Are you seeking the best place to live in Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates? If so, then you are in luck, as this guide is tailored to showcase the top 10 residential communities. Not only that, but you will learn why these areas are among the top 10 picks, along with property prices and other distinguished features for each area.
- Al Maryah Island
- Al Raha Beach
- Saadiyat Island
- Yas Island
- Khalifa City
- Al Reem Island
- Al Khalidiya
- Masdar City
- Corniche Road
- Al Bateen
- FAQs
Best Place to Live in Abu Dhabi – Top 10 Picks
Many people wonder where to live in Abu Dhabi whether for individuals, couples, or families. Abu Dhabi is both a cultural and economic hub, combining the best of each emirate. Here, you will find a bustling and luxurious lifestyle as well as a comfortable and tranquil one. So, explore the top 10 residential areas in Abu Dhabi.
1. Al Maryah Island
First of all, one of the most luxurious residential communities in Abu Dhabi is the famous Al Maryah Island. This is a lavish waterfront community that offers the perfect combination of housing options, amenities, and entertainment venues. It offers a wide range of cosmopolitan apartments as well as sophisticated penthouses within its many residential towers. In addition to that, Al Maryah Island is the perfect family-friendly community if that is what you desire. Furthermore, it is worth noting that this ultra-lavish Island was developed by Mubadala. Thus ensuring the highest quality of living and comfort for its residents.
- Location: northeast of Abu Dhabi
- Features:
- Various amenities, including healthcare facilities such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
- The sophisticated Galleria Mall resides within it
- It is home to many shops, restaurants, cafes, schools and spas
- It combines a tranquil lifestyle with many fun nightlife activities for everyone
- Various apartment options with multiple bedrooms and amenities
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 182,000 – AED 186,000
- Penthouse rent prices: AED 438,000
- Apartment sale prices: AED 601,000 – AED 1,953,000
- Penthouse sale prices: AED 5,586,000 – AED 7,689,000
2. Al Raha Beach
Al Raha Beach is another waterfront residential community in Abu Dhabi that offers an upscale lifestyle. This community has three subcommunities, Al Bandar; which is perfect for bachelors and couples, Al Muneera and Al Zeina; which are tailored for big families. Furthermore, this area is one of the top places to live in Abu Dhabi for its various amenities and leisure facilities. This includes various supermarkets, schools, and most importantly, water sports destinations. Additionally, when it comes to living in Al Raha Beach, most people head to Al Raha Gardens. It is a community within this area, and it stretches for 665,000 square metres. Equally, the Gardens offer various properties as well as amenities and entertainment venues.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street
- Features:
- Easy transportation means from and to Al Raha Beach
- Various apartment options for sale and rent
- Features three schools: Raha International School, Al Yasmina Academy, and GEMS American Academy
- The area is home to Al Raha Shopping Centre
- It is a great destination for water sports like jet skiing and kayaking
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 49,000 – AED 261,000
- Villa rent prices: AED 294,000 – AED 329,000
- Apartment sale prices: AED 824,000 – AED 3,341,000
- Villa sale prices: AED 3,205,000 – AED 10,507,030
3. Saadiyat Island
Thirdly, Saadiyat Island is one of the most lavish living destinations in Abu Dhabi. The sophisticated communities within the island offer everything residents may need. Also, the properties are top-notch with breathtaking views to wake up to every morning. These properties vary between multi-bedroom apartments and private villas. Most importantly, the residents of Saadiyat Island can enjoy quick accessibility to various fun and sophisticated venues. This includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat. Lastly, make sure to explore the top Saadiyat Island residential projects, such as Jawaher Al Saadiyat and the Dunes Project.
