Pros and cons of living in Masdar City: Going green or disconnected living?
If you are planning to relocate, reviewing the pros and cons of living in Masdar City can help you decide whether it’s a good fit for you. It is one of the most renowned areas in Abu Dhabi when it comes to sustainable development.
Masdar City features mixed-use properties and was launched in 2006 as the City of the Future. This project aims to promote sustainable growth through maximum utilisation of renewable energy resources. The prime location of this area gives easy access to important destinations like the Zayed International Airport.
Masdar City: An Overview
Masdar City is easily accessible via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Road (E10) and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20). The area features modern apartments, penthouses, townhouses and commercial properties. It is also home to Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Khalifa University – Masdar City Campus and the International Renewable Energy Agency Headquarters (IRENA HQ). Now you have an idea of the area, let’s explore the pros and cons of Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

Benefits of Living in Masdar City
There are various reasons why living in Masdar City is a good option for individuals and families. From an eco-friendly lifestyle to the availability of residential and commercial properties, the community has something for everyone.
Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
The main benefit of living in Masdar City is the eco-friendly lifestyle. The area features apartments and townhouses that blend traditional Arabic Architecture with contemporary technology. Moving to Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, means living in a community that has more than 11 MW of photovoltaic panels installed.

Attractive Investment Opportunity
The community is not only promoting sustainable living, but it is also a good investment option. One can buy an apartment in Masdar for an average price of AED 1.17M with an expected ROI of 6.69%. Those who want to rent apartments in Masdar City have to pay an average of AED 83k per annum. Purchasing a townhouse in Masdar City has an average cost of AED 2.78M with an expected ROI of 6.81%.
Apartment Type | Sales Price in AED |
|---|---|
Apartment Type Studio | Sales Price in AED 766,000 |
Apartment Type 1-Bed | Sales Price in AED 1,000,000 |
Apartment Type 2-Bed | Sales Price in AED 1,601,000 |
Apartment Type 3-Bed | Sales Price in AED 2,244,000 |

- 1 BED
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 888 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1155 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 512 SQFT
Excellent Amenities
When it comes to amenities, Masdar City offers a range of everyday amenities. One can find schools such as Ryan International School, clinics like Etihad Airways Medical Centre and supermarkets, including Carrefour and F Mart Supermarket.
The community also features My City Centre Shopping Mall, which offers numerous dining, shopping and entertainment options. Moving to Masdar City is a good option for families and individuals alike, as the community has all the amenities required for a comfortable lifestyle.
Quiet and Walkable Neighbourhood
The area promotes sustainable living and energy creation from renewable resources. Therefore, it features pedestrian pathways, shaded paths and dedicated cycling tracks. This not only reduces traffic congestion but also the cost of living in Masdar City.
Drawbacks of Living in Masdar City
Now that we have discussed the pros of living in Masdar City, let’s have a look at the cons or disadvantages of living in Masdar City.
Construction is Underway
The construction of this area started in 2006 and was planned to be completed in 2016. However, most of the community is complete, but a few parts are still under construction. This results in noise and pollution, which can be one of the things to consider before moving to Masdar City.
Smaller Unit Sizes
The community features apartments, penthouses and townhouses. Most apartments offer studio to 3-bedroom configurations, while the area also has a few 3 to 4-bedroom townhouses. Those looking for larger units or villas have to check other nearby communities.

Limited Nightlife Options
If you enjoy hanging out with friends and loved ones, street food and nightlife near your residence, Masdar City has fewer options. The community features a limited number of nightlife options such as Jazz Hub and Murphy’s Sports Bar. Moreover, if you are a social person and enjoy an energetic environment, the area might not appeal to you.
To conclude, Masdar City offers various benefits for residents, including modern amenities, an eco-friendly lifestyle and good investment opportunities. Even for visitors, the community provide different options such as dining, shopping and leisure facilities. The area is centrally located and in proximity to Khalifa City, which also provides access to additional amenities.
The eco-friendly lifestyle is one of the key features of the community, which is also improving lives. After considering the pros and cons of living in Masdar City, it can be said that if you prefer a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle, this neighbourhood is for you.
FAQs
Can foreign nationals buy property in Masdar City?
As an officially designated investment and freehold zone in Abu Dhabi, Masdar City allows foreign nationals to purchase real estate.
What public transport options are available in Masdar City?
The Personal Rapid Transit system is a limited autonomous pod system, historically linking the North Car Park and Visitor Centre beneath the podium. Masdar City has roads, parking and vehicle access elsewhere.
Are utility bills lower in Masdar City’s energy-efficient buildings?
Yes, utility bills are significantly lower than in Masdar City’s energy-efficient buildings, as they are designed to use at least 40% less energy and water than comparable baselines.
This wraps up our review of Masdar City. You can now weigh the pros and cons of living in Masdar City to see whether it suits you.
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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.



