Popular Abu Dhabi residential areas for families

• Apartments
• Villas
• FAQs

Abu Dhabi is regarded as one of the most family-friendly cities with a diverse array of residential properties designed for comfort and safety. Whether you prefer the high-energy entertainment or the spacious streets, we have curated a list of the best places to live in Abu Dhabi for families to help you find your next community with ease.

POPULAR ABU DHABI RESIDENTIAL AREAS FOR A FAMILY – APARTMENT LIVING

Looking to rent an apartment in Abu Dhabi? Explore the best family-friendly areas offering spacious flats.

AL REEM ISLAND

Al Reem Island tops the list of the best places to live in Abu Dhabi for families. It is dominated by sleek, high-rise towers that offer some of the best apartment living in the city. Most buildings come with their own dedicated play areas, gyms and pools.

Residents can access the Reem Central Park for weekend strolls and the Reem Mall for a shopping haul. It’s perfect for families who want to be minutes away from the city centre while enjoying panoramic sea views.

The annual rent for apartments in Al Reem Island is as follows:

• Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is AED 128k
• The 3-bedroom apartments can be rented for AED 173k

The sale price for apartments in Al Reem Island is as follows:

• Buying a 2-bedroom apartment can cost AED 2M
• A 3-bedroom apartment can be purchased for AED 2.81M

AL RAHA BEACH

Project by Aldar Properties, Al Raha Beach is another coastal area listed among the family-friendly areas in Abu Dhabi. It has several sub-districts with a mix of apartments and villas.

The apartments here feature floor-to-ceiling windows, fitted kitchens and spacious living areas. The community is highly walkable, with beach access and al fresco dining right at your doorstep.

Interested in apartments for rent in Al Raha Beach?

• Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs AED 148k
• A spacious 3-bedroom unit is available for AED 190k

Apartment sale prices in Al Raha Beach are as follows:

• A 2-bedroom apartment is priced at AED 2.71M
• A 3-bedroom apartment can be bought for AED 3.71M

YAS ISLAND

Living on Yas Island is all about energy and entertainment. Known for its theme parks, Yas Island is also popular among young families for its apartments.

These residential units are modern and within walking distance of the Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Mall. It’s an ideal choice if your family loves an active weekend.

Apartments for rent in Yas Island are available in the following price range:

• A 2-bedroom unit is available for approximately AED 146k
• A 3-bedroom apartment rent is AED 240k

The prices for apartments for sale in Yas Island are as follows:

• A 2-bedroom apartment costs about AED 3M
• A 3-bedroom apartment is valued at around AED 3.43M

MASDAR CITY

Masdar City offers a unique experience of a city of the future. The apartments here are designed for high energy efficiency, which means lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. The neighbourhood is naturally cooler due to its unique architectural design and wind towers.

With a focus on pedestrian-friendly streets, it’s becoming a quiet, eco-conscious sanctuary for families who want to escape the traditional city hustle.

The average annual rent for apartments in Masdar City is:

• Average rent is AED 110k for a 2-bedroom apartment
• A 3-bedroom apartment is available for AED 169k

Buying apartments in Masdar City is a popular option for those seeking eco-friendly homes:

• It costs AED 1.46M to buy a 2-bedroom unit
• The sale price goes up to AED 2.36M for a 3-bedroom unit

AL REEF

Al Reef by Manazel Real Estate rounds up the list of popular areas for families in Abu Dhabi. The apartment buildings are situated in a central plaza surrounded by shops, cafes and essential services, creating a small-town feel within the capital

Its strategic location near the airport and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (E12) also makes it a popular choice for families with parents commuting between emirates.

Annual rent for apartments in Al Reef is as follows:

• AED 94k for a 2-bedroom apartment
• AED 116k for a 3-bedroom apartment

Looking for apartments for sale in Al Reef?

• The sale price for 2-bedroom apartments is AED 1.2M  
• A 3-bedroom apartment for sale can be purchased for AED 1.51M

POPULAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS FOR A FAMILY IN ABU DHABI WITH VILLAS

Let’s now look at the popular villa communities in Abu Dhabi for families.

AL REEF

Al Reef is one of the most popular family-friendly areas in Abu Dhabi, offering a balanced, community-centric lifestyle. The neighbourhood is divided into themed villages, each offering a distinct architectural style.

It is particularly popular among professionals because its location right on Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11) makes driving to Dubai or downtown Abu Dhabi convenient.

The annual rent for villas in Al Reef is as follows:

• A 3-bedroom villa is available for AED 133k
• A 4-bedroom villa can be rented for AED 154k
• Renting a 5-bedroom villa costs about AED 175k

The sale price for villas in Al Reef is listed below:

• A 3-bedroom villa can be bought for AED 2M
• A 4-bedroom villa is priced at around AED 2.76M
• Buying a 5-bedroom villa costs about AED 2.92M

YAS ISLAND

Villas on Yas Island are based in Yas Acres and West Yas. These homes are designed with a very modern and minimalist aesthetic, featuring expansive plots and high-end finishes.

