You can reach Al Reem Island easily using several Abu Dhabi bus routes. The main bus lines serving the area are Bus 101, 155, 44, 52, 56, and 7, connecting Al Reem Island to downtown Abu Dhabi and nearby communities.
Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi Area Guide and Insights
Overview of Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island represents a natural island development located 600 meters off the northeastern coast of Abu Dhabi’s main island, seamlessly connected to the city via bridge infrastructure. Developed by ALDAR Properties PJSC, this mixed-use community has emerged as one of Abu Dhabi’s fastest-growing residential and commercial districts, featuring extensive high-rise tower developments, waterfront properties, and modern urban amenities.
Key Characteristics
As one of Abu Dhabi’s first free zones and among the earliest developments offering property ownership to expatriates on leasehold basis, Al Reem Island pioneered accessible real estate investment for international residents. The island’s strategic positioning provides proximity to both Al Maryah Island financial district and Saadiyat Island cultural destination.
Notable community features include:
- Natural island setting with extensive waterfront views
- Comprehensive high-rise residential tower portfolio
- Mixed-use development combining residential, commercial, and retail
- Leasehold property ownership available to expatriates
- Iconic landmarks including Gate Towers and Al Aziz Mosque
- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi campus
- Reem Central Park (1 million square feet outdoor space)
- Reem Mall (2.8 million square feet retail destination)
- Marina and canal waterfront promenades
- Bridge connections to Abu Dhabi Island and Al Maryah Island
- Close proximity to Saadiyat Island (minutes away)
The island attracts diverse international demographics including professionals, families, and investors seeking modern urban living with waterfront aesthetics, contemporary amenities, and connectivity to Abu Dhabi’s business and cultural centers.
Community Profile and Development
Development Vision and Urban Character
Al Reem Island exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s urban expansion strategy, transforming a natural island into a comprehensive mixed-use development featuring modern high-rise architecture, waterfront living, and integrated commercial infrastructure. The development approach prioritizes vertical density through residential towers while incorporating retail destinations, educational institutions, parks, and marina facilities.
Architectural Character: Dominant architectural styles draw inspiration from classic Moroccan and Spanish design traditions, creating Mediterranean aesthetic influences adapted to contemporary high-rise formats. This design language distinguishes Al Reem Island from purely modern glass-tower developments, providing textured facades and architectural detail alongside modern amenities.
Property Ownership Structure
Al Reem Island operates as one of Abu Dhabi’s designated free zones, enabling property ownership models distinct from traditional Abu Dhabi regulations:
Leasehold Ownership for Expatriates: International buyers can acquire properties on leasehold basis (typically 99-year terms), representing significant advancement in expatriate property rights compared to earlier Abu Dhabi developments restricting ownership to UAE nationals. This ownership structure attracts international investment and long-term expatriate residency.
Freehold vs. Leasehold: While terms vary by specific development, most properties offer leasehold rather than freehold ownership, creating long-term usage rights without permanent land ownership. Prospective buyers should verify specific ownership terms for individual properties.
Community Infrastructure and Amenities
Reem Central Park: This 1-million-square-foot outdoor park provides substantial green space featuring:
- Skateboard park with designed obstacles and ramps
- Children’s play areas with age-appropriate equipment
- Waterfront promenade along canal system
- Walking and jogging paths
- Landscaped gardens and seating areas
- Community event spaces
Canal and Marina: A 2.4-kilometer canal system creates waterfront character throughout the island, providing:
- Marina facilities for boat owners
- Waterfront promenades for walking and cycling
- Scenic views from residential towers
- Dining and café zones along water edges
Reem Mall: Massive retail destination spanning 2.8 million square feet featuring:
- World’s largest indoor snow park
- 450+ retail stores across multiple categories
- 85 food and beverage outlets
- Two food courts
- Multiplex cinema complex
- 6,800 parking spaces
- Carrefour anchor hypermarket (operational)
Full mall operations commenced in phases, with complete activation achieved by 2022-2023, significantly expanding island retail and entertainment infrastructure.
Property Market Analysis
Available Property Types
Al Reem Island offers diverse property inventory across multiple formats:
Apartments: Studio through 5-bedroom configurations in high-rise towers
Villas: 3-5 bedroom waterfront properties with gardens
Townhouses: 2-5 bedroom attached housing
Penthouses: 3-5 bedroom luxury units occupying upper tower floors
Commercial Properties: Offices and retail shops for rent and sale
The extensive apartment inventory dominates the market, with villas representing limited luxury segment and penthouses occupying premium pricing tiers.
