Al Reef 2: Comprehensive Property & Life-style Guide
Overview of Manazel Al Reef 2
Manazel Al Reef 2 represents a family-oriented villa community in Al Samha, strategically positioned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai Highway. Developed by Manazel Real Estate and completed in December 2017, this mixed-use development spans 465,000 square meters and comprises exclusively 860 duplex villas targeting middle-income family demographics.
Key Characteristics
The community’s mid-highway positioning between the UAE’s two major emirates creates balanced connectivity for residents commuting to either Abu Dhabi or Dubai employment centers. Proximity to Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and Khalifa Port provides additional employment access for logistics, manufacturing, and industrial sector professionals.
Notable community features include:
- 860 duplex villas in 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom configurations only
- Uniform duplex design creating cohesive architectural character
- Four community centers distributed throughout the development
- 8,000 square meters of dedicated retail space
- Integrated recreational facilities including swimming pools, sports pitches, and cycling tracks
- Open landscaped areas and children’s playgrounds
- Family-focused amenities and programming
- Connection to broader Al Reef development infrastructure
Unlike the original Al Reef development featuring mixed villa and apartment inventory, Al Reef 2 focuses exclusively on duplex villa formats, creating homogeneous community composition centered entirely on family demographics seeking detached housing with modern amenities.
Community Profile and Development
Development Timeline and Specifications
Developer: Manazel Real Estate
Project Completion: December 2017
Location: Al Samha, between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Total Development Area: 465,000 square meters
Total Units: 860 duplex villas
Property Types: 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom duplex villas exclusively
Al Reef 2’s 2017 completion makes this a relatively newer development compared to the original Al Reef (2012 completion), providing more contemporary construction standards, modern infrastructure, and updated design specifications reflecting post-2015 building practices.
Community Character and Target Demographics
Manazel Al Reef 2 maintains strong family-oriented identity through exclusively villa-based inventory, integrated children’s facilities, and amenity programming targeting household demographics. The absence of studio, 1-bedroom, or apartment options creates community composition focused entirely on families rather than mixed demographics including singles, couples, and professionals.
Typical Resident Profile:
- Families with children (primary target demographic)
- Middle-income households (based on pricing and developer positioning)
- Professionals working in KIZAD, Khalifa Port, or logistics sectors
- Dubai-Abu Dhabi corridor commuters seeking mid-point location
- Families prioritizing modern construction and integrated amenities
- Expatriate demographics seeking family communities
The community’s strategic positioning serves residents whose employment or lifestyle patterns involve regular travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, potentially reducing commute burden compared to communities closer to either city center.
Integrated Community Facilities
Manazel Al Reef 2 incorporates comprehensive facilities supporting family lifestyles:
Community Centers (4 locations) Multi-purpose facilities distributed throughout the development providing social gathering spaces, programming areas, and community services.
Recreational Facilities:
- Multi-sport pitches supporting football, basketball, and other activities
- Swimming pools serving different villa clusters
- Children’s playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment
- Cycling tracks encouraging active transportation and exercise
- Open landscaped areas for informal recreation
Retail Infrastructure: 8,000 square meters of dedicated retail space accommodating supermarkets, dining outlets, personal services, and convenience shopping within community boundaries.
Connection to Al Reef Network: Residents access Al Reef Downtown facilities and amenities, leveraging infrastructure from the broader Al Reef development portfolio including expanded shopping, dining, and service options.
Property Specifications and Features
Available Villa Configurations
Manazel Al Reef 2 offers exclusively duplex villa formats in two bedroom configurations, eliminating apartments, townhouses, or larger villa options present in other Al Reef developments.
2-Bedroom Duplex Villas
Coverage Area: 1,668 to 2,755 square feet Floors: Two-story duplex configuration Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 3-4 (varies by specific unit)
Standard Features:
- Majlis (traditional Arabic reception room)
- Maid’s room with separate facilities
- Open-plan living area maximizing usable space
- Well-equipped kitchen with built-in cabinets and modern fixtures
- Spacious balcony on upper floor
- Backyard area with landscaping potential
- Private swimming pool
- Garage with parking for 2 vehicles
- Storage areas
The coverage area range (1,668-2,755 sq ft) indicates significant variation within 2-bedroom category, likely reflecting plot sizes, specific locations within community, or design variations affecting total built area.
