Beachfront Residences, Nurai Island
Project Highlights
Key features
4 and 6-bedroom villas with spacious layouts
Private beaches attached to every residence
Ultra-modern kitchens and elevated dining spaces
Direct ocean views from living spaces
Alfresco showers, BBQ setups, and patios
18,000 sq. ft. average built-up area
Natural green surroundings with palm-fringed gardens
Boat access from Saadiyat Island
Nearby luxury resort with spa, restaurants, and kids’ facilities
Beachfront Residences is a premium villa community situated on the exclusive Zaya Retreats. Developed under the vision of Emirati entrepreneur Zaya Retreatsl, this project was opened in 2014. The community features a limited number of luxury villas that combine architectural elegance with natural beauty. Each unit is designed to reflect light and openness, drawing inspiration from the island’s name, Nurai, which means “light.”
There are a total of 28 villas, categorized into 'Shoreline' and 'Seaside' estates. The homes come with 4 to 6-bedroom configurations and boast a minimum size of 18,000 sq. ft. Every villa includes private beach access, offering uninterrupted sea views. Features like high ceilings, open layouts, minimalist kitchen design, and large entertainment areas create an ideal luxury living experience.
Nurai Island itself is a natural island known for its peaceful environment and lush greenery. Residents benefit from resort-style living while enjoying privacy and seclusion. Water sports, spa services, gourmet dining, and leisure activities are all available nearby at the Zaya Nurai Island Resort.
The community is accessible only by boat or yacht, reinforcing its status as an exclusive retreat. Residents and visitors enjoy a unique lifestyle that integrates wellness, luxury, and outdoor recreation within a self-contained, eco-conscious island environment.
Market Trends & Living Insights
Real Estate Market Trends & Prices
4-bedroom villas are priced around AED 52M
6-bedroom villas range between AED 45M and AED 55M
Market trends are in line with other properties on Nurai Island
Popular Property Types & Layouts
4-bedroom and 6-bedroom ultra-luxury villas
18,000 sq. ft. average built-up area
En-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, large balconies
Private beaches, ocean views, outdoor dining areas
Pros & Cons of Living in Beachfront Residences
Pros
High level of privacy and exclusivity
Direct access to private beaches
Eco-friendly and quiet environment
Resort-style facilities available
Luxurious and spacious homes
Cons
Only accessible by boat – limited transport options
High property prices
Distance from schools and mainland facilities
Transportation & Parking
Living on Nurai Island means owning a car is not essential, as vehicles are not used on the island itself. Movement is primarily by foot or buggy, and travel to and from the island is done via boat.
Public Transportation in Beachfront Residences
Boats available from Saadiyat Island (every hour)
Private yachts and speedboats also used for access
From Saadiyat, taxis and buses connect to Abu Dhabi mainland
Amenities, Schools & Healthcare
Supermarkets near Beachfront Residences
Nearby options include:
Waitrose – Saadiyat Island
Spinneys – Saadiyat Beach District
Carrefour – The Collection, Saadiyat
Zoom Market – Near St. Regis Resort
Al Maya Supermarket – Saadiyat Marina
Mosques, Temples, and Churches in Beachfront Residences
Mosques: Saadiyat Island has nearby prayer facilities.
Temples: Hindu temples can be accessed on the mainland in Abu Dhabi city.
Churches: Residents can access Christian places of worship in Abu Dhabi, approximately 25-30 minutes away via boat and taxi.
Nurseries, Schools, Higher Education in Beachfront Residences
Nurseries
Redwood Nursery – Saadiyat Island
Bright Beginnings – Saadiyat Island
Yellow Submarine Nursery – Al Bateen
Schools
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi – Saadiyat Island
Repton School Abu Dhabi – Al Reem Island
GEMS World Academy – Khalifa City
Higher Education
New York University Abu Dhabi – Saadiyat Island
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi – Al Reem Island
Khalifa University – Main Campus
Clinics and Hospitals Near Beachfront Residences
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island
Healthpoint Hospital – Zayed Sports City
NMC Royal Hospital – Khalifa City
Burjeel Hospital – Al Najda Street
Oasis Medical Center – Saadiyat Island
Nearby Areas
Nurai Island is surrounded by some of Abu Dhabi’s premier developments. To the west is Saadiyat Island, home to cultural landmarks like Louvre Abu Dhabi and several five-star resorts. Ras Ghurab Island, a quieter natural plot, lies nearby for those seeking additional solitude. Al Jubail Island, a growing waterfront project with mangroves and natural estuaries, lies to the southeast, offering eco-conscious living options.
Lifestyle & Leisure
Shopping Malls near Beachfront Residences
To access malls, residents must travel to Saadiyat Island.
Yas Mall – Yas Island, largest mall with international retail brands
Abu Dhabi Mall – Al Zahiyah, 200+ stores and department outlets
Marina Mall – Breakwater Road, 400+ stores and luxury brands
Restaurants near Beachfront Residences
Several dining options are located directly on Nurai Island Resort.
Dusk Lounge – Mediterranean and cocktails
Frangipani – International fine dining
Hooked – Seafood-focused beachfront restaurant
Smokin Pineapple – Laid-back bar and grill
Ginger Mermaid – Asian fusion cuisine
Other Dining Options near Beachfront Residences
Restaurants on Saadiyat Island:
Starbucks – The Collection
Safina – At Saadiyat Rotana
Cabana9 – St. Regis Resort
Beaches near Beachfront Residences
Each villa has a private beach
Public beaches accessible from Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi Beach – 25 minutes from Saadiyat by taxi
Leisure & Landmarks in Beachfront Residences
Zaya Nurai Island Resort – Spa, bars, lounges, kids club
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Cultural landmark
Water Sports – Jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking
Fishing trips and private yacht charters
Outdoor, Fitness & Beauty in Beachfront Residences
Walking and cycling tracks
Private fitness center with ocean view
Yoga Pavilion
On-island spa and wellness center
Salon services at Zaya Nurai Resort
Community Events in Beachfront Residences
Community members can join seasonal events, water sport festivals, and wellness retreats hosted by the Zaya Nurai Island Resort. Activities often include live entertainment, kids’ events, and themed dining nights.
FAQs
Nurai Island is a secluded luxury development off the coast of Saadiyat Island. It’s only accessible by boat and offers a tranquil escape from city life.
Travel times:
Abu Dhabi City Center – 20 km
Yas Mall – 25 mins by boat & car
Abu Dhabi Airport – 25–30 mins by taxi
Saadiyat Island – 10 mins by boat
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