Al Reem Island
Project Highlights
Key features
Natural island 600 meters off the northeast coast of Abu Dhabi.
Developed by ALDAR Properties PJSC.
One of the first free zones in Abu Dhabi, allowing expat property ownership on a leasehold basis.
Features numerous high-rise towers, including the iconic Gate Towers.
Offers great waterfront views from most buildings and villas.
Home to reputable academic institutions like Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Repton School.
Key locations include Reem Central Park and the upcoming Reem Mall.
Connected to the mainland via bridges, with access to Saadiyat Island and Al Maryah Island.
Al Reem Island is among the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi, quickly emerging as a highly desirable area. The island has a wide variety of property types, from luxury penthouses, modern apartments, and stunning waterfront villas, to cater to different residential needs. Created by ALDAR Properties PJSC, it is one of the earliest free zones in Abu Dhabi, the only one, in fact, initially to provide property ownership to foreigners on a leasehold basis, which has been a key factor in its multicultural international population.
The architectural theme found throughout Al Reem Island is predominantly drawn from traditional Moroccan and Spanish styles, providing residents with an assortment of sophisticated residential apartments and villas. These apartments are properly equipped with latest facilities and amenities to lead a luxurious lifestyle. Living in Al Reem Island provides convenient proximity to a variety of basic facilities and services, including several restaurants, hypermarkets like Geant and Carrefour Market, established schools like Repton School Abu Dhabi, mosques like Al Aziz Mosque, and even churches like St. Joseph's Cathedral that are conveniently located near.
The development is set in a mixed-use community that attracts a mixed crowd of nationalities with its idyllic waterfront developments, high-tech, and full of amenities. Properties vary in types, with the villas tending to be marketed in 3 to 5-bedroom plans, apartments from studio to 5-bedroom flats, townhouses from 2 to 5-bedroom units, and penthouses from 3 to 5 bedrooms. This diversity ensures that potential residents can acquire an accommodation that suits their individual needs and tastes.
Market Trends & Living Insights
Real Estate Market Trends & Prices
The real estate market on Al Reem Island offers a diverse range of rental and sale options, catering to various budgets and preferences. Apartment rentals average from AED 59,000 for studios to AED 270,000 for 5-bedroom units, while villas range from AED 55,000 for studios to AED 375,000 for 5-bedroom homes. For buyers, apartment prices start at AED 713,000 for studios and reach AED 3,974,000 for 4-bedroom units, with villas priced between AED 913,000 for 1-bedroom units and AED 12,055,000 for 5-bedroom properties. Investment opportunities are strong, with studio apartments yielding the highest ROI at 8.50% and 1-bedroom villas at 9.13%, while other property types offer returns between 3.26% and 7.73%. These figures highlight Al Reem Island’s appeal for investors seeking solid returns alongside a vibrant, growing community.
Popular Property Types & Layouts
Al Reem Island has a great mix of property types to suit various needs. Here’s what’s available:
Apartments: These range from studios to 5-bedroom units. They’re the most common option and come with modern designs and luxury amenities, often with scenic waterfront views.
Villas: You’ll find these in 3 to 5-bedroom layouts, perfect for families wanting more space and privacy.
Penthouses: Available in 3 to 5-bedroom configurations, these are luxurious units known for their spaciousness and high-end finishes.
Townhouses: These come in 2 to 5-bedroom options, offering a nice middle ground between apartments and villas.
The properties follow a Moroccan and Spanish architectural style, which gives them an elegant look. They’re equipped with the latest technology and modern conveniences, making them a popular choice for residents who enjoy a mix of style and comfort.
Pros & Cons of Living Al Reem Island
Living on Al Reem Island has its upsides and downsides. Here’s a balanced look at what to consider:
Pros:
Luxury Amenities: You’ve got access to waterfront developments, modern conveniences, and plenty of retail and dining options right at your doorstep.
Great Community: The island attracts people from all over, creating a diverse and lively neighborhood.
Family-Friendly: With schools like Repton School Abu Dhabi, nurseries like Mosaic Nursery, and parks like Reem Central Park, it’s a solid spot for families.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome here, and places like the canal walk and Reem Central Park are great for them.
Good Location: Bridges connect the island to Abu Dhabi city, Al Maryah Island, and Saadiyat Island, so you’re never too far from the action.
Cons:
Traffic Congestion: The bridges to the mainland can get busy during rush hour, which might slow down your commute.
Ongoing Construction: There’s a lot of development happening, so you might hear some noise or see construction sites. On the bright side, it means more amenities are coming.
