Highlights
- Property rents
- Buying property
- Al Raha Beach Hotel
- Getting around
- Popular communities
- Things to do
- Things to consider
- FAQs
ABOUT AL RAHA BEACH
Al Raha is a mixed-use development and a popular leisure destination in Abu Dhabi. It has two precincts, Al Raha Beach and Al Raha Gardens, both further divided into 11 sub-communities. Among the two, Al Raha Beach is towards the shoreline on a public beach along Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, E10 connecting the capital to Dubai. With 5.2 million sq. m. of natural beach shoreline, Al Raha Beach is a vibrant community offering luxurious waterfront living at its best. Most importantly, it is one of the popular areas to rent luxury apartments in Abu Dhabi as per Bayut 2020 Real Estate Market Report.
POPULAR AREAS | 1-BED Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2019 | 2-BED Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2019 | 3-BED Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2019 |
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| Al Reem Island | 1-BED Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2019
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| Corniche Area | 1-BED Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2019
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| Al Raha Beach | 1-BED Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2019
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| Corniche Road | 1-BED Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2019
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| Saadiyat Island | 1-BED Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2019
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Boasting a premium mix of residential and commercial properties, the development is also home to the top-favourite tourist attraction, Al Raha Beach Hotel. This area guide explores how Al Raha Beach offers a balanced lifestyle to those seeking a deluxe community that’s complete with entertainment, culture and world-class amenities.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Property types include apartments, podium villas, and townhouses
- Main sub-communities include Al Bandar, Al Zeina and Al Muneera
- Hosts a popular beach festival every year
- Ideal for young professionals as well as families
- Affordable new apartments for rent in Al Raha Beach
- Beautiful waterfront views from the most houses
- Popular among water-sports enthusiasts
- Home to Al Raha Beach Hotel
Neighbourhood
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Al Raha Beach area, commonly known as Al Raha, is a self-contained city within itself. There are three main sub-communities within Al Raha Beach: Al Bandar, Al Muneera and Al Zeina. Offering luxury amenities and a rich community lifestyle leads the area to be one of the most popular in Abu Dhabi among both, tenants and property investors. One of the top freehold areas in Dubai, Al Raha Beach has evolved into a coveted investment zone. It consistently ranks among the best areas to buy townhouses in Abu Dhabi. Scroll through the property section to know more about what else is on offer.
Properties in Al Raha Beach
Property buyers and renters can choose from a wide range of residential and commercial properties on Al Raha Beach. There are studios to 4-bedroom luxury apartments and podium villas as well as 3, 4 and 5-bedroom townhouses. You may also find a good range of penthouses for sale in Al Raha Beach varying in configuration from 3 to 5-bed units.
On the other side, there are commercial properties on offer. You can choose between offices in various sizes and retail spaces at the ground level.
Al Raha is one of the top areas to buy beachfront properties in Abu Dhabi. Here, waterfront residential buildings are mostly concentrated in the Al Bandar district. The distinct area offers residents spectacular sea views and spacious apartments. Here, some notable projects include Al Barza, Al Naseem Residence and Al Hadeel. Property units available in Al Bandar vary from studio flats to luxurious 6-bedroom penthouses, available for rent and sale. Renting a sea view apartment in Al Raha Beach costs around AED 42k, at the minimum depending on the covered area and configuration type.
On the other hand, Al Muneera and Al Zeina offer a mix of luxury apartments, spacious podium villas and stunning townhouses, most facing the sea and offering views of the coast.
Rental Trends for Al Raha Beach
Renting in Al Raha Beach is recommended for those who fancy waterfront living within a budget. This luxurious community falls somewhere in the mid-range brackets for Abu Dhabi.
