Al Nabba is a lively neighbourhood in Sharjah that offers an affordable and convenient lifestyle. It has a mix of old and new, with a strong community feel and plenty of amenities nearby. The area is well-connected to the rest of the city, making it a great choice for families and professionals.
With diverse housing options and a vibrant atmosphere, living in Al Nabba, Sharjah, means having everything you need nearby. This guide will explore the pros and cons of Al Nabba to help you make a wise decision.
Living in Al Nabba – Overview
Al Nabba is among the best places to live in Sharjah, known for its central location and easy access to essential amenities. The area offers a variety of apartments, from studios to three-bedroom units, catering to different budgets and lifestyles.
Residents benefit from numerous popular supermarkets in Sharjah, convenience stores and pharmacies, which ensure daily necessities are within reach. The neighbourhood also features a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés, offering various cuisines to suit different tastes.
Families will appreciate the presence of several educational institutions nearby, making it a convenient choice for those with children.
Pros of Living in Al Nabba
The following are the advantages of living in Al Nabba.
1. Housing/Property Types
Al Nabba offers a range of affordable apartments, making it a great choice for many residents. Most buildings are mid-rise and provide a mix of older and modern designs. The area mainly has rental apartments, with options from studios to three-bedroom units.
Studio apartments are usually 28–46 square metres, while one-bedroom flats range from 60–100 sq metres. Two-bedroom apartments are 93–140 square metres and three-bedroom units can reach 185 sq m. Many flats have guest bathrooms and ensuite bedrooms; some even have balconies.
Residents can find both finished and semi-furnished options. Some buildings offer facilities like gyms, swimming pools and limited covered parking.
2. Strategic Location
Al Nabba is a well-established area known for its strategic location and proximity to key landmarks in Sharjah. Situated along the northern border of Khalid Lake in Al Majaz, it offers residents easy access to various parts of the city.
The neighbourhood is also home to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, one of the best museums in Sharjah. Additionally, Al Nabba’s location provides convenient access to major roads, facilitating smooth travel to neighbouring emirates like Ajman and Dubai.
The following are some of the top attractions near Al Nabba:
- Sharjah Art Museum: 4 minutes away
- Blue Souk: 5 minutes away
- Al Ittihad Park: 6 minutes away
- King Faisal Mosque: 7 minutes away
- Al Noor Island, Sharjah: 8 minutes away
- Sharjah International Airport: 20 minutes away
3. Public Transportation
Al Nabba offers several options for public transportation in Sharjah for residents:
Bus Services
The area is served by multiple bus routes, including:
- Route 8: Connects Rolla to Sahara Centre, with stops near Al Nabba.
- Route 3: Runs from Rolla to Muwailah Terminal, passing through areas close to Al Nabba.
- Intercity Routes: Buses like E303, E306, E307A and E400 provide connections to Dubai and other emirates.
Nearby Bus Stops
Key bus stops accessible to Al Nabba residents include:
- Juice World Bus Stop: Approximately a 15-minute walk from central Al Nabba.
- Rolla Square Bus Stop: Also about a 16-minute walk away.
Taxi Services
Taxis are readily available in the area, offering a convenient mode of transport for those preferring private travel. Here’s a complete guide for the RTA services in Sharjah for a better understanding.
4. Educational Institutions
Al Nabba is surrounded by some reputable schools and nurseries in Sharjah. Despite being a highly commercial area, the community has many schools in and nearby, attracting small families to reside.
The following are the schools and nurseries located in Al Nabba:
- Anand School: 3 minutes away
- Khalid Bin Mohamed School: 5 minutes away
- Al Islah Qasimiah School: 6 minutes away
- Al Aman Nursery – 6 minutes away
- Baby Land Nursery – 6 minutes away
- Emirates Private School – 7 minutes away
- Lincoln University of Business & Management – 8 minutes away
5. Healthcare Facilities
Al Nabba residents have access to several reputable healthcare facilities in Sharjah, which are located in the community and the surrounding area. For instance:
- Premier Medical Centre – 3 minutes away
- NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah – 3 minutes away
- Central Hospital Sharjah – 5 minutes away
- Zulekha Hospital Sharjah – 6 minutes away
- Saudi German Hospital Sharjah – 6 minutes away
- Burjeel Specialty Hospital – 7 minutes away
6. Lifestyle and Essential Amenities
One of the most significant advantages of living in Al Nabba is its amenities and vibrant lifestyle. You can enjoy the following amenities and facilities here:
Shopping
Al Nabba has many shopping centres and local markets nearby, making it easy for residents to shop. These malls offer everything from luxury brands to budget-friendly stores and various dining options. They also have entertainment like cinemas and arcade games, making them great for family outings.
