Living in Al Maqam is a peaceful villa area in Al Ain, famous for its green scenery, broad streets, and relaxed way of life; it is situated alongside the United Arab Emirates University and houses Tawam Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals in the UAE.
The region mainly consists of spacious family villas featuring private gardens, majlis areas and rooms for the maid, together with a small number of apartments. Since schools, supermarkets and leisure facilities are located nearby, it is a favourite choice among families and members of the university staff. Hence, let us look at all there is to know about living in Al Maqam Al Ain.
- Lifestyle in Al Maqam
- Pros of living in Al Maqam Al Ain
- Cons of living in Al Maqam Al Ain
- Summing up
- FAQs
Lifestyle in Al Maqam
Al Maqam has four sub-areas: Tawam, Rig Al Hassah, Al Maqam Palace, and Shabiyat Al Maqam. Most people live in Shabiyat Al Maqam, while the palace area is mainly farmland. The neighborhood has low-rise buildings and wide streets, so traffic stays light. Community parks with shaded play areas give children plenty of room to play. Al Maqam Police Station, part of Abu Dhabi Police in Al Ain, serves the area.
Al Maqam is a good choice for families, retirees, and people who work at UAEU or Tawam Hospital. If you want a large villa in a quiet part of Al Ain, with the city center and the E22 road to Abu Dhabi and Dubai nearby, this neighborhood is worth considering.
Pros of living in Al Maqam Al Ain
Let’s explore the benefits of living in Al Maqam Al Ain:
1. Spacious villas
Most homes here are villas, with sizes from 3 to 7 bedrooms or even larger. They usually include a majlis for guests, a maid’s room, a private yard, and shaded parking. A typical 3-bedroom villa is about 2,600 sq. ft., while 5-bedroom villas can be as large as 5,000 sq. ft.
There are also apartments available, ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units. Many apartments have balconies and covered parking. Some buildings also offer shared pools, gyms, and gardens.
The following are typical villa rents in the area:
| Property type | Size | Avg. rent (AED/month) | Avg. rent (AED/year) |
| 3-bedroom villa | About 2,600 sq. ft. | 6,250 | 75,000 |
| Average villa | Standard layouts | 7,500 | 90,000 |
| 5-bedroom villa | About 5,000 sq. ft. | 11,250 | 135,000 |
Explore the Available Properties for Rent in Al Maqam
2. Nearby communities
The neighbourhood is close to several other parts of Al Ain, including:
- Asharej: 5 minutes drive away
- Zakher: 8 minutes drive away
- Al Markhaniya: 12 minutes drive away
- Al Khabisi: 15 minutes drive away
3. Nearby attractions
Al Ain has many attractions for both residents and visitors. Enjoy outdoor activities or visit historic landmarks; many popular spots are just a short drive from the city.
- Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting, and Golf Club is nearby and offers horse riding, a shooting range, golf, and several restaurants.
- Al Jahili Fort is just a 15-minute drive away.
- Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only 17 minutes away by car.
4. Transportation
Al Maqam Abu Dhabi is located just off the E22, making it easy to reach from central Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Al Ain International Airport is about a 15 to 20 minute drive away.
Buses
If you prefer public transport, bus routes 901 and 911 serve the area. Stops include:
- Al Naseem Street / North Souq
- Al Maqam Al Nawkhadhah Street / Garden
- Al Bisharah Street / Saeed Abdullah Hattab Al Dhari Mosque
5. Healthcare options
Residents can easily reach some of the best hospitals and healthcare centers in Al Ain, including one of the largest hospitals in the UAE. Below are the top healthcare options close by:
In Al Maqam
- Tawam Hospital (SEHA): a 561-bed hospital known for cancer care, IVF and paediatrics
- Al Maqam Healthcare Center (SEHA), which has its own pharmacy
Nearby
- Burjeel Royal Hospital: in Asharej, about 5 minutes drive away
6. Educational facilities
Families can find schools just a short walk away, and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is only about an 8-minute drive. Here are some of the best choices:
Schools in Al Maqam
- Zayed Al Awal School
- Al Ghaith School
- Al Hemmah School
Nurseries nearby
- Little Regent Nursery, Bida Bin Ammar: 4 minutes drive away
- Al Bateen KG: 8 minutes drive away
7. Shopping and supermarkets
In Al Ain, residents can easily reach supermarkets, local shops, and shopping centres, so daily shopping is simple. Here are some of the top places to shop nearby:
In Al Maqam
- Lulu Hypermarket
- Qaser Al Maqam Supermarket
Nearby
- Al Jimi Mall: 15 minutes drive away
8. Restaurants
The area has a wide range of local restaurants and cafés, providing residents with the opportunity to eat casually or have family meals. If they want more dining options, the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club is a popular destination nearby. Among the best choices are:
- The Ambler Restaurant
- Al Rikab Restaurant
- Palm Greens Restaurant
9. Sports and recreation
People living in Al Ain can easily stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you like horse riding, golf, or using fitness and recreation centers, there are many nearby choices for both individuals and families. Here are some of the best places:
- Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club: golf, horse riding and shooting
- Tawam Recreation Center: a large swimming pool and fitness facilities
- Community parks: shaded play areas, walking paths and a cricket ground
Cons of living in Al Maqam Al Ain
1. Limited properties on the market
There are usually only a few villas available for rent, and homes for sale do not come up often. If you find a place you like, it is a good idea to act fast.
2. Limited Access to Large Shopping Malls
The neighbourhood does not have a large mall. If you want more shops, cinemas, or a wider range of restaurants, you will need to drive about 15 minutes to Al Jimi Mall.
3. Limited public transport
The area is served by just two bus routes, and there is no metro in Al Ain. Most people use their own cars or take taxis to travel.
Summing up
| Pros | Cons |
| Spacious villas | Limited properties on the market |
| Nearby communities | No large mall nearby |
| Nearby attractions | Limited public transport |
| Transportation | |
| Healthcare options | |
| Educational facilities | |
| Shopping and supermarkets | |
| Restaurants | |
| Sports and recreation |
FAQs
The district is in Al Ain, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It sits just off the E22, next to United Arab Emirates University, and borders Al Ghadeer, Bida Bin Ammar, Al Iqabiyyah and Asharej.
Yes. Al Maqam Abu Dhabi is part of Al Ain city, which is in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The drive to Abu Dhabi city takes you along the E22.
Yes, Al Maqam is a good choice for families. The neighborhood offers quiet streets, spacious villas with private yards, schools you can walk to, and Tawam Hospital is nearby.
Yes. The Al Maqam pharmacy at Al Maqam Healthcare Center (SEHA) serves residents of the neighbourhood.
Yes. Al Maqam Police Station is part of Abu Dhabi Police in Al Ain and serves the neighbourhood and the areas around it.
Qaser Al Maqam Supermarket is inside the neighbourhood and covers daily groceries for nearby homes. For a bigger shop, Lulu Hypermarket is also in the area.
Living in Al Maqam offers space, greenery and a calm pace of life, with good access to schools, healthcare and the rest of the city. So, before moving in, make sure you weigh up all the pros and cons of this area first.
For more pros and cons of living in the UAE’s diverse communities, check out the Property Finder blog.
