Best Places to live in Abu Dhabi

If you’re into art and culture, this community ticks all the right boxes. With most properties offering views of clear blue waters or the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island offers a resort-like lifestyle.

It’s also a cultural hub, hosting The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat which houses art fairs. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are also slated to open soon. You can opt to live in either apartments or villas.

The entertainment capital of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island houses major tourist attractions. Residents are spoilt for choice as the community also features a golf course, the massive Yas Mall, and an IKEA store.

There is also a beach which offers watersports and a public park for residents. Yas Island also hosts several trendy restaurants, premium resorts, and countless events.

The nerve centre of the city, the Corniche Road is one of the most popular areas to live in the UAE's capital. Think sea views, walks on the pristine beach, picnics in the park, strolls on the beachfront promenade and more.

Residents have a host of public beaches and themed parks in the neighbourhood to spend their weekends lounging around. Children can have fun at the Skate Park while fitness enthusiasts have bike tracks and other facilities on the beach.

For retail, there are convenience stores scattered across the neighbourhood, besides a Spinneys and Abela supermarket and the boutique mall, Nation Galleria. The waterfront locality also houses an architectural marvel, Etihad Towers, whose Observation Deck offers spectacular views of the Corniche.

Lifestyle: Busy vibe

Neighbours: Small families

One of the swankiest communities in Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach includes 3 sub-communities Al Bandar, Al Muneera and Al Zeina. Think waterfront views, al fresco dining by the sea and promenades: Al Raha Beach offers all that and more.

Ideal for both singles, couples and big families owing to the variety of properties, this community scores high on accessibility, both to the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai and downtown Abu Dhabi. It’s very family-friendly, with a host of supermarkets, reputed schools within a short driving distance in Khalifa City, and eateries in the community. Water sports enthusiasts can rejoice as Halla Walla offers waterskiing and kayaking in the community.

Don’t miss: Pacifico Tiki for some Mediterranean dishes, Leopold’s of London and Jones The Grocer

Lifestyle: Upmarket

Neighbours: Singles and couples in Al Bandar, big families in Al Muneera and Al Zeina

Al Reem Island is one of the most popular areas to live in the UAE’s capital. It’s a natural island located 600 meters off Abu Dhabi’s north-eastern coast, and is easily accessible from mainland Abu Dhabi via two bridges.

It’s a mixed-use area featuring commercial, residential, and leisure facilities. In terms of properties, the island mostly houses skyscrapers such as the iconic Gate Towers and Sun and Sky Towers Al Reem Island that offer stunning city and waterfront views. However, there are also a couple of villas and townhouses available.

Al Reem Abu Dhabi is close to Al Maryah Island and Saadiyat Island, giving residents access to plenty of leisure options. Aldar Properties PJSC, Tamouh, and Reem Investments independently developed different parts of the island with projects like Shams Abu Dhabi.

For a retail fix, residents head to Shams Boutik Mall, which houses a Waitrose supermarket, gent’s salon, nail spa, pharmacy, laundry service, restaurants, and cafes. If you’re looking for a bigger mall, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is just 10 minutes away.

There are reputable academic institutions, such as Repton School Abu Dhabi and the Paris-Sorbonne University, besides a variety of nurseries. Al Reem Central Park has sports play areas and a beach walk for an invigorating time outdoors. For healthcare, head to Reem Hospital, Burjeel Day Surgery Center, or Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is in the neighboring Al Maryah Island.

Al Reem Island is one of the most desirable areas in Abu Dhabi among renters and investors. This is due to its central location, luxurious lifestyle and properties, multiple amenities, and waterfront views. According to Property Finder’s Market Watch report, Al Reem Island was among the most in-demand areas for buying villas and apartments, and for renting apartments in Abu Dhabi in Q1 2024.

Lifestyle:

Bustling

Neighbors:

Affluent professionals, young families

Properties on Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi

It’s hard not to fall in love with Reem Island. Its waterfront properties equipped with advanced technology and amenities, draw in people from different nationalities. In fact, Al Reem Island was one of the first developments to allow foreigners to own property on a leasehold basis.

People from various backgrounds flock to Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi thanks to its diverse property options and amenities. Whether you're seeking a sky-high apartment with waterfront views, a spacious villa or townhouse with your family, or a luxurious penthouse with stunning vistas, Al Reem Island has it all.

Apartments on Al Reem Island range from studios to 5-bedroom units, villas from 3 to 5 bedrooms, townhouses come in 2 - 5 bedroom configurations, and penthouses comprise 3 - 5 bedroom units. Properties here provide lovely waterfront views and some even overlook mangrove forests.

Looking for commercial space? The island offers offices and shops for rent or sale, making it a great location for businesses too.

Popular Areas on Al Reem Island

Shams Abu Dhabi

Shams Abu Dhabi isn't just a sub-community; it's a sprawling 25% of Al Reem Island, developed by Sorouh Real Estate. Picture towering skyscrapers, most offering exquisite residences.

