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Arabian Ranches: A neighbourhood where families feel at home

Living in Arabian Ranches may mean moving a bit farther from the city centre, but its 'self-sufficient neighbourhood' has everything your family needs.

Safe, friendly, and with lots of options  - seem to be the words synonymous with the gated Arabian Ranches community in Dubai.
Located within a 25-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, this area - split into Arabian Ranches and Arabian Ranches II - has become a popular settling place for families in the UAE, and it's easy to see why.
Housing about 12,380 residents (according to the latest figures of the Dubai Statistics Centre), it is a place where people never run out of things to do.
For those who love to stay active, Arabian Ranches boasts a walk-friendly neighbourhood with miles of walking trails that snake throughout the different communities within it. With two large lakes, basketball and tennis courts spread throughout, and a championship golf course to keep the adults amused, it really is a mini city of its own.
First launched in 2004 by Emaar Properties, the community is located a little farther out from the hustle and bustle of the city, along the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road, but just a stone's throw from the Global Village.
For British expat Rosie Muggleton, its position away from the busy downtown city life is what appeals to her most, along with options galore for her young family.
"It's a very safe, gated community with green spaces, great landscaping, play areas, cycleways, bus route, walkways and lakes."
She said the fact that it has plenty of dog-friendly walking options is a big bonus, too.
"Aside from the community pools and great access to main roads for quick routes to anywhere, (we also get) regular updates of news in the Ranches Community and social media pages. We have a smart fuel station, too." In December 2018, Dubai launched its first compact petrol station with the aim of catering to residential communities throughout the city, and Arabian Ranches played host to its pilot stage.
The first relocatable unit from Enoc has been up and running within the community for more than two months now and has been welcomed with open arms by residents.
With two pumps on-site with the capacity to fill 400 cars a day, many say it has taken the headache out of driving outside the neighbourhood to get gas.
"There is a larger fuel station just a few minutes down the road along the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road, but by the time you wait to fill up and drive back home, it's a 20 or 25-minute journey. This mini station within the community has been a great addition for us residents," Mike Finn told Khaleej Times.
Residents describe the area as a "self-sufficient neighbourhood" since - besides the petrol station - it also has two small shopping centres housing more than 55 retail and food shops. Security is a big drawing point for families, too.
"We have a smart police station at the Arabian Ranches Retail Centre plus security on-site, 24/7," Muggleton said.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com