Living in Al Raha Gardens appeals to those seeking more space and privacy than what most central areas in Abu Dhabi offer. Its quiet streets, gated villas and close-knit community feel make it a popular choice for families. The area provides easy access to schools, shops and the main highways, making daily life smoother for its residents.
Still, like any residential area, it comes with its own pros and cons. If you’re considering renting or buying here, it’s worth looking at both the benefits and challenges before moving.
Living in Al Raha Gardens – Overview
Al Raha Gardens is a residential community in Abu Dhabi that was developed by Aldar Properties. Covering over 665,000 square metres, it offers villas and townhouses designed for family living. The community is divided into 11 sub-communities, each with its own character.
Properties range from 3 to 6 bedrooms, catering to various family sizes. Residents benefit from landscaped gardens, playgrounds and 24-hour security. The area is close to international schools, shopping centres and major highways in the UAE, providing convenient access to city amenities.
Al Raha Gardens is situated near Al Raha Beach and is approximately a 25-minute drive from central Abu Dhabi.
Pros of Living in Al Raha Gardens
Al Raha Gardens offers several advantages for residents. Here are some key benefits of living here:
1. Property Options
Al Raha Gardens, a gated residential community in Abu Dhabi, offers various housing options for families. The community comprises 11 sub-communities, including:
- Al Mariah
- Al Tharwaniyah
- Al Ward
- Hemaim
- Khannour
- Lehweih
- Qattouf
- Samra
- Sidr
- Yasmina
- Juniper
Villas
Villas in Al Raha Gardens range from three to six bedrooms, designed to accommodate families of different sizes. These homes often include private gardens, a maid’s rooms and covered parking. Some villas also offer additional amenities like private pools and spacious balconies, enhancing the living experience.
| Villa Type | Avg. Selling Price (AED) |
| 3 Bedrooms | 2.46M |
| 4 Bedrooms | 2.9M |
| 5 Bedrooms | 4.4M |
| Villa Type | Avg. Rental Price (AED/ Year) |
| 3 Bedrooms | 160k |
| 4 Bedrooms | 178k |
| 5 Bedrooms | 232k |
Townhouses
Townhouses are available in three to five-bedroom configurations, balancing space and community living. They typically feature open-plan living areas, private gardens and dedicated parking spaces. These homes are designed to offer comfort and functionality, catering to the needs of modern families.
2. Strategic Location
Al Raha Gardens boasts a strategic location in Abu Dhabi, offering residents convenient access to major roads and key attractions. Situated adjacent to Khalifa City A and opposite Al Raha Beach, the community is well-connected to the city’s main thoroughfares, including the E10 and E11 highways.
Popular nearby destinations include:
- Al Raha Mall – offers shopping and dining options within a short 5-minute drive
- Abu Dhabi Golf Club – a renowned golfing destination, within a 7-minute drive
- Abu Dhabi International Airport – approximately 15 minutes away
- Yas Island – home to attractions like Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, about 15 minutes away
3. Public Transportation
Al Raha Gardens offers residents access to several public transport options, primarily through Abu Dhabi’s bus network.
Bus Services
Multiple bus routes serve the Al Raha Gardens area, with nearby stops including:
- Street 3 / Street 18 – approximately a 5-minute walk from the community.
- 12th Street – about a 13-minute walk away.
Bus lines operating near Al Raha Gardens include:
- 160 – connecting to Khalifa City Souq.
- 162 – serving routes towards Terminal 1.
- 218 – Providing access to various parts of Abu Dhabi.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
In addition to buses, residents of Al Raha Gardens can easily get around using taxis and ride-hailing apps. Local taxis are widely available and can be booked through the TransAD app.
Popular ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber also operate in the area, offering flexible travel options at your fingertips. These are especially useful for quick trips or when public transport isn’t convenient.
4. Education Facilities
Al Raha Gardens is well-suited for families, offering easy access to reputable Abu Dhabi schools that provide quality education across various curricula. For instance:
Schools
- Raha International School – Gardens Campus – 4 minutes away
- Al Shohub Private School – 5 minutes away
- Crescent International Private School – 5 minutes away
- GEMS American Academy – 5 minutes away
- Yasmina British Academy – 7 minutes away
- Horizon Private School – 8 minutes away
Nurseries
- Sunny Meadows Nursery – 3 minutes away
- Blossom Nursery Al Zeina – 8 minutes away
- Yellow Submarine Nursery – 10 minutes away
- Jack & Jill Nursery – 11 minutes away
5. Healthcare Facilities
Al Raha Gardens offers access to quality healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi, through nearby healthcare centres, including:
- Amana Healthcare Medical and Rehabilitation Centre – 4 minutes away
- NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City – 5 minutes away
- Mediclinic Khalifa City – 6 minutes away
- Al Noor Hospital Medical Centre – 6 minutes away
- Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Zeina – 10 minutes away
6. Lifestyle and Essential Amenities
Al Raha Gardens offers a peaceful and family-friendly lifestyle with many amenities supporting comfort and convenience. The gated community is designed with greenery, wide roads and practical services that cater to everyday needs.
