Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City) and Khalifa City are popular options for living in the capital. Their affordability, convenience and family-friendly lifestyles make them favourites among tenants and buyers. The best choice depends on property prices, facilities and transport options. Let’s look at the comparative analysis of MBZ City vs Khalifa City.
- Key Highlights
- Location and Connectivity
- Housing Options
- Rental Prices
- Transportation
- Educational Facilities
- Lifestyle and Amenities
- Pros and Cons
- Summing Up: Where Should You Live?
- FAQs
MBZ City Vs Khalifa City – A Detailed Comparison
Among the many popular housing communities for living in Abu Dhabi, MBZ City and Khalifa City undoubtedly stand out. Both these communities are renowned for their family-friendly lifestyle. Here is a comprehensive comparison of MBZ vs Khalifa City on some deciding factors:
1. Key Highlights
MBZ City
Mohammed Bin Zayed City is a budget-friendly community known for its great accessibility. It features cosy apartments and spacious villas, ideal for different budgets. As a family-friendly community, it is home to essential amenities like schools, health centres and dining options.
Khalifa City
Khalifa City could be the best bet for families looking for a budget-friendly lifestyle. It features three sub-communities: Khalifa City A, Khalifa City B (Shakhbout City) and Khalifa City C. It offers a blend of tradition with contemporary living. From chic apartments to well-designed villas, this community is well-suited for families.
2. Location and Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, both MBZ City and Khalifa City stand out. MBZ City is near the Mussafah industrial zones. It is best for individuals working in Dubai but looking for a comparatively lower cost of living. Its proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport makes it a popular choice for travel freaks.
On the other hand, Khalifa City is nestled along the E10 (Abu Dhabi-Al Shahama road). Its prime location connects it to the main highways including Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road.
3. Housing Options and Property Prices
MBZ City and Khalifa City are non-freehold communities which means expats cannot buy freehold property in these areas. Ownership is restricted to UAE and GCC nationals, whereas expats can only rent a property.
MBZ City
MBZ City features a selection of studio to 4-bed apartments and studio to 7+ bed villas. Villas have all essential amenities such as parking spaces, swimming pools and gardens.
Khalifa City
Khalifa City also has a mix of studio to 5-bed apartments and studio to 7+ bed villas. Al Forsan Village, Bloom Living, Golf Gardens and Al Merief are the most popular villa towers.
4. Rental Prices
Want to rent an apartment in Khalifa City or a villa in MBZ City? The table shows a comparison of rental prices per year of MBZ City vs Khalifa City:
Apartments
| Layout | Studio | 1-bed | 2-bed | 3-bed | 4-bed |
| MBZ City | AED 29k | AED 41k | AED 59k | AED 91k | AED 100k |
| Khalifa City | AED 30k | AED 45k | AED 65k | AED 89k | AED 97k |
Villas
| Layout | Studio | 1-bed | 2-bed | 3-bed | 4-bed | 5-bed | 6-bed | 7-bed |
| MBZ City | AED 30k | AED 43k | AED 62k | AED 110k | AED 134k | AED 156k | AED 188k | AED 198k |
| Khalifa City | AED 33k | AED 38k | – | AED 39k | AED 170k | AED 175k | AED 247k | AED 229k |
5. Transportation
Residents of MBZ City enjoy easy access to Abu Dhabi public transport. The area has four bus stops with operational routes like A10, R1 and 102. Moreover, multiple bus stops are a few minutes away in nearby communities.
Khalifa City is not serviced with multiple bus stops. A drawback of living here is limited access to public transportation. However, a few bus stops are available in nearby communities.