No Local Beach: There’s no public beach right on the island. The closest ones, like Saadiyat Public Beach and Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach, are about 20 minutes away by car.
Transportation & Parking
Car-owners residing on Al Reem Island usually have designated parking lots, since most, if not all, residential towers have parking areas for their occupants. Guests might find it harder to secure a parking lot, normally having to rely on mall car parks or visitor parking lots within the community.
Public Transport in Al Reem Island
Residents of the island have various means of getting around using public transport. Taxis are readily available, commonly spotted at Shams BOUTIK Mall.
Public buses are also available on the island for easy transport on Al Reem Island. For other locations in Abu Dhabi and beyond into other emirates, Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Abu Dhabi Bus Station are the nearest large terminals.
Amenities, Schools & Healthcare
Supermarkets in Al Reem Island:
Al Reem Island homes can enjoy the services of several well-serviced supermarkets that cater to every day's grocery needs.
Al Maya Supermarket
Carrefour Market
Zoom
Geant Supermarket
Waitrose (in Shams BOUTIK Mall)
Churches, Temples and Mosques on Al Reem Island:
Mosques: Al Reem Island boasts Al Aziz Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Abu Dhabi, situated in the middle and with a capacity to accommodate over 2,500 worshippers.
Churches: St. Joseph's Cathedral, for Christian residents is in Al Mushrif, about a 20-minute drive from the island.
Temples: Hindu residents currently have to travel to Jebel Ali in Dubai just to visit a temple, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Nurseries, Schools, Higher Education in Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island caters to families with children by ensuring the availability of different educational establishments for children of different ages.
Nurseries in Al Reem Island:
Mosaic Nursery
Hummingbird Nursery
Playhouse Nursery
Schools in Al Reem Island:
Repton School Abu Dhabi (British curriculum; the Nursery students are housed in the Rose Campus under the Repton Foundation School, using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) system.
Higher Education in Al Reem Island:
Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (in the middle of Al Reem Island, dome-shaped building, new facilities, massive library, student sports centre, and a large dining area.)
Clinics and Hospitals near Al Reem Island:
Individuals have easy access to medical facilities.
Burjeel Hospital (located on Al Reem Island)
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (located on Al Maryah Island, 7 minutes away from Al Reem Island)
NMC Specialty Hospital (located 7 minutes away from Al Reem Island)
Nearby Areas
Al Reem Island is well connected to the Abu Dhabi mainland and neighboring islands. Two bridges link it directly to Abu Dhabi city and Al Maryah Island. Such strategic positioning ensures that Al Maryah Island, with its commercial and retail activities like The Galleria Al Maryah Island, is within driving distance. Additionally, Saadiyat Island, the cultural center, is also within minutes of Al Reem, providing residents with further options for shopping therapy, leisure, and relaxation, including museums and beaches. The proximity to these significant islands actually enhances the lifestyle and convenience for Al Reem Island residents.
Lifestyle & Leisure
Shopping Malls in Al Reem Island
Residents of Al Reem Island are conveniently situated near shopping centers. Shams BOUTIK Mall, located next to Sun and Sky Towers on Al Reem Island, caters to daily necessities with a combination of standalone traders, brands, restaurants, and cafes. For even more retail therapy, The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi's number one mall, is just a short drive away on Al Maryah Island.
Shams BOUTIK Mall (on Al Reem Island, near Sun and Sky Towers)
The Galleria Mall (on Al Maryah Island, within a few minutes' distance)
Reem Mall
Restaurants in Al Reem Island
Pizza Express (at Shams BOUTIK Mall, Al Reem Island)
Buffalo Wings and Rings
Super Poke (at Shams BOUTIK Mall, Al Reem Island)
The Kettle Corner (at Shams BOUTIK Mall, Al Reem Island)
Doppio Cafe
Smoking Doll
Beaches in Al Reem Island
Saadiyat Public Beach: Approximately a 20-minute drive away, it is the closest beach to Abu Dhabi Al Reem Island.
Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach: Also about 20 minutes away and free to enter. The beach has plenty of parking space.
FAQs
Al Reem Island is strategically located for immediate proximity to other prime destinations in Abu Dhabi and outside. There are two highways connecting the island to the mainland with a third on the drawing board. The access points allow comparatively quick travel times to the prime points and facilities, depending on the traffic during peak hours that close the bridges.
Abu Dhabi International Airport: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 35 minutes by car
Abu Dhabi Corniche: 20 minutes
Yas Island: 30 minutes
Saadiyat Island: Minutes
Al Maryah Island: Minutes (bridge connected)
Dubai: Around 2 hours
Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world: Around 2 hours and 20 minutes
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