Best Areas to Stay in Abu Dhabi For Families

Saadiyat Island is not just an area, it's an experience. Home to iconic museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat, you're never far from a dose of culture or art. It’s also known for its white sandy beaches and upscale restaurants, embodying luxury. 

Plus, with the attractions in downtown Abu Dhabi and Yas Island under 30 minutes away, it’s easy to get around. Add to that the abundance of highly rated schools and nurseries such as Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Théodore Monod International French School, American Community School of Abu Dhabi, and Redwood Montessori Nursery; this place screams 'family-friendly'.

Being a freehold area, Saadiyat Island offers some of the most luxurious villas and apartments for sale in Abu Dhabi. However, there are lots of rental options available too.

If luxury living was a destination, it would be Al Reem Island. This waterfront community sits majestically 600 meters off the northeastern coast of Abu Dhabi city. It provides homes with sea views and a lifestyle draped in luxury. The flats for rent in Reem Island Abu Dhabi are set in mid and high-rise buildings, infused with great amenities. Al Reem Island has multiple parks, and 2 malls, and is close to Abu Dhabi’s city center, making it one of the best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi for families.

One of the swankiest communities in Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach includes 3 sub-communities Al Bandar, Al Muneera and Al Zeina. Think waterfront views, al fresco dining by the sea and promenades: Al Raha Beach offers all that and more.

Ideal for both singles, couples and big families owing to the variety of properties, this community scores high on accessibility, both to the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai and downtown Abu Dhabi. It’s very family-friendly, with a host of supermarkets, reputed schools within a short driving distance in Khalifa City, and eateries in the community. Water sports enthusiasts can rejoice as Halla Walla offers waterskiing and kayaking in the community.

Don’t miss: Pacifico Tiki for some Mediterranean dishes, Leopold’s of London and Jones The Grocer

Lifestyle: Upmarket

Neighbours: Singles and couples in Al Bandar, big families in Al Muneera and Al Zeina

One of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the capital, Khalidiya is strategically located in the heart of Abu Dhabi near the Corniche. Residents can choose from either apartments in high-rise buildings or spacious villas in Khalidiya Village. Most houses offer waterfront views.

Here’s why the neighbourhood is a family favourite: it houses the Khalidiya Park, Khalidiyah Mall and is also a stone’s throw away from Abu Dhabi Corniche beach. Parents can send their children to either American Community School of Abu Dhabi or Al Bateen Academy. There are ample recreation spaces as well and a boardwalk on the Corniche for the fitness buffs.

Don’t miss: The tender lamb chops and grills in Lebanese Flower, an institution in Abu Dhabi, and a few rounds of billiards at local pool hall Harrods.

Lifestyle: Trendy

Neighbours: Young professionals and large families from GCC, South Asia and Europe

Home to ground-breaking theme parks like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. Yas Island is a haven for families with kids. It’s more than an entertainment destination, however, thanks to its upscale apartments, villas and townhouses, many of which offer stunning golf course views. Moreover, Yas Island is located next to Khalifa City which has many schools.

It’s rare to find a quiet neighborhood in the city center with all of the amenities you need, yet this is exactly what Al Mushrif offers. Located just 15 minutes away from Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Mushrif is home to many schools and family-friendly spots such as Umm Al Emarat Park and Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Properties here are reasonably priced making them great if you’re looking for an apartment or villa for rent in Mushrif Abu Dhabi.

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!

The beating heart of Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road is known for its 8km sea-side promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and people walking and cycling. It’s close to many of Abu Dhabi’s main attractions and shopping malls. The apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi Corniche come in mid and high-rise buildings, with many offering expansive sea views.

Al Muroor residents have the privilege of staying in the center of Abu Dhabi, yet away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The area offers affordable villas and apartments for mid-income families and bachelors. Properties in Al Muroor are mainly available for rent, however, you can find a few villas for sale.

The family-friendly district is filled with shops, commercial spaces, schools, restaurants, medical clinics, and more. It offers great connectivity to downtown Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Muroor’s location neighbors Al Mushrif, Al Bateen, Al Rawdah, and Al Nahyan.

Al Wahda Mall is a short drive away if you want to catch a movie, get your retail fix, or dine out. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s biggest mosques, is only 12 minutes away.

Properties in Muroor Abu Dhabi

Real estate in Al Muroor Abu Dhabi is as diverse as the people who live there. Apartments for rent in Muroor range from studios to 5-bedroom units, while villas start from 3 bedrooms and go up to over 7 bedrooms.

There are also plenty of commercial properties, especially offices, available for rent on Muroor Street Abu Dhabi. The area’s central location makes it a great spot for businesses looking for affordable spaces. You will find both, fitted, and shell and core offices for rent in Muroor Abu Dhabi.

Don't miss: A day out for families at the Umm Al Emarat park

Lifestyle: Busy, fast-paced

Neighbors: Bachelors, families, middle-income expats

Working in Dubai and need a spacious home on a budget? Consider moving to Mohamed Bin Zayed City, which is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Abu Dhabi. Housing spacious villas and a few apartment buildings, this is a haven for families with children, with several good schools located in the community or within a short radius.

Mazyad Mall inside MBZ City houses all the amenities a family needs; think convenience stores, a pharmacy, salons, laundry service and more. You can also head to Capital Mall in Musaffah and Dalma Mall in the neighbouring Abu Dhabi Industrial City.

For your grocery needs, there is a Carrefour Market and a LuLu Express within MBZ City. The community has a public park to cater to fitness buffs and families with children. It’s recommended that you have a vehicle to get around.

Don’t miss: A bird watching opportunity at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (a short drive away), and explore Masdar City, a trailblazing sustainable city

Lifestyle: Quiet, peaceful

Neighbours: Western and South-east Asian expats