Rental Market Data
Apartment Rentals (Annual Average in AED)
| Configuration | Average Annual Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | 65,000 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 87,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 128,000 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | 167,000 |
| 4-Bedroom Apartment | 252,000 |
Sales Market Data
Apartment SALE TRENDS IN AL REEM ISLAND
| Configuration | Average Annual Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | 787,000 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 1,120,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 1,775,000 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | 2,515,000 |
| 4-Bedroom Apartment | 4,015,000 |
Investment Performance Analysis :
ROI IN AL REEM ISLAND
| Apartment TYpe | ROI |
|---|---|
| Studio | 8.99 % |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 7.92 % |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 7.17 % |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | 12.52 % |
| 4-Bedroom Apartment | 10.89 % |
Al Reem Island demonstrates strong rental yields, particularly within apartment segment.
Studio apartments achieving 9.00% ROI represent exceptional returns significantly exceeding typical Abu Dhabi residential investments (5-7%), driven by strong rental demand from single professionals and couples combined with relatively moderate purchase prices.
One-bedroom apartments at 7.92% similarly outperform market averages, attracting investors seeking reliable rental income from professional tenant demographics.
Yields decline progressively for larger apartments as purchase prices increase faster than rental rates, though all configurations maintain competitive returns above 6%.
Investment Considerations
Advantages:
- Exceptional apartment yields (7-9%) outperforming Abu Dhabi averages
- Strong rental demand from international professionals and families
- Island location creating supply constraints and pricing power
- Modern construction with contemporary amenities
- Waterfront views from most properties enhancing appeal
- ALDAR Properties’ established development and management reputation
- Proximity to Al Maryah Island financial district
- Expanding retail and entertainment infrastructure (Reem Mall)
Risk Factors:
- Ongoing construction creating temporary disruptions
- Bridge congestion during peak hours affecting commute experiences
- Premium pricing limiting tenant and buyer pools
- Potential oversupply from extensive high-rise development
- Competition from newer island developments (Saadiyat, Yas)
- Limited villa inventory creating liquidity constraints for ground-level properties
Target Investor Profile:
- Seeking strong rental yields (7-9%) from apartment investments
- Portfolio diversification into Abu Dhabi premium residential
- Medium to long-term holding strategies
- Focus on professional and expatriate tenant demographics
- Acceptance of island living dynamics and bridge access patterns
Popular Communities on Al Reem Island
Shams Abu Dhabi
Premium waterfront precinct featuring modern residential towers and commercial facilities.
Property Pricing:
- 1-Bedroom Apartments Rent: AED 75,000 – 178,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartments Rent: AED 95,000 – 250,000
- 1-Bedroom Apartments Sale: AED 950,000 – 5,000,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartments Sale: AED 1,000,000 – 4,000,000
Shams Abu Dhabi hosts Shams BOUTIK Mall, functioning as community retail and dining hub with Waitrose supermarket, restaurants, cafés, and independent retailers.
Marina Square
Waterfront residential area with marina facilities and canal access.
Property Pricing:
- 1-Bedroom Apartments Rent: AED 80,000 – 120,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartments Rent: AED 105,000 – 190,000
- 1-Bedroom Apartments Sale: AED 1,000,000 – 2,000,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartments Sale: AED 1,000,000 – 3,000,000
Marina Square emphasizes waterfront living with boat access and promenade amenities.
City of Lights
High-rise residential district featuring modern tower developments with comprehensive amenities.
Reem Hills
Residential precinct with varied property options across multiple tower developments.
Najmat Abu Dhabi
Community zone featuring residential towers and supporting infrastructure within island’s northeastern sector.
Each precinct maintains distinct character while sharing overarching island infrastructure including Reem Central Park, Reem Mall access, and waterfront amenities.
Transportation and Accessibility
Bridge Connectivity
Al Reem Island connects to Abu Dhabi mainland via two operational bridges with third bridge under construction:
Bridge 1: Connection from Abu Dhabi Island Main City
Bridge 2: Connection from Al Maryah Island Financial District
Bridge 3: Under Development, Expanding Capacity
Bridge infrastructure creates island accessibility while potentially generating traffic bottlenecks during peak commute periods. Residents report congestion during morning (7:00-9:00 AM) and evening (5:00-7:00 PM) rush hours as commuters travel to/from mainland employment centers.
Parking Infrastructure
Residential Parking: Most (if not all) residential towers provide dedicated parking spaces for residents, typically allocated based on apartment size. Parking abundance eliminates space scarcity concerns for vehicle owners.
Visitor Parking: Visitors may experience challenges locating available parking spaces outside designated areas. Reem Mall parking (6,800 spaces) and community visitor lots accommodate guests, though availability varies by time and location.
