When the UAE is mentioned, people think of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa. This is probably because of the exquisite luxury that comes with staying in the city of Dubai. However, many have discovered the little known pleasure of the country’s capital city Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi offers unmatched luxury and safety and a great standard of living for individuals and families, without all the bells and whistles of Dubai. It is less dense in population and offers a much slower pace of life than its showy neighbour Dubai. .
I’ll admit I was conflicted about moving my family to Abu Dhabi in the first place; I thought all the fun was in Dubai. “Why should we settle for Abu Dhabi anyway?”
After five years of living here with my family, Abu Dhabi proved to be a perfect choice! If you are thinking of the best place to stay with your family in Abu Dhabi, you’re in the right place. In this article, I will uncover the top five (5) choices of where to stay in Abu Dhabi with family.
Is Abu Dhabi Good For Families?
Image Credit: Unsplash
Yes, Abu Dhabi is perfect for families. Unlike Dubai, this emirate has far less traffic jams. It has diverse state-of-the -art amenities, perfect for family comfort. Staying out late in this emirate won’t be a hassle as the city ranks second globally for safety.
Going shopping in Abu Dhabi is a pleasure. Even grocery shopping is great, the supermarkets are stacked with a myriad of products, ranging from English to European products. Hiring a nanny or help in the city is also affordable (if you’re a working spouse). Although, keep in mind that you will be sponsoring every need, which requires an annual tax.
Abu Dhabi also has many standard and excellent international schools which offer different curricula. Finding the right school or after school care for younger children won’t be a problem, as there are schools in almost all communities.
Nothing can be more thrilling than having a family time out! In Abu Dhabi, you’ll find amazing parks, beaches, entertainment venues, events, etc. What’s more, is that the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, is located here.
Where Do Expat Families Live In Abu Dhabi
- Al Khalidiya
Image Credit: RW Armstrong
Al Khalidiya is popular with expat families living in Abu Dhabi. It is a central neighbourhood close to the Corniche, an ideal spot for cycling and hiking. This community is filled with affordable to luxurious accommodations, each revealing a picture-perfect view of the city.
Al Khalidiya is surrounded by all the necessary facilities and amenities to live with your family. You’ll find supermarkets like the Lulu Hypermarket, hospitals and prestigious schools like the International School of Choueifat, one of Abu Dhabi’s finest schools.
Al Khalidiya is also a hub for multicultural cuisines that gives your taste buds a treat. It’s easy to find a restaurant that sells your local dish. The community also has a surplus of outdoor leisure activities for you and your family to explore.
How much does it cost to rent a property in Al Khalidiya?
| S/N | Beds | Apartment | Villa | Penthouse |
| 1. | Studio | AED 29K and above | – | – |
| 2. | 1 Bed Unit | AED 40K and above | – | – |
| 3. | 2 Bed Unit | AED 45K and above | – | – |
| 4. | 3 Bed Unit | AED 55K and above | AED 110K and above | – |
| 5. | 4 Bed Unit | AED 80K and above | AED 125K and above | AED 330K and above |
- Yas Island
Image Credit: Visit Abu Dhabi
If you seek an atmosphere of fun and adventure for your family, choose Yas Island, as the cosmopolitan lifestyle makes it a haven for expatriate families. It holds luxurious residences ranging from apartments to villas. It’s also home to major flagship stores, waterfront, and children’s amusement centres.
There are several malls, such as the Yas mall, which boasts dozens of stores, coupled with top-notch restaurants. This provides seamless access to your necessities. You’ll find a host of outstanding schools on Yas Island, including after school care and nurseries. A popular option among expatriates is West Yas Academy.