- Location: between Zayed Port and Al Jubail Island
- Features:
- Home to various art museums such as the Louvre and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Zayed National Museum
- Luxurious apartments and villas are available for sale or rent
- Many nearby schools along with nurseries within the area
- It is a tourist hub, meaning many hotels and fun activities are within the area
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 46,000 – AED 329,000
- Villa rent prices: AED 370,000 – AED 1,620,000
- Apartment sale prices: AED 1,307,000 – AED 12,233,000
- Villa sale prices: AED 9,543,980 – AED 72,661,000
4. Yas Island
Moreover, the best place for a family to live in Abu Dhabi is Yas Island. First of all, the island has various residential options. This includes apartments, villas, and penthouses. All of these features include endless amenities to ensure comfortable living. So, if you are considering residing here with your family, you will be at peace of mind that all they need is accounted for. In addition to that, Yas Island is known to be a vibrant area with endless entertainment venues, shopping malls, and theme parks. In other words, the Islands combines the best of tranq.
- Location: near Airport Road, 15 minutes away from Zayed International Airport
- Features:
- Home to Yas Mall, one of the capital’s biggest shopping centres
- Home to various theme parks, such as Ferrari World, Sea World, and Warner Bros
- Many waterfront destinations and direct beach access
- Lavish properties to rent or buy
- Various schools within the area, like West Yas Academy and SABIS International School
- Many amenities, including clinics, pharmacies, and supermarkets
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 67,000 – AED 212,180
- Villa rent prices: AED 153,000 – AED 550,000
- Apartment sale prices: AED 809,000 – AED 3,513,330
- Villa sale prices: AED 2,111,000 – AED 8,003,100
5. Khalifa City
Another suburban haven in Abu Dhabi is Khalifa City, 25 kilometres away from the downtown. The area is popular among residents, especially those looking to rent apartments. In addition, Khalifa City used to be a part of a community that also included Shakhbout City and Zayed City. All of these three residential areas now feature amenities with easy accessibility to all of their residents. Moreover, the properties here are popular for being affordable, thus making it a perfect place to settle down for both families and individuals. Also, this is a well-serviced area, offering everything residents may need. This includes schools, nurseries, clinics, supermarkets, and more.
- Location: Al Qalayid Street, near Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street
- Features:
- Direct access to major highways such as Sheikh Zayed Road and the Abu Dhabi-Dubai Highway
- Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport
- The area offers a modern and tranquil lifestyle suitable for families
- Amenities and leisure facilities exist within the area
- The area consists of residential clusters
- Many green spaces and outdoor parks spread throughout the area
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 30,000 – AED 143,000
- Villa rent prices: AED 161,000 – AED 375,000
- Apartment sale prices: AED 658,000 – AED 2,040,000
- Villa sale prices: AED 1,774,000 – AED 6,654,000
6. Al Reem Island
Furthermore, if you are looking for the best places for expats to live in Abu Dhabi then you may want to consider Al Reem Island. First of all, Al Reem Island is an ultra-luxurious residential island that has endless housing options. This includes high-end apartments with breathtaking waterfront views, or upscale cosmopolitan villas and townhouses. Furthermore, there are various apartment towers and avenues within Al Reem Island. For instance, you should check out Hydra Avenue, Marina Square, or Najmat Abu Dhabi to rent or buy apartments there. Most importantly, Al Reem Island features endless entertainment venues suitable for individuals, couples and families. Also, it has many tracks as well as waterfront walkways.
- Location: off the north-eastern coast of Abu Dhabi
- Features:
- Home to various lavish residential towers with seafront views and many amenities
- Many entertainment venues such as Al Reem Park, Shams Boutique and Al Reem Mall
- A few schools and nurseries are within the area
- Easy accessibility via public means of transportation
- Many boardwalks, jogging tracks, and bicycle tracks
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 47,000 – AED 373,000
- Villa rent prices: AED 103,000 – AED 342,000
- Apartment sale prices: AED 585,000 – AED 5,872,000
- Villa sale prices: AED 2,031,000 – AED 18,740,000
7. Al Khalidiya
In addition, when it comes to the best areas to live in Abu Dhabi – Al Khalidiya is among the top choices. Mainly that is because it offers a plethora of affordable housing options with scenic and panoramic waterfront views. The diverse housing options here include apartments, villas, and penthouses. Also, all of the latter are surrounded by various amenities. Including supermarkets, fitness centres, schools, and nurseries. Which makes living here very easy and convenient for all. Not only that, but Al Khalidiya offers its residents many venues to unwind and have fun. Making it the perfect residential community in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
- Location: south of the Corniche and north of Al Bateen
- Features:
- Al Khalidiya offers a trendy and comfortable lifestyle
- The cultural diversity here includes locals and expats from different countries
- Many excellent restaurants and cafes are spread across Al Khalidiya
- The area is home to Al Khalidiya Park, Al Khalidiya Mall, and quick access to Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach
- Average Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 35,000 – AED 171,000
- Villa rent prices: AED 173,000 – AED 191,580
- Penthouse rent prices: AED 300,000
8. Masdar City
Another good place to live in Abu Dhabi is the sustainable and eco-friendly Masdar City. This city is a shining star amongst the UAE’s innovative residential developments. Living here is like taking a huge leap into the future and living an ultra-advanced lifestyle. Firstly, the buildings here feature an infrastructure designed to reduce water and energy consumption. Also, they rely on recycled materials to keep our planet safe and sustainable. Overall, the usage of clean energy here is truly impressive, to say the least. Thus increasing people’s desire to settle down here.
