Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cultures and expats from around the globe dream of settling in the capital. Before relocating to the emirate, the first step is to find a house in a decent community. With so many areas to live in Abu Dhabi as an expat, finalising one can be overwhelming.
To avoid the hustle, we have curated a list of top areas for expats. Whether you are searching for an apartment, villa or penthouse, our list has options for everyone. Without any further ado, let’s explore these areas.
List of Best Areas to Live in Abu Dhabi as an Expat
Expats relocating to Abu Dhabi prioritise areas that offer a blend of convenience, a decent lifestyle and competitive costs. Abu Dhabi caters to every need and boasts diverse property options, from studio apartments to spacious villas.
To facilitate the choice, we have created a list of the five best areas to live in Abu Dhabi as an expat. Note that all these areas are freehold, permitting foreign ownership. Let’s dive into the list and find out more.
Disclaimer: Property prices are taken from Property Finder’s last twelve months’ listing data.
1. Al Reem Island
Are you on the hunt for a waterfront lifestyle in the capital? Al Reem Island is one of the best areas to live in Abu Dhabi as an expat. This natural island is near Abu Dhabi’s north-eastern coast and residents can travel to other parts of the city via two connected bridges.
It is on our list due to the range of amenities in this area. From shopping at Waitrose supermarket to dining options and schools, it is ideal for couples and families. Moreover, sale and rental apartments in Al Reem Island offer mesmerising waterfront views, increasing the value of this area.
Location
Off the northern-eastern coast of Abu Dhabi
Apartment Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| Studio | AED 50k | AED 604k |
| 1-bedroom | AED 60k | AED 898k |
| 2-bedroom | AED 93k | AED 1.52M |
| 3-bedroom | AED 139k | AED 2.14M |
| 4-bedroom | AED 232k | AED 4.03M |
| 5-bedroom | AED 371k | AED 5.15M |
Villa Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| 2-bedroom | AED 104k | AED 2.19M |
| 3-bedroom | AED 192k | AED 3.37M |
| 4-bedroom | AED 235k | AED 3.99M |
| 5-bedroom | AED 262k | AED 11.75M |
| 6-bedroom | – | AED 15.57M |
| 7-bedroom | – | AED 18.39M |
Nearby Communities
- Al Nahyan: 13 minutes drive
- Muroor: 14 minutes drive
- Al Manhal: 14 minutes drive
- Al Mushrif: 18 minutes drive
- Al Bateen: 20 minutes drive
Nearby Attractions
- Prison Island Abu Dhabi: 10 minutes drive
- Mangrove Marine National Park: 12 minutes drive
- Qasr Al Hosn: 18 minutes drive
- Emirates Heritage Village: 24 minutes drive
- The Founder’s Memorial: 24 minutes drive
2. Yas Island
Do you love a vibrant lifestyle near the heart of the capital? Yas Island is a hotspot for expat families looking for a luxurious lifestyle. It is an ideal leisure destination with attractions like a beach, theme parks, and dining options. Moreover, this area has Yas Mall, making shopping quick and hassle-free.
Yas Island is known for its prime location near the city centre, conveniently accessible via bus and private transport. Yas Express bus stops and the Abu Dhabi bus station are popular choices for cost-effective commuting.
Location
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway Road
Apartment Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| Studio | AED 71k | AED 844k |
| 1-bedroom | AED 87k | AED 1.43M |
| 2-bedroom | AED 146k | AED 2.25M |
| 3-bedroom | AED 210k | AED 3.43M |
| 4-bedroom | AED 216k | AED 3.77M |
| 5-bedroom | – | AED 4.99M |
Villa Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| 2-bedroom | AED 151k | AED 2.3M |
| 3-bedroom | AED 234k | AED 2.37M |
| 4-bedroom | AED 263k | AED 6.27M |
| 5-bedroom | AED 353k | AED 8.69M |
| 6-bedroom | AED 550k | AED 12.47M |
| 7-bedroom | – | AED 12.8M |
Nearby Communities
- Al Reef: 12 minutes drive
- Masdar City: 18 minutes drive
- Al Shawamekh: 21 minutes drive
- Khalifa City: 22 minutes drive
Nearby Attractions
- Bin Safwan Beach: 12 minutes drive
- Masdar City Central Park: 17 minutes drive
- Al Maqta’a Fort: 26 minutes drive
- Al Qana: 29 minutes drive
3. Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island is the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi and houses various attractions like Manarat Al Saadiyat and The Louvre Abu Dhabi. Sale and rental apartments in Saadiyat Island come in various configurations, ranging from studio to 4-bed. Additionally, expats can consider villas, penthouses, and duplexes for an elegant lifestyle.
