The recent amendment to Abu Dhabi freehold property laws has been making waves in UAE real estate news. The Abu Dhabi Government issued an amendment in April 2019 that now allows non-UAE nationals – expats and foreigners of all nationalities – to buy freehold property in Abu Dhabi’s special investment zones. Thus, MyBayut is bringing the most popular freehold areas in Abu Dhabi to invest in property! While this new Abu Dhabi freehold law was recently announced, and more details are still to come, this article will give investors an overview of the top Abu Dhabi investment zones, along with properties and amenities offered.
Please note that the sales prices mentioned below are for overall properties in the area. However, the actual properties designated for freehold purchase by foreigner investors in these areas may be more limited.
10 Most Popular Freehold Areas in Abu Dhabi
There have been a number of areas which have opened up to foreign investment in Abu Dhabi. So we decided to help you identify the best places to invest in the capital for foreign investors. Here are the most searched for freehold communities in Abu Dhabi by Bayut users.
Al Reem Island
Featuring upscale waterfront homes, Al Reem Island takes the top spot for popular freehold areas in Abu Dhabi. Al Reem Island is amongst the city’s most in-demand communities, ranking as the top area to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi, according to Bayut’s Q1 2019 market report. Potential buyers will find a range of residential developments on Al Reem, offering sleek and contemporary apartments and penthouses. This mixed-use development also has commercial properties like offices and retail shops available. With malls, parks, schools and universities in the area, the apartments in Al Reem are ideal for foreigners and expats interested in buying freehold properties in Abu Dhabi. It’s also located close to the Abu Dhabi main island and is connected via two highways, offering residents easy access to popular hubs. The sales prices for studio apartments in Al Reem Island starts at AED 375k.
Yas Island
Ranking amongst the most popular areas to buy apartments and villas in Abu Dhabi in Q1 2019, Yas Island is the most famous of Abu Dhabi investment zones. Housing endless attractions like the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, Ferrari World and other theme parks, Yas Island has attracted global attention and has some of the hottest freehold properties in Abu Dhabi. Buyers will find that the properties in Yas Island range from luxury to affordable, offering something for all investor profiles. Lush golf courses, multiple retail and dining outlets, schools, upscale hotels and regular events add to the luxurious lifestyle the area boasts. This will only be enhanced with the upcoming waterfront destination of Yas Bay, which will add more entertainment options to the area. Finally, the island’s proximity to the Abu Dhabi – Dubai Highway gives it high investment potential, and ideal for expats keen on buying property in Abu Dhabi. The prices for buying apartments in Yas Island starts from AED 515k, while villas in Yas Island start from AED 2.3M.
Saadiyat Island
Currently being developed by ALDAR Properties, Saadiyat Island has become popular as the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi. With world-famous museums, cultural attractions and regular art exhibitions and workshops, Saadiyat Island has caught the eye of global investors. It is also one of the Abu Dhabi investment zones that featured amongst the top areas to buy villas and apartments in the capital in Q1 2019. The properties in Saadiyat Island boasts expansive golf courses, beaches, restaurants and convenient amenities such as supermarkets, schools and universities on the island. It also offers easy access to the Abu Dhabi main island through the Abu Dhabi – Al Falah Road. Expats who want to enjoy the luxe lifestyle of the capital’s prime residential areas with the benefits of freehold ownership should consider the properties in Saadiyat Island. The starting price to buy apartments in Saadiyat Island is AED 700k, while Saadiyat Island villas start from AED 4.99M, according to current listings on Bayut.
Al Reef
The next popular freehold area in Abu Dhabi is Al Reef, developed by Manazel Real Estate. Its strategic location on the mainland and proximity to the Abu Dhabi International Airport has made the development attractive to investors. It’s also situated just off the Abu Dhabi-Ghweifat Highway and offers a shorter commute time to Dubai. Investors will find both apartments and villas for sale in Al Reef, which also deliver high rental yields, according to Bayut’s Q1 2019 market report. The buying prices for villas and apartments in Al Reef are also more affordable than Abu Dhabi’s more upscale communities, appealing to a larger pool of investors. The Al Reef properties offer everyday amenities in community centres and are home to a multicultural crowd. Its proximity to other developments such as Al Raha Beach and Yas Island means residents have access to endless entertainment and retail options. Foreign investors interested in buying freehold properties in Abu Dhabi at affordable prices will find Al Reef an ideal investment opportunity. Investors can expect shell out a starting price of AED 425k for apartments in Al Reef, and buying prices for Al Reef villas start from AED 1.1M.