3-Bedroom Duplex Villas
Coverage Area: 2,330 to 2,800 square feet Floors: Two-story duplex configuration Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 4
Standard Features:
- Maid’s room with facilities
- Study room providing home office or additional functional space
- Laundry area with dedicated space for appliances
- Storage area for household goods
- Semi-open kitchen design connecting with living spaces
- Combined dining and living area promoting family interaction
- Multiple spacious balconies
- Garden area with landscaping
- Private swimming pool
- Barbeque area for outdoor entertaining
- Garage with parking for 2 vehicles
Three-bedroom configurations provide expanded living spaces compared to 2-bedroom units, with additional study room, more bathrooms, and enhanced outdoor entertainment facilities (barbeque area) supporting larger families and active entertaining lifestyles.
Duplex Design Advantages
The duplex format (two-story configuration) provides several spatial and functional benefits:
Spatial Separation:
- Bedrooms typically located on upper floor creating privacy
- Living, dining, and entertainment spaces on ground floor
- Vertical organization reducing horizontal footprint
- Clear functional zoning between public and private areas
Efficiency:
- Smaller plot requirements compared to single-story villas
- Reduced land costs supporting more competitive pricing
- More units achievable within fixed development area
- Lower exterior maintenance compared to sprawling single-level designs
Modern Living Patterns:
- Contemporary open-plan layouts on ground floors
- Balconies on upper level providing outdoor access from bedrooms
- Flexible space utilization with study rooms and storage areas
- Swimming pools and gardens maintaining outdoor lifestyle benefits
Property Market Analysis
Rental Market Data
Annual Villa Rental Rates (AED)
| Configuration | Average Annual Rent |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Duplex Villa | 88,000 |
| 3-Bedroom Duplex Villa | 111,000 |
Rental rates demonstrate affordability compared to original Al Reef Villas (2-bed: AED 94,000, 3-bed: AED 112,000), despite Al Reef 2’s newer construction and more modern specifications. This pricing likely reflects Al Samha’s more remote positioning compared to Al Reef 1’s location closer to Yas Island and airport infrastructure.
Sales Market Data
Villa Purchase Prices (Average in AED)
| Configuration | Average Annual Rent |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Duplex Villa | 1,681,000 |
| 3-Bedroom Duplex Villa | 1,819,000 |
Purchase prices show competitive positioning within Abu Dhabi villa market. Comparing to Al Reef 1 villas (3-bed: AED 1,731,000), Al Reef 2’s 3-bedroom units at AED 1,819,000 command slight premium despite similar specifications, possibly reflecting newer construction, modern design, or location advantages for Dubai commuters.
Investment Returns Analysis
Return on Investment by Villa Type
| Configuration | Average Annual Rent |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Duplex Villa | 6.14% |
| 3-Bedroom Duplex Villa | 6.29% |
Investment yields fall within typical Abu Dhabi villa investment ranges (5-7%) but below Al Reef Downtown apartment returns (8-10%+). Three-bedroom villas generate slightly higher ROI (6.29%) compared to 2-bedroom units (6.14%), contrasting with patterns in Al Reef 1 where smaller units typically achieve higher yields.
Investment Performance Analysis:
Both configurations deliver comparable returns around 6.1-6.3%, suggesting balanced supply-demand dynamics across bedroom categories. The narrow ROI differential (0.15 percentage points) indicates market efficiency with pricing relatively aligned to rental income potential.
Market Positioning and Investment Considerations
Competitive Advantages:
- Newer construction (2017) compared to Al Reef 1 (2012)
- Exclusively villa community creating cohesive neighborhood character
- Mid-highway location serving Dubai-Abu Dhabi corridor commuters
- KIZAD and Khalifa Port proximity providing industrial sector employment access
- Modern duplex designs with contemporary specifications
- Lower purchase prices compared to premium villa communities
- Integrated amenities supporting family lifestyles
Investment Risks:
- More remote positioning compared to Al Reef 1
- Limited unit type variety (only 2-3 bedroom duplexes) restricting tenant pool
- Competition from similar suburban villa developments
- Extended commute times to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai centers
- Very limited public transportation affecting non-vehicle owners
- Smaller development size (860 units) compared to Al Reef 1’s scale
- Lower ROI compared to apartment investments
Target Investor Profile:
- Investors seeking villa properties with moderate capital requirements
- Portfolio diversification into newer suburban developments
- Focus on stable family tenant demographics
- Acceptance of 6% yields typical for villa investments
- Longer-term holding strategies rather than quick appreciation plays
Market data reflects 12-month historical patterns. Prospective investors should verify current conditions as rental rates and property values fluctuate with economic conditions, employment patterns, and supply-demand dynamics.
