overall?
What about property options and value picks? Does the project cater to mid-range buyers or luxury buyers?
DAMAC Hills 2 showcases typical Arabic architectural excellence across all residential offerings, whether plush 5-bed villas or cozy 2-bed apartments. Premium materials like Italian marble floors, German kitchen fittings, and Porcelanosa bathroom wares feature in homes.
Price tags, though, are relatively affordable, starting from AED 300,000 making it possible for new investors and mid-range buyers to step in. In high-yielding ROIs of 7-8%, DAMAC Hills 2 makes a strong value proposition.
On parallel lines, Emaar South too impresses with classy residential options like 2 to 4 bedroom townhouses within well-planned communities named Golf Views , Golf Links etc. Interiors reflect subtle European sensibilities with an emphasis on the natural environment.
Premium-class property prices are slightly steeper – upward of AED 800,000 minimum. But the premium is well justified considering the incomparable build quality and luxurious lifestyle!
DAMAC Hills 2 may be a catch for the price-conscious, but Emaar South remains peerless for sheer indulgence!
Top Projects
DAMAC Hills 2
Property Name Type Original Price
- DAMAC ELO 2 Apartments AED 577,000
- DAMAC Natura Townhouses AED 1,830,000
- DAMAC Evergreens Apartments AED 550,000
- DAMAC ELO Apartments AED 547,000
- DAMAC Park Greens Phase 2 Villas AED 2,890,000
- DAMAC Park Greens Villas AED 2,890,000
- DAMAC Camelia Villas Townhouses AED 1,300,000
- DAMAC Verona Townhouses AED 1,820,000
EMAAR South
Property Name Type Original Price
- EMAAR Fairway Villas 3 Villas AED 4,390,000
- EMAAR Fairway villas Villas AED 3,000,000
Conclusion
In short, EMAAR South is the more polished, premium suburb with quick access to the airport and Downtown Dubai. Meanwhile, DAMAC Hills 2 offers attractive value-for-money propositions, investment returns for budget buyers, and surrounding area growth prospects.
Evaluate your priorities as an end-user or investor, and make the best choice with your expectations. Both communities have their unique advantages that could appeal to different buyer segments.
