Madinat Al Riyad, also known as Riyadh City Abu Dhabi or Al Riyadh City, is a large master-planned suburb on the outskirts of the capital. Formerly called Al Shamkha South, it spans approximately 8,000 hectares between Al Shamkha and Al Wathba. This guide outlines the advantages and disadvantages of living in Madinat Al Riyad, including typical monthly rents for villas and apartments, as well as the proximity of schools, malls, and hospitals.
Pros of living in Madinat Al Riyad
Madinat Al Riyad is a low-rise neighborhood with mostly standalone villas and a few small apartment buildings. The homes here are bigger than those closer to the city for about the same rent. These are some reasons why many families are choosing Riyadh City, Abu Dhabi, as their new home.
Easy access to main roads in Riyadh City Abu Dhabi
Riyadh City Abu Dhabi sits next to Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11), and Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road is also close by. Its neighbours are Al Shamkha, Baniyas, Al Wathba and Al Falah. Here is roughly how long it takes to drive to some key places:
- Makani Mall, Al Shamkha: about 9 minutes
- Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas: about 25 minutes
- My City Centre Masdar: about 26 minutes
- Al Wathba Park: about 28 minutes
- Abu Dhabi city centre: about 30 to 40 minutes
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Mazyad Mall in Mohamed Bin Zayed City: about 33 minutes
A peaceful place that’s great for families
Madinat Al Riyad is designed with families in mind. The streets are wide, and most homes have their own walls and gates. There are plenty of open spaces and parks nearby. Since there isn’t much city traffic, the area feels much calmer than central Abu Dhabi. Parking is easy too, as most villas have their own garage or compound, and apartment buildings provide ground or basement parking.
Opportunities for Community Expansion
Riyadh, Abu Dhabi is among the largest housing projects in the emirate. Announced in 2017 by Modon Properties, it is expected to become home to about 200,000 people when finished. The name reflects the strong relationship between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. As the area continues to develop, new homes, schools, and services open every year, giving early residents the chance to watch their neighbourhood grow.
Spacious villas in Madinat Al Riyad
Villas make up most of the homes in Madinat Al Riyad. Many mix traditional Arabian design with modern finishes. Here is what you can usually expect:
- Large built-up areas, from around 3,000 sq. ft. for a 3-bedroom villa to more than 14,000 sq. ft. for homes with seven bedrooms or more
- High boundary walls, automatic gates and shaded parking for several cars
- A separate majlis with its own entrance for receiving guests
- Rooms for a maid or driver, often with their own bathroom
- Front yards, paved courtyards and gardens, with private pools in some larger homes
Apartments in Al Riyadh City
Al Riyadh City also has apartments in two to four storey buildings and in converted villas. They are a good fit for young professionals and small families who want more room for their money. Many units come with balconies, storage rooms, split air conditioning and built-in wardrobes.
Villas for rent in Madinat Al Riyad
Villa rents in Madinat Al Riyad depend mostly on the number of bedrooms and the size of the plot. Here are typical monthly rents:
| Villa type | Built-up area | Monthly rent |
| 2-bedroom villa | – | About AED 3,750 |
| 3-bedroom villa | About 3,000 sq. ft. | AED 6,333 to AED 9,583 |
| 4-bedroom villa | 4,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. | AED 8,333 to AED 12,500 |
| 5-bedroom villa | 5,000 to 8,000 sq. ft. | AED 10,000 to AED 16,667 |
| 6-bedroom villa | 8,500 to 14,000 sq. ft. | AED 11,250 to AED 20,833 |
| 7 bedrooms or more | 11,000 to 14,000+ sq. ft. | AED 13,333 to AED 29,167+ |
A 2-bedroom villa suits a small family that wants a private yard and its own gate. From four bedrooms up, you can expect a maid’s room, a separate dining area and covered parking. Five and six bedroom villas usually add a majlis, a driver’s room and a large garden.
Apartments for rent in Riyadh Abu Dhabi
Apartments in the Riyadh Abu Dhabi community are some of the most affordable homes in the capital for the space you get. Here are typical monthly rents:
| Apartment type | Built-up area | Monthly rent |
| Studio | 380 to 600 sq. ft. | AED 1,833 to AED 2,667 |
| 1-bedroom | 650 to 1,100 sq. ft. | AED 2,667 to AED 3,750 |
| 2-bedroom | 1,050 to 1,700 sq. ft. | AED 3,750 to AED 5,417 |
| 3-bedroom | 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft. | AED 5,000 to AED 7,083 |
| 4-bedroom | Up to 4,000 sq. ft. | Up to AED 10,417 |
Some ground-floor 3-bedroom apartments with private yards rent for AED 9,583 to AED 10,000 a month. Larger units often include a maid’s room, and 4-bedroom apartments may come with a private backyard. Payment terms vary from landlord to landlord, so ask how many cheques they accept before you sign.