Public Transportation Options
Bus Services
Public buses operate on Al Reem Island, providing internal circulation and connections to mainland Abu Dhabi. Service frequency and route coverage support basic transit needs, though most residents rely primarily on private vehicles.
Nearest Major Bus Stations:
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station: 13-14 minutes driving distance
- Abu Dhabi Bus Station: 13-14 minutes
These stations provide intercity and regional connections for travel throughout UAE emirates.
Taxi Services
Taxis regularly gather at Shams BOUTIK Mall and other high-traffic locations throughout the island. Ride-hailing services (Uber, Careem) operate extensively, providing on-demand transportation alternatives.
Travel Times to Key Destinations
| Destination | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Corniche | 20 minutes |
| Zayed International Airport | 30-45 minutes (varies by traffic) |
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | 35 minutes |
| Yas Island | 30 minutes |
| Saadiyat Island | 15-20 minutes |
| Al Maryah Island | 5-10 minutes (via bridge) |
| Dubai | 2 hours |
| Burj Khalifa, Dubai | 2 hours 20 minutes |
Commute Analysis:
Al Reem Island’s positioning creates relatively balanced access to Abu Dhabi’s major destinations, with airport travel times (30-45 minutes) exceeding some mainland locations due to bridge transit requirements. Bridge congestion during peak hours can significantly extend these travel times, particularly affecting commuters to Abu Dhabi Island or areas requiring bridge crossing.
Proximity to Al Maryah Island (5-10 minutes) benefits finance sector professionals, while Saadiyat Island cultural destinations remain within 15-20 minutes. However, daily Dubai commutes (2 hours) remain impractical for regular employment.
Educational Institutions
Al Reem Island hosts comprehensive educational infrastructure serving students from early childhood through university levels.
Early Childhood Education
Mosaic Nursery
- Location: Al Reem Island
- Services: Early childhood care and education
- Recognition: Among island’s leading nursery facilities
Hummingbird Nursery
- Location: Al Reem Island
- Programs: Early years development and care
Playhouse Nursery
- Location: Al Reem Island
- Services: Structured early childhood education
Primary and Secondary Schools
Repton School Abu Dhabi
- Established: 2013
- Curriculum: British educational system / International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Campuses: Rose Campus (Foundation School – EYFS), Fry Campus (Year 1 through Year 13)
- Recognition: Considered among Abu Dhabi’s premier schools
- System: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for young children, UK/IB curriculum through secondary
Repton’s presence on Al Reem Island provides exceptional convenience for island families, offering internationally recognized British and IB education without requiring off-island school commutes.
Higher Education
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
- Location: Al Reem Island
- Character: International university campus
- Programs: Undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Recognition: Branch campus of Paris Sorbonne University
Sorbonne’s Al Reem Island campus establishes the island as educational destination beyond K-12, attracting university students and contributing to community’s international character.
Healthcare Services
Healthcare infrastructure on Al Reem Island remains limited compared to comprehensive medical centers in mainland Abu Dhabi, though basic services exist within community.
Medical Facilities
Basic clinics and pharmacies operate on the island serving routine healthcare needs. However, comprehensive medical services, specialized care, and emergency hospital access require travel to mainland Abu Dhabi facilities.
Major Hospitals (Off-Island)
Residents access comprehensive healthcare through mainland facilities including:
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
- Burjeel Medical City
- Various specialized clinics and medical centers
Hospital distances typically range 15-30 minutes depending on traffic and specific locations, requiring automobile transportation for all medical facility access.
Religious Facilities
Mosques
Al Aziz Mosque
- Location: Central Al Reem Island
- Capacity: Over 2,500 worshippers
- Recognition: One of Abu Dhabi’s largest mosques
- Character: Centrally positioned serving island residents
Al Aziz Mosque’s substantial capacity and central location provide exceptional prayer access for Muslim residents, eliminating need for off-island worship facility travel.
Churches
St. Joseph's Cathedral
- Distance: Approximately 20 minutes
- Location: Al Mushrif
- Services: Christian worship across denominations
Shopping and Dining Options
Shopping Centers and Retail
Shams BOUTIK Mall
Location: Al Reem Island (near Sun and Sky Towers)
Community-scale shopping center featuring:
- Waitrose supermarket (premium grocery selection)
- Independent retailers and boutique shops
- Restaurant and café variety
- Essential services and personal care
Shams BOUTIK Mall functions as island’s primary convenience retail destination, supporting daily shopping and dining needs without requiring off-island travel.
