Best Gated Communities in Abu Dhabi

Al Raha Gardens is a peaceful gated community located opposite Al Raha Beach. Properties range from 3-bedroom townhouses to 5-bedroom villas, all surrounded by large swathes of greenery. Al Raha Gardens has amenities such as a community retail center, playgrounds and swimming pools.

Al Reef is a popular neighborhood on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, known for its affordable properties for rent and sale. It’s split into Al Reef Downtown featuring apartments and Al Reef Villas, offering villas.

The UAE government never fails to put the world in awe for the innovative projects it develops. Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is another jaw-dropping project that is a huge leap into the future. The Masdar City project is a mini example of how the world can operate using clean energy.

All Masdar City buildings are designed to reduce water and energy consumption and use recycled materials. They are built using recycled aluminum and low-carbon cement.

Another reason why Masdar City is an excellent project is that it has a free zone, so investing there is easy!

Two gated communities stand out on Saadiyat Island, Jawaher Al Saadiyat for villas, and Saadiyat Beach Residence for apartments.

Jawaher Al Saadiyat is a luxurious gated community developed by Aldar, offering large villas and townhouses on a prime spot on the island, where you can easily access greenery and facilities like a gym, swimming pool, and children’s playground.

Meanwhile Saadiyat Beach Residence offers luxurious apartments for rent in Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi in low rise buildings, set in the heart of an exclusive gated community with direct access to Saadiyat Beach.

Al Reem Island is one of the most popular areas to live in the UAE’s capital. It’s a natural island located 600 meters off Abu Dhabi’s north-eastern coast, and is easily accessible from mainland Abu Dhabi via two bridges.

It’s a mixed-use area featuring commercial, residential, and leisure facilities. In terms of properties, the island mostly houses skyscrapers such as the iconic Gate Towers and Sun and Sky Towers Al Reem Island that offer stunning city and waterfront views. However, there are also a couple of villas and townhouses available.

Al Reem Abu Dhabi is close to Al Maryah Island and Saadiyat Island, giving residents access to plenty of leisure options. Aldar Properties PJSC, Tamouh, and Reem Investments independently developed different parts of the island with projects like Shams Abu Dhabi.

For a retail fix, residents head to Shams Boutik Mall, which houses a Waitrose supermarket, gent’s salon, nail spa, pharmacy, laundry service, restaurants, and cafes. If you’re looking for a bigger mall, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is just 10 minutes away.

There are reputable academic institutions, such as Repton School Abu Dhabi and the Paris-Sorbonne University, besides a variety of nurseries. Al Reem Central Park has sports play areas and a beach walk for an invigorating time outdoors. For healthcare, head to Reem Hospital, Burjeel Day Surgery Center, or Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is in the neighboring Al Maryah Island.

Al Reem Island is one of the most desirable areas in Abu Dhabi among renters and investors. This is due to its central location, luxurious lifestyle and properties, multiple amenities, and waterfront views. According to Property Finder’s Market Watch report, Al Reem Island was among the most in-demand areas for buying villas and apartments, and for renting apartments in Abu Dhabi in Q1 2024.

Lifestyle:

Bustling

Neighbors:

Affluent professionals, young families

Properties on Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi

It’s hard not to fall in love with Reem Island. Its waterfront properties equipped with advanced technology and amenities, draw in people from different nationalities. In fact, Al Reem Island was one of the first developments to allow foreigners to own property on a leasehold basis.

People from various backgrounds flock to Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi thanks to its diverse property options and amenities. Whether you're seeking a sky-high apartment with waterfront views, a spacious villa or townhouse with your family, or a luxurious penthouse with stunning vistas, Al Reem Island has it all.

Apartments on Al Reem Island range from studios to 5-bedroom units, villas from 3 to 5 bedrooms, townhouses come in 2 - 5 bedroom configurations, and penthouses comprise 3 - 5 bedroom units. Properties here provide lovely waterfront views and some even overlook mangrove forests.

Looking for commercial space? The island offers offices and shops for rent or sale, making it a great location for businesses too.

Popular Areas on Al Reem Island

Shams Abu Dhabi

Shams Abu Dhabi isn't just a sub-community; it's a sprawling 25% of Al Reem Island, developed by Sorouh Real Estate. Picture towering skyscrapers, most offering exquisite residences.