Nearby amenities in Madinat Al Riyad
Madinat Al Riyad has a few schools, supermarkets and mosques inside the community. For bigger malls, hospitals and gyms, residents usually drive to nearby Al Shamkha, Baniyas or Mohamed Bin Zayed City.
Schools
Families can choose from charter schools inside the community and private schools a short drive away, with Indian and international curricula available nearby.
Al Riyadh School
- Location: inside Al Riyadh City
- Type: Charter school
Al Yasat Private School
- Location: Al Shamkha
Future Leaders International Private School
- Location: Baniyas East
Abu Dhabi Indian School, Branch 1
- Location: Al Wathba
- Curriculum: CBSE
Emirates National Schools
- Location: Mohamed Bin Zayed City
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Nurseries
Al Forsan Kindergarten
- Location: inside Riyadh City Abu Dhabi
- Type: Charter kindergarten
Small Stars Nursery
- Location: Riyadh City Abu Dhabi
Kids Academy Nursery
- Location: near the community
Learning Tree Nursery
- Location: near the community
Hospitals and clinics
Burjeel Medical Centre
- Location: Al Shamkha, about 10 minutes away
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
- Location: Al Mafraq, about 20 minutes away
Al Mafraq Hospital
- Location: Al Mafraq, about 20 minutes away
Smilerite Dental and Medical Clinic
- Location: Al Riyadh City
Gyms
Fit Pro Gym
- Location: inside the community
HLS Women’s Gym
- Location: within a 15-minute drive
UAEJJ Fitness Centre
- Location: within a 15-minute drive
Body Abs Fitness Centre
- Location: within a 15-minute drive
Shopping
Zenith Hypermarket
- Location: 46th Street, Riyadh City Abu Dhabi
LuLu Express
- Location: Aliyah Street, Al Riyadh City
LuLu Hypermarket
- Location: Courtyard Mall, Riyadh City Abu Dhabi
Makani Mall
- Location: Al Shamkha, about 9 minutes away
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
- Location: Baniyas, about 25 minutes away
My City Centre Masdar
- Location: Masdar City, about 26 minutes away
Mazyad Mall
- Location: Mohamed Bin Zayed City, about 33 minutes away
Dalma Mall
- Location: Mussafah
Parks
Al Shamkha Park
- Location: Al Shamkha
Baniyas Park
- Location: Baniyas, about 21 minutes away
Al Wathba Park
- Location: Al Wathba, about 28 minutes away
Mosques
Al Kawthar Mosque
- Location: inside the community
Riyadh Al Jannah Mosque
- Location: Riyadh, Abu Dhabi
Imam Abu Hanifa Mosque
- Location: Riyadh Abu Dhabi
Cons of living in Madinat Al Riyad
Like any suburb, Madinat Al Riyad has its downsides. Keep these points in mind before you rent.
Located away from central Abu Dhabi
Driving to the center of Abu Dhabi city usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Beaches and popular spots like Yas Island are also about a half-hour drive. If you work on the island, plan for a daily commute.
Limited Public Transport Options
Public transport in Riyadh City Abu Dhabi is limited. The closest bus stops are in Al Shamkha and Baniyas, about 10 to 20 minutes away by car, with routes like 300, 405, and 406 running from there. Most people drive, and taxis or ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber help cover the rest of the journey.
Construction is ongoing
Building work continues in Al Riyadh City, and some planned schools, shops, and parks are not open yet. Expect roadworks and construction in parts of the area for a while.
Limited dining options
There are only a few places to eat within the community. Arabian Hut, located in Zenith Hypermarket, is one of the few local restaurants. For more variety, residents often go to Makani Mall in Al Shamkha or to Baniyas.
FAQ
Madinat Al Riyad sits on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, right next to Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11). It is close to Al Shamkha, Baniyas, Al Wathba, and Al Falah.
Al Riyadh City was previously known as Al Shamkha South. It was renamed Riyadh City in 2017.
Right, Riyadh City Abu Dhabi includes large villas with private yards, together with charter schools and nurseries within the community, and has quiet streets; hospitals and malls are only a short drive from Al Shamkha and Baniyas.
There isn’t much within the community; the nearest bus stops are in Al Shamkha and Baniyas, which is why most of the people in Riyadh Abu Dhabi drive or use taxis and ride-hailing apps.
In short, Madinat Al Riyad is a good choice for families and renters looking for more space at a better price, even if it means a longer commute. The area offers villas, apartments, and more new facilities are coming soon, making Riyadh, Abu Dhabi an interesting option. To learn more about different neighborhoods, check out the Property Finder blog and see how Madinat Al Riyad compares to other areas in Abu Dhabi.