Transportation and Accessibility
Parking Infrastructure
All villas in Manazel Al Reef 2 include garage parking accommodating 2 vehicles within property boundaries. Additional visitor parking exists outside villas on community streets, supporting guest access without impacting residential parking allocation.
The 2-vehicle garage capacity accommodates typical family transportation requirements where multiple household members require independent mobility.
Public Transportation Access
Public transit infrastructure remains extremely limited, reflecting Al Samha’s suburban positioning and Abu Dhabi’s automobile-centric development patterns.
Bus Services
Bus Route E-100 Services nearby bus stop providing connections to broader regional destinations. However, service frequency, route coverage, and operating hours remain restricted compared to comprehensive urban transit systems.
The requirement to access bus stops via private vehicle or walking substantial distances effectively eliminates public transportation practicality for daily commuting or routine travel.
Ride-Hailing Services
Uber and Careem operate in the area, providing on-demand transportation alternatives. These services offer more reliable access compared to traditional taxi services, which remain limited in suburban areas.
Private Vehicle Dependency
Community planning and infrastructure design assume private vehicle ownership as primary (essentially only practical) transportation mode. Automobile dependency affects:
- Daily work commutes requiring personal vehicles
- School runs for children necessitating parent transportation
- Grocery shopping and errands requiring driving
- Recreation and entertainment access dependent on vehicles
- Limited mobility options for non-driving household members
Prospective residents without vehicle access or preferring transit-dependent lifestyles should carefully evaluate this fundamental limitation before committing to Al Reef 2 residency.
Highway Access and Regional Connectivity
Abu Dhabi-Dubai Highway (E11) Primary arterial route positioned immediately adjacent to community, enabling:
- Direct access to Dubai (northbound)
- Connections to Abu Dhabi Island (southbound)
- Regional travel throughout UAE
- KIZAD and Khalifa Port access (eastbound)
Mid-highway positioning between Abu Dhabi and Dubai creates balanced travel distances to both emirates, potentially benefiting residents whose work patterns involve regular travel to both cities or whose employment lies outside traditional central business districts.
Travel Times to Key Destinations
| Destination | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|
| KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone) | 10-15 minutes east |
| Khalifa Port | 15-20 minutes |
| Yas Mall | 30 minutes |
| Yas Island | 30 minutes |
| Al Raha Mall | 30 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi City Centre | 35-45 minutes |
| Dubai (Varies by destination) | 40-60 minutes |
| Al Rahba | 15 minutes southwest |
Travel times reflect Al Reef 2’s positioning favoring:
- KIZAD and Khalifa Port employment (10-20 minutes)
- Mid-highway location serving dual-city commuters
- Residents prioritizing affordability over proximity to either city center
However, entertainment, shopping, and leisure destinations require 30+ minutes driving, creating substantial time investment for non-work activities.
Education Facilities
Early Childhood Education
All nurseries near Manazel Al Reef 2 require approximately 30 minutes travel time:
- Odyssey Nursery
- First Hope Kindergarten
- Kids Link Nursery
Extended nursery commute times (30 minutes) create challenges for working parents requiring daily childcare drop-off and pickup, potentially limiting community appeal for families with very young children or requiring one parent to manage childcare transportation full-time.
Primary and Secondary Schools
Manazel Al Reef 2 contains no schools within community boundaries. All educational facilities require driving to adjacent areas:
The British International School
- Distance: Approximately 20 minutes
- Curriculum: British educational system
- Recognition: Established international school
Aspen Heights British School
- Distance: 14 minutes
- Curriculum: British educational framework
- Recognition: Modern international school facility
Amity International School
- Distance: 12 minutes
- Curriculum: National Curriculum of England
- Recognition: International school network
Canadian International School
- Distance: Requires driving to adjacent area
- Curriculum: Canadian educational system (Alberta Program)
Raha International School
- Distance: Requires driving to nearby area
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) framework
Al Reef Girls School for Basic Education
- Distance: Nearby area
- Curriculum: Ministry of Education
School distances (12-20 minutes) remain manageable for daily commutes, though all require private vehicle transportation. Families should factor school run logistics into daily schedules, particularly when coordinating multiple children at different schools or managing working parent schedules.
