What it's actually like
Damac Hills 2 (also known as Akoya Oxygen) is a large villa community in the far south of Dubai, built around a green belt concept with parks and open spaces throughout. The development is substantial — thousands of villas and townhouses — and the environment is pleasant and well-maintained. It's quiet, spacious, and significantly less dense than most Dubai communities.
The catch is the distance. Damac Hills 2 is far out. We're talking 30–40 minutes to central Dubai on a good day, longer during rush hour. This isn't just an inconvenience — over time, multiple people who have lived there report that the commute genuinely affects quality of life. Factor this seriously into your decision.
Rent prices
- 3-bedroom townhouse: AED 90,000–120,000/year
- 4-bedroom villa: AED 120,000–160,000/year
- 5-bedroom villa: AED 150,000–200,000/year
These are the cheapest villa prices you'll find in Dubai for a modern property. The savings versus Damac Lagoons are real — typically 20–30% less for comparable properties.
The commute reality
The distance to central Dubai is 30–40 minutes without traffic. During morning rush hour heading into the city, that can become 50–60 minutes. In the evening heading back, similar. If you're commuting five days a week, you're spending 2–2.5 hours in the car daily at peak times. People who have made this choice and work in central Dubai consistently say the commute was underestimated when they moved.
If you work remotely or have a flexible schedule that avoids rush hour, this changes the calculation significantly. Damac Hills 2 works much better for remote workers than for daily commuters.
Who it suits
- Remote workers or those with flexible working arrangements
- Families where one partner works locally and one commutes infrequently
- Those who prioritise space and budget above location
Honest verdict
Damac Hills 2 offers the most space for the least money in Dubai. If the commute works for your situation — particularly if you work remotely — it's a genuinely good option. If you're commuting daily into central Dubai, be honest with yourself about whether saving on rent is worth spending an extra 10+ hours per week in the car.