Are you looking for a lively, well-connected urban lifestyle in Abu Dhabi? Living in the Tourist Club Area might be your perfect fit. This neighborhood is located between Corniche Road East and Al Falah Street. It offers convenience, modern buildings, and a lively dining and shopping scene.
But like any central city hub, it has perks and drawbacks. Here’s your complete guide to the pros and cons of living in the Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi.
Overview
Al Zahiyah (formerly Tourist Club Area) is one of Abu Dhabi’s most active residential and commercial districts. Known for its skyscrapers, five-star hotels and shopping centres, it offers easy access to the Corniche, Marina and Al Reem Island.
Apartments dominate the housing market here, though a few villas can be found in adjacent communities.
Nearby Communities
- Al Maryah Island: 5-minute drive
- Electra Street (Zayed the First Street): 6-minute drive
- Hamdan Street: 7-minute drive
- Corniche Area: 8-minute drive
- Al Reem Island: 10-minute drive
Pros of Living in Tourist Club Area
Let’s take a look at some of the many benefits of living in Tourist Club Area.
1. Central Location With Excellent Connectivity
Situated at the intersection of Corniche Road East and Al Falah Street, the Tourist Club Area offers unmatched accessibility. Its borders connect directly to Al Maryah Island, Corniche Beach, Mina Zayed and Electra Street. Public transport is robust, with multiple bus lines servicing the area, including routes 7, 8, 32, 34 and 40.
Whether you’re headed to work, the beach or the mall, almost everything is reachable within a 10 to 15-minute drive or less.
2. Diverse Property Options and High Availability
The real estate landscape in Al Zahiyah is dominated by mid-rise and high-rise residential buildings, with apartments ranging from compact studios to large 4- and 5-bedroom units. Plus, you can also find apartments for rent in Al Zahiyah.
Average Rent of Villas
| Type | Avg. Price (AED/ year) |
| 3 Bedrooms | 270,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 295,000 |
Average Rent of Apartments
| Type | Avg. Price (AED/ year) |
| 1 Bedroom | 82,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 72,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 118,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 149,000 |
| 5 Bedrooms | 153,000 |
3. Excellent Schooling and Childcare Nearby
Families will appreciate the selection of one of the most reputable educational institutions in Abu Dhabi within and around the area:
- Abu Dhabi Grammar School (Canada) – 3-minute drive
- Al Muna Academy – 8-minute drive
- The Pearl Academy – 9-minute drive
- Repton Foundation School – 11-minute drive
- GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi – 12-minute drive
These schools offer curricula ranging from Canadian and British to IB, making it easier for expats to find a system they’re comfortable with.
4. Abundant Shopping and Dining Choices
The Tourist Club Area is ideal for those who love retail and cuisine. With several malls and hundreds of eateries nearby, your day-to-day needs are always covered:
Shopping Centres
- Al Zahiyah Shopping Centre – 2-minute drive
- KM Hypermarket Tourist Club Area – 2-minute drive
- Abu Dhabi Mall – 3-minute drive
- Voll Supermarket Tourist Club Area – 3-minute drive
- Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre – 15-minute drive
- Al Wahda Mall – 15-minute drive
Dining Highlights
- Salaam Bombay Vegetarian Restaurant – 1-minute walk / 1-minute drive
- Sangeetha Restaurant Tourist Club Area – 2-minute drive
- Jollibee Tourist Club Area – 2-minute drive
- Pizza Hut / KFC / Subway / McDonald’s Tourist Club Area – 2-minute drive
- Evergreen Restaurant Tourist Club Area Abu Dhabi – 3-minute drive
- Al Bawaba Restaurant Tourist Club Area – 3-minute drive
5. Reliable Healthcare and Wellness Facilities
Residents benefit from numerous medical centres and hospitals in Abu Dhabi, located within short reach from Tourist Club Area. Options include:
- Al Salama Hospital – 2-minute drive
- Aster Clinic Al Zahiyah – 3-minute drive
- Miami Emirates Medical Centre – 4-minute drive
- Consultants Medical Centre – 5-minute drive
- King’s College London Medical Centre – 8-minute drive
These clinics offer general medicine, diagnostics, dental care, physiotherapy and specialist services.
6. Leisure and Fitness
One of the standout advantages of living in the Tourist Club Area is its proximity to recreation:
Beaches and Parks
- Capital Garden – 5-minute drive
- Electra Park – 6-minute drive
- Corniche Walking Track – 7-minute drive
- Abu Dhabi Public Beach – 8-minute drive
- Al Sahil Beach – 10-minute drive
Gyms and Wellness
- Las Vegas Gym – 2-minute walk
- Tiger Gym – 3-minute drive
- Lifeline Wellness – 5-minute drive
Cons of Living in a Tourist Club Area
Here are a few cons of living in the Tourist Club Area,
Which you should consider before making your decision:
1. No Freehold Ownership for Expats
While rental options are abundant, expats cannot purchase property in Al Zahiyah. This limitation pushes buyers to other areas like Al Reem Island or Saadiyat Island for ownership opportunities.
2. Traffic and Noise
As a central and densely populated district, traffic congestion and ambient noise can be significant, especially during peak hours and weekends. This may not suit you if you prefer a quiet, suburban vibe.
Parking, while available, can also be competitive during busy times.
FAQs
Yes, it offers schools, clinics and parks, but larger families may feel constrained by apartment-only housing.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Tourist Club Area.
No, the Tourist Club Area is not freehold, which means expats and foreigners can’t buy property here. Meanwhile, you can explore freehold areas in Abu Dhabi.
Tourist Club Area or Al Zahiyah, is a dynamic and convenient urban neighbourhood with something for everyone, singles, couples and working professionals. For more area insights, stay tuned to the Property Finder Blog.
