Life on Al Reem Island: Waterfront paradise or too crowded?
Al Reem Island is a beautiful island featuring fantastic residential, commercial and retail properties. If you’re considering moving to this district but want to experience what waterfront living is like, we are here to help! Explore the pros and cons of living in Al Reem Island, which we have compiled after thoroughly examining the community. Consider all these factors to make a decision you will never regret.
PROS OF LIVING IN AL REEM ISLAND ABU DHABI
Located around 600 metres off Abu Dhabi’s northeastern coast, Al Reem Island has evolved into a bustling community. Let’s look at some of the advantages of living in Al Reem Island.
EASY ACCESS TO DOWNTOWN ABU DHABI
One of the pros of living in Abu Dhabi Al Reem Island is enjoying an exceptional lifestyle while being just a short distance from the city’s vibrant heart. Residents benefit from easy access to both their workplaces and Abu Dhabi’s top tourist destinations.
Property on Al Reem Island is highly sought after because it offers the luxury of city life without the hustle and bustle.

THE LUXURY OF WATERFRONT LIVING
Waterfront apartments in Al Reem Island are always sought-after, especially among buyers and renters looking for a premium lifestyle. The table below highlights the average rent and sale prices based on different apartment types.
Bed Type | Average Rent | Average Sales Price |
---|---|---|
Bed Type Studio | Average Rent AED 65,000 | Average Sales Price AED 772,000 |
Bed Type 1-bed | Average Rent AED 86,000 | Average Sales Price AED 1,049,000 |
Bed Type 2-bed | Average Rent AED 129,000 | Average Sales Price AED 1,729,000 |
Looking to rent an apartment in Al Reem Island?
Thinking of moving to Al Reem Island? The area is popular for its waterfront apartments and impressive skyline of sleek, high-rise towers. Whether you’re after a cosy studio or a lavish penthouse, the options are varied and well-equipped with modern interiors and top-notch amenities.
ABUNDANCE OF FREEHOLD PROPERTIES ON AL REEM ISLAND
Al Reem Island is one of the freehold areas in Abu Dhabi, where expats and foreign investors can own freehold property. This, in turn, has also boosted the area’s popularity among expats and international buyers seeking their dream homes.

- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1291 SQFT

- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 737 SQFT

- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1717 SQFT

- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1012 SQFT

- 2 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1614 SQFT

- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1131 SQFT
Interested in buying a property on Al Reem Island. Connect with our trusted TruBrokers!
PROXIMITY TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES
Many families living in Al Reem Island are drawn to the area because of the easy access to nurseries, schools and universities. There are several reputed schools and nurseries on Al Reem Island for the benefit of families with kids. Playhouse Nursery, Hummingbird Nursery, and The Repton School Abu Dhabi are among the most reputable options.
Al Reem Island is also home to the prestigious Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, which offers undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Proximity to educational institutions is undoubtedly one of the top benefits of living on Al Reem Island.

VARIETY OF LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Life in Al Reem Island is always exciting for residents, thanks to various leisure activities and attractions. From community malls to family parks, there are several things to do in Al Reem Island. Residents can also enjoy the many festivals and community events on the island.
- Al Safa Park is the first urban park that aims to boost biodiversity in Abu Dhabi.
- Reem Central Park, located along the beachfront, is a favourite among residents of Al Reem Island. From a skate park and sports courts to promenades, restaurants and food trucks, there are plenty of things to do at Al Reem Central Park.
- If you’re looking for a change of scenery, you can hop over to Gateway Park, also located on the island.
- For shopaholics, Shams Boutik Mall is the go-to destination. The mall offers a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
- Foodies can also find several restaurants in Al Reem Island serving an array of cuisines in an upscale, urban setting.
- Reem Mall is home to cinemas, department stores and the world’s largest snow park, which increases the appeal of living in Reem Island.

ACCESS TO THE STATE-OF-THE-ART AMENITIES
Residents of Al Reem Island can enjoy a life of convenience and comfort thanks to the area’s world-class amenities. Nearly all the popular apartment towers in Al Reem Island offer access to gymnasiums, swimming pools and even dedicated barbecue and play areas.
There are supermarkets in Al Reem Island dotted throughout the neighbourhood and a community mosque that can accommodate 2,500 worshippers.
For healthcare services, Reem Hospital is located near Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Cleveland Clinic on Al Maryah Island is also 10 minutes away by car from Al Reem Island, while Burjeel Hospital on Al Najdah Street is 12 minutes away.

PET-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
One of the advantages of living in Al Reem Island is that it is a pet-friendly community. Pet parents in Al Reem Island can keep their furry friends at home and take them to recreational places like Al Reem Central Park for a morning walk.
CONS OF LIVING IN AL REEM ISLAND
While there are many benefits to living in this waterfront community, it’s also important to look at the disadvantages of living in Al Reem Island.
TRAFFIC
One of the cons of living in Reem Island is the rush-hour traffic, particularly on the bridges connecting the island to Downtown Abu Dhabi. Residents must consider traffic when planning their commutes to and from the island.
ONGOING CONSTRUCTION
The ongoing construction work on upcoming residential and commercial developments might seem like one of the cons of living in Reem Island. However, these new developments will enhance the quality of life in the neighbourhood once they are completed.

SLIGHTLY MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER COMMUNITIES
As a result of the area’s excellent amenities, spacious properties and waterfront views, prospective tenants and buyers can expect property prices to be relatively high. However, the fact that Al Reem Island has a host of malls, trendy restaurants, parks and waterfront promenades makes up for the higher cost.
FAQS ABOUT LIFESTYLE IN AL REEM ISLAND & MORE
HOW FAR IS THE ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FROM AL REEM ISLAND?
The Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi is around a 30-minute drive from Al Reem Island. It can take longer during rush hours.
ARE THERE ANY GYMS ON AL REEM ISLAND?
Yes! Primal Gym is one of the popular ones. The gym offers yoga, Zumba and martial arts training. GymNation and Body Project are two other popular options for fitness enthusiasts residing in this idyllic community.
CAN YOU FIND SALONS ON AL REEM ISLAND?
There are quite a few beauty salons on Al Reem Island, including Princess Lounge Ladies Salon, Scintillia Beauty Lounge and Boudoir Beauty Lounge.
ARE THERE ANY BEACHES NEAR AL REEM ISLAND?
Residents of Al Reem Island can head to Saadiyat Public Beach, which is approximately a 20-minute drive away. Alternatively, residents can visit the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach, located 20 minutes away.
That concludes our guide to the pros and cons of living in Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi. We hope that our guide helps you in your decision-making process.
Looking for information on the latest property trends in Al Reem Island? You need to gather information about the top areas for renting apartments in Al Reem Island. Prospective buyers should look at the best areas to buy apartments in Al Reem Island.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on Al Reem Island and other popular residential communities in Abu Dhabi. What is your favourite aspect of living in Al Reem Island? Let us know in the comments below!