Apartments with a Private Pool in Dubai: the Guide

It is the request that has exploded in recent years: not sharing the building's pool, but having your own, on your own balcony, with the skyline behind it. Dubai is one of the few cities in the world where developers build entire towers around this idea. Here is how it works, what it costs, and what to check before you book.

What a private pool in an apartment actually means

A 3-to-5-metre pool built into the balcony, separated from the drop by a glass wall. Big enough to cool off, swim a few strokes and spend evenings with your feet in the water; it is not a 20-metre lap pool. Residences like Park Views by Samana in Arjan made it their signature. The alternative — rarer and pricier — is a villa with a ground pool.

What it costs

As an order of magnitude, a one-bedroom with a private pool in Arjan books for around AED 600-900 per night in season (roughly $160-250), often less than a plain studio in Downtown at peak dates. Large family duplexes with pool and jacuzzi cost more, but remain very competitive against two hotel rooms.

Our private-pool apartments

• Samana Park Views 1BR — one bedroom, 77 sqm, private entrance, and the pool on the balcony. Built for a couple.
• Samana Park Views 2BR Duplex — 103 sqm over two floors, private pool AND jacuzzi on the balcony, plus three shared pools in the residence. The family format.

And if your priority is the view rather than exclusivity, our Binghatti Canal has a residence pool facing the Burj Khalifa — probably one of the most spectacular pool shots in the city — and the Urban Oasis by Missoni the only infinity pool in its part of Business Bay.

The questions to ask before booking (with us or anyone)

• Is the pool heated in winter, chilled in summer?
• Is it cleaned between stays? How often during the stay?
• Is the balcony safe for children (glass wall, height)?
• Is the apartment overlooked? Which floor is it on?

A serious host answers these four questions without dodging. On our listings the answers are on the page; on WhatsApp, it is Kevin or the team replying, not a call centre.