The tallest tower here is Sky Tower, a magnificent 389-meter giant with 83 floors, redefining the island's skyline. Another popular building here is Sun Tower, a 64-storey building next to Sky Tower Al Reem Island. Here, luxury reigns supreme, with deluxe apartments boasting 1 to 4 bedrooms and breathtaking Arabian Gulf views.

Marina Square

This stunning waterfront development boasts14 luxurious mixed-use towers offering 3,440 residences, alongside retail, commercial, and hotel units.

Shams Gate

Shams Gate is known for the The Gate Towers, inspired by Stonehenge, which have been the crown jewel of Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi.

City of Lights

This massive project is home to 60 towers comprising 52 residential and 8 commercial buildings, with the capacity to accommodate around 80,000 residents. The City of Lights on Reem Island is a landmark where residents can indulge in stunning views of natural mangroves and premium amenities.

Najmat Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island

The 165-hectare community is one of the best areas for renting properties on Al Reem Island, with lovely waterfront homes. Popular buildings in Najmat Abu Dhabi include RDK Towers, The Wave, and Al Reem Bay Towers.

One of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the capital, Khalidiya is strategically located in the heart of Abu Dhabi near the Corniche. Residents can choose from either apartments in high-rise buildings or spacious villas in Khalidiya Village. Most houses offer waterfront views.

Here’s why the neighbourhood is a family favourite: it houses the Khalidiya Park, Khalidiyah Mall and is also a stone’s throw away from Abu Dhabi Corniche beach. Parents can send their children to either American Community School of Abu Dhabi or Al Bateen Academy. There are ample recreation spaces as well and a boardwalk on the Corniche for the fitness buffs.

Don’t miss: The tender lamb chops and grills in Lebanese Flower, an institution in Abu Dhabi, and a few rounds of billiards at local pool hall Harrods.

Lifestyle: Trendy

Neighbours: Young professionals and large families from GCC, South Asia and Europe

Al Raha Gardens is a beautiful community located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is known for its lush gardens and family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of greenery throughout the area.

The community offers a plethora of properties to choose from including villas and townhouses. Being on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi,it's an ideal location for those seeking some peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The area has been developed by Aldar Properties, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading developers. They have created a unique environment with plenty of green space and tree lined streets as well as modern amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, schools, mosques and much more.

There are also plenty of activities available within Al Raha Gardens including sports clubs, children’s play areas, grocery stores and cafes which add to its vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the area is in close proximity to top-rated international schools such as Al Yasmina Academy and Raha International School.

Overall Al Raha Gardens is an excellent choice for those looking for luxurious housing options in Abu Dhabi combined with easy access to all local amenities that make this area so desirable to live in!

Al Maryah Island is a beautiful waterfront community based in Abu Dhabi. It offers a luxurious atmosphere and highlights that make it special for all its visitors and inhabitants. This family friendly community mainly has offices, modern apartments, and penthouses.

During the day you can enjoy the fresh air while taking part in activities such as volleyball or beach soccer at the nearby beaches or take a leisurely stroll around one of Al Maryah's many parks. In the evening, you can choose to relax at home or explore one of the vibrant bars located nearby.

Mubadala, the developer of Al Maryah Island, has taken care to ensure that all amenities needed are available within easy reach. These include shops offering goods ranging from fresh food produce to clothing and items for daily needs, as well as gyms, spas, schools and universities catering for all ages.

The island also has its own world class healthcare facility, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, offering medical services that include primary care clinics as well as specialist diagnostic centers and emergency services. It's also home to The Galleria Al Maryah Island, a high-end mall offering designer brands and upscale eateries.

Overall Al Maryah Island is an ideal place for families looking for somewhere safe and peaceful while still being close to exciting nightlife options.

Khalifa City is your best bet if you’re looking for affordable properties in the UAE’s capital, both apartments and spacious villas. This community is a family favourite owing to the abundance of great facilities, everything from schools and nurseries to medical services.

Renters in Abu Dhabi are particularly fond of this esteemed residential community for its range of properties that suit every need and close to many iconic locations. If you want to rent an apartment in Abu Dhabi without breaking the bank, check out the apartments for rent in Khalifa City, or the villas here if you're looking for a bigger space.

Move to this affordable Abu Dhabi suburb if you’re doing the daily commute to Dubai or are a frequent flyer, as it'a stone’s throw from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Both the villas in Al Reef Village and apartments in Downtown Al Reef here provide value for money.

There is a Select supermarket handy for all your grocery needs, schools are available in the adjacent Khalifa City and Yas Island. For your shopping fix, head to Deerfields Mall, Al Raha Mall, or Yas Mall. The community is child-friendly with many parks, pools, gyms, basketball courts and tennis courts.

Don’t miss: The Italian fare at Il Forno restaurant in Al Reef Downtown

Lifestyle: Lively

Neighbours: Mid-income earners from all nationalities