Highlights
ABOUT MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED (MBZ) CITY
Mohammed Bin Zayed City is more commonly referred to as MBZ City or Zayed City. The community is a quiet area located on the edge of Abu Dhabi. The area is almost completely developed with only a few apartment buildings and residential plots under construction. Many UAE residents (especially families) are turning to this promising area due to its proximity to the happening emirate of Dubai and the variety of housing options available to all. According to the 2018 H2 Abu Dhabi Property Market Report, Mohammed Bin Zayed City Abu Dhabi came in second place as one of the most popular areas to rent villas in the capital.
MBZ City is named in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This 45 square km, mixed-use development is expected to be a complete city within Abu Dhabi. MBZ City residents will find luxurious amenities, recreational spaces and an array of residential towers and villas. This area guide of Mohammed Bin Zayed City Abu Dhabi will explore why many people are looking to call this place home, especially for those commuting to and from Dubai. Presently, housing in MBZ City Abu Dhabi predominantly comprises of villas and apartments.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Affordable housing options
- Largely a villa community
- Spacious apartments and villas are perfect for large families
- Great educational institutes for children of all ages
- Close proximity to Dubai and Al Ain
- Family-friendly community with a public park
Neighbourhood
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Those looking to move to the area will find that the villas and apartments come equipped with world-class amenities and facilities that are to be expected when moving to the UAE. The area is in stark contrast to its busy neighbouring emirate of Dubai. It offers a peaceful, secure environment aimed mainly towards families.
Properties in MBZ Abu Dhabi
Those thinking of living in Mohammed Bin Zayed City can expect to find clusters of identical, detached or semi-detached villas instead of high-rise towers. There are only a handful of buildings that offer studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom rentals in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. Villas in the community, on the other hand, range from 4-bedroom houses to massive 11-bedroom mansions.
Renting a studio in Mohammed Bin Zayed City will cost you a modest AED 25k, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units are priced from AED 41k and AED 63k, respectively. Those with large families looking to rent a 4-bedroom villa can expect to pay an average rent of AED 149k, yearly. 5 and 6-bedroom villa rents are priced at AED 169k and AED 186k, respectively.
Those interested in buying property in Mohammed Bin Zayed City can expect to shell out an average price of AED 4.7M for a 5-bedroom villa. A 6-bedroom villa will cost you anywhere between AED 5.5M to AED 14M.
Living in MBZ Abu Dhabi is ideal for those looking to get great value for their money. The affordable area houses large units that give individuals and families plenty of living space. The community is gradually becoming a balanced mix of western expats and south-east Asian expats, with more foreigners (especially those with kids) moving to Zayed City. Its prime location also makes it a great choice for those working in Dubai.
Transportation and Parking Spaces in Mohammed Bin Zayed City
In terms of public transport, the area does not have many bus stops or even routes going through the area. Since MBZ City is still further away from the heart of the capital, getting to other areas in Abu Dhabi, such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche and nearby malls does take a while. Most residents have their own vehicles to get around the city with ease. Taxis are also a good, albeit expensive way of getting around.
Parking is not an issue for residents. Both apartment buildings and villas come with dedicated parking spots. There is also street parking available for those that have more than two vehicles in MBZ City Abu Dhabi.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
Supermarkets in Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Residents of Zayed City have access to a few supermarkets and stores in the area. There is a Spinneys in the community itself and a Carrefour hypermarket a little further across the highway. Safeer Centre is also within close proximity, catering to day-to-day needs of the community.
Churches, Temples and Mosques in Mohammed Bin Zayed City
There are numerous mosques all over Zayed City Abu Dhabi, there are six different mosques in the Zone 10 sub-community alone. One can expect to see the familiar minarets at intervals, with the call-to-prayer distinctly audible five times a day. The closest church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it is located 12 minutes away in the Mussafah community. There is no Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, there are plans for one to be completed in 2021. It will be 33 minutes away when it is completed in 2021. Hindu residents can head to the Shiva and Krishna temples in Dubai, 1 hour and 20 minutes away.
