Dear Louise, I am going to Dubai in January 2012 for an internship of 5 months and I wanted to ask you where’s a proper place to live that is close to or has easy access to Jumeirah Lake Towers (where I will work) and doesn’t have high rental rates? Also my boyfriend wants to visit me, is that okay if I am living in my own rental apartment? What other advice would you give me, such as insurance and other practical things? Appreciate it a lot, many thanks!

Why don’t you actually live in the JLT area (Jumeirah Lake Towers). This is a great area with many apartment blocks offering accommodation starting from Dhs45,000 per year however many will do short term rentals ie serviced apartments. There are great services in this area and it is also on the metro line which will take you all around Dubai with direct links to Dubai Mall, Emirates Mall etc. It is also a short distance from the beach. If you put in Jumeirah Lake Towers in the search box in Expat Echo you will see lots of articles regarding shops, accommodation, nightlife etc in the JLT area.

Check out this link for our top tips on living in Dubai. I have also sent you the link regarding your boyfriend visiting you.

Check out our full listing of Serviced Apartments.