Living in Hydra Village, a residential community on the Abu Dhabi and Dubai border, has its own perks and challenges. This quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood offers affordable homes, a peaceful environment and essential facilities for daily life.
With its growing infrastructure and easy access to key areas in the city, many residents find it comfortable. Still, no place is perfect. This guide will discuss the pros and cons of living in Hydra Village, helping you decide if it’s the right home for you.
Living in Hydra Village – Overview
Hydra Village is a modern residential community in Abu Dhabi, offering two—and three-bedroom villas and townhouses. Covering over 946,000 square metres, the neighbourhood is divided into 10 zones with homes, shops, entertainment areas and commercial buildings.
Developed by Hydra Properties, the project was completed in December 2012 and is part of the government’s Vision 2030 plan. It is located near UAE’s major highways, making it easy to travel to different parts of Abu Dhabi.
Residents of Hydra Village can enjoy various facilities, including swimming pools, a squash court, a gym and a billiards club. The community also features barbecue areas, parks, gardens, cafés and restaurants. Other essential amenities include mosques, schools and a hospital, making Hydra Village a well-equipped place to live.
Pros of Living in Hydra Village
The following are the advantages of living in Hydra Village, Abu Dhabi.
1. Housing and Property Options
Hydra Village has ten zones, each with its own design and layout. Some of the most popular ones are Zone 4, Zone 7 and Zone 8.
- Zone 4 is close to the community centre, making it easy for residents to reach supermarkets, restaurants and cafés.
- Zone 7 is near the community park, providing easy access to outdoor activities like jogging and cycling.
- Zone 8 is close to the community mosque, making it convenient for residents to attend religious services.
The villas and townhouses at Hydra Village range from 171 to 353 square metres in size. They feature two or three bedrooms with spacious living areas, private balconies, terraces, a garage and a small backyard.
The houses are built in a row, with each unit connected to the next and have a simple design with warm citrus colours.
Here’s a table showing the average prices for buying and renting a villa/townhouse in Hydra Village:
| Villa Type | Avg. Rental Price (AED/ year) | Avg. Sales Price (AED) |
| 2 Bedrooms | 66,000 | 830,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 74,000 | 955,000 |
2. Strategic Location
Hydra Village is in Rawdat Al Reef, with easy access to major roads like Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11), Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E10), Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road (E22).
Popular Abu Dhabi communities are just 10-15 minutes away, while the centre of Abu Dhabi is about 30 minutes away. The following landmarks are a short drive away from the community:
- New Shahama Park: 8 minutes away
- Deerfields Mall: 9 minutes away
- Emirates Park Zoo & Resort: 11 minutes
- Abu Dhabi International Airport: 13 minutes away
3. Public Transportation
Hydra Village in Abu Dhabi has limited public transport options. The Abu Dhabi Public Transport Corporation (ADTC) provides bus service to Hydra Village, which connects it to the rest of the city.
The nearest bus stop is in Shahama and Boutik Mall. Buses from this stop run regularly, connecting residents to other parts of the city. For instance:
| Bus Routes | Bus Stations |
| 63 | Street 18 / Marina Mall / Boutik Mall |
| 102 | Al Ain Bus Station / Abu Dhabi Bus Station |
| 161 | Ibn Battuta Metro Station / Al Ghubaiba Bus Station |
| 410 | Abu Dhabi Bus Station / Ruwais Bus Station |
However, public transport in Hydra Village is scarce and taxis are the primary mode of transport. Given the limited public transport in the community, having a personal vehicle is recommended for daily commuting.
4. Educational Facilities
Hydra Village is close to several reputable schools in Abu Dhabi, making it a great place for families. Some of the popular schools and nurseries nearby include:
- Dar Alaman Nursery: 7 minutes away
- Halima Alsaadeya School: 7 minutes away
- Al Reef Girls School for Basic Education Cycle 2: 8 minutes away
- Sweet Baby Nursery: 9 minutes away
- Babybears Nursery, Al Shahamah: 9 minutes away
- Al Basma British School, Behind Deerfields Mall: 9 minutes away
- Stepping Stone Academy: 11 minutes away
5. Healthcare Facilities
There are no hospitals or clinics in Hydra Village, but the residents have access to several healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas:
- New Sadd Maareb Medical Centre: 7 minutes away
- Al Rahba Hospital: 8 minutes away
- Islamabad Medical Centre: 9 minutes away
Alt text: Community park at Hydra Village
6. Lifestyle and Essential Amenities
Residents of Hydra Village have access to multiple amenities, such as swimming pools, a squash court, a gym and a billiards club. The community also includes barbecue areas, parks and gardens, offering plenty of outdoor spaces to relax.
There are various cafés and restaurants, along with essential facilities such as mosques, schools and a hospital, making it a well-equipped place to live.
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes
- Chicken Corner Restaurant: 8 minutes away
- Maxie Sushi & Sliders Restaurant: 7 minutes away
- Al Barari Restaurant: 9 minutes away
- Al Bahiya City Restaurant: 10 minutes away
- Rose Oasis Restaurant: 11 minutes away
Nearby Malls
Yas Mall and Deerfields Mall are two popular shopping spots near Hydra Village, just 17 minutes drive away. Yas Mall, located on Yas Island, has over 370 stores, high-end brands, electronics, home furnishings, a 20-screen cinema and a family entertainment zone.
Deerfields Mall in Al Bahia offers a mix of international and local brands, a food court and a kids’ entertainment zone.
7. Leisure Activities and Nearby Attractions
Hydra Village offers ample open spaces and parks for leisure activities. Residents can enjoy sports facilities, including a football pitch, basketball and tennis courts. The following are the nearby attractions to Hysra Village:
- Al Wahda Academy: 8 minutes away
- Mandara Equestrian Club، Rahba Farm: 10 minutes away
- Ferrari World: 14 minutes away
- Al Bahia Beach: 14 minutes away
- Yas Beach: 18 minutes away
8. Nearby Communities
Hydra Village in Abu Dhabi is conveniently located near several key areas and communities, offering residents easy access to various destinations:
- Al Shamamah: 8 minutes away
- Al Bahya: 13 minutes away
- Al Reef: 12 minutes away
- Al Raha Gardens: 18 minutes away
- Yas Island: 19 minutes away
Cons of Living in Hydra Village – Things to Consider
Hydra Village is a promising area for investment, but those planning to move in before its full development should consider a few challenges.
The community currently lacks some essential amenities and has limited public transport options. For instance, residents of Zone 8, located on the eastern side, may face longer travel times when exiting the neighbourhood. This is due to its distance from the main access road. However, these issues are expected to improve as the community continues to grow.
FAQs
Hydra Village was officially launched in 2006 and completed in December 2012 by Hydra Properties LLC, a private real estate company in Abu Dhabi. Today, it is one of the top places to buy affordable villas and townhouses.
Yes! Hydra Village is a great choice for families. It offers a safe environment, playgrounds for children and nearby schools, making it comfortable and convenient for family living.
With all these major pros and minor cons, living in Hydra Village, Abu Dhabi offers both a pleasant living experience and solid investment potential. Meanwhile, when deciding where to live, you should carefully weigh the cost of living in Abu Dhabi to make a wise, well-informed decision.