The best part? Residential units offer stunning vistas of the Arabian Gulf. Moreover, the area is facilitated by amenities like schools, health centres, and supermarkets.
Location
Close to Downtown Abu Dhabi and Al Jubail Island
Apartment Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| Studio | AED 50k | AED 1.24M |
| 1-bedroom | AED 83k | AED 2.05M |
| 2-bedroom | AED 140k | AED 3.54M |
| 3-bedroom | AED 178k | AED 7.36M |
| 4-bedroom | AED 329k | AED 7.72M |
Villa Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| 3-bedroom | AED 412k | AED 9.73M |
| 4-bedroom | AED 457k | AED 8.59M |
| 5-bedroom | AED 672k | AED 13.05M |
| 6-bedroom | AED 1.17M | AED 22.71M |
| 7-bedroom | AED 1.68M | AED 54.96M |
| 7+ bedroom | – | AED 70.04M |
Nearby Communities
- Al Jubail Island: 22 minutes drive
- Yas Island: 25 minutes drive
Nearby Attractions
- Jubail Mangrove Park: 16 minutes drive
- Mangrove Marine National Park: 25 minutes drive
4. Al Reef
Looking for a suburban area with properties at competitive prices? Nothing stands a chance before Al Reef. It is one of the best areas for expats to live in Abu Dhabi because of its prime location and family-friendly lifestyle. This area has green spaces, sports courts, gyms, and nearby schools. Residents can access Deerfields Mall or Yas Mall for a retail fix.
Location
Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road
Apartment Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| Studio | AED 38k | AED 455k |
| 1-bedroom | AED 52k | AED 603k |
| 2-bedroom | AED 67k | AED 777k |
| 3-bedroom | AED 86k | AED 1.06M |
| 4-bedroom | AED 134k | AED 2.24M |
Villa Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| 2-bedroom | AED 82k | AED 1.35M |
| 3-bedroom | AED 105k | AED 1.68M |
| 4-bedroom | AED 136k | AED 2.35M |
| 5-bedroom | AED 154k | AED 2.67M |
Nearby Communities
- Al Shamkah: 10 minutes drive
- Masdar City: 15-minute drive
- Khalifa City: 15-minute drive
- Madinat Al Riyad: 20 minutes drive
Nearby Attractions
- Al Bahya Park: 10 minutes drive
- Ferrari World: 12 minutes drive
- Yas Marina Circuit: 16 minutes drive
- Masdar City Central Park: 17 minutes drive
5. Masdar City
Masdar City is an iconic project designed with sustainability in mind. This project utilises clean energy and recycled materials to reduce utility consumption. It is a mixed-use area with residential and commercial properties, making it ideal for expats to live and work in the same place. Expats can invest here easily as well due to the presence of a free zone.
Lifestyle is convenient in this area, with everything from schools to parks and supermarkets a short distance away.
Location
Next to Abu Dhabi International Airport
Apartment Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| Studio | AED 47k | AED 556k |
| 1-bedroom | AED 62k | AED 713k |
| 2-bedroom | AED 78k | AED 1.11M |
| 3-bedroom | AED 125k | AED 1.14M |
Villa Rental and Sale Prices
| Layout | Average Rental Price (Per Year) | Average Sale Price |
| 2-bedroom | – | AED 930k |
| 3-bedroom | – | AED 1.83M |
| 4-bedroom | – | AED 1.95M |
Nearby Communities
- Al Muneera: 8 minutes drive
- Al Dana: 10 minutes drive
- Al Raha Gardens: 10 minutes drive
- Al Zeina: 12 minutes drive
Nearby Attractions
- Warner Bros. World: 16 minutes drive
- Kidoos Entertainment: 17 minutes drive
- Fabyland: 17 minutes drive
- Emirates Park Zoo and Resort: 19 minutes drive
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 19 minutes drive
FAQs
The best areas to live in Abu Dhabi as an expat include Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, and Yas Island.
It depends on the expenses and the overall cost of living in Abu Dhabi. However, on average, the minimum salary for a decent lifestyle in Abu Dhabi for a single person is AED 15k.
That was all about the top areas to live in Abu Dhabi as an expat. Rent or buy your dream home and embrace a relaxed lifestyle with top-notch amenities in the capital. Start your property search with the listings of apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi.
For more area insights, stay connected with the Property Finder blog.
