Abu Dhabi

NBK Tower

City of Lights Al Reem Island: Area Guide

Overview of City of Lights

City of Lights represents a new vision for waterfront living in Abu Dhabi. Developed through a partnership between Al Reem, Sorouh, and Tamouh Investments, this community seamlessly blends residential comfort with commercial convenience. The development features natural mangrove backdrops, extensive waterfront promenades, and pedestrian-friendly plazas adorned with clusters of date palms.

The development comprises 52 residential towers and 8 commercial buildings, creating a self-contained ecosystem where residents can live, work, and play within the same neighborhood. Strategic positioning of all buildings ensures easy walkability, while interconnected plazas foster a strong sense of community.

Property Options and Specifications

Apartment Living

Residential towers in City of Lights offer diverse accommodation options ranging from studios to 5-bedroom units. Standard apartment features include:

Spacious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes
Full bathrooms with modern fixtures
Open-plan kitchens with quality finishes
Living and dining areas designed for comfort
Waterfront balconies with stunning views
Dedicated parking spaces

Penthouse Collections

Luxury seekers can explore 4 and 5-bedroom penthouses spanning 4,271 to 5,130 square feet. These premium units include:

Master bedroom suites with en-suite bathrooms
Formal living and dining rooms
Well-equipped gourmet kitchens
Dedicated family rooms and study spaces
Storage areas and laundry rooms
Maid’s quarters with separate bathroom
Expansive terraces perfect for entertaining
Multiple parking spaces

Townhouse Options

For families preferring ground-level living, 2 to 4-bedroom townhouses range from 1,700 to 3,500 square feet, offering private outdoor spaces and multi-level layouts.

Property Prices and Investment Returns

Current Rental Market (2025)

Apartments:

Studio apartments: AED 64,000 annually
1-bedroom units: AED 86,000 annually
2-bedroom apartments: AED 122,000 annually
3-bedroom units: AED 162,000 annually
4-bedroom apartments: AED 265,000 annually

Townhouses:

2-bedroom townhouses: AED 102,000 annually
3-bedroom units: AED 200,000 annually
4-bedroom townhouses: AED 186,000 annually

Investment Performance

City of Lights delivers competitive returns for property investors:

Studio apartments: 9.67% ROI (highest returns)
1-bedroom units: 7.64% ROI
2-bedroom apartments: 7.02% ROI
3-bedroom units: 6.37% ROI
4-bedroom apartments: 6.58% ROI

Studio apartments currently offer the strongest investment returns, making them particularly attractive for investors seeking maximum yield.

Transportation and Parking

Private Vehicle Access

Every residential unit includes dedicated covered parking spaces. Visitors can utilize public parking areas distributed throughout the community, ensuring convenient access for guests.

Public Transportation

City of Lights benefits from excellent bus connectivity. Multiple bus stops serve the area within a 5-minute drive:

Al Rayfah Street / City of Lights stop
Al Rayfah Street / Al Reem City Of Lights stop
Hazza’ Bin Zayed Street / Al Maryah Street stop
Hazza’ Bin Zayed Street / Al Reem Street stop

Primary Routes: Bus routes 65 and 67 provide regular service connecting residents to key destinations across Abu Dhabi, including business districts, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.

Regional Connectivity

The community’s location on Al Reem Island provides strategic access to Abu Dhabi’s major destinations:

Abu Dhabi International Airport: 30 minutes
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 18 minutes
Yas Island entertainment district: 23 minutes
Mangrove National Park: 15 minutes
Corniche Beach: 19 minutes
Al Maryah Island financial district: Adjacent access

Bridge connections to mainland Abu Dhabi enable smooth commuting, though residents should note that bridge traffic can become congested during peak rush hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM on weekdays).

Education and Healthcare

Nurseries and Early Childhood Education

Young families benefit from several nursery options located within a short drive, providing quality early childhood education and care:

Liverpool Nursery (3 minutes): Follows England’s national curriculum, providing British-style early education in a nurturing environment suitable for very young children.

Redwood Montessori Nursery (5 minutes): Operating two branches in the vicinity—one at Shams Boutik Mall ground floor and another at The Gates Towers—this institution follows the respected Montessori method for students aged 3 months to 6 years. The Montessori approach emphasizes self-directed learning and hands-on activities that develop independence and confidence.

Hummingbird Nursery (6 minutes): Following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, Hummingbird enrolls students aged 3 months to 4 years, providing a structured yet playful learning environment that prepares children for formal schooling.

Primary and Secondary Schools

Repton School Abu Dhabi (5 minutes): Established in 2013, Repton is a British curriculum school rated “Very Good” by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

The school combines England’s National Curriculum with subjects mandated by the UAE Ministry of Education, creating a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for international opportunities while respecting local culture. The Rose Campus houses Nursery, Foundation Stage 2, and Year 1 classes.

Abu Dhabi Grammar School (7 minutes): This private K-12 institution follows the Canadian curriculum, offering an alternative educational approach for families preferring Canadian-style education. The school provides continuity from kindergarten through high school graduation.

International Community School (9 minutes): Offering international programming that accommodates diverse student backgrounds and prepares children for global opportunities.

Higher Education

Emirates College of Technology – City Campus (10 minutes): Provides technical and vocational education for students pursuing career-focused qualifications.

Sorbonne University (nearby): One of Abu Dhabi’s premier higher education institutions, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in partnership with the prestigious Paris-based university.

Healthcare Facilities

Nearby Clinics:

Kaya Skin Clinic (8 minutes): An international chain specializing in advanced dermatological solutions for both men and women. Located in Abu Dhabi Mall, Kaya offers treatments for skin conditions, cosmetic procedures, and preventive skin care.

Aster Clinic (nearby): A friendly neighborhood medical center specializing in pathology, orthopedics, gynecology, pediatrics, and dentistry. Aster provides comprehensive family healthcare in an accessible location.

Oasis Medical Centre (nearby): Offers general practice services and specialized medical care for routine health needs.

Community Pharmacy (1 minute): A full-service healthcare pharmacy providing prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, health products, and pharmaceutical advice.

Hospital Access:

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (6 minutes): The flagship hospital facility serves the community with 364 beds, 5 clinical floors, 3 treatment and diagnostic levels, and 13 floors dedicated to acute and critical inpatient care. Cleveland Clinic addresses complex care requirements across multiple specialties, providing world-class medical services that rival international healthcare standards.

Burjeel Day Surgery Center (nearby): Specializes in