Khalifa City

Khalifa City is a well-established residential suburb in Abu Dhabi. It was originally part of a trio of developments that included Khalifa City A (now Khalifa City), Khalifa City B (now Shakhbout City) and New Khalifa City (now Zayed City). Today, it is one of the most popular areas for renting affordable apartments in Abu Dhabi.

Strategically located along the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway, Khalifa City offers connectivity for commuters working in either emirate. Its prime location makes it a preferred choice for families, professionals and investors alike.

• Conveniently located near Dubai, making it ideal for regular commuters
• Offers spacious villas and competitively priced properties for rent in Khalifa City
• Hosts the head office of Etihad Airways, a key landmark in the area
• Situated close to Al Raha Beach and Saadiyat Island, two major lifestyle destinations
• A peaceful residential community featuring schools, retail outlets and a championship golf course

Originally developed by Aldar, Khalifa City A has grown into a highly sought-after residential location in Abu Dhabi. Known for offering spacious villas and affordable apartments in Khalifa City, it attracts families and professionals looking for value, comfort and accessibility. The community is home to reputable schools, retail centres and dining options, offering a well-rounded lifestyle in a serene suburban setting.

With excellent road links to Abu Dhabi city centre and Dubai, Khalifa City offers a balanced lifestyle close to major business and leisure hubs. The area is also home to the headquarters of Etihad Airways, a landmark visible from both sides of the highway when approaching Abu Dhabi from Dubai. This further enhances its profile as a significant business and residential hub.

Properties in Khalifa City suit varying space and lifestyle requirements. Apartments range from well-planned studios to larger 3-bedroom units. Villas in Khalifa City Abu Dhabi are generally more spacious, typically offering 3 to 6 bedrooms, with some exclusive listings featuring up to 11 bedrooms. This variety makes the area a versatile residential destination within the capital.

Those looking for Khalifa City floor plans can browse through the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in Khalifa City.

Khalifa City offers a select range of high-end accommodation options that complement its residential character. Two notable hotels within the community provide luxury stays and convenient access to nearby amenities.

• Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
• The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan is a 5-star property located in Al Forsan International Sports Resort, offering an outdoor pool, children’s pool, spa, waterpark and six restaurants. 

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa is situated at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, with 153 rooms and 19 suites overlooking the golf course, alongside wellness and dining facilities.

Khalifa City is easily accessible via the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway (E11) and the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road (E22). As a well-planned suburb, it offers ample parking facilities. Residential buildings and villas typically include dedicated parking spaces, while visitors can find street parking facilities in Khalifa City Abu Dhabi.

Public transport options in Khalifa City are currently limited to buses and taxis. There are three bus stops in the nearby Mussafah community providing routes to Abu Dhabi city centre. For travel to Dubai, residents generally rely on taxis or must travel to the main island to catch inter-emirate buses.

Khalifa City offers several well-known supermarkets, including Spar, Geant, Spinneys, Granite Express Hypermarket, Safeer Hypermarket and Zee Mart Supermarket.

In addition, residents can find everyday essentials at local groceries and mini-marts, including the popular ‘pink shops’, a distinctive row of stores featuring salons, launderettes and convenience shops.

Mosques in Khalifa City

There are multiple mosques located within the community, including Abdulla Bin Omar Masjid and Albasset Masjid, both noted for their traditional architecture and serene interiors.

Khalifa City is home to several reputable educational institutions. Notable schools include:

• The International School of Choueifat – offering the SABIS curriculum
• GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi – offering American and IB programmes
• Al Raha International School – following the IB curriculum from early years to Year 13

For younger children, Dibber Nursery operates a large, purpose-built facility with spacious classrooms and outdoor play areas.

Residents have access to quality healthcare services within the community. Key medical facilities include:

• Mediclinic Khalifa City
• NMC Royal Hospital Khalifa City

Additionally, numerous pharmacies and smaller clinics are available for day-to-day medical needs.

Khalifa City is located north-east of Mussafah and is well connected to central Abu Dhabi via two main bridges. The community is just 15 minutes from Zayed International Airport and a short drive from Yas Island, known for its leisure and entertainment attractions.

It also enjoys a strategic position between the highways to Dubai and Al Ain, with close proximity to Al Raha Beach and Saadiyat Island, two of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious lifestyle and cultural destinations.

Khalifa City is a peaceful, family-friendly suburb that offers a growing selection of retail, dining and lifestyle options within its boundaries. While it is quieter compared to central Abu Dhabi, residents still enjoy a convenient mix of shopping centres and restaurants.

• Forsan Central Mall is the main shopping destination in the area, featuring a variety of retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment options.
• Gardens Plaza, located off Hadaiq Al Raha Street, serves as a community retail centre offering everyday essentials.
• BOUTIK Mall in Al Rayyana and Etihad Plaza in Sector 45 are also popular among residents for groceries, cafes and services.

Restaurants in Khalifa City range from casual eateries to fine dining. Notable venues include La Brioche, Fresh & Light Restaurant, Khayal Restaurant, The Grill and Jones the Grocer. Additional dining outlets are available within Al Forsan International Sports Resort and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, offering diverse cuisines and ambient settings.

Khalifa City is home to two major recreational hubs.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship golf course, golf academy and clubhouse facilities.

Al Forsan International Sports Resort features a wide range of activities including archery, equestrian sports, shooting ranges and water sports. It also hosts fitness classes and offers professional training facilities.

There are several landscaped community parks in Khalifa City A. The most prominent is the park behind the pink shops, known for its play areas, walking paths and peaceful atmosphere.

Many residential buildings and villa compounds offer private gyms and shared swimming pools.

For grooming and wellness, the community hosts a variety of salons and spas, including Top Ladies Beauty Centre, Sas Salon, Body Art, Pelle E Capelli, Kensington Beauty Bar and Tara Rose Hair and Beauty Salon.

Living in Khalifa City is ideal for those seeking a quiet, suburban lifestyle. While the area currently lacks large malls or cinemas, ongoing development is expected to enhance entertainment and retail offerings in the near future. Its calm environment, coupled with ample space and essential amenities, makes it a preferred choice for many residents.

• Zayed International Airport is 20 minutes by car
• Dubai is about 1 hour away via the E11 highway
• 16 minutes from Al Raha Beach Resort and Spa
• My City Centre Masdar is 13 minutes away

Is Khalifa City a good place to live in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, living in Khalifa City offers a well-planned and peaceful residential environment with spacious homes, essential amenities and good connectivity, making it a popular choice among long-term residents.

What types of properties are available in Khalifa City?

Khalifa City features a range of residential options, including studios, apartments, spacious villas and luxury mansions, catering to various budgets and lifestyle needs.

Are there good schools in Khalifa City?

Yes, the community is home to several reputed schools such as GEMS American Academy, the International School of Choueifat and Al Raha International School, all offering international curricula.

Is public transport available in Khalifa City?

Public transport in Khalifa City is limited to bus services and taxis, but the area is well-connected by road to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.