Apartment Type | Average Rental Price in AED |
|---|---|
Apartment Type Studio | Average Rental Price in AED 62,000 |
Apartment Type 1-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 76,000 |
Apartment Type 2-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 114,000 |
Apartment Type 3-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 155,000 |
Apartment Type 4-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 175,000 |
Apartment Type 5-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 216,000 |
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 2339 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1559 SQFT
Singles and young professionals planning to move here can find studio apartments in Al Raha Beach for an average annual rent of AED 62k and AED 76k for 1-bedroom flats. The covered area for studios ranges from 530 sq. ft. to 650 sq. ft. while 1-bed flats generally span around 800 sq. ft. Rents for slightly bigger units like 2-bed flats in Al Raha Beach start from AED 70k per annum.
Further, a 3-bedroom flat for rent is priced at an average of AED 155k covering around 1,500 sq. ft. to 1,700 sq. ft. of an area. Whereas, 4-bedroom apartments in Al Raha Beach command a yearly rent of AED 216k approx.
Villa Type | Average Rental Price in AED |
|---|---|
Villa Type 3-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 204,000 |
Villa Type 4-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 235,000 |
Villa Type 5-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 265,000 |
Villa Type 6-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 292,000 |
One can also get a villa or townhouse for rent in Al Raha Beach. There’s a choice of brand new units, duplex units and those that offer panoramic views of the sea. A standard 3-bedroom house in Al Raha costs around AED 204k and 4-bedroom townhouses can be rented for AED 235k per annum. If you are looking for more space, you can get a 5-bed villa ranging between AED 350k and AED 450k. If you are looking for areas to rent townhouses in Abu Dhabi offering waterfront views and all basic amenities at a hand’s length, Al Raha Beach is the place to be.
On the commercial side, you will find some offices and shops in reasonable ranges. Annual rents for offices on Al Raha Beach start from AED 214k and may go up to AED 3.5M while renting shops may cost you around AED 65k, at the minimum. Interested ones can look at Cubic Building, Golden Tower, Lamar Residence and SHK Wadeema within the area.
Sale Trends in Al Raha Beach
There are a number of properties in Al Raha Beach Abu Dhabi for expats and foreign investors. It is no wonder that the area is a popular choice for property buyers searching to own a home in Abu Dhabi. Those interested in buying property in Al Raha can opt for studios to 4-bed flats or 3 to 6-bed villas and townhouses.
Apartment Type | Average Sale Price in AED |
|---|---|
Apartment Type Studio | Average Sale Price in AED 929,000 |
Apartment Type 1-Bed | Average Sale Price in AED 1,097,000 |
Apartment Type 2-Bed | Average Sale Price in AED 1,632,000 |
Apartment Type 3-Bed | Average Sale Price in AED 2,484,000 |
Apartment Type 4-Bed | Average Sale Price in AED 2,987,000 |
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 3359 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1546 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 2339 SQFT
To invest in a studio apartment in Al Raha, one must fork out around AED 929k whereas, 1-bed apartments are up for sale at AED 1M, on average. Similarly, a standard 2-bed flat for sale costs around AED 1.6M. Those looking to invest in bigger properties can buy 3-bedroom apartments or 4-bed flats in Al Raha Beach costing around AED 1.7M to AED 6.7M.
Luxury properties on offer also include penthouses starting from AED 5.5M. A typical 3-bed penthouse spans across 4,000 sq. ft. offering unparalleled views of the beachfront community. Spanning over 4,500 sq. ft., 4-bed penthouse for sale on Al Raha Beach goes for AED 11M. You may also find some less pricey units for AED 5M, on average. Whereas, the most luxurious 5-bedroom unit would cost around AED 7.55M.
Villa Type | Average Sale Price in AED |
|---|---|
Villa Type 3-Bed | Average Sale Price in AED 3,570,000 |
Villa Type 4-Bed | Average Sale Price in AED 4,641,000 |
Villa Type 5-Bed | Average Sale Price in AED 12,477,000 |
- 6 BEDS
- |
- 7 BATHS
- |
- 7765 SQFT
- 6 BEDS
- |
- 8 BATHS
- |
- 7853 SQFT
- 6 BEDS
- |
- 7 BATHS
- |
- 7853 SQFT
Considering the construction quality, location and facilities on offer, buying high-end villas and townhouses in Al Raha won’t cost as much. A standard 3-bedroom house or an even bigger 4-bedroom townhouse in Al Raha Beach goes for an average sales price of AED 3.5M and AED 4.6M, respectively. Whereas, 5-bedroom luxury townhomes typically range from AED 10M to AED 12M. Also, Al Raha is one of the best locations to buy commercial properties in Abu Dhabi.
