Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that

offers a high standard of living for its residents. The city is home to a diverse and

multicultural community, with expats from all over the world finding their place in the city’s

many neighborhoods. If you’re looking to buy a property in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to

know the best neighborhoods to live in. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top

neighborhoods to live in Abu Dhabi, including their unique features, amenities, and

property prices.

Downtown Abu Dhabi

Downtown Abu Dhabi is the city center and the heart of the capital city. This bustling

neighborhood is home to some of the city&’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Emirates

Palace hotel and the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The area is a hub for shopping, entertainment, and

dining, with plenty of options for both locals and expats.

Downtown Abu Dhabi is a great place to live if you enjoy the excitement of city life. The

neighborhood has many high-rise residential towers that offer stunning views of the city

skyline. However, living in downtown Abu Dhabi also means sacrificing space, as most

apartments are on the smaller side. Parking and traffic can also be a challenge, especially on

weekends.

Al Zahiyah and Al Markaziyah

Al Zahiyah and Al Markaziyah are two cosmopolitan areas that offer a range of attractions

for residents. The Abu Dhabi Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the city, is located

in Al Zahiyah, along with many other high-street brands. The Abu Dhabi Corniche, a popular

waterfront promenade, is also nearby.

Living in Al Zahiyah and Al Markaziyah means compromising on space, as most properties

are high-rise apartments. Parking can also be an issue, with some landlords charging extra

for a space. However, the neighborhood has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many hotels

filled with bars and clubs.

Madinat Zayed

Madinat Zayed is a neighborhood close to the city center that offers a quieter and less

congested living experience than downtown Abu Dhabi. While properties in Madinat Zayed

are slightly older than those in the city center, prices are generally the same. The area is a

good option for those looking for a more affordable option than some of the more upscale

neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi.

Al Wahda

Al Wahda is a slightly further out neighborhood than Madinat Zayed, but it offers lighter

traffic and easier parking. The Al Wahda Mall is a popular shopping destination, with a

range of shops and a large Lulu supermarket for groceries. The area is also home to a local

bus station, which makes getting around the city easier.

Khalidiya

Khalidiya is a bustling neighborhood with a large Western community. The area has a

family-friendly park, Khalidiya Park, which is perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.

There are also many shisha cafes in the area that are popular among young expats. The

Corniche, a popular waterfront promenade, is within walking distance, and there are plenty

of supermarkets nearby, including Abela and Spinneys.

Al Karamah

Al Karamah is a quiet neighborhood with villa compounds that house a large expat

community. The compounds come complete with gyms, swimming pools, and other

facilities. Standalone villas and low-rise apartments are also available in the area. Traffic is

light, and parking spaces are plentiful.

Al Rawdah and Al Mushrif

Al Rawdah and Al Mushrif are quiet suburban areas that are perfect for family living. The

neighborhoods have a few corner shops, but expats will need to travel to Al Wahda or the

larger Carrefour, which is slightly further out, for large grocery shopping trips. Traffic is

light, and parking spaces are plentiful. Taxis are also easy to come by in the area.

Al Muroor

Al Muroor is a neighborhood that offers decently priced villas and close proximity to good

schools, making it a great option for families. Parking spaces are plentiful, but getting a taxi

can be difficult at times. The Corniche is within walking distance, and the area is quite

green, making it perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.

Khalifa City

Khalifa City is an up-and-coming suburb of Abu Dhabi that offers quiet streets and plentiful

parking spaces and taxis. The area is still developing, so rental prices are relatively

affordable. The only downside is that it takes roughly 40 minutes to get to the city center by

car.

Al Raha

Al Raha is a popular neighborhood for those looking to buy townhouses in Abu Dhabi. The

area mainly consists of villa compounds, but apartments are also available. There are

several supermarkets in the area, including Spinneys and Waitrose, and the Al Raha Mall

has a Lulu Express supermarket. The area is also home to new shops, schools, and hotels.

Yas Island

Yas Island is a popular area for families looking to buy townhouses in Abu Dhabi. The area

has many leisure destinations, including the popular Yas Mall and the famous Yas Marina

Circuit and Ferrari World. Townhouses for sale in Yas Island come with a range of

amenities, including private swimming pools and CCTV security. Currently, 3-bed

townhouses average at AED 3.1M in Yas Island, while 4-bedroom homes have an average

price of AED 3.6M.

Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is another popular area where you can buy townhouses in Abu Dhabi. The

area is home to the famed Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as the upcoming Guggenheim Abu

Dhabi. The townhouses for sale in Saadiyat Island are relatively expensive, with 3-bedroom

homes averaging at AED 4.3M and 4-bedroom units averaging at AED 5.3M. However, the

area offers an unparalleled lifestyle for residents.

Al Ghadeer

Al Ghadeer is an affordable option for those looking to buy townhouses in Abu Dhabi.

Located at the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border, the community is ideal for those who work in Dubai

but prefer living in the capital city. The development features a range of benefits, including

public parks, a community pool, and other sustainability efforts. Townhouses for sale in Al

Ghadeer come with benefits like swimming pools and access to fitness clubs. At present, Al

Ghadeer's 3-bed townhouses have an average price of AED 1.2M.

In conclusion, Abu Dhabi offers a range of neighborhoods that cater to the needs of different

residents. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city center or a quiet suburban area, there’s

a neighborhood in Abu Dhabi that's perfect for you. When considering buying a property in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to take into account the amenities, facilities, and property prices

of each neighborhood to find the perfect home for you and your family.