Top areas to buy a freehold property in Abu Dhabi

• Popular Freehold Areas
• Freehold Areas with Apartments
• Freehold Areas with Villas
• FAQs

Abu Dhabi’s property market experienced a significant increase in demand following the rule change that allowed foreign nationals to purchase freehold property in designated investment zones. Also known as freehold areas in Abu Dhabi, these districts have now become ‘to-go’ options for anyone interested in real estate investment. Coming up next is an overview of the most popular freehold property areas in Abu Dhabi. You will learn more about the property types, area amenities and chances of long-term growth.

POPULAR FREEHOLD PROPERTY AREAS IN ABU DHABI

Changes to the Abu Dhabi freehold property laws in 2019 have opened exciting avenues for foreign investment in the UAE capital. If you want to know the sought-after places in Abu Dhabi for foreign investors, check out these freehold communities that offer an ideal mix of apartments and villas.

Area	Average Price for Apartments	Average Price for Villas
Area Yas Island	Average Price for Apartments AED 1,943,000	Average Price for Villas AED 5,949,000
Area Saadiyat Island	Average Price for Apartments AED 8,061,000	Average Price for Villas AED 17,202,000
Area Al Reef	Average Price for Apartments AED 948,000	Average Price for Villas AED 2,032,000

YAS ISLAND

Yas Island is one of the most popular freehold property areas in Abu Dhabi. It’s home to famous attractions like Yas Bay, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Yas Island attracts global attention and offers some of the trendiest freehold properties in Abu Dhabi.

Residents can expect a luxurious lifestyle as the neighbourhood has no shortage of lush golf courses, retail outlets, restaurants, schools, upscale hotels and entertainment destinations.

Properties range from affordable to luxury flats and villas, catering to various investor profiles. Besides all this, the island’s proximity to the Abu Dhabi-Dubai Highway (E11) gives it excellent investment potential.

The average ROI for Yas Island freehold apartments for sale is 6.94%, while villas offer around 5.07%.

• You can find studio apartments for sale on Yas Island at an average price of AED 971k.
• The average price for a 1-bedroom flat is AED 1.40M.
• Whereas 2 and 3-bedroom apartments are typically priced at AED 2.35M and AED 2.51M, respectively.

If you’re considering villas for sale on Yas Island, there’s a wide selection to explore.

• A 3-bedroom villa for sale on Yas Island is usually priced at AED 4.18M.
• The average cost increases to AED 5.21M for 4-bed villas and AED 6.84M for 5-bed options.
• For a more spacious home, a 6-bedroom villa is available for around AED 13.8M.

SAADIYAT ISLAND

A master development by ALDAR Properties, Saadiyat Island has gained popularity as the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi. With renowned museums, cultural attractions and regular art exhibitions and workshops, Saadiyat Island has caught the eye of global investors.

Properties in Saadiyat Island offer quick access to golf courses, beaches, restaurants, and urban amenities, including supermarkets, schools and universities. It also has excellent connectivity to Abu Dhabi’s main island.

Expats seeking a luxurious lifestyle combined with comfort in a prime freehold zone of the capital should explore Saadiyat Island properties.

• Apartments on Saadiyat Island offer an average ROI of 3.20%.
• A studio flat for sale in Saadiyat Island costs around AED 1.03M.
• On average, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments are priced at AED 2.41M and AED 4.28M.
• If you’re eyeing a 3-bedroom flat, expect to pay roughly AED 10.1M on average.

Saadiyat Island freehold villas are also a popular investment choice, offering an ROI of 4.71%.

• The average price for buying a 3-bed villa in Saadiyat Island is AED 7.79M, while 4-bedroom villas typically are priced at AED 8.59M.
• A 5-bed villa averages AED 10.5M and a 6-bed option is likely to have an average cost around AED 11.8M.

AL REEF

The next entry on the list of popular freehold areas in Abu Dhabi is Al Reef. Developed by Manazel Real Estate, the neighbourhood is strategically located on the mainland, close to the Zayed International Airport. Its location, just off the Abu Dhabi-Ghweifat Highway (E11) and the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway (E12), ensures a shorter commute to Dubai, making it a popular choice among investors.