ROI in Al Raha Beach
Apartment Type | ROI |
|---|---|
Apartment Type Studio | ROI 7.2% |
Apartment Type 1-Bed | ROI 6.8% |
Apartment Type 2-Bed | ROI 7.1% |
Apartment Type 3-Bed | ROI 6.5% |
Apartment Type 4-Bed | ROI 6% |
Based on our statistics, studios top the list with the highest ROI of 7.2% 1-bed and 2-bed flats closely follow with 6.8% and 7.1% returns, respectively while 3-bedroom apartments are seen generating a 6.5% rental yield. Finally, 4-bed units round up the list with 6% expected returns on investment.
Villa Type | ROI |
|---|---|
Villa Type 3-Bed | ROI 6.6% |
Villa Type 4-Bed | ROI 6.4% |
Villa Type 5-Bed | ROI 2.5% |
3-bed villas and townhouses top the list with 6.6% expected returns. 4-beds closely follow with a 6.4% rental yield while larger properties including 5-bed houses roundup with 2.5% ROI.
Most Popular Communities in Al Raha Beach
There are five vibrant districts in Al Raha Beach, each with its own set of amenities and conveniences, it can be quite a task to pick the area that’s best for you. Take a look at the most popular communities in Raha Beach to help you make an informed decision.
Based on our data, Al Muneera is the most popular area among Bayut.com users. The gated villa community offers spectacular sea views. Annual rent for a luxury 5-bedroom villa is at AED 400k, while the cost of renting a spacious 1-bedroom apartment in Al Muneera starts from AED 67k.
Al Bandar and Al Zeina are also popular sub-communities while Khor Al Raha and Lamar Residence round up the list of top areas in Al Raha Beach.
The mixed community offers a vibrant, balanced lifestyle to its residents who tend to be different in each sub-community if you take a closer look. Those living in the chic Al Bandar area are generally young professionals, who enjoy the luxurious marina lifestyle. The quieter districts of Al Zeina and Al Muneera house several villa communities making it ideal for families. The cultural identities of residents living in Raha Beach mimic the UAE’s overall population mix. A majority of the tenants are from Europe, with expats from South Asia as well.
Al Raha Beach Floor Plans
Those looking for Al Raha Beach floor plans can browse through the various 2D and 3D layouts available for all communities/buildings in Al Raha.
Al Raha Beach Hotel
Al Raha Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi is a major highlight of this beachfront community located on the creek-side, Channel Street. The pet-friendly hotel offers 5-star suites, boat trips, desert excursions, city tours and private access to the beach. It is, certainly, one of the top resorts in Abu Dhabi with suites overlooking the Corniche coastline.
Transportation and Parking Spaces in Al Raha Beach
Most residential towers and villas feature dedicated parking spaces for residents. The area also has a few public parking spots for visitors; the first hour is free of charge in most of these, with an additional cost for each extra hour spent.
Public Transportation in Al Raha Beach
Within Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach is well-connected and easily accessible by public bus. There are two bus stops in the Al Zeina. One can also flag a taxi to get to Al Raha Beach, through the various government-owned taxi services present in Abu Dhabi.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
Supermarkets in Al Raha Beach
Residents of Al Raha Abu Dhabi have plenty of options for grocery shopping. The supermarkets in Al Raha Beach include Spinneys and Waitrose. Along with several smaller supermarkets dotting Al Raha Boulevard. The area’s Al Raha Mall also has a Lulu Express to cater to day-to-day needs.