Some of them include:
- Rolla Mall: 3 minutes away
- Al Ghuwair Market: 5 mniutes away
- Central Souk Sharjah: 6 minutes away
- Mega Mall: 12 minutes away
- Oasis Mall: 14 minutes away
- City Centre Sharjah: 15 minutes away
Restaurants and Cafes
There is an array of affordable restaurants and cafes around the vicinity. Since the population is primarily expats in Al Nabba, you will find many Pakistani and Indian restaurants in Sharjah. For instance:
- Golden Sand Restaurant LLC
- Coastal Delicacies
- Janata Restaurant: 3 minutes away
- Red Olive Restaurant: 3 minutes away
- Al Hujun Restaurant: 3 minutes away
- Nayaab Haandi: 4 minutes away
- Jesr Al Khan Restaurant: 4 minutes away
Supermarkets
Al Nabba has many supermarkets that sell fresh food, household items, electronics and clothing. Some have bakeries, delis and pharmacies for extra convenience. With affordable prices, discounts, parking and home delivery, shopping here is easy for residents.
The following supermarkets are near Al Nabba:
- LuLu Hypermarket
- Pakistan Supermarket
- K.K. Supermarket
- AL RUWAIS Supermarket: 5 minutes away
- Rukn Al Mashoor Supermarket: 5 minutes away
- Nesto Hypermarket: 7 minutes away
7. Leisure Activities/Nearby Attractions
Al Nabba in Sharjah offers residents a variety of leisure activities and is close to several notable attractions.
Parks and Recreation:
- Al Majaz Waterfront: Approximately an 8-minute drive from Al Nabba, this destination features a musical fountain, dining options and recreational facilities.
- Rolla Square Park: Only 5 minutes away, Rolla Square Park provides green spaces and walking paths, making it a popular spot for relaxation and family outings.
Museums and Cultural Sites Nearby
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Located within Al Nabba, this museum displays extensive exhibits on Islamic art, culture and history.
- Sharjah Heritage Museum: This museum, about a 6-minute drive away, showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
- Sharjah Calligraphy Museum: Approximately 6 minutes away by car, this museum is dedicated to the art of Arabic calligraphy and displays historical manuscripts and contemporary works.
Other Attractions:
- Al Noor Island: About an 8-minute drive from Al Nabba, Al Noor Island offers landscaped gardens, art installations and a butterfly house, providing a serene escape from the city.
8. Nearby Communities
Al Nabba is close to some of the popular and affordable residential communities of Sharjah. For instance:
- Al Rolla – 4 minutes away
- Al Gharb – 5 minutes away
- Al Qasimiah – 7 minutes away
- Al Nud – 8 minutes away
- Al Majaz – 9 minutes away
Cons of Living in Al Nabba
While offering significant advantages, Al Nabba also has a few minor drawbacks, which are as follows;
1. Traffic congestion
The area can get busy, especially during peak hours, leading to slow-moving traffic. Parking can also be difficult in some parts, making commuting challenging for residents with private cars.
2. Limited green spaces
While parks are nearby, Al Nabba itself lacks large green areas for relaxation or outdoor activities. Families and fitness enthusiasts may need to travel to nearby parks for open spaces.
3. Older buildings and infrastructure
Some buildings in Al Nabba are older and may require frequent maintenance. While many apartments are well-kept, some may lack modern amenities compared to newer developments.
4. Limited parking
Many residential buildings have restricted parking spaces, making it difficult for those with multiple vehicles. Street parking is often full, adding to the congestion.
5. Noise and crowding
As a densely populated area, Al Nabba can be noisy, especially near main roads and commercial spots. The bustling streets may not be ideal for those looking for a quieter environment.
6. High demand for rental units
Since Al Nabba is affordable and well-located, rental units get occupied quickly. This can make it challenging to find the perfect apartment, especially during peak moving seasons.
FAQs
Al Nabba, Sharjah, is known for its traditional Arabian architecture and busy commercial area. Key attractions include local markets, historic mosques and cultural centres, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.
Al Nabba is a well-connected and affordable area in Sharjah, offering a mix of old and new buildings. It has good amenities, markets and cultural spots, making it ideal for families and professionals. However, traffic congestion and limited green spaces can be drawbacks.
With all these major pros and minor cons, living in Al Nabba offers a pleasant apartment-living experience. Meanwhile, when deciding where to live, you should carefully weigh the cost of living in Sharjah to make a wise and well-informed decision.