Galleria Mall (Al Maryah Island)
Distance: Few minutes via bridge
Premium shopping destination on adjacent Al Maryah Island featuring:
- Luxury brand boutiques
- High-end retail across categories
- Fine dining restaurants
- Upscale shopping environment
Galleria Mall proximity provides expanded retail therapy options for residents seeking luxury shopping experiences beyond Reem Mall’s offerings.
Reem Mall
Location: Al Reem Island Size: 2.8 million square feet
Massive retail destination featuring:
- 450+ stores across fashion, electronics, home goods, lifestyle categories
- World’s largest indoor snow park for entertainment and sports
- 85 food and beverage outlets
- Two food courts with diverse culinary options
- Multiplex cinema complex
- Carrefour hypermarket (anchor tenant)
- 6,800 parking spaces
Reem Mall’s scale positions it among Abu Dhabi’s major retail destinations, providing comprehensive shopping, dining, and entertainment within island boundaries. Full operational status achieved progressively, with anchor stores opening first followed by complete activation.
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
On-Island Options:
- Waitrose (Shams BOUTIK Mall) – Premium supermarket
- Carrefour (Reem Mall) – Large-format hypermarket
- Al Maya – Regional supermarket chain
- Carrefour Market – Mid-size format
- Zoom – Convenience grocery
- Geant Supermarket – Hypermarket format
Multiple supermarket tiers (convenience, standard, premium, hypermarket) accommodate varying shopping preferences, budgets, and trip purposes from daily essentials through bulk weekly shopping.
Dining Options
Restaurants on Al Reem Island:
Shams BOUTIK Mall concentrates significant dining variety:
- Pizza Express (Italian casual dining)
- Buffalo Wings and Rings (American casual)
- Super Poke (Hawaiian/Asian fusion)
- The Kettle Corner (café and light meals)
- Doppio Cafe (coffee and pastries)
- Smoking Doll (contemporary cuisine)
- Popeyes (fast food chain)
Hotel Dining
Premium restaurants operate within nearby hotels including Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, and Rosewood Abu Dhabi, offering upscale dining for special occasions and business entertainment.
Dining infrastructure spans casual quick-service through fine dining, supporting diverse meal occasions from daily lunches through special celebrations. However, culinary variety remains below Dubai Marina or Abu Dhabi Corniche concentrations, reflecting island’s residential rather than tourist-focused character.
Recreation and Lifestyle
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Reem Central Park
- Size: 1 million square feet
- Features: Skateboard park, children’s play areas, waterfront promenade, walking/jogging paths, landscaped gardens, event spaces
- Character: Abu Dhabi’s significant outdoor recreational park
- Activities: Skating, children’s play, walking, jogging, picnicking, community events
Reem Central Park provides substantial outdoor amenity addressing earlier island limitations regarding green space and recreation areas.
Canal Promenade
- Length: 2.4 kilometers
- Features: Waterfront walking paths, seating areas, canal views
- Activities: Evening strolls, jogging, cycling, waterfront dining access
The promenade creates linear park extending through island interior, offering water-adjacent outdoor activity beyond concentrated park locations.
Beach Access
Al Reem Island lacks direct beach access, requiring off-island travel for coastal recreation:
Saadiyat Public Beach
- Distance: Approximately 20 minutes
- Fees: AED 25 per adult (kids under 5 free)
- Amenities: Sun loungers, lockers, towel services
- Programming: Weekly yoga classes
Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach
- Distance: Approximately 20 minutes
- Fees: Free entry
- Parking: Ample parking spaces
- Popular Area: Gate 3 (near restaurants and cafés)
Beach travel times position coastal activities as planned weekend outings rather than spontaneous daily access, contrasting with beachfront communities offering immediate sand and water access.
Fitness and Wellness Facilities
Primal Gym
- Location: Back of Al Reem Island
- Services: Yoga, Zumba, circuit training classes
- Specialty: Martial arts training with world-level champions
- Appeal: Comprehensive fitness programming beyond standard gym equipment
Boudoir Beauty Lounge Beauty and Spa Services:
- Location: Shams BOUTIK Mall
- Services: Comprehensive beauty treatments and personal care
Additional salons and spas distribute throughout the island, providing grooming services, spa treatments, and wellness therapies within convenient distances.
Community Events
Reem Weekend Recurring two-day community event featuring:
- Organic food vendors
- Food trucks with diverse cuisines
- Street performances and entertainment
- Pop-up markets with arts and crafts
- Waterfront canal location
Reem Weekend attracts visitors from across Abu Dhabi, creating community atmosphere and weekend entertainment programming.