The community is well-equipped with amenities such as parks, playgrounds and retail centres, contributing to a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. For instance:
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Residents enjoy landscaped gardens, walking and jogging tracks, shaded playgrounds and open spaces across the neighbourhood. These areas are ideal for family strolls, evening runs or letting children play safely near home.
Fitness and Leisure
Private gyms and swimming pools are available within each sub-community cluster. These facilities give residents access to fitness options without having to travel far. In addition, the wider area has sports courts and fitness centres like F45 Training nearby in Al Raha Beach.
Shopping and Daily Needs
Gardens Plaza is the community’s main shopping hub, located within Al Raha Gardens. It features:
- Spinneys – A well-stocked supermarket offering fresh groceries and daily essentials
- Jones the Grocer – A popular café and deli known for its Australian menu and relaxed vibe
- Zyng Asian Grill – A casual dining spot serving Chinese and Thai favourites
- Beauty salons and pharmacies – Convenient services for personal care and health needs
Dining Options
While Gardens Plaza hosts a few dining outlets, residents are also close to many restaurants and cafés in Al Raha Beach and Yas Island. Options nearby include:
- Nolu’s Café – Afghan-Californian fusion
- Pacifico Tiki – Waterfront seafood and grills
- Shakespeare and Co. – A family-friendly café chain
- PizzaExpress, Zaatar w Zeit and Starbucks – all located in Al Raha Mall or nearby precincts
Nearby Attractions
Al Raha Gardens is close to several well-known leisure destinations in Abu Dhabi. For example:
- Al Raha Beach – 5 minutes away
- Al Forsan International Sports Resort – 10 minutes away
- Yas Mall – 12 minutes away
- Yas Waterworld – 12 minutes away
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – 15 minutes away
Cons of Living in Al Raha Gardens
While Al Raha Gardens offers a peaceful lifestyle and plenty of space, a few drawbacks might affect your decision. Here are some points to keep in mind:
1. Limited Public Transport
There are no metro lines, and bus services around Al Raha Gardens are limited. Most residents depend on private cars, taxis or ride-hailing apps for daily travel.
2. Older Property Designs in Some Clusters
As one of the earlier Aldar communities, some villas and townhouses may feel slightly dated in design or interior finishes compared to newer developments.
3. Traffic During Peak Hours
The area can experience traffic congestion at school drop-off times and evenings, especially at exits leading to major roads or the nearby highway.
4. Limited Nightlife or Entertainment Within the Community
Al Raha Gardens is a quiet residential area with no nightlife or major leisure attractions within its boundaries. Residents often travel to Yas Island or central Abu Dhabi for entertainment.
5. Higher Service Charges for Some Units
Certain villa clusters may have relatively high service fees due to community maintenance, security and landscaping costs, which can add to living expenses.
FAQs
No, currently, Al Raha Gardens is only available for purchase by UAE nationals. Expats can, however, rent properties in the community.
Al Raha Gardens is a gated residential community developed by Aldar. It features 11 sub-communities with a mix of villas and townhouses designed to provide spacious homes for families. The community includes parks, playgrounds, shops, schools and mosques, all connected by wide roads and green walkways.
Yes, Al Raha Gardens is considered a good choice for families. It offers a quiet, secure environment, access to quality schools, nearby healthcare and essential services. The spacious homes and community amenities make it popular with residents seeking privacy and comfort.
Al Raha Beach is a highly desirable location, especially for expats. It offers waterfront living, modern apartments, retail options and easy access to Yas Island and the airport. With its mix of leisure, lifestyle and convenience, many residents find it an excellent place to live.
With all these major pros and minor cons, living in Al Raha Gardens offers a pleasant living experience and solid investment potential. Meanwhile, when deciding where to live, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of buying vs renting a property in the UAE to make a wise, well-informed decision.
