New launchTilal Binghatti
FromAED 4,200,000New launch
Academic CityArea guide · Free zone, Dubai
Off-plan in this areaFreehold
From AED4,200,000
Projects1 tracked
Developers1
Prices verified with developers · No consultation fee
- Projects
- 1From 1 developer
- Entry price
- AED 4.2MTilal Binghatti
- Ownership
- FreeholdAll nationalities
- Emirate
- DubaiFree zone
Academic City, in brief.
An education free zone of 27 universities and 27,500 students, where homes let per bed as student accommodation, with a Blue Line Metro station due in 2029.
What is Academic City?
Dubai International Academic City is an education free zone on the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66), next to Dubai Silicon Oasis, holding 27 colleges and universities and more than 27,500 students. Its housing is led by purpose-built student accommodation let per bed at roughly AED 3,500 to 4,200 a month, and it becomes the terminus of the Dubai Metro Blue Line on 9 September 2029.
What off-plan costs in Academic City today.
One project is open for sale in Academic City, from Binghatti Developers's current price list. It offers townhouses and villas.
Lowest entryAED 4.2M
4 bed, Tilal Binghatti
Entry AED / sq ft1,514
Developer figures
One project you can buy into now.
Every figure below comes from the developer. Pick a project for its full analysis, or ask us for today's unit list for it.
New launchNew launches in Academic City are added here once verified with the developer.Get today's unit lists
How Academic City compares.
Three other Dubai areas buyers weigh against Academic City, chosen by distance, using the projects we track in each.
| Area |  This areaAcademic City |  Dubai Silicon Oasis |  Dubailand |  Ras Al Khor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Free zone | Free zone | District | District |
| Lowest tracked entry | AED 4,200,000 | AED 1,280,000 | AED 677,670 | AED 1,724,383 |
| Projects tracked | 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
| Handovers | — | 2028 | 2026 – 2029 | 2026 |
| Guide | You're here | Dubai Silicon Oasis → | Dubailand → | Ras Al Khor → |
Questions buyers ask about Academic City.
Where is Dubai Academic City?
Dubai International Academic City is in the Al Rowaiyah area of Dubai, on the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) just east of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Dubai Silicon Oasis adjoins it to the west, with International City and Mirdif to the north. Downtown Dubai is about 25 minutes by car, DXB about 20 minutes, and Dubai Marina and DWC about 40 minutes each.
When does the Academic City metro station open?
The Roads and Transport Authority has set 9 September 2029 for the completion of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, and Academic City is its terminus. The line connects with the Red Line at Centrepoint and the Green Line at Creek.
Is Academic City a good property investment?
It suits investors who want student housing as an asset class. The residential stock is led by purpose-built student accommodation let per bed at roughly AED 3,500 to 4,200 a month, with a renewing tenant base of more than 27,500 students and a Blue Line station arriving in 2029.
What rental yield does Academic City offer?
New schemes in and around the zone are priced from about AED 3.5m to AED 4.2m with projected gross yields of 6% to 7%, based on comparable communities. Nearby International City trades at 8% to 10% gross and Dubailand Residence Complex at 8% to 9%.
How many students are in Dubai International Academic City?
More than 27,500, from over 150 nationalities, across 27 colleges and universities and three innovation centres offering more than 500 academic programmes. The student body grew about 15% in the year to January 2026.
Which universities are in Academic City?
They include American University in Dubai, American University in the Emirates, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, the British University in Dubai, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai and Murdoch University Dubai, among 27 institutions in total.
Is Academic City freehold?
Academic City and the surrounding zones are designated freehold, so foreign nationals can hold full ownership. That is a Dubai rule and does not carry to other emirates: Sharjah, for example, applies ownership rules project by project.
Want an Academic City shortlist?
Tell us your budget and what the home is for. We check live availability with each developer and send the options that fit.
- Share your budgetAnd whether it's to live in, let or hold
- We check with BinghattiLive units, floors, views and prices
- You reserve directBooking and SPA are with the developer
No consultation fee · You book directly with the developer