Abu Dhabi has emerged as one of the most desirable cities in the world. Offering an exceptional lifestyle, supported by tax advantages, world-class infrastructure, luxury hotels, and premier entertainment options, the city continues to attract record numbers of new residents. For those interested in purchasing property, foreign ownership is permitted, but only within designated freehold areas. Below, we outline these key zones. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the freehold areas in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island
One of the city’s best-known neighbourhoods, Yas Island represents the area where Abu Dhabi’s residents come to play.
Home to a range of five-star hotels such as the W Abu Dhabi and the Hilton Abu Dhabi, the area also boasts multiple theme parks like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, in addition to the Etihad Arena, where world-class acts and entertainers regularly perform.
Thanks to these exceptional amenities, property in the area is some of the most sought-after in the city. Areas such as Yas Acres and Noya – both located in the north of the island – afford those looking for villas in the city with some refined options. These areas include access to private schools such as Noya British School and SABIS International School Yas Island, as well as miles of pristine beach.
Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi’s cultural heartland, Saadiyat Island provides access to some of the city’s best museums. Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi are both located just a short distance from one another on the island’s western tip, while Zayed National Museum – the country’s national museum – celebrates the rich history, culture and stories of the United Arab Emirates.
The neighbourhood also stands as a leisure hub, with access to a range of exceptional hotels and beach resorts such as Jumeirah Saadiyat Island and Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, as well as the world-class Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which provides a sophisticated round for those who might be so inclined.
The gated community of HIDD Al Saadiyat boasts some of the most exclusive beachfront property in the area, while Nobu Residences at the opposite end of Saadiyat Beach offers further refined options. Additionally, Murjan presents another desirable location for those interested in buying property in Saadiyat.
Al Reem Island
Located between Saadiyat and Downtown Abu Dhabi, Al Reem offers the best of both worlds. Close enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the neighbourhood is an excellent choice for those who value a balanced lifestyle with modern conveniences and a sense of community.
Residents are attracted to the amenities on offer, which include a range of modern restaurants such as the delightful Santorini Cafe. The district is also ideal for families, thanks to multiple international schools such as Repton and GEMS, while shopping is also taken care of thanks to Reem Mall.
The gated community of Reem Hills is one of the most exclusive enclaves on this captivating island, offering a variety of elegant villas. The area affords residents easy access to the wider city, while offering miles of golden beach.
Al Maryah Island
Home to Abu Dhabi Global Market, one of the city’s key financial districts, Al Maryah also boasts one of the city’s most prominent retail and entertainment centres – The Galleria Al Maryah Island. The complex houses world-class hotels such as The Rosewood and Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, both home to some of the city’s premier restaurants like the Michelin-starred 99 Sushi Bar, in addition to first-rate shopping via stores like Hermes, Chanel and Dior.
Al Maryah is currently being positioned as one of the city’s most exclusive districts and showcases a range of high-end developments such as W Residences and St. Regis Al Maryah. In the coming years, the island will continue to be developed as a mixed-use urban centre, attracting global companies and high-net-worth residents.
Al Lulu Island
Al Lulu is a man-made island which forms a coastal barrier in front of the Downtown Abu Dhabi district. Still mostly undeveloped, the island is only accessible by boat and has gone through various periods of planning over the past thirty years, however, it is yet to see any real development.
The island opened to the public in 2007, but as of right now there are limited amenities and as such, limited visitors.
Once seen as a potential royal retreat, Al Lulu is now part of Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision 2030 and represents a masterplanned development which is set to include ecotourism and cultural heritage sites, luxury resorts and hotels, sustainable recreation zones, world-class beaches and marinas, and high-end residential developments.
Al Raha Beach
Overlooking Al Raha Creek, the neighbourhood of Al Raha is a quiet addition to the city’s residential districts, ideally positioned just a few minutes from Yas Island.
The area is made up of multiple artificial islands which house upscale apartments, resort hotels and charming seafront eateries offering a range of international cuisines. Al Raha theatre provides inviting entertainment options, while the community’s marina provides the perfect location for high-net-worth individuals to moor yachts.
Al Muneera Island stands as one of the neighbourhood’s most exclusive areas, which houses a range of stunning seafront villas. Al Zeina is another of Raha’s more sophisticated enclaves, also home to the immaculate Al Zeina Beach.
Sayh Al Sedairah
Located in the northern part of the emirate close to Dubai, Sayh Al Sedairah is relatively undeveloped, but does have some small sub-communities such as Al Ghadeer.
The area is something of a tranquil desert oasis, but in the coming years will benefit from increased development as operations at Dubai International Airport transfer to Al Maktoum airport, a short drive away.
Al Reef
Another largely under-developed area, Al Reef occupies the area just north of Zayed International Airport. The neighbourhood is ideally positioned to take advantage of Abu Dhabi’s already-established infrastructure, boasting exceptional transport links around the city. Its position between Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street (E10) and Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (E11) means Al Reef is just under an hour’s drive from the UAE’s second city and economic powerhouse, Dubai.
Set inland from Abu Dhabi’s island enclaves, Al Reef is ideal for those who value a slightly slower pace of life, while also being easily connected to the best the city has to offer; Yas Island is located just 10 minutes away.
Masdar City
On the opposite side of Zayed International Airport sits Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s hub for innovation, tech and economic sustainability.
This area represents a strategic location for foreign residents who are interested in living and working in the same neighbourhood, as it also doubles as a commercial free zone. The neighbourhood benefits from government initiatives such as sustainable office spaces which boast net-zero energy buildings, as well as a walkable downtown core and multiple electric transportation options.
Underpinning the neighbourhood’s dedication to the tech space, Masdar City is home to the UAE Space Agency, Khalifa University and Siemens Energy. As such, Masdar City is expected to continue to grow substantially in the coming years, which could offer good possibilities for those looking for investment opportunities.
Abu Dhabi presents an outstanding opportunity for those considering relocation, offering a high-quality lifestyle complemented by world-class amenities. With a variety of freehold areas – each offering its own unique appeal – finding your ideal location within the city is not only possible, but highly likely.