Beyond the high-end residences, residents have popular leisure spots at their fingertips, including the Yas Links Golf Club and Yas Waterworld. The gated villa communities remain remarkably quiet and private, offering a resort feel.

Let’s look at the rental prices for villas in Yas Island:

• Renting a 3-bedroom villa costs about AED 299k per year
• A 4-bedroom home is available for rent at AED 372k
• A 5-bedroom villa rent is AED 429k per year
• A 6-bed villa rental is priced at AED 615k annually

Take a look at villa sale prices on Yas Island:

• A 3-bedroom villa is priced at AED 5.81M
• The sale price for a 4-bedroom villa is about AED 7.32M
• Buyers can expect to pay AED 8.15M for a 5-bedroom villa
• The cost price goes up to AED 15M for a 6-bed villa

SAADIYAT ISLAND

Saadiyat Island is one of the best places to live in Abu Dhabi for families looking for luxury villa living. Residents can visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi and some of the UAE’s most pristine, white-sand beaches.

The villas, available in Saadiyat Beach and Saadiyat Lagoons, are surrounded by lush mangroves and protected wildlife. It is the ideal neighbourhood for families who value culture, nature and exclusivity.

Below are the average villa rents in Saadiyat Island:

• The 3-bedroom villas for rent are available for AED 683k per year
• A 4-bedroom home can be rented for AED 556k
• Rent for a 5-bedroom villa is close to AED 930k
• A 6-bedroom house averages AED 720k annually

The sale price of villas in Saadiyat Island is as follows:

• A 4-bedroom villa costs AED 9.64M
• The value for a 5-bedroom villa for sale is AED 11.4M
• A 6-bedroom villa can be purchased for AED 13.5M

AL SHAMKHA

Al Shamkha offers some of the largest villa plots in the emirate. While it sits farther from the city centre, the neighbourhood features contemporary 3 or 6-bedroom villas.

It’s a residential district with parks, local clinics and schools, making it a great long-term move for families who want to settle into a spacious, peaceful environment.

Here’s a snapshot of the typical rental villas in Al Shamkha:

• A 3-bedroom villa for rent is available for AED 102k per year
• A 4-bedroom villa can be rented for approximately AED 134k
• Renting a 5-bedroom home costs AED 205k

The sale prices of villas in Al Shamkha are as follows:

• A 4-bedroom villa costs about AED 3.87M
• A 5-bedroom villa for sale is valued at AED 4.5M
• A 6-bedroom villa can be purchased for around AED 5.25M

AL RAHA GARDENS

Wrapping up our list of family-friendly areas in Abu Dhabi is Al Raha Gardens. It is one of the most established villa communities, known for its traditional Arabian architecture.

The landscaping is mature, providing plenty of shade for afternoon walks. It also features the Gardens Plaza for your morning coffee and groceries, and a top-tier school, Raha International School.

The average villa rents in Al Raha Gardens are as follows:

• The 3-bedroom villas are available for rent at about AED 185k per year
• A 4-bedroom home can be rented for nearly AED 215k
• Rent for a 5-bedroom villa is approximately AED 255k

Here are the sale prices for villas in Al Raha Gardens:

• A 3-bedroom villa costs roughly AED 3M
• The price of a 4-bedroom villa for sale is around AED 3.56M
• A 5-bedroom villa can be purchased for close to AED 4.57M
• The sale price for a 6-bedroom villa is AED 5.7M

FAQS ABOUT ABU DHABI RESIDENTIAL AREAS FOR A FAMILY

Are there affordable family-friendly areas in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, areas like Al Reef and Al Shamkha offer more affordable housing options suitable for families.

What are the safest residential areas for families in Abu Dhabi?

Some of the safest areas include Al Raha Beach, Saadiyat Island and Al Shamkha, known for gated communities.

Is Abu Dhabi a good city for raising a family?

Yes, Abu Dhabi offers excellent schools, healthcare, parks, safe neighborhoods and family-friendly amenities, making it a great city for raising children.

Which areas in Abu Dhabi offer villas suitable for families?

Villas suitable for families are found in Al Raha Gardens and Saadiyat Island; some even have private gardens.

What should families consider when choosing a residential area in Abu Dhabi?

Families should consider proximity to schools, the safety of the neighbourhood, the availability of recreational facilities, transport links, and housing affordability.

And on that note, we conclude our guide to the best places to live in Abu Dhabi for families. The aforementioned areas can provide plenty of top options for people looking to rent properties in Abu Dhabi.

Want to do something fun with your kids? Make sure to try these family-friendly activities in Abu Dhabi. Looking for popular student housing areas in Abu Dhabi? Our guide will help streamline your research.

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Featured Image Credit: Aldar Properties (Official Website)