Neighbourhood guide to settling down in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is divided into different residential areas depending on which lifestyle you prefer. The more popular and higher rent areas are located in the city center and the Corniche area along the beach. Sea-view apartments offer a view of the water, while city-center apartments offer the availability of malls, banks, restaurants, and supermarkets within a stone's throw.
Popular neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi
Homes in Abu Dhabi are mostly flats in high rises and villas for more spacious living. The following are some of the most popular residential neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi City Centre
The city center is what others may call “downtown”, where shops, malls, and popular hotels are. It is the heart of Abu Dhabi, where the once old souks were, where the tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi are, and where major businesses set up their offices. It consists of low- and high-rise buildings that are conducive to expats' setting up their residences. There are many parks, too, such as Capital Park, which is right near Hamdan Street, one of the main streets downtown. For expats who love the city vibe, this is the most popular choice because everything is within reach and walking distance away from each other.
Al Zahiya and Al Markaziyah
Two popular residential areas are home to main malls and establishments, such as the Abu Dhabi Mall and World Trade Centre Mall. Some embassies, hospitals, and big supermarkets are also located here.
Al Zahiya is home to many dining and entertainment options, making it a popular place for expats to live. It's an older area featuring narrower roads than other parts of the city, but the establishments are anything but outdated!
In Al Markaziyah, perhaps the most popular attraction among expats is the seaside, which is called Corniche. Residential buildings offer sea-view properties for a price. Corniche is also home to a long strip of parks that residents enjoy when the weather is cool. There are also public beaches where people can enjoy pristine blue water.
Madinat Zayed and Al Wahda
If you want the rent to be more affordable than in downtown areas, Madinat Zayed and Al Wahda are perfect choices. Not far away from the city center, these two residential areas are also popular choices among those who do not want the hassle of finding a parking space or those who want bigger floor plans for a lower price. Al Wahda Mall, which is one of the biggest and most popular malls in the capital, is also located here.
Khalidiya
On the opposite side of Al Zahiya is Khalidiya, with high-rise and low-rise buildings alike. Khalidiya Mall is also located in the area, as are big and small business establishments. There are big parks where residents can enjoy the outdoors and five-star hotels for tourists.
Yas Island
One of the newer areas that has become increasingly popular is Yas Island. It's filled with a number of different dining and entertainment options, from Yas Bay Waterfront to Ferrari World. With all of these conveniences comes higher rental costs for smaller accommodations, though - so keep this in mind when deciding on where to live.
Parking in Abu Dhabi
Parking in the city can be difficult for residents because of the number of cars in recent years. However, it also depends on which area you are looking at. The technique for finding a residence with secure parking is to find one without or with fewer commercial establishments in the building or around it. For example, living in a busy area of banks and a hospital will not always have ample parking space available.
Parking fees for residents can be paid yearly but will only allow you to park at designated residential parking lots. It does not guarantee you a fixed spot all year round. Underground public parking is also available.
You'll find that a lot of the newer buildings have started to take parking into consideration and will often have underground parking spots for their tenants (which would be part of your rental cost).
The cultural vibe in Abu Dhabi
The vibe in Abu Dhabi is typically laid back but bursting with culture compared to its Dubai counterpart, known for its hustle and bustle of city life. Abu Dhabi is typically more relaxed, yet there are many things to do during the day. If you set out on foot from downtown to nearby places, you will explore some hidden gems, small cafeterias, or cafés and restaurants that dot the streets. If you crave your fill of culture, art galleries are abundant in the city, big or small, and poetry nights happen weekly. You can also explore parks, museums, and the Heritage Village at the edge of the Corniche near Marina Mall.
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