Schools in Mohammed Bin Zayed City
MBZ Abu Dhabi is ideal for families with children, housing some of the best schools and nurseries in Abu Dhabi. Young families with little ones can choose from numerous nurseries and daycare centres. Favourites include Belvedere Nursery and Sunflower Nursery. Middle-schoolers have a number of options close by such as Al Dhafra Private School which follows the American curriculum and the well-known British International School on the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road which is at a short 9-minute drive from the community. The neighbourhood is also 8 minutes away from Abu Dhabi University.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS IN MBZ ABU DHABI
MBZ City is well covered in terms of healthcare options. There is the Bareen International Hospital located directly in the community. Other hospitals within a 5-minute radius are Al Bustan Speciality Hospital, New National Hospital, Mediclinic Hospital, LLH Hospital and Ahlia Hospital.
Other medical centres in the area include NMC Royal Family Medical Centre, Madinat Mohammed Bin Zayed Healthcare Center and Archer Medical Center within the area. Along with Aster Medical Clinic, Oasis Medical Center and Ever Care Medical Clinic located 10 minutes away in Mussafah.
MOST POPULAR COMMUNITIES IN MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED CITY
There are several communities in Mohammed Bin Zayed City divided into zones. A few of these are still under development with multiple property projects in the pipeline.
Based on our data from 2019, the area on the centre of the Mohammed Bin Zayed City map, closer to Mazyad Mall is the most popular location in the area. Much like the rest of MBZ City, this area also primarily consists of villas.
The other popular locations in Mohammed Bin Zayed City are Zone 19, 20, 25 and 24. As the neighbourhood evolves, we are bound to see more defined areas that become a preferred choice for residents. For now, residents can enjoy a quiet life away from the city’s hustle and bustle, where they can raise their kids and live in spacious homes at affordable prices.
NEARBY AREAS
Mohammed Bin Zayed City is located close to Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road. The area is surrounded by Khalifa City B on one side and Mussafah on the other, with all their amenities within easy reach. It is close to the industrial zone which is why rents and prices are more affordable and houses tend to be bigger in this area. Maintaining a good distance from the main city, Mohammed Bin Zayed City sits about 30 minutes away from the heart of central Abu Dhabi.
Lifestyle
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Malls in Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Mohammed Bin Zayed City is soon to have its own world-class mall, complete with luxury fashion brands, children’s play areas and cinemas for residents to enjoy. Presently, residents in Mohammed Bin Zayed City head to the nearby Dalma Mall and the Mussafah area for activities over the weekend. Located just 11 minutes away, Dalma Mall has a cinema, play areas for kids and an indoor adventure park that keeps both parents and children entertained. The mall also hosts regular events and activities for children.
Restaurants in Mohammed Bin Zayed City
A few eateries that can be found in the area. The restaurants in Mohammed Bin Zayed City feature a mix of Indian, Arabic and fast food eateries. Restaurants and cafes inside Mazyad Mall and Dalma Mall are the usual chains of fast food diners, burger joints and bakeries that offer some variety. There is a lack of hotels in the area as of now, so for fine-dining options and a drink at the bar, one may need a quick drive or taxi ride further into Abu Dhabi city.
BEACHES NEAR MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED CITY
Beach-lovers may have to drive a little further into Abu Dhabi to spend a day by the sea. Yas Beach is a 35-minute drive from Mohammed Bin Zayed City, while the popular Saadiyat Beach is 40 minutes away. But once there, you can expect clean public beaches that are perfect to relax and unwind on your day off.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
In many ways, Mohammed Bin Zayed City has yet to find its own identity as an area. Nevertheless, the affordable neighbourhood has found a way into the hearts of its residents as a quiet and peaceful area to live in. Those with children find it especially appealing. The public park in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, MBZ Park comes equipped with a play area for children and plenty of greenery for families to have a picnic or simply stroll along. The outdoor space is also ideal for jogging, some light exercise and long walks.
Those with a keen focus on health and fitness needn’t worry. There are plenty of gyms and fitness studios in Mohammed Bin Zayed City has to choose from. Some prominent gyms in the area include Gold Gym in Mazyad Mall, Home Fitness For Ladies, and a mixed and ladies-only Fitness First branch over in Dalma Mall.
Mohammed Bin Zayed City is also home to a number of salons and spas for the chic and stylish. However, for more upscale options, one may need to drive further into Abu Dhabi. The neighbourhood truly has everything one needs on a day-to-day basis.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Most community events are held in the Mayzad Mall close to MBZ City. They have special entertainment options for kids during Eid, National Day, Diwali, Ramadan celebrations and more.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
While it's relatively well-equipped with amenities, you can feel a bit isolated after moving to Mohammed Bin Zayed City as it is located further away from the main city.