Top Non-Luxury Areas to Buy Apartments in Abu Dhabi
With a robust real estate market, Abu Dhabi offers a range of property options, including apartments. The availability of modern amenities and state of the art infrastructure makes the emirate an attractive destination for both buyers and investors. Overall, the market caters to diverse budgets and lifestyle needs, offering everything from high-end developments to affordable properties. Those seeking value for money can explore some of the most popular non-luxury areas to buy an apartment in Abu Dhabi.
List of Affordable Areas to Buy An Apartment in Abu Dhabi
Living in an apartments offers convenience and modern amenities, making it a preferred choice for many buyers.
Below are the details of the most popular affordable areas to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi.
Disclaimer: The areas mentioned below have been extracted from dubizzle’s data dashboard and do not necessarily represent accurate property transactions occurring in the city.
Al Reef

Al Reef is among the known areas offering affordable apartments in the capital. Located southeast of the capital, it enjoys a strategic placement with easy access to major highways, connecting key areas across the emirate. The community is also near Abu Dhabi International Airport, making it a popular choice for residents who commute to work.
In addition to flats, Al Reef is also listed among the preferred areas to buy affordable villas in Abu Dhabi. With an ROI of 9.18%, the price for apartments for sale in Al Reef averages AED 1.19M.
| Apartment Type | Average Price (AED) |
| Studio | 640,000 |
| 1-Bed | 823,000 |
| 2-Bed | 1,178,000 |
Al Ghadeer

Developed by Aldar, one of the leading real estate developers in Abu Dhabi, this family-friendly neighbourhood is among the known areas offering affordable apartments in the emirate. With its strategic location along the Abu Dhabi and Dubai border, Al Ghadeer provides easy access to key areas of the city.
The community features low-rise residential buildings and apartment complexes, along with a range of everyday amenities, including retail outlets and community facilities. The average price of apartments for sale in Al Ghadeer is is AED 812k, with an ROI of 8.44%.
| Apartment Type | Average Price (AED) |
| Studio | 557,000 |
| 1-Bed | 874,000 |
| 2-Bed | 1,150,000 |
Al Shamkha
Another popular area to buy affordable apartments in Abu Dhabi is Al Shamkha. The well-thought-out area hosts several recreation, education, retail and lifestyle options. The apartments for sale in Al Shamkha have an average price of AED 889k with an ROI of 2.55%.
| Apartment Type | Average Price (AED) |
| Studio | 537,000 |
| 1-Bed | 752,000 |
| 2-Bed | 1,031,000 |
Zayed City
Next on our list of popular areas to buy affordable apartments is Zayed City. Known for its wide boulevards, parks and community infrastructure, the area is home to several apartments.
Its strategic location and direct access to major highways also provide convenient connectivity to key destinations across Abu Dhabi. It is among the top areas to buy off-plan property in Abu Dhabi. The apartments for sale in Zayed City have an average price of AED 1.43M and an ROI of 3.52%.
| Apartment Type | Average Price (AED) |
| Studio | 789,000 |
| 1-Bed | 1,140,000 |
| 2-Bed | 1,694,000 |
FAQs
Which are the most affordable areas to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi?
Based on dubizzle search trends, the popular non-luxury areas to buy an apartment in Abu Dhabi include Al Reef, Al Ghadeer, Al Shamkha and Zayed City.
Can expats buy property in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, expats can buy properties in designated areas of Abu Dhabi such as Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach and Yas Island.
What should I consider before buying an apartment in Abu Dhabi?
Before buying an apartment in Abu Dhabi, consider your budget, the property’s location, nearby amenities, accessibility, potential returns and long-term capital appreciation.
Those are the popular areas to buy affordable apartments in Abu Dhabi. From necessary amenities and recreational facilities to easy access throughout the city, the aforementioned areas offer everything. You can easily consider these options when looking to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s real estate blog for more on areas offering affordable properties for sale across the UAE.