Best Places to live in Abu Dhabi

Ever dreamt of living where culture, leisure, and luxury unite? This is what the best areas to live in Abu Dhabi provide. Whether you want to live by the beach, near entertainment hotspots, or surrounded by greenery, you will find a home that suits you here. The best residential areas in Abu Dhabi offer a plethora of apartments, villas and townhouses that fit the lifestyle you’re looking for.

Saadiyat Island

4.1/5

About

Saadiyat Island is a dream for art enthusiasts and luxury lovers. It’s undeniably one of the best places to live in Abu Dhabi. Here, stylish villas and chic apartments offer you a slice of serenity with a dash of elegance. And who could resist a stroll through the Louvre Abu Dhabi on your weekend?

Feel the sand between your toes at the island’s beautiful beaches or perfect your swing on the lush golf courses. Saadiyat Island is more than a home; it's a lifestyle.


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 62,000 AED/year

For sale : 888,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Yas Island

4.9/5

About

How about living where entertainment is endless? It sounds exciting! Yas Island offers that and more, making it one of the best residential areas in Abu Dhabi. Imagine the joy of having an array of thrilling family fun just a stone's throw away.

From the exhilarating races at Yas Marina Circuit to the electric atmosphere of Yas Mall and the thrilling rides of Ferrari World, Yas Island guarantees a life full of excitement. And let’s not forget, luxury villas and waterfront apartments make living here as stylish as it is fun. It’s the perfect blend of high living and high energy.


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 62,000 AED/year

For sale : 869,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Corniche Road

3.8/5

About

If you want to live in the heart of the city, then Corniche Road is the place to be. Dotted with residential buildings overlooking the massive Corniche Beach, this area is full of things to do. Walk or cycle along the Corniche promenade, swim at the beach, or admire regal landmarks like the Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan. 

On top of that, Corniche Road is close to multiple malls and leisure facilities, and being a central location means there’s no shortage of transportation. It’s undoubtedly one of the best best areas to live in Abu Dhabi. 


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

For rent : 90,000 AED/year

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Al Raha Beach

3.9/5

About

Al Raha is a luxurious area developed by Aldar that comprises Al Raha Beach and Al Raha Gardens. Al Raha Beach includes elegant apartments with sea views and multiple facilities like promenades, playgrounds, supermarkets, and restaurants. Meanwhile, Al Raha Gardens offers villas surrounded by greenery and numerous amenities. Al Raha is home to Al Raha International School and is close to multiple schools in Khalifa City.


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 50,000 AED/year

For sale : 950,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Al Reem Island

3.9/5

About

Craving a life where urban excitement meets natural beauty? Al Reem Island offers a bit of both, making it a top contender among the best places to live in Abu Dhabi. It’s where the pace of city life softens with waterfront views and green spaces.

Skyscrapers with ultra-modern amenities blend seamlessly with quieter residential retreats. A lively community awaits, complete with parks and waterfront promenades. Al Reem Island is also home to reputed educational institutions such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Repton School Abu Dhabi.

Living on Al Reem Island means experiencing the best of both worlds, vibrant city life and a peaceful atmosphere. 


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 53,999 AED/year

For sale : 675,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Al Khalidiya

4.2/5

About

Al Khalidiya is one of the most popular residential areas in Abu Dhabi due to its central location and proximity to the Abu Dhabi Corniche. This cozy area has many facilities such as parks, malls, and cafes that local and expat families and bachelors enjoy. Al Khalidiya offers multiple apartments and villas.


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

For rent : 75,000 AED/year

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Al Raha Gardens


About

Al Raha Gardens is a beautiful community located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is known for its lush gardens and family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of greenery throughout the area.


The community offers a plethora of properties to choose from including villas and townhouses. Being on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi,it's an ideal location for those seeking some peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life.


The area has been developed by Aldar Properties, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading developers. They have created a unique environment with plenty of green space and tree lined streets as well as modern amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, schools, mosques and much more.


There are also plenty of activities available within Al Raha Gardens including sports clubs, children’s play areas, grocery stores and cafes which add to its vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the area is in close proximity to top-rated international schools such as Al Yasmina Academy and Raha International School.


Overall Al Raha Gardens is an excellent choice for those looking for luxurious housing options in Abu Dhabi combined with easy access to all local amenities that make this area so desirable to live in!


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Villa prices starting from

For rent : 170,000 AED/year

For sale : 2,700,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Al Maryah Island

4.2/5

About

Picture yourself in the bustling hub of Abu Dhabi’s financial district, where luxury meets business. Al Maryah Island screams sophistication and is undoubtedly one of best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi for professionals with a taste for elegance.

This island stands tall with sleek high-rises offering breathtaking waterfront views. Work by day, play by night, as it’s filled with five-star hotels, The Galleria Mall’s upscale shops, and fine-dining restaurants. On Al Maryah Island, everything you need is at your fingertips.


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 65,000 AED/year

For sale : 700,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Khalifa City

4.3/5

About

Khalifa City is ideal for those looking for a quiet neighborhood with affordable properties. Although it’s a calm area, it’s close to Yas Island where all the action is, making it great for when you want to have fun and then retreat to a peaceful home. Lots of schools are located here as well which makes it ideal for families. 

Khalifa City villas for rent are massive and more reasonably priced than villas in other neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Khalifa City apartments for rent are available in different sizes to accommodate everyone from bachelors to families.


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Townhouse prices starting from

For rent : 160,000 AED/year

For sale : 1,850,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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Reviews from residents


Al Reef

3.9/5

About

Al Reef is a peaceful suburb on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi less than one hour away from Dubai. It’s divided into Al Reef Villas and Al Reef Downtown which are popular for their reasonable prices. Al Reef villas for rent attract families looking for spacious yet affordable villas.


Property types

* Distribution of property types in this community.

Apartment prices starting from

For rent : 48,000 AED/year

For sale : 680,000 AED

* Based on listing prices in last 3 months.

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FAQ

The best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi are Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island, Corniche Road, Khalidiya, Al Raha, Al Reef, and Khalifa City.

Abu Dhabi was named the safest city in the world for the 8th year in a row as of 2024, which makes it a great place to settle.

There are expats all over Abu Dhabi, though they especially prefer Al Reem Island, Al Raha, Saadiyat Island, and Al Maryah Island.

Corniche Road is the most popular street in Abu Dhabi. Its waterfront promenade, large beach, and proximity to attractions contribute to its popularity.