Health Services & Medical Facilities
Medical Clinics
Al Samha Healthcare Centre
- Location: Within Al Samha community
- Services: Primary care, routine medical consultations
- Accessibility: Shortest distance medical facility
On-site healthcare center provides convenient access for routine medical needs, minor illnesses, and non-emergency consultations, reducing travel requirements compared to hospital-only healthcare access.
Hospital Facilities
Al Rahba Hospital
- Distance: 15 minutes
- Established: 2003
- Capacity: 190-bed secondary care facility
- Location: Abu Dhabi-Dubai Highway
- Recognition: First UAE public hospital with Joint Commission International accreditation
- Services: Comprehensive secondary care medical services
Burjeel Hospital
- Distance: 20 minutes
- Location: Al Najda Street
- Services: Multi-specialty hospital with advanced medical departments
Mediclinic Khalifa City
- Distance: Requires driving to Khalifa City
- Services: International healthcare group facility
- Recognition: Established medical center with comprehensive departments
Hospital access within 15-20 minutes ensures emergency medical services remain available within reasonable response times, though all medical care requires automobile transportation given absence of ambulance services stationed within community.
Religious Facilities
Mosques (Multiple Locations Within Community)
Al Reef Camp Masjid Masjid Fatima Ibrahim Al Samaan Masjid Ayesha Ibrahim Al Samaan
Multiple mosque locations throughout community provide convenient prayer access for Muslim residents.
Additional Mosques (Within 13 minutes):
- Abu Dhabi Airport Mosque
- Ayoub Bin Khalid bin Zaid Terminal 2 Masjid
- Mansoor Bin Zayed Mosque
Churches (Longer Distances Required)
New Life Church
- Distance: 13 minutes north
- Services: Christian worship
Churches Near Dalma Mall (22 minutes):
- Giant Slayer for Christ
- St. Elias Rome Orthodox Church
- All Saints Anglican Church
- Abu Dhabi Apostolic Tamil Church
Temples
BAPS Hindu Mandir
- Distance: 14 minutes
- Status: Under construction (at time of source document)
- Services: Hindu worship when completed
New Gurudwara
- Distance: 22 minutes (near Mussafah)
- Services: Sikh worship and community programming
Religious infrastructure accommodates multicultural demographics, with Muslim facilities immediately accessible while other faiths require 15-25 minute drives typical of Abu Dhabi suburban communities.
Shopping and Dining Options
Major Shopping Destinations
Yas Mall
Distance: 30 minutes Location: Yas Island
Comprehensive retail destination featuring:
- 2.5 million square feet of retail space
- 370+ international brand outlets
- 68 food and beverage establishments
- Cinema complex
- Entertainment facilities
- Family attractions
Yas Mall functions as primary destination for comprehensive shopping, entertainment, and dining variety, though 30-minute driving distance creates time investment for non-grocery shopping activities.
Al Raha Mall
Distance: 30 minutes
Shopping center offering:
- Retail outlets across multiple categories
- Cinema facilities
- Restaurant and café variety
- Salons and personal services
- Hypermarket for grocery shopping
My City Centre Masdar
Distance: Requires driving (estimated 25-35 minutes)
Location: Masdar City
Sustainable retail destination featuring:
- 70+ stores
- Dining options
- Environmental sustainability focus
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
All major shopping malls require 25-35 minute drives, positioning shopping as planned activities rather than spontaneous errands. This distance factor affects lifestyle patterns, with residents likely consolidating shopping trips and relying more heavily on online retail for non-grocery purchases.