The tallest tower here is Sky Tower, a magnificent 389-meter giant with 83 floors, redefining the island's skyline. Another popular building here is Sun Tower, a 64-storey building next to Sky Tower Al Reem Island. Here, luxury reigns supreme, with deluxe apartments boasting 1 to 4 bedrooms and breathtaking Arabian Gulf views.

Marina Square

This stunning waterfront development boasts14 luxurious mixed-use towers offering 3,440 residences, alongside retail, commercial, and hotel units.

Shams Gate

Shams Gate is known for the The Gate Towers, inspired by Stonehenge, which have been the crown jewel of Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi.

City of Lights

This massive project is home to 60 towers comprising 52 residential and 8 commercial buildings, with the capacity to accommodate around 80,000 residents. The City of Lights on Reem Island is a landmark where residents can indulge in stunning views of natural mangroves and premium amenities.

Najmat Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island

The 165-hectare community is one of the best areas for renting properties on Al Reem Island, with lovely waterfront homes. Popular buildings in Najmat Abu Dhabi include RDK Towers, The Wave, and Al Reem Bay Towers.

This satellite community is located on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border and offers an easy commute to both the emirates. The lush neighbourhood has jogging tracks, leafy walkways, parks, swimming pools and a host of other amenities such as a grocery store, café, pharmacy, hairdresser and a beauty salon.

Residents can choose from spacious apartments or villas, ideal for families on a budget. However, you are required to have a car since public transport can be hard to come by. It is also rumoured that Al Ghadeer could be the starting point of the world’s first Hyperloop between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Residents can head to Ibn Batutta Mall, a 30-minute drive away, in Dubai to catch a movie, dine out or for more leisure options.

Lifestyle: Relaxed

Neighbours: Families on a budget

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

Hydra Village is a serene community located on Highway 11 which connects Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It has the perfect combination of modern amenities, scenic beauty and convenience. With its affordable villas and townhouses, Hydra Village offers a wide range of options for people looking for a place to call home.

The atmosphere in the area is relaxing and ideal for families. In addition to the usual amenities such as gyms and schools found in most communities, Hydra Village provides an array of activities such as swimming pools, parks and playgrounds that make living here all the more enjoyable. Moreover, it's close to Yas Island, Al Raha Beach, and Al Raha Gardens, which gives residents access to a wide range of leisure facilities and amenities such as schools and hospitals.

Overall, Hydra village offers an array of exclusive choices when it comes to looking for your dream home among Abu Dhabi's many luxurious communities. Whether you're after a place to call home or a sound investment opportunity – there's something here that can meet any lifestyle preference or budget requirement!

The entertainment capital of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island houses major tourist attractions. Residents are spoilt for choice as the community also features a golf course, the massive Yas Mall, and an IKEA store.

There is also a beach which offers watersports and a public park for residents. Yas Island also hosts several trendy restaurants, premium resorts, and countless events.

Tree-lined boulevards, well-appointed lawns, water fountains, large palaces and luxurious villas, that’s Al Bateen in a nutshell. Located on the west of Abu Dhabi island, this is a playground of the affluent and home to some of the most prestigious addresses in the city, both luxurious villas, townhouses and apartments. This opulent green neighbourhood also houses a pristine beach, play areas, schools, medical clinics and supermarkets.

There are diplomatic offices and government centres adding to the wow factor of Al Bateen. For recreation, families can head to Al Bateen Park, Al Bateen Mall or the cinema and bowling centre at Khalidiyah Mall, which is just 10 minutes away. There are premier academic institutes in the community as well, such as the Emirates College of Technology for higher studies, American Community School of Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen Primary Model School and Al Bateen Academy.

Lifestyle: Upscale

Neighbours: Mostly Emiratis, affluent Arab and Western expats

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, Nalaya Villas proudly claims its spot as the first gated community with villas available for rent on the entire island. Since hitting the market, these villas have captivated tenants, drawing interest despite their premium price point.

With a design that could easily rival luxury getaways in destinations like the Maldives, each villa offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf’s clear blue waters, framed by natural mangroves, and private beach access. It’s truly the kind of lifestyle dreams are made of!