Best Places to live in Abu Dhabi

Ever dreamt of living where culture, leisure, and luxury unite? This is what the best areas to live in Abu Dhabi provide. Whether you want to live by the beach, near entertainment hotspots, or surrounded by greenery, you will find a home that suits you here. The best residential areas in Abu Dhabi offer a plethora of apartments, villas and townhouses that fit the lifestyle you’re looking for.

Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is a dream for art enthusiasts and luxury lovers. It’s undeniably one of the best places to live in Abu Dhabi. Here, stylish villas and chic apartments offer you a slice of serenity with a dash of elegance. And who could resist a stroll through the Louvre Abu Dhabi on your weekend?

Feel the sand between your toes at the island’s beautiful beaches or perfect your swing on the lush golf courses. Saadiyat Island is more than a home; it's a lifestyle.

Yas Island

How about living where entertainment is endless? It sounds exciting! Yas Island offers that and more, making it one of the best residential areas in Abu Dhabi. Imagine the joy of having an array of thrilling family fun just a stone's throw away.

From the exhilarating races at Yas Marina Circuit to the electric atmosphere of Yas Mall and the thrilling rides of Ferrari World, Yas Island guarantees a life full of excitement. And let’s not forget, luxury villas and waterfront apartments make living here as stylish as it is fun. It’s the perfect blend of high living and high energy.

Al Maryah Island

Picture yourself in the bustling hub of Abu Dhabi’s financial district, where luxury meets business. Al Maryah Island screams sophistication and is undoubtedly one of best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi for professionals with a taste for elegance.

This island stands tall with sleek high-rises offering breathtaking waterfront views. Work by day, play by night, as it’s filled with five-star hotels, The Galleria Mall’s upscale shops, and fine-dining restaurants. On Al Maryah Island, everything you need is at your fingertips.

Al Reem Island

Craving a life where urban excitement meets natural beauty? Al Reem Island offers a bit of both, making it a top contender among the best places to live in Abu Dhabi. It’s where the pace of city life softens with waterfront views and green spaces.

Skyscrapers with ultra-modern amenities blend seamlessly with quieter residential retreats. A lively community awaits, complete with parks and waterfront promenades. Al Reem Island is also home to reputed educational institutions such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Repton School Abu Dhabi.

Living on Al Reem Island means experiencing the best of both worlds, vibrant city life and a peaceful atmosphere. 

Corniche Road

If you want to live in the heart of the city, then Corniche Road is the place to be. Dotted with residential buildings overlooking the massive Corniche Beach, this area is full of things to do. Walk or cycle along the Corniche promenade, swim at the beach, or admire regal landmarks like the Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan. 

On top of that, Corniche Road is close to multiple malls and leisure facilities, and being a central location means there’s no shortage of transportation. It’s undoubtedly one of the best best areas to live in Abu Dhabi. 

Al Khalidiya

Al Khalidiya is one of the most popular residential areas in Abu Dhabi due to its central location and proximity to the Abu Dhabi Corniche. This cozy area has many facilities such as parks, malls, and cafes that local and expat families and bachelors enjoy. Al Khalidiya offers multiple apartments and villas.

Al Raha

Al Raha is a luxurious area developed by Aldar that comprises Al Raha Beach and Al Raha Gardens. Al Raha Beach includes elegant apartments with sea views and multiple facilities like promenades, playgrounds, supermarkets, and restaurants. Meanwhile, Al Raha Gardens offers villas surrounded by greenery and numerous amenities. Al Raha is home to Al Raha International School and is close to multiple schools in Khalifa City.

Al Reef

Al Reef is a peaceful suburb on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi less than one hour away from Dubai. It’s divided into Al Reef Villas and Al Reef Downtown which are popular for their reasonable prices. Al Reef villas for rent attract families looking for spacious yet affordable villas.

Khalifa City

Khalifa City is ideal for those looking for a quiet neighborhood with affordable properties. Although it’s a calm area, it’s close to Yas Island where all the action is, making it great for when you want to have fun and then retreat to a peaceful home. Lots of schools are located here as well which makes it ideal for families. 

Khalifa City villas for rent are massive and more reasonably priced than villas in other neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Khalifa City apartments for rent are available in different sizes to accommodate everyone from bachelors to families.

Saadiyat Island

4.1/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 57,000 AED/year

For sale : 799,900 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Yas Island

4.9/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 60,000 AED/year

For sale : 499,999 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Corniche Road

3.8/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 36,000 AED/year

For sale : 910,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


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Al Raha Beach

3.8/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 50,000 AED/year

For sale : 900,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Al Reem Island

3.9/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 19,200 AED/year

For sale : 500,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Al Khalidiya

4.2/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

For rent : 27,000 AED/year

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Al Raha Gardens


About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 144,999 AED/year

For sale : 2,300,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Al Maryah Island

4.2/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 65,000 AED/year

For sale : 550,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Khalifa City

4.3/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 45,600 AED/year

For sale : 1,404,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Al Reef

3.9/5

About

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.
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Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 80,000 AED/year

For sale : 1,000,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

Learn more about prices

FAQ

The best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi are Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island, Corniche Road, Khalidiya, Al Raha, Al Reef, and Khalifa City.

Abu Dhabi was named the safest city in the world for the 8th year in a row as of 2024, which makes it a great place to settle.

There are expats all over Abu Dhabi, though they especially prefer Al Reem Island, Al Raha, Saadiyat Island, and Al Maryah Island.

Corniche Road is the most popular street in Abu Dhabi. Its waterfront promenade, large beach, and proximity to attractions contribute to its popularity.