Churches, Temples and Mosques in Al Raha Beach
Like all residential areas in the UAE, there are several mosques in Al Raha Beach, located in and around the neighbourhood. Major mosques in Al Raha Abu Dhabi are the Al Raha Garden Mosque and the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque. These are located nearby, while there are smaller mosques present within the area.
For Christian residents, St. Paul’s Church is located over in Mussafah, about 30 minutes away. There is no temple in Abu Dhabi but this will change when the new Abu Dhabi temple is open to public. It is a mere 22-minute drive away from the neighbourhood.
Schools in Al Raha Beach
The locality has notable schools and nurseries, catering to children of all ages. Parents of little ones can choose from numerous nurseries located in the community such as Barney Home and Al Dana Nursery.
Schools in Al Raha Beach include one of the best schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Raha International School. Other options include GEMS American Academy which offers both the American and IB module of education from pre-primary to the final Year 12. There is also Al Shohub School, it offers the British curriculum until Year 13. Al Shohub School, however, turns into an all-girls branch from Grade 6 onwards.
For those looking at higher education options will find many notable universities nearby Al Raha Beach Abu Dhabi. Zayed University, Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi University are easily reachable within 15 minutes or less.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS IN AL RAHA BEACH
There are two main medical centres in Al Raha Beach, Tajmeel Specialized Medical Center in ALDAR HQ and Healthplus Family Medical Center. Other hospitals located near Al Raha Beach are NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City (15 minutes away) and Mediclinic Khalifa City (11 minutes away).
NEARBY AREAS
Located just off the main Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, Al Raha Beach is adjacent to Khalifa City A and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Easy accessibility and a well-connected road network around the neighbourhood makes the location convenient for people commuting from within Abu Dhabi and from the emirate of Dubai as well. Al Raha Beach is also quite close to the happening Yas Island, which is a mere 15 minutes away.
Lifestyle
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Malls in Al Raha Beach
Al Raha Beach residents can get their shopping fix at Al Raha Mall. One of the best shopping malls in Abu Dhabi offers everything from fashion outlets and salons to electronics. Al Raha Mall is also filled with restaurants, specialty stores and entertainment options.
For serious shopaholics, one of the best finds in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall is located 12 minutes away with a plethora of international luxury brands, fine dining and fast food restaurants and plenty of entertainment options to choose from.
Restaurants in Al Raha Beach
The community boasts some popular waterfront eateries along with al fresco cafés dotting the neighbourhood. For the most diverse selection of restaurants, the Al Bandar area is the top choice. One of the best sea-side restaurants in the capital is the hip Pacifico Tiki Dining & Lounge offering Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed waterside terrace setting. Al Muneera has more family-friendly options along with chic beachside eateries. The area is home to popular names such as Leopold’s of London and Jones The Grocer, located by the beach.
Al Bandar in Al Raha is the top choice in terms of nightlife with numerous liquor-licensed restaurants. Al Raha Beach Hotel is also a popular hang-out for those looking for fine-dining restaurants and bars, notable options include Café Mozart, McGettigan’s and Azure.
BEACHES IN AL RAHA BEACH
Al Zeina and Al Muneera communities in Al Raha Beach are one of the few to have their own private beach for residents to enjoy. Al Raha Beach Hotel also provides access to its beach at a fee of AED 130 for adults. Nearby public beaches include Al Saadiyat Beach which is 25 minutes away and the hugely popular Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach located 35 minutes away.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES & NOTABLE LANDMARKS
Al Raha Beach boasts numerous entertainment options for families as well as individuals. Al Bandar Marina offers exciting watersport activities like waterskiing, wakeboarding and fishing. Halla Walla, an adventure watersports provider, is located on the marina in Al Bandar, coordinating and arranging these activities for children and adults.
