Looking for a peaceful retreat away from the city’s hustle? While living farther from the city often means fewer amenities and less connectivity, that’s not always the case. Al Shahamah is one such neighbourhood in Abu Dhabi that offers a well-balanced lifestyle and a strong investment potential. Let’s explore all the pros and cons of living in Al Shahamah.
Overview
Al Shahamah is a well-developed suburban neighbourhood located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. The community is divided into two areas: Old and New Shahamah. Old Shahamah is one of the oldest residential communities in Abu Dhabi, while New Shahmah is a recent development with modern spaces. Al Shahamah is a culturally rich neighbourhood that attracts people with its large apartments and villas.
This family-friendly community offers a well-maintained environment with easy access to all required amenities. Its steady growth has caused property demand to increase, making it a viable choice for residents and investors.
Pros of Living in Al Shahamah
Living in Al Shahamah has several advantages that make it a popular option. Here’s what this area has to offer.
1. Excellent Connectivity
One of the biggest advantages of living in Al Shahamah for those who frequently commute to Dubai is its excellent connectivity. Al Shahamah is well-positioned along key highways, such as E10, E11 and E12, enabling easy travelling within the emirate. It is also a 15-minute drive from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, making it an ideal location for frequent travellers.
2. Diverse Housing Options
Al Shahamah provides a variety of apartments and villas for sale and rent with stunning Arabic architecture. Apartments are usually available in 2 to 3-bedroom setups, while villas may have up to 6 bedrooms. Here are the average prices you can expect for sale properties and properties for rent in Al Shahamah.
Apartments for Rent in Al Shahamah
| Layout | Avg. Price (AED/ year) |
| 1 Bedroom | AED 46k |
| 2 Bedroom | AED 51k |
| 3 Bedroom | AED 65k |
3. Comprehensive Facilities
Al Shahamah provides all necessary facilities within the community or nearby for a comfortable lifestyle. Residents do not have to travel far to access education and healthcare, while supermarkets and mosques are spread throughout the area.
Education
Al Shahamah is home to several schools and nurseries, providing families with quality educational institutions close to home:
- Al Dana Nursery
- Baby Bears Nursery
- Ibn Sina School for Boys
- Zayed Al Khair School
- Al Shahama School
- Al Bahya Educational Complex
Healthcare
The community is well-served by hospitals and clinics, providing residents with reliable medical care and emergency services. These are some of the nearby healthcare facilities:
- NMC Royal Medical Centre
- Sama Alsham Dental Clinic
- Grow and Glow Medclinic
- Life Pharmacy
- Shahama Disease Prevention and Screening Center
Grocery Stores
For everyday essentials, there are several supermarkets and local grocery stores conveniently dispersed in the area. You’ll find these marts and grocery stores in the area:
- Easy Way Supermarket LLC
- Nazwa Foodstuff ‘
- Al Saqi grocery
- Al Isharaq Grocery
- Rania Grocery
- Arab E Mark Supermarket
If you’re looking for a wider selection of products, you can also visit Carrefour in Deerfields Mall, just 6 minutes away.
Mosques
Several mosques are spread across Al Shahamah, offering convenient prayer spaces for the community:
- Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque
- Buqubai Masjid
- Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque
- Shafia Ahmad Issa Al Hamili Mosque
- Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque
4. Wide Range of Amenities
Residents of Al Shahamah have access to a range of amenities, including well-maintained community parks and a scenic lake. The parks have cycling paths, pedestrian walkways and playgrounds for kids, making them well-suited for families. In addition, the community has fitness centres, offering the residents numerous choices for recreational and wellness activities.
5. Proximity to Attractions
Al Shahamah is close to some of Abu Dhabi’s major entertainment and leisure destinations. Residents enjoy access to a range of recreational activities just a short drive away.
- Emirates Park Zoo and Resort – 10 minutes drive away
- Ferrari World – 10 minutes drive away
- Warner Bros. World – 11 minutes drive away
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – 11 minutes drive away
- Yas Island – 12 minutes drive away
- Al Raha Beach – 16 minutes drive away
6. Investment Potential
Al Shahamah is a viable option for individuals who want long-term returns in the real estate market in Abu Dhabi. The area is still under development with several ongoing infrastructure projects. As projects continue, housing demand is projected to rise with a huge boost in property values.
Cons of Living in Al Shahamah
With all these advantages, living in Al Shahamah may seem like an attractive option. However, it does have a few drawbacks that you must consider before making a decision.
1. Limited Freehold Ownership
One of the biggest setbacks of residing in Al Shahamah for expats is that it does not provide freehold property ownership. Expatriates can only rely on leasehold tenures. For those looking for long-term property ownership, this may be a limiting factor.
2. Far From the City Centre
Al Shahamah offers great connectivity through major highways, but its distance from Abu Dhabi’s central business district can be a drawback. People who work in downtown Abu Dhabi might find the daily commute time-consuming.
Summing Up
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent Connectivity | Limited Freehold Ownership |
| Diverse Housing Options | Far From the City Centre |
| Comprehensive Facilities | |
| Wide Range of Amenities | |
| Proximity to Attractions | |
| Investment Potential |
FAQs
Bus 210 is the most convenient option for daily commuters travelling from Abu Dhabi to Shahamah. It operates regularly, providing a direct and affordable mode of transport for residents.
Rental prices in Abu Dhabi vary by location. Prime areas like Saadiyat Island have higher rents, while affordable communities in Abu Dhabi, such as Al Ghadeer and Khalifa City, provide budget-friendly options with good amenities.
Rental prices in Abu Dhabi vary by location. Prime areas like Saadiyat Island have higher rents, while affordable communities in Abu Dhabi, such as Al Ghadeer and Khalifa City, provide budget-friendly options with good amenities.
For more options, explore the best areas to live in Abu Dhabi to find the perfect neighbourhood for your lifestyle.