6. Educational Facilities
Can’t find a top-rated school near your residence? MBZ City and Khalifa City are your answers! With modern facilities and easy accessibility, schools in these communities offer various curricula. Here are some of the reputable schools and nurseries in both communities:
MBZ City
- Abu Dhabi International School
- Emirates National School
- Al Manara Private School
- Maple Bear Nursery
- Dunes International School
Khalifa City
- The International School of Choueifat
- Raha International School
- Rawafed Private School
- International Conference School (ICS)
- Italian International School
7. Lifestyle and Amenities
Khalifa City and MBZ City are among the best places for a family to live in Abu Dhabi. Let’s compare the communities on lifestyle factors:
MBZ City
MBZ City is a treasure trove of amenities, lined with grocery stores, health centres, parks and restaurants. From shopping at Mazyad Mall to relaxing at Mussafah or Shakhbout parks, this community has a round-up of amenities. It is ideal for individuals and families who prefer an active outdoor lifestyle. Here are some of the famous healthcare, dining and leisure options:
Healthcare
- Madinat Mohammed Bin Zayed Healthcare Centre
- NMC Royal Hospital
- Burjeel Medical City
- Natural Health Medical Centre
- New National Medical Centre
Dining
- Royal Junction Restaurant
- New Family Restaurant
- Golconda Restaurant
- Lahore Garden Grill Restaurant & Cafeteria
- Vallavan Restaurant
Leisure
- Al Qana: 11 minutes drive
- Abu Dhabi Art Hub: 11 minutes drive
Khalifa City
Khalifa City offers a secure and tranquil lifestyle, connected to essential amenities. Cheap supermarkets in Dubai such as Waitrose, LuLu and Spinneys have branches in this community. For leisure, residents can spend evenings at Al Forsan Park or try go-karting at Al Forsan International Sports Resort. Here are some of the amenities near the residences:
Healthcare
- NMC Royal Hospital
- Yas Clinic
- HealthPlus Family Clinic
- Mediclinic
Dining
- BBC Restaurant
- Love Vibe Café
- Zaatar W Zeit
- Karam Al Sham Restaurant
- Texas Chicken
Leisure
- The National Aquarium: 12 minutes drive
- Yas Bay: 17 minutes drive
Pros and Cons
MBZ City
Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons of living in MBZ City:
| Pros | Cons |
| Close to Dubai and ideal for working professionals. | Far from the city centre. |
| Budget-friendly housing. | |
| Range of amenities and facilities. | |
| High return on investment. |
Khalifa City
Let’s go through the pros and cons of living in Khalifa City:
| Pros | Cons |
| Cultural diversity with residents from varying backgrounds. | Limited public transport options. |
| Tranquil and peaceful community. | Non-freehold area. |
| Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and main roads. | |
| Diverse property types and layouts for different budgets. | |
| Family-friendly and convenient lifestyle. | |
| Pet-friendly community with a safe environment. |
Summing Up: Where Should You Live?
MBZ City vs Khalifa City – let’s conclude the best choice. To sum up, both communities offer a decent lifestyle for budget-conscious people and luxury seekers. Let’s see what the concluding factors decide:
| Factor | MBZ City | Khalifa City |
| Connectivity | Working professionals in Dubai seeking a low cost of living can consider MBZ City. | Individuals and families who appreciate a peaceful and connected lifestyle can opt for Khalifa City. |
| Property Prices | For budget-friendly housing, MBZ City is a good choice. | Different budget seekers can opt for Khalifa City. |
| Lifestyle | Contemporary lifestyle seekers can consider MBZ City. | Khalifa City is a good choice for a modern lifestyle with a traditional touch. |
| Transportation | MBZ City is ideal for public transport users. | Khalifa City is best for private car owners or those who can walk a few minutes for public transport. |
FAQs
Khalifa City is a popular choice for individuals, couples and families. It is a self-sufficient community tucked away from the bustling lifestyle.
Khalifa City is a non-freehold area in Abu Dhabi. This means expats cannot buy property on a freehold basis in this community.
Some of the best places to live in Abu Dhabi include Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City and MBZ City.
To wrap up, it’s safe to say that the best option from MBZ City vs Khalifa City depends on budget and lifestyle preferences. From the affordable lifestyle of MBZ City to the family-friendly culture of Khalifa City, choose one after exploring both these options.