Over in Al Muneera, residents can opt to kayak through the water. Al Raha Beach Hotel also offers kayaking and windsurfing for water-sports enthusiasts. While there is no Al Raha public beach due to the beach offering paid admission, residents can visit the Abu Dhabi Corniche public beach 25 minutes away. Those searching for scuba diving in Abu Dhabi can hire the help of an institute from Al Raha Beach Hotel.
Al Raha Mall and the nearby Yas Mall are a great place to visit near Al Raha Beach as they offer a plethora of activities for the whole family. From fun zones and cinemas to great food options, families can expect fun-filled weekends when living in Al Raha Beach. The community is also located close to the massively popular Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld theme parks, both located about 20 minutes away. As for some nightlife options and to gather with friends, Ornina in Al Bandar Marina is one of the best shisha places in Abu Dhabi.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
While there are no parks in Al Raha Beach (because well, it’s a beach), there is one located nearby for families with kids. The large serene Khalifa Park is a mere 15 minutes away, it has play areas for children and plenty of outdoor spaces for visitors to stroll, cycle or squeeze in a light evening jog.
Al Raha Beach has plenty of options for fitness enthusiasts as well. Each of the communities has a variety of gyms and work-out studios to pick from. Most notably, Cobra Fitness is known for its martial arts classes in Al Bandar and The Hot House in Al Zeina is a popular yoga studio in the area.
Those who are looking for a pampering session have a selection of upscale spas and salons to choose from. Resident favourites include Body & Soul Spa in Al Raha Beach Hotel, as well as the popular Saray Spa in the nearby Khalifa City A community.
Community Events
The most happening event held at Al Raha Beach is Aloha Abu Dhabi, organised by developer ALDAR, that also has its headquarters in the popular destination. The five-day festival features talented musicians, street performers, artists and of course, delicious food served up at stalls. The festival also holds open-air yoga sessions and has fun activities for kids including a bouncy castle and a kids’ zone. Launched in 2016, the annual Aloha Abu Dhabi event is open to all and drew a massive crowd of 20,000 residents from all over the UAE in 2017.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Residents of Al Raha Beach enjoy luxury amenities and a beautiful beach community to call home. However, there are a few things to consider before you pack your bags and move to this gorgeous location. While there are children’s play areas located in the Al Muneera and Al Zeina communities, Al Raha Beach has yet to get its own public park. In terms of parking spaces in the area, residents can park their cars in designated spots, visitors mostly have paid-parking options. Another pain point is the on-going construction in the area. Some projects in the community are still under development so there are a few construction sites around Al Raha Beach. On the bright side, it only means that residents of Al Raha Beach have exciting new developments to look forward to!
FAQs about Al Raha Beach
What it’s like to live in Al Raha Beach?
Anyone who fancies waterfront living can choose various properties in Al Raha Beach. The community is away from the hustle and bustle yet boasts an active lifestyle.
What’s the area like around Al Raha Mall?
Al Raha Mall is in a family-friendly waterfront community, known for a range of dining options and sporting events. There are around 18 hotels within the area and Al Raha Beach Resort is a popular one.
Which is the best place to stay near Al Raha Mall?
You can plan a stay at Al Raha Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi, right adjacent Al Raha Mall. It is one of the top choices for tourists and travelers. Other nearby options include Park Inn and Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport.
What are the activities in Al Raha Beach Hotel?
You can join the fitness club or get a massage, play pool or go snorkeling. Water sports like under water diving and fishing are also facilitated there. Other facilities include:
- Kids’ play area
- Canoeing
- Golfing
- Indoor pools
- Spa and salons
- Movie nights
- Themed dinners
- Live music and performances
- Live broadcast of sports events
What is the best and cheapest way to reach Al Raha Beach from Abu Dhabi Bus Station?
You can take a drive of around 19 minutes that costs around AED 3.67.
Location
- Abu Dhabi International Airport is about 20 minutes away
- It is a 25-minute drive to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Abu Dhabi Corniche is at a distance of 35 minutes
- Yas Island is 15 minutes away
- Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes away from Dubai
- Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is 1 hour and 40 minutes away