Accommodation Options
Al Reem Island and immediate vicinity host multiple premium hotels providing accommodation for visitors and temporary residents:
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
- Classification: 5-star property
- Capacity: 565 rooms, suites, and serviced apartments
- Location: Al Sikeek Street, Abu Dhabi
- Distance: 8 minutes from Al Reem Island
- Appeal: Popular among business and leisure travelers
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi
- Classification: 5-star hotel
- Capacity: 224 rooms and 24 suites
- Location: Tourist Club Area (TCA)
- Distance: 10 minutes from Al Reem Island
- Amenities: Room service, housekeeping, laundry, safe deposit, valet dry-cleaning
- Features: Large meeting room facilities
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
- Classification: 5-star luxury hotel
- Capacity: 148 guestrooms and 41 suites
- Location: Al Maryah Island
- Design: Inspired by Arabian Gulf aesthetics
- Views: Abu Dhabi skyline and Al Reem Island towers
- Distance: Adjacent via bridge (5-10 minutes)
These hotels support business travelers, visiting family/friends, and temporary residents during property transitions or short-term stays.
Location and Regional Context
Geographic Positioning
Al Reem Island occupies strategic position 600 meters off Abu Dhabi’s northeastern coast, creating island community character while maintaining mainland connectivity via bridge infrastructure. This positioning provides waterfront living environments, marina access, and relative separation from mainland traffic patterns while ensuring reasonable access to employment centers and amenities.
Adjacent Destinations
Al Maryah Island
- Distance: 5-10 minutes via bridge
- Character: Financial district and luxury retail
- Features: Galleria Mall, office towers, dining, hotels
- Connection: Direct bridge link
Saadiyat Island
- Distance: 15-20 minutes
- Character: Cultural and leisure destination
- Features: Louvre Abu Dhabi, beaches, hotels, residential developments
- Appeal: Weekend cultural activities and beach access
Abu Dhabi Island (Main City)
- Distance: 10-20 minutes (varies by destination)
- Character: Capital city center, government offices, downtown
- Features: Corniche, shopping, dining, business districts
Connectivity Profile
Al Reem Island’s island positioning creates specific lifestyle characteristics:
Advantages:
- Waterfront living with canal and marina views from most properties
- Relative separation from mainland traffic creating quieter island environment
- Bridge connections providing mainland access without complete isolation
- Proximity to Al Maryah financial district (5-10 minutes)
- Reasonable access to Abu Dhabi city center (10-20 minutes)
- Modern infrastructure with contemporary urban design
Limitations:
- Bridge congestion during peak hours affecting commute reliability
- Mandatory bridge crossing for all off-island travel
- Limited beach access requiring 20-minute drives
- Dubai distance (2 hours) eliminating practical daily commuting
- Ongoing construction across multiple development zones
- Island infrastructure dependency creating potential service vulnerabilities
Ideal Resident Profile:
- Professionals working on Al Maryah Island or central Abu Dhabi
- International expatriates seeking modern urban island living
- Families valuing island community character and safety
- Residents prioritizing waterfront views and contemporary amenities
- Households comfortable with bridge-dependent access patterns
- Investors seeking strong rental yields from professional tenant demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Al Reem Island located in Abu Dhabi?
Al Reem Island is located northeast of Abu Dhabi city, connected to the mainland by bridges. It’s just five minutes from downtown and close to Al Maryah Island and Saadiyat Island.
Is Al Reem Island good for families in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, Al Reem Island is family-friendly, offering schools, nurseries, parks, and recreational areas, along with secure buildings and community amenities.
How far is Al Reem Island from Abu Dhabi city center?
Al Reem Island is only about five minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, offering quick access to Corniche Road, Al Maryah Island, and major business districts.
What are the main developments on Al Reem Island?
Major developments include Shams Abu Dhabi, Marina Square, City of Lights, and Reem Downtown — each offering unique residential and lifestyle features.
Who developed Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi?
Al Reem Island was developed by major UAE developers, including Aldar Properties, Tamouh, and Reem Developers, as part of Abu Dhabi’s urban expansion.
What makes Al Reem Island different from other communities like Al Raha or Yas Island?
Al Reem Island offers luxury high-rise living close to the city, while Al Raha and Yas Island focus more on suburban and resort-style communities.
How to go to Al Reem Island by bus?
Is there a beach in Al Reem Island?
The nearest beach to Al Reem Island is Saadiyat Public Beach, located just a short drive away. It offers clean sands, clear waters, and great facilities.
What are the best towers in Al Reem Island?
The Marina Square community features some of the best residential towers on Al Reem Island. Top choices include Marina Heights, Marina Blue, MAG 5 Residence, and Ocean Terrace Residence, all offering prime locations, sea views, and premium amenities.