How much does it cost to rent a property in Yas Island?
| S/N | Bed | Apartment | Villa |
| 1. | Studio | AED 41K and above | – |
| 2. | 1 Bed Unit | AED 50K and above | – |
| 3. | 2 Bed Unit | AED 80K and above | AED 175K and above |
| 4. | 3 Bed Unit | AED 125K and above | AED 205K and above |
| 5. | 4 Bed Unit | AED 254K and above | AED 240K and above |
- Al Reem Island
Image Credit: AbuDhabi Confidential
Al Reem Island is perfect for expatriates with families looking for a vibrant lifestyle with a touch of aesthetic waterfront views to drool at. The Island is a top residential choice ranging from penthouses, apartments, or villas, with conducive environments for your family to flourish.
Living in Al Reem Island, you won’t need to take long drives to get your basic amenities as every family’s essentials are within the neighbourhood. The Island prides itself on having one of the best transportation systems with parking spaces within the residences for car owners.
Al Reem Island has a taste of luxury for every essential family, ranging from top-notch educational institutions, stunning beaches for the perfect family outings, restaurants, outdoor parks, and quality healthcare centres. It is home to renowned Abu Dhabi’s Repton’s school for nursery and older students. Healthcare centres like the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi are among the top hospitals in the UAE, with excellent medical facilities.
How much does it cost to rent a property in Al Reem Island?
| S/N | Beds | Apartment | Villa | Penthouse |
| 1. | Studio | AED 36K and above | – | – |
| 2. | 1 Bed Unit | AED 47K and above | – | – |
| 3. | 2 Bed Unit | AED 70K and above | – | – |
| 4. | 3 Bed Unit | AED 93K and above | AED 249K and above | AED 280K and above |
| 5. | 4 Bed Unit | AED 190K and above | AED 250K and above | AED 235K and above |
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ)
Photo Credit: Emirates Business
Named after the first Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, MBZ City is a residential hotspot for expats to raise their families away from the hassle of the city. The city takes family-friendly to another level by providing residents with a gated community and more affordable accommodations.
A downside to the city is the limited number of public transport to get around time; however, the city is gearing towards eliminating that problem in the future. Residents are in for a treat in amenities, schools, healthcare, and leisure activities as MBZ boasts a range of facilities.These luxuries encompass the Lemar Supermarket, Evergreen Nursery, Emirates Future International Academy, the Burjeel Medical city, the Yas or Saadiyat beach; a few minutes drive from MBZ.
How much does it cost to rent a property in MBZ?
| S/N | Bed | Apartment | Villa |
| 1. | Studio | AED 25K and above | – |
| 2. | 1 Bed Unit | AED 28K and above | – |
| 3. | 2 Bed Unit | AED 44K and above | AED 55K and above |
| 4. | 3 Bed Unit | AED 60K and above | AED 70K and above |
| 5. | 4 Bed Unit | AED 95K and above | AED 100K and above |
- Saadiyat Island
Photo Credit: VisitAbuDhabi
A multicultural home for expatriate families, a picture-perfect location that’ll have your jaw-dropping, Saadiyat island is one of the best residential areas in Abu Dhabi. Although a developing area, Saadiyat island re-defines developing as luxurious, as the island is a popular expatriate destination in the capital.
If you enjoy the arts and museums , Saadiyat Island is a good place for you and your family. The island is home to the Waitrose supermarket, one of Abu Dhabi’s finest, in addition to eateries and cafes. Although the area has limited educational institutes, It is home to the prestigiousRedwood Nursery and Cranleigh International school.
How much does it cost to rent a property in Saadiyat Island?
| S/N | Bed | Apartment | Villa |
| 1. | Studio | AED 40K and above | – |
| 2. | 1 Bed Unit | AED 58K and above | – |
| 3. | 2 Bed Unit | AED 80K and above | – |
| 4. | 3 Bed Unit | AED 130K and above | AED 180K and above |
| 5. | 4 Bed Unit | AED 330K and above | AED 340K and above |
Conclusion:
Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities to live in the world. With this guide, I hope you make the best decision for yourself and your family. Keep checking as I regularly update this blog with the latest information.
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