Abu Dhabi, the capital city of UAE, is a centre of business and governmental activities, populated with people from all across the world. To cater to the expat population, the government has designated freehold areas where expats can buy properties. These areas are scattered around the emirate and are equipped with all essential lifestyle amenities. Freehold areas feature different types of properties ranging from affordable apartments to luxury villas.
Let’s take a closer look at the freehold property areas in Abu Dhabi.
List of Freehold Property Areas in Abu Dhabi
Similar to freehold property areas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi also has multiple freehold areas. Following are the freehold property areas of Abu Dhabi that expats can opt for.
Yas Island
The man-made Yas Island is one of the most sought-after addresses in the emirate. The Island is home to numerous tourist attractions, including Ferrari World, Yas Marina, Yas Link, Yas Mall and W Hotel. Moreover, high-end restaurants and hotels make the community an ideal place to live in.
Yas Island offers a blend of freehold apartments and villas accompanied by basic lifestyle amenities. The Island is only 50 minutes away from Dubai and can be directly accessed through the E10 exit on the Abu Dhabi – Dubai highway. Moreover, the 190 Bus Route and taxi service are also available for public commuting. Alongside buses and taxis, the ITC’s Smart Mobility transportation is also available for the residents.
Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island spans over an area of 27 sq. km. and is divided into seven districts. The community offers luxury apartments, loft-style penthouses and waterfront villas. Alongside ready properties, mix-use and off-plan properties are also available in the area.
Browse through these properties for sale in Saadiyat Island and take a glimpse of the different types of properties available for sale.
For public transportation, Abu Dhabi bus and taxi services are available. However, for daily commutes, private cars are more recommended. That said, if you are living on Saadiyat Island without a private car, browse through these used cars for sale in Abu Dhabi and buy a car that fits your budget.
Al Reef
Al Reef is a mixed-use area located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, developed by Manazel Real Estate. The community is further segmented into two sub-communities namely, Al Reef Villas and Al Reef Downtown. The family-friendly area offers a serene environment to its residents in a pocket-friendly range. There are around 2000 villas and 46 residential buildings in the area offering freehold residence to the expats.
Private cars are generally preferred for travelling to and from the area. However, taxis and buses are also available for the residents looking for public transport. Moreover, ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber are also available in the area.
If you are interested in availing these facilities, browse through these properties for sale in Al Reef and invest in an ideal property unit.
Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is located near the northeastern coast of Abu Dhabi. This mixed-use community was one of the earliest free zones in Abu Dhabi. Al Reem Island is home to numerous high-rise buildings, including the famous Gate Towers.
Alongside high-rise buildings, the area also features numerous waterfront properties with mesmerising views. The architecture of residential buildings in Al Reem Island is inspired by Moroccan and Spanish architecture.
Abu Dhabi Bus Station and Abu Dhabi Central Station are the nearest, located at a distance of 13 to 14 minutes drive. Whereas, taxis can be easily found at Shams BOUTIK Mall.
Al Raha Beach
The vibrant mixed-use community of Al Raha Beach is a waterfront area located along Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10). Al Raha is further divided into three main sub-communities: Al Bandar, Al Zeina and Al Muneera, each offering luxury amenities to the residents.
Investors can choose from an array of apartments, penthouses, townhouses and villas for sale in Al Raha Beach. Apartments are available in Studio to 4-bed layouts, whereas villas are available in 2 to 6-bed layouts. Two bus stops are located within the community for convenient public transportation.
Masdar City
Masdar City is located next to the Abu Dhabi airport and shares a border with Khalifa City. The area is enveloped between Al Rawafid Street, Al Arabi Street and Al Ishoush Street, providing direct access to Abu Dhabi Al Shahama Road (E10). The properties in Masdar City are sustainable and available in different configurations. If you are interested in sustainable living, browse through these villas for sale in Masdar City.
The nearest bus stop is located in Khalifa City, which is around 10 minutes away from the community. Other than that, residents generally rely on private cars.
Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island, formerly known as Sowwah Island, spans an area of 114 hectares. The community is home to two five-star restaurants and multiple high-end restaurants. Moreover, the waterfront promenade on the island offers 360° views of the emirate. The community features apartments, penthouses and villas in different configurations.
The closest bus stops are located at Bainuna Street and Street 19. Whereas, taxis are also available in the community for public commuting.
Al Raha Garden
Al Raha Garden is a project of Aldar Properties, one of the leading real estate developers in Abu Dhabi. The family-friendly area stretches over 665,000 sq.m, featuring landscaped gardens and luxury residential units. A majority of residential units in the community have modern or traditional Arabic architecture. Browse through these properties for sale in Al Raha Garden and opt for an ideal real estate unit.
The community is well-connected when it comes to public transportation. A number of bus routes pass by the community, especially nearby Street 30, Street 18, Street 3 and Al Yasmina School.
Al Shamkha
Al Shamkha is located on the north-eastern side of the emirate, far from the Downtown. The community is home to a beachfront golf club and premier hotels. Different types of properties, including apartments, stand-alone villas and townhouses, are available in Al Shamkha. The low-rise buildings consist of 2- to 3-floor feature studios and 4-bed apartments. Whereas, villas are available in 2 to 11-bed layouts.
Taxis are usually preferred for public transportation. The nearest bus stop is located in Mussafah at a distance of 20 minutes.
Nurai Island
Nurai is one of the residential islands of Abu Dhabi, featuring 11 hectares of white sandy beach. The Island is an ideal vacation destination featuring multiple beach resorts, holiday homes and beach clubs. The properties in Nurai Island are available in 1 and 2-bedroom beachside villas and 6-bedroom mansions. The majority of these property units have direct access to the beach and come with an infinity pool.
The Island is only accessible by boats or water taxis. That said, browse through these used boats for sale in Abu Dhabi and buy your own boat before moving to Nurai Island.
FAQs
What are popular freehold property areas of Abu Dhabi?
Al Reef, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Masdar City and Al Maryha Island are some of the most popular freehold areas of Abu Dhabi.
Can expats buy freehold property in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, expats are allowed to buy properties in the designated freehold areas of Abu Dhabi.
Is Al Reem Island freehold?
Yes, Al Reem Island is a freehold property area of Abu Dhabi.
These were all the freehold property areas in Abu Dhabi. The capital’s property market has shown tremendous growth in previous years, attracting local and foreign investors. Freehold property areas allow expat investors to buy properties in the Capital City and avail of higher returns.
If you are also planning to invest in the freehold areas of Abu Dhabi, browse through these properties for sale in Abu Dhabi and invest in an ideal property unit.
Besides, if you are new to the market, read through our Abu Dhabi annual sales market report for 2023.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more information on expat property buying.