Recreation and Lifestyle
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
- Distance: 20 minutes
- Activities: Horse racing, polo, equestrian sports
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
- Distance: 36 minutes
- Activities: Championship golf course
Fitness Centers
- All gyms require 15-20 minute drives/li<>
- Ambience Gym
- Body Land Fitness Gym
- Gold’s Gym (inside Deerfield Mall)
- Starrs Body Building Gym
- V 12 Fitness
Bars and Nightlife (30 minutes to Yas Island)
- Stars N Bars
- Sands Pool Bar
- Y Bar
- C. Mondo
- Sundowner Pool Bar
All nightlife venues cluster around Yas Island approximately 30 minutes away, reflecting Al Reef 2’s family-oriented character rather than entertainment-focused positioning.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Community Parks (2 locations within Al Reef 2)
- Designated children’s play areas
- Green spaces for informal recreation
- Community gathering areas
Yas Gateway Park North
- Distance: 24 minutes
- Features: Developed park with facilities
New Shahama Park
- Distance: 19 minutes
- Features: Community park with recreational amenities
On-site parks support daily outdoor activities for children and families, while larger external parks require 20-25 minute drives for expanded facilities and varied environments.
Beach Access
Ajban Beach
- Distance: 22 minutes
- Character: Less maintained, uncrowded
- Appeal: Residents seeking quiet beach environments
Maricas Beach
- Distance: 22 minutes
- Character: Less maintained, lower visitor density
Yas Beach
- Distance: 30 minutes
- Character: Popular, well-maintained beach with amenities
- Features: White sand, clear water, cabana and chalet rentals
- Services: Water sports, dining, beach club facilities
Beach access requires 22-30 minutes driving, positioning coastal recreation as weekend or special occasion activities rather than daily or after-work options.
Notable Landmarks
Al Warsan Farms Agricultural and recreational destination near community
Ajban Farms Rural agricultural area providing contrast to residential environments
Limited landmark variety reflects Al Samha’s developing status and positioning outside traditional tourist or cultural destination areas.
Adjacent Areas and Employment Zones
KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi)
- Direction: East
- Distance: 10-15 minutes
- Character: Major industrial and logistics hub
- Employers: Manufacturing, logistics, trade, distribution sectors
- Features: Free Zone and Domestic Tariff Areas
- Recognition: Prominent Abu Dhabi industrial development
KIZAD proximity provides significant employment access advantages for industrial sector professionals, potentially creating commute advantages compared to Abu Dhabi Island residential options requiring 45+ minute travel to KIZAD.
Khalifa Port
- Distance: 15-20 minutes
- Character: Major maritime logistics hub
- Employers: Port operations, shipping, logistics sectors
Al Rahba
- Direction: Southwest
- Distance: 15 minutes
- Character: Mixed residential and commercial area
Al Bahia
- Distance: Within 30 minutes
- Character: Developing residential community
Connectivity Profile
Manazel Al Reef 2’s positioning creates specific advantages and limitations:
Advantages:
- Balanced travel times to Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- KIZAD and Khalifa Port employment proximity
- Highway access enabling regional travel
- Lower traffic density compared to city centers
Limitations:
- Extended distance to entertainment and leisure destinations
- 30+ minutes to major shopping malls
- 35-45 minutes to central Abu Dhabi employment
- 40-60 minutes to Dubai central areas
- Remote positioning from cultural and tourist attractions
This profile suits:
- KIZAD and Khalifa Port employees
- Dual-city commuters working in varying locations
- Families prioritizing affordability and space over entertainment access
- Residents comfortable with automobile-dependent suburban lifestyles
- Households with flexible work arrangements reducing daily commute burden
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Al Reef 2 located?
Villas offer 2–5 bedrooms, private pools, gardens, and more space. Downtown has apartments, smaller and more affordable, suitable for singles or couples.
What is the community composition of Al Reef 2?
The Al Reef 2 community is a family-friendly development featuring 860 modern duplex villas in two- and three-bedroom layouts. It is a mixed-use environment designed to provide affordable, community-focused living with comprehensive on-site facilities.
What are the primary property types available in Al Reef 2?
The primary properties in Al Reef 2 are 860 duplex villas with two or three bedrooms. These spacious units include a maid’s room, private backyards/gardens, and covered parking spaces, making them highly desirable for family residents.
Is the Al Reef 2 community a freehold property area?
Yes, Al Reef 2 is a freehold development, meaning property can be purchased with full ownership rights by all nationalities. This status makes it a secure and attractive option for long-term residency and investment in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market.
How far is Al Reef 2 from major UAE destinations?
Al Reef 2 offers excellent highway access. It is approximately a 20-minute drive to Yas Island and AUH Airport. Commuting to Abu Dhabi city center takes about 45 minutes, while Dubai is reachable in about 50 minutes.