- Location: Khalifa City, southeast of Abu Dhabi
- Features:
- The area has various towers for residential and commercial purposes
- Buildings use recycled materials and are designed to save energy consumption
- Ryan School is one of the best schools in Masdar City
- Masdar City is home to the Doctors Medical Centre for excellent medical care
- For fun, residents can head to Masdar City Central Park or My City Centre Masdar
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 45,000 – AED 126,000
- Apartment sale prices: AED 520,000 – AED 1,148,450
- Villa sale prices: AED 991,000 – AED 1,020,730
9. Corniche Road
Moreover, living on Corniche Road Abu Dhabi comes with various perks. This includes easy access to many entertainment venues and direct beach access. If you do settle down here, you will get to enjoy renting a scooter every now and then and ride it across the Corniche’s boardwalk. Nevertheless, Corniche Road also offers exemplary amenities for its residents as well as various housing options. Keep in mind that the area is almost always bustling with tourists and visitors enjoy its leisure facilities.
- Location: Al Danah
- Features:
- The neighbourhoods are perfect for small families
- Many visitors and residents enjoy outdoor activities here
- Direct beach access is always available for swimming and fun water sports
- It is near the Founder’s Memorial, Emirates Palace, and Heritage Village
- Many hotels are located within the area for tourists or visiting family members
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 63,000 – AED 257,000
- Villa rent prices: AED 570,000
10. Al Bateen
Lastly, Al Bateen is one of the best Abu Dhabi places to live for various reasons. This community is filled with tree-lined boulevards, green luscious lawns, fountains, and a genuinely luxurious lifestyle. This community offers the most prestigious addresses in the city. It is made up of various lavish villas and apartment towers. All of which are serviced by top-notch amenities and surrounded by exciting entertainment venues. In short words, if you are looking for an upscale lifestyle in Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen is your best bet.
- Location: south of Abu Dhabi
- Features:
- Luxurious properties, including apartments and villas
- Emirates College of Technology resides within the area
- Many schools within the area such as the American Community School of Abu Dhabi
- Various fun destinations like Al Bateen Park and Al Bateen Mall
- Average property prices:
- Apartment rent prices: AED 35,000 – AED 173,000
- Villa rent prices: AED 259,000
Villa sale prices: AED 6,378,000
FAQs
Abu Dhabi is a family-friendly emirate that is perfect for everyone. It combines the calmness of other emirates with the vibrant lifestyle of Dubai in some of its communities.
Abu Dhabi is considered among the most expensive emirates to live in, but not as expensive as Dubai, for instance. According to Numbeo.com, a family of four would need about AED 12,040.
Yes, it is. Just like the rest of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi fosters a safe and secure environment for families to live in.
Saadiyat Island, Al Ghadeer, and Mussafah are considered relatively close to Dubai.
To wrap up, when it comes to finding the best place to live in Abu Dhabi – these 10 communities are just a handful. The United Arab Emirates capital still has various other great residential communities to explore. In addition, make sure to explore Abu Dhabi more with Property Finder’s blog.
