MBZ City vs Khalifa City: Where should you live?
Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City) and Khalifa City are popular residential hubs in Abu Dhabi. Known for their affordable properties and convenient lifestyles, residents often find it challenging to choose between the two. We’ve created an in-depth comparison on Mohammed Bin Zayed City vs Khalifa City, covering property types, average sales and rental prices and lifestyles. Here’s a quick overview before diving into the details!
MBZ City vs Khalifa City – Overview
Khalifa City is an ALDAR Properties project comprising apartment towers and villas. MBZ City, on the other hand, offers a wide range of spacious and affordable houses.
Both neighbourhoods are suburban communities near major highways. Khalifa City is positioned along the Abu Dhabi-Al Shahama Road (E10), while Mohammed Bin Zayed City is close to the Mussafah industrial zones and Al Ain Road (E22).
MBZ City vs Khalifa City: Where Should You Buy Property?
Over the years, both MBZ City and Khalifa City have attracted investors in Abu Dhabi. Be it MBZ City or Khalifa City, villas are the more popular option with buyers. However, please remember that MBZ City and Khalifa City are non-freehold areas. This means only UAE and GCC nationals are allowed to purchase property here.
Buying Villas in Mohammed Bin Zayed City vs Khalifa City
Both neighbourhoods, as stated above, have a wide portfolio of villas for sale. You will find beautiful, independent 3 to 10-bed+ villas for sale in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. These houses come in various styles, with average covered size of 6,500 to 15,000 sq. ft.
If you’re interested in buying a villa in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, you’ll discover a comparable selection to that of MBZ City. Houses here typically feature 3 to 7-bed+ bedrooms, built in traditional or contemporary styles. Like MBZ City, Khalifa City boasts a substantial inventory of larger villas, including 5 and 6-bedroom units.
Khalifa City is also home to Golf Gardens, bordering the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. This community offers smaller 3 and 4-bed townhouses and 4 to 6-bed villas with luxurious amenities.
Check out the comparison of sales prices for villas in Mohammed Bin Zayed City vs Khalifa City for a better idea.
Neighbourhood | 3-Bed | 4-Bed | 5-Bed | 6-Bed | 7-Bed+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Neighbourhood Khalifa City | 3-Bed AED 3,883,000 | 4-Bed AED 4,504,000 | 5-Bed AED 5,888,000 | 6-Bed AED 7,562,000 | 7-Bed+ AED 11,449,000 |
Neighbourhood Mohammed Bin Zayed City | 3-Bed AED 115,000 | 4-Bed AED 1,353,000 | 5-Bed AED 7,067,000 | 6-Bed AED 6,675,000 | 7-Bed+ AED 7,773,000 |
Mohammed Bin Zayed City or Khalifa City: Where Should You Rent Property?
Both MBZ City and Khalifa City villas for rent attract tenants for their affordability and wide selection of properties. The connectivity to other emirates like Dubai means that both locations are popular with single professionals as well as families.
Tenants prefer Al Forsan Village, Golf Gardens, Villa Compound, Complex 16 and Al Forsan Residence when searching for villas for rent in Khalifa City.
Can’t decide between villas for rent in MBZ City vs Khalifa City? Here’s a comparison of rental prices.
Neighbourhood | 3-Bed | 4-Bed | 5-Bed | 6-Bed | 7-Bed+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Neighbourhood Mohammed Bin Zayed City | 3-Bed AED 100,000 | 4-Bed AED 133,000 | 5-Bed AED 155,000 | 6-Bed AED 186,000 | 7-Bed+ AED 215,000 |
Neighbourhood Khalifa City | 3-Bed AED 141,000 | 4-Bed AED 166,000 | 5-Bed AED 175,000 | 6-Bed AED 215,000 | 7-Bed+ AED 261,000 |
Living in Khalifa City vs Living in MBZ City
Khalifa City and MBZ City are counted among the best places to live in Abu Dhabi for a family. And now, let’s see the difference between MBZ City and Khalifa City lifestyles.
Mohammed Bin Zayed City attracts expats for its affordable and comfortable lifestyle.
- If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet community away from the hustle and bustle of the city, MBZ City is the perfect place for you.
- Families in MBZ City have a variety of options when it comes to nurseries and schools. The Cambridge High School follows the British curriculum from FS2 to Year 13.
- You will find grocery stores, mosques and eateries dotted across the area. Zaithoon, Lahore Garden Grill and Prime Sushi are MBZ City’s top restaurants.
- The community also has two public parks that offer a serene environment.
- Mazyad Mall is the perfect leisure destination for those living in MBZ City. The nearby Dalma Mall and Safeer Mall offer even more options for shopping and entertainment.
Khalifa City villas and apartments are also a firm favourite among tenants as they are close to attractions and amenities.
- Khalifa City offers easy access to nearby areas like Al Raha Gardens and Masdar City.
- Yas Island’s attractions are just a short drive away, including Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas Beach.
- Golfers can head to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, while sports enthusiasts can visit the Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
- Etihad Plaza, Gardens Plaza and Al Forsan Central Mall offer a range of convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, retail outlets and restaurants.
- Pizza Di Rocco, Oregano and Freej Swaileh are some popular restaurants in Khalifa City.
FAQs about Mohammed Bin Zayed City vs Khalifa City
What are the best areas to find villas for rent in MBZ City?
Mohammed Bin Zayed Centre takes the lead when it comes to popular areas for renting in MBZ City. Zone 19, 20 and 24 also attract tenants searching for villas for rent in MBZ City.
Should I buy villas in Khalifa City or MBZ City?
Well, the neighbourhood you choose would depend on your lifestyle preferences. However, houses for sale in MBZ City offer a higher ROI (7.20%) compared to Khalifa City villas for sale (4.18%), in case you are looking for investment options. Mohammed Bin Zayed Centre, Zone 24 and Zone 20 are the top zones for buying villas in MBZ City.
What pros and cons of Khalifa City should I keep in mind before moving to the community?
Pros of Khalifa City include the wide variety of villas, affordable rents and the presence of top schools and nurseries. Talking about schools, parents can choose from:
- GEMS American Academy – International Baccalaureate (IB) and American curricula
- Raha International School – IB curriculum
- Al Yasmina School – British curriculum
- The International School of Choueifat, Khalifa City – Sabis curriculum
- Al Shohub Private School – British curriculum
As for shopping and dining, you can explore ‘Pink Shops’ and community malls like Gardens Plaza near Al Raha Gardens, Etihad Plaza and Al Forsan Central Mall. Cons of Khalifa City include a lack of public transportation and investment options for expats.
What are the pros and cons of MBZ City?
Perhaps the biggest difference between Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Khalifa City is the presence of apartment towers. That’s right. The lack of apartments is one of the top cons of living in MBZ City.
Popular areas to find apartments for rent in Khalifa City are Villa Compound, Al Dahre Compound, Al Forsan Village, Al Rayyana and Complex 14.
And that concludes MyBayut’s comparison between Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Khalifa City! Make a more informed decision by learning more about living in MBZ City and life in Khalifa City.
If you want to invest in the UAE capital, check out the top freehold areas in Abu Dhabi.
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