Al Raha Beach
For expats buying freehold property in Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach is another popular investment zone. The development boasts a range of waterfront properties for sale, including apartments, villas and townhouses, and consistently ranks amongst the top areas to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi. The mix of properties and wealth of amenities including schools, beaches and a mall attracts both young professionals and families. The apartments and villas for sale in Al Raha Beach offers is well-connected to the Abu Dhabi – Dubai Highway (E11) and is located close to the happening Yas Island. Regular events for residents and high-end amenities only add to the investment potential of the villas and apartments in Al Raha Beach. Prices to buy apartments in Al Raha Beach start from AED 800k, while the villas in Al Raha Beach have sales prices from AED 4.2M.
Al Shamkha
Situated along the Abu Dhabi-Sweihan Road (E20), Al Shamkha is another one of freehold areas in Abu Dhabi that’s popular with investors. Al Shamkha is located further away from the city centre, across from the Al Falah area. Buyers are offered a range of properties, from residential plots, apartments and villas in Al Shamkha. The prices to buy villas in Shamkha start from AED 4.1M, which will afford investors a sprawling 8-bedroom villa.
Investors will find that the area has developed over the years to include supermarkets, schools, clinics and other amenities for residents. The up-and-coming area is also located close to the Abu Dhabi International Airport and connects to the major road link of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
Masdar City
Masdar City is a mixed-use development that aims to be the leading example for sustainable cities around the world. Developed by Masdar – a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Group – Masdar City has been given the status of a freehold area in Abu Dhabi. This energy-efficient neighbourhood combines residential and commercial spaces with a number of amenities including retail outlets, parks, universities and schools. Those looking to buy freehold property in Abu Dhabi have the choice of apartments and villas that are being built around the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
Masdar City is also less than 10 minutes away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, with other communities like Khalifa City and Al Raha Beach nearby. The area is still introducing new attractions and amenities such as the My City Centre, expected to open in Q2 2019. Foreign investors and expats who want to make smart investments in Abu Dhabi freehold property could consider the villas and apartments in Masdar City. The starting price to buy apartments in Masdar City is AED 499k, which can get buyers a studio apartment.
Nurai Island
High-profile foreign investors looking for a swanky holiday home should look no further than the stunning Nurai Island. Located a 10-minute boat ride away from Saadiyat Island, Nurai Island offers seaside homes that are the epitome of opulence and serenity. The villas for sale in Nurai Island have gorgeous views of lagoon waters and the ultimate privacy. The luxurious Zaya Nurai Resort on the island has drawn attention from tourists and visitors. Nurai Island may just be the most lavish and expensive of freehold areas in Abu Dhabi. According to current Bayut listings, the starting price to buy villas in Nurai Island is AED 12.1M. This will get investors a sprawling, waterfront 4-bedroom villa with interiors and décor of the highest quality.
Al Falah City
Those looking to invest in Abu Dhabi real estate also frequently search for Al Falah City. Located beside the Al Shamkha area, Al Falah City offers both apartments and villas. Those considering buying Abu Dhabi freehold properties here will be glad to know the area is well-equipped with essential amenities like pharmacies, supermarkets, schools and restaurants. This is one of the well-connected freehold areas in Abu Dhabi that lies between the Abu Dhabi – Ghweifat Highway and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
Al Maryah Island
Rounding up the list of most popular investment zones in Abu Dhabi is Al Maryah Island. This premium waterfront address boasts sleek, modern hotels such as Four Seasons and Rosewood Abu Dhabi, entertainment and leisure options in The Galleria Mall, and a commercial centre in the Abu Dhabi Global Market Square. It’s also well-connected to the Abu Dhabi main island and the nearby Al Reem Island, allowing residents access to a world of attractions. Upcoming developments on the island include Al Maryah Central, a luxury mall and Al Maryah Plaza. The latter is popular with investors in Abu Dhabi and consists of residential towers with upscale waterfront residences.
And that completes the list of freehold areas in Abu Dhabi that are popular with investors! We hope this article on Abu Dhabi freehold properties helps you find your dream investment or home in the UAE’s capital. Which other residential areas in Abu Dhabi would you like to know about? Send us an email at social@bayut.com and we’ll get back to you with the information. And stay tuned to MyBayut for the latest updates on properties in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
