Living in Khalifa City: Pros and Cons to Consider
Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi is a suburban residential area with villas and apartments. Located on the capital’s outskirts, it offers a quieter alternative to the city centre while providing access to key areas through major highways. Prospective residents should consider the key benefits and trade-offs when deciding to move to this area.
PROS OF LIVING IN KHALIFA CITY
Going through the advantages of living in Khalifa City will give a clearer picture of what the area offers.
CONNECTIVITY TO MAJOR ROADS
Situated near Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10) and Al Ain Road (E22), Khalifa City is connected to central Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and Dubai. Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi is just a 15-minute drive away, while Yas Island can be reached in around 20 minutes. For those commuting to Dubai, Jebel Ali is approximately an hour away by car, depending on traffic.
Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11) is also accessible from the community, providing connections to Al Raha Beach, Al Shahama and Dubai. The area is served by Abu Dhabi’s public bus network.
Route 160 connects Khalifa City with central Abu Dhabi and Capital Park, while Route 161 operates between Khalifa City and Al Bateen. Route 216 connects Khalifa City with Al Shahama Bus Station, while internal routes K1 to K6 serve different parts of the community. Residents can also use the Abu Dhabi Link on-demand minibus service, which covers Khalifa City.
ESSENTIAL AMENITIES
Khalifa City has a range of supermarkets and grocery stores including SPAR, Spinneys, Géant, Carrefour Market and Earth Supermarket. The community also has a local retail cluster known as the Pink Shops, featuring convenience stores, pharmacies, laundries, salons and other businesses offering everyday amenities.
Shopping centres such as Forsan Central Mall and Makani Khalifa City provide additional retail options.
SCHOOLS AND NURSERIES
Khalifa City boasts a wide range of educational institutions covering American, British, IB, SABIS and early learning curricula.

Nurseries
- Care & Share Nursery
Schools
- Raha International School (International Baccalaureate – IB)
- GEMS American Academy (American/IB Diploma)
- Yasmina British Academy (British / National Curriculum for England)
- The International School of Choueifat (SABIS)
- Al Shohub Private School (British Curriculum)
ESSENTIAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
Khalifa City is home to hospitals and clinics. NMC Royal Hospital, a private hospital, is located inside the community. For primary healthcare, Mediclinic Khalifa City offers a range of medical services.
Moreover, Al Bustan Medical Group operates multiple clinics in Khalifa City, offering general medical care and a dedicated dental polyclinic.
RECREATION AND LEISURE OPTIONS
Another benefit of living in Khalifa City is its access to a range of lifestyle, leisure and recreation options. Residents can enjoy a suburban lifestyle with community parks, sports venues and entertainment options within and near the community.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, located in Khalifa City, offers several activities including paintball, shooting, horse riding, go-karting and watersports. The famous Abu Dhabi Golf Club is also situated in the area.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course.
Theme parks and entertainment attractions on Yas Island, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, are approximately a 15- to 20-minute drive away. This depends on traffic and the starting point in Khalifa City.
For recreation and outdoor activities, the community features several landscaped parks including Al Urjuwan Park, Al Fan Park and Khalifa Square.
SHOPPING ATTRACTIONS
Shopping destinations within the community include Forsan Central Mall, while My City Centre Masdar in neighbouring Masdar City is just a 5-to-10-minute drive away. Larger retail hubs such as Yas Mall are also accessible by car from Khalifa City within approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
PARKING SPACE
Many villas and residential buildings provide dedicated parking, supplemented by street parking in select parts of the district.
PROPERTY CHOICES
Khalifa City features a wide selection of villas and mid-rise apartment buildings.
PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN KHALIFA CITY
According to Bayut data, the average sales price for villas in the area is AED 7,010,000, with an ROI of 4.41%.
Bed Type | Average Price (AED) |
|---|---|
Bed Type 4-Bed | Average Price (AED) 5,072,000 |
Bed Type 5-Bed | Average Price (AED) 6,093,000 |
Bed Type 6-Bed | Average Price (AED) 12,500,000 |
PROPERTIES FOR RENT IN KHALIFA CITY

The average rent for apartments is AED 49,000. Here is a breakdown based on apartment type.
Bed Type | Average Rent (AED) |
|---|---|
Bed Type Studio | Average Rent (AED) 29,000 |
Bed Type 1-Bed | Average Rent (AED) 54,000 |
Bed Type 2-Bed | Average Rent (AED) 93,000 |
Bed Type 3-Bed | Average Rent (AED) 117,000 |
The rent for villas in Khalifa City is AED 233,000. The table below provides a breakdown by villa type.
Bed Type | Average Rent (AED) |
|---|---|
Bed Type 3-Bed | Average Rent (AED) 195,000 |
Bed Type 4-Bed | Average Rent (AED) 199,000 |
Bed Type 5-Bed | Average Rent (AED) 213,000 |
Bed Type 6-Bed | Average Rent (AED) 304,000 |
CONS OF LIVING IN KHALIFA CITY
The area has plenty to offer residents, but there are a few important factors to consider before moving to Khalifa City.
Limited Public Transportation
Khalifa City is served by local bus routes and the Abu Dhabi Link on-demand service, providing essential transit options across the neighbourhood. However, due to the community’s low-density layout and large geographic footprint, relying on public transport can be less convenient than driving for daily errands and commutes.
Distance from Central Abu Dhabi
While the area has road connections, it is still approximately 25 to 30 minutes away from the city centre, depending on traffic. Residents commuting daily to central Abu Dhabi may face a longer journey than those living on the main island.
Khalifa City combines villas and apartments with schools, healthcare, local retail and recreational facilities. Its road connections are a strength, while its suburban location and car-oriented layout may be less convenient for residents who commute frequently to central Abu Dhabi.
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Disclaimer: This article uses property listing prices advertised on Bayut.com by real estate agencies on behalf of their clients. Figures represent advertised prices only and do not reflect actual transaction prices unless stated. Reported metrics use a trimmed mean to provide a more robust market summary.