Those who buy Al Reef properties can expect quick access to other popular developments such as Al Raha Beach and Yas Island. This also means easy access to fantastic entertainment and retail options. 

The sales price for villas and apartments in Al Reef is comparatively affordable than other upscale communities in Abu Dhabi, making them more appealing to a larger pool of investors.

Foreign investors interested in buying affordable freehold properties in Abu Dhabi consider Al Reef an ideal opportunity.

• If you’re planning to buy a studio in Al Reef, the average cost is around AED 489k, on average.
• For a 1-bedroom apartment, expect to pay about AED 693k, while 2-bedroom flats typically cost AED 881k, on average.
• A 3-bedroom apartment for sale in Al Reef is priced at approximately AED 1.22M.
• Apartments here offer a strong ROI of 9.29%.

Villas are also a sound investment, with an average ROI of 6.54%.

• A 3-bed villa for sale in Al Reef is priced at AED 1.73M, increasing to AED 2.25M for 4-bed villas and AED 2.55M for 5-bedroom homes.

POPULAR FREEHOLD NEIGHBOURHOODS IN ABU DHABI FOR APARTMENTS

Let’s first check out popular designated freehold districts in Abu Dhabi for investing in apartments.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the average sales prices of studio to 3-bedroom flats in the areas.

Area	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed	3-Bed
Area Al Reem Island	Studio AED 800,000	1-Bed AED 1,091,000	2-Bed AED 1,717,000	3-Bed AED 2,545,000
Area Al Raha Beach	Studio AED 996,000	1-Bed AED 1,372,000	2-Bed AED 2,091,000	3-Bed AED 3,200,000
Area Masdar City	Studio AED 617,000	1-Bed AED 787,000	2-Bed AED 1,146,000	3-Bed AED 1,782,000
Area Al Maryah Island	Studio AED 717,000	1-Bed AED 1,103,000	2-Bed AED 1,916,000	3-Bed AED 2,398,000

AL REEM ISLAND

Al Reem Island secures the top spot when it comes to districts offering upscale waterfront freehold apartments in Abu Dhabi. It is also one of the city’s most sought-after communities, consistently ranking as the top area to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi.

Potential buyers will find a range of residential developments on Al Reem Island, including contemporary apartments and penthouses. This mixed-use development also offers commercial properties like offices and retail outlets to interested buyers.

When investing in a property, location is always a key consideration. Al Reem Island is connected to the Abu Dhabi main island via highways, providing residents with easy access to popular venues.

With malls, parks, schools and universities in the area, Al Reem Island freehold property is ideal for foreigners and expats interested in buying freehold properties in Abu Dhabi.

• You can find studio apartments for sale on Al Reem Island starting from AED 800k.
• The average price for a 1-bedroom flat is AED 1.09M.
• Whereas 2 and 3-bedroom apartments are typically priced at AED 1.71M and AED 2.54M, respectively.
• The ROI stands at 7.36%, offering solid potential for long-term gains.

AL RAHA BEACH

Another popular investment zone for expats buying freehold property in Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach boasts a range of waterfront properties for sale.

Consistently ranked amongst the most popular areas to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach is ideal for young professionals and families who want quick access to amenities, including schools, beaches and malls.

The apartments and Al Raha Beach freehold homes are well-connected to the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway (E11) and enjoy proximity to Yas Island.

Apartments for sale in Al Raha Beach attract strong investor interest with an ROI of 6.24%.

• You can buy a studio flat for an average price of AED 996k, on average.
• A 1-bedroom apartment is typically priced at AED 1.37M.
• Whereas 2 and 3-bedroom flats have an average cost of AED 2.09M and AED 3.20M, respectively.

MASDAR CITY

Masdar City is a mixed-use development that aims to be the leading example for sustainable cities worldwide. Developed by Masdar – a subsidiary of the Mubadala Investment Group – Masdar City is also a freehold area in Abu Dhabi.

This energy-efficient neighbourhood combines residential and commercial spaces with useful amenities, including retail outlets, parks, universities, and schools.

