Highlights
ABOUT AL RAHA BEACH
Ranking the third most popular area in Abu Dhabi according to Real Estate Market Report for Abu Dhabi H1 2018 of Bayut.com for property buyers, Moving to Al Raha Beach has quickly become a popular choice for those looking to live in Abu Dhabi, as it is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in the capital. With 5.2 million square metres of natural beach shoreline, this vibrant mixed-use community offers luxurious waterfront living at its best.
Boasting a premium mix of residential and commercial properties, this area guide of Al Raha Beach explores how this area offers a balanced lifestyle to those seeking a deluxe community that’s complete with entertainment, culture and world-class amenities.
IN A NUTSHELL
- The mix of property types includes apartments, podium villas, and townhouses
- Main sub-communities include Al Bandar, Al Zeina and Al Muneera
- Hosts a popular beach festival every year
- Perfect for young professionals as well as larger families
- Beautiful waterfront views from most houses
- Perfect for water sports enthusiasts
Neighbourhood
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Al Raha Beach is a self-contained city within itself. Offering luxury amenities, world-class facilities and a rich community life leading the area to be one of the most popular in Abu Dhabi, among both tenants and property investors. There are three main sub-communities within Al Raha Beach: Al Bandar, Al Muneera and Al Zeina. While Al Bandar attracts young professionals and couples, the others are better suited for bigger families.
Properties in Al Raha Beach
Waterfront residential buildings in Al Raha Beach are mostly found in the Al Bandar district. The distinct area offers residents spectacular sea views and spacious apartments. Property units available in Al Bandar vary from studio flats to luxurious 6-bedroom penthouses, available for both renting and buying in Al Raha Beach. Al Muneera and Al Zeina offer a mix of luxury apartments, spacious podium villas and stunning townhouses, most facing the sea and offering residents views of the coast.
This luxurious community falls somewhere in the mid-range rent brackets for Abu Dhabi. While not all will find it affordable, many will be able to manage the rents at a decent salary. Singles and young professionals planning to move here can find studio apartments in Al Raha Beach for an average annual rent of AED 92k and AED 112k for 1-bedroom flats. For larger families, rents for a 3-bedroom flat is priced at an average of AED 195k, while 4-bedroom villas command a yearly rent of AED 265k. 3-and 4-bedroom townhouses in Al Raha Beach can be leased at AED 210k and AED 265k, respectively.
There are a number of properties in Al Raha Beach for expats and foreign investors. It is no wonder then that the area is the third most popular choice for property buyers looking to own a home in Abu Dhabi. Those interested in buying property in Al Raha Beach can opt for studio apartments at an average price of AED 1M or 1-bedroom flats priced at an average of AED 1.4M. Buying high-end villas and townhouses in Al Raha Beach will cost you a lot more. 3 and 4-bedroom townhouses have an average price of AED 4.1M and AED 4.6M, respectively. 4-bedroom villas for larger families are priced at AED 8M, on average.
The mixed community offers a vibrant, balanced lifestyle to its residents who vary according to the district. Those living in the chic Al Bandar area tend to be young professionals, who enjoy the marina-lifestyle and work hard to afford a luxury lifestyle. The quieter districts of Al Zeina and Al Muneera house several villa communities making it ideal for larger families. The cultural identities of residents living in Al Raha Beach mimic the UAE’s overall population mix. Majority of the tenants are from Europe, with a few expats from South Asia as well.
Transportation and Parking Spaces in Al Raha Beach
Most residential towers and villas in Al Raha Beach have 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 hour spent.
Within Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach is well-connected and easily accessible by public bus. The area has two stops in Al Zeina and near Aldar HQ. 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 Beach 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 Beach 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 BAPS Hindu Temple will be completed in 2020, a mere 22 minutes’ drive away from the neighbourhood.
Schools in Al Raha Beach
The locality has notable schools and nurseries, catering to children of all ages. 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 system from pre-primary to the final Year 12. There is also Al Shohub School, it offers the British curriculum until Year 13. It, however, turns into an all-girls school from Year 6 onwards. Parents of little ones can choose from numerous nurseries located in the community.
For those looking at higher education options will find many notable universities nearby Al Raha Beach. 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).
TOP 5 AREAS IN AL RAHA BEACH
There are four 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 top 5 areas in Al Raha Beach to help you make an informed decision.
Based on our data from 2017, the Al Muneera area in Al Raha Beach is the most popular among Bayut.com users. The gated villa community offers spectacular sea views. Annual rent for a luxury 5-bedroom villa is at AED 600k, while the cost of renting a spacious 1-bedroom apartment in Al Muneera starts at AED 80k.
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 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
Residents thinking of living in Al Raha Beach can get their shopping fix at Al Raha Mall. The shopping mall offers everything from fashion to salons to electronics, complete with restaurants, speciality stores and entertainment options.
For serious shopaholics and those looking for shopping outlets near Al Raha Beach, the gargantuan 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
Foodies will love Al Raha Beach! The community boasts some of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi 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 by the beach and Jones The Grocer.
Al Bandar in Al Raha Beach 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 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. The neighbourhood’s 131-berth marina in Al Bandar offers stimulating watersports 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 for kayaking for an exciting Friday. Al Raha Beach Hotel also offers kayaking and windsurfing for water-sports enthusiasts.
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 to 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, both located about 20 minutes away.
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 massive and serene Khalifa Park is a mere 15 minutes away, it has play areas for children and plenty of outdoor space 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 (known for martial arts’ classes) in Al Bandar and The Hot House in Al Zeina (yoga studio) are popular in the area.
Those who are looking for a pampering session have a selection of upscale spas and salons to choose from. Body & Soul Spa in Al Raha Beach Hotel, as well as the popular Saray Spa in the nearby Khalifa City A, are our top picks.
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 bouncing 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. Those yearning for some greenery can head to the massive Khalifa Park, which is a 15 minutes’ drive with play areas for children and plenty of outdoor space for you to stroll, cycle or squeeze in a light evening jog. 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!