Masdar City is quite close to the Zayed International Airport and bustling residential hubs like Khalifa City and Al Raha Beach. It is also a well-known freehold property area in Abu Dhabi for expats as it offers an ROI of 7.92%.

• Are you planning to buy flats in Masdar City? You will have to pay AED 617k for a studio unit.
• If you prefer a 1-bed flat in Masdar City, the average price is likely to be AED 787k.
• 2 and 3-bed apartments are likely to have average sales prices of AED 1.14M and AED 1.78M, respectively.

AL MARYAH ISLAND

Al Maryah Island is next on our list of freehold properties in Abu Dhabi. This premium waterfront address boasts a modern, vibrant lifestyle with hotels, beaches and an abundance of restaurants.

The Galleria Al Maryah Island offers a range of entertainment and dining options for residents to explore. The island is well-connected to the Abu Dhabi mainland and the nearby Al Reem Island, allowing residents access to a world of fun attractions.

Al Maryah Island freehold residences offer an impressive ROI of 8.26%. Coupled with attractive prices, it is no surprise that investors are interested in the area.

• Buying a studio in Al Marayah Island costs around AED 717k, on average.
• On, average, 1-bedroom apartments are priced at AED 1.10M.
• For 2-bed flats for sale in Al Maryah Island, the average asking price is around AED 1.91M.
• When buying a 3-bed apartment in Al Maryah Island, you will have to pay approximately on average AED 2.39M.

POPULAR FREEHOLD AREAS IN ABU DHABI WITH VILLAS

If you want to buy villas in Abu Dhabi, these freehold districts offer great investment opportunities.

AL SHAMKHA

Situated along the Abu Dhabi-Sweihan Road (E20), Al Shamkha is a leading choice among the freehold areas in Abu Dhabi that’s popular with investors, especially those interested in purchasing villas.

Located on the city’s outskirts, Al Shamkha provides a quaint suburban lifestyle facilitated by supermarkets, schools, clinics and other amenities for residents.

Although far from the central city, the Al Shamkha neighbourhood enjoys proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport and is connected to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).

• The ROI of villas in the area is 3.89%.
• 4-bed villas for sale here cost around AED 3.93M.
• Buying a 5-bed villa can cost approximately AED 4.31M.
• The average price for a 6-bed villa for sale in Al Shamkha is AED 5.16M.

NURAI ISLAND

High-profile foreign investors looking for a dream holiday home should consider the freehold properties in the stunning Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi.

A 10-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island, Nurai Island offers seaside homes that are the epitome of luxury and serenity. The villas for sale in Nurai Island provide ultimate privacy and gorgeous lagoon views.

The luxurious Zaya Nurai Resort has drawn attention from tourists and visitors.

Nurai Island is the most lavish and expensive of the freehold areas in Abu Dhabi. Given the high demand for properties, you will have to pay a higher average price for the properties in Nurai Island. For instance,

• The average price for a 4-bed villa for sale in Nurai Island is AED 26.6M.
• It rises to a whopping AED 50M for a 5-bed villa.

FAQS – ABU DHABI FREEHOLD ZONES 2025

CAN EXPATS BUY PROPERTIES IN OTHER EMIRATES?

If you are searching for freehold investment options in the country, don’t forget to check out Dubai’s popular freehold neighbourhoods. Those interested in living away from the city’s hustle and bustle can find great opportunities for property investment in top freehold areas in Ras Al Khaimah.

Though limited, there are designated areas for foreign real estate investment in Sharjah as well.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC RULES REGARDING FOREIGN PROPERTY OWNERSHIP?

While expats and foreign investors are allowed to buy property in the country, conditions are attached to the purchase. Learn more about foreign property ownership rules in the UAE to ensure you are always on the right side of the law.

And that concludes our guide to freehold property areas in Abu Dhabi that are popular among investors, both local and foreign. We hope this article on Abu Dhabi freehold properties helps you find your dream home or just the investment opportunity you were looking for.

Stay tuned to MyBayut for the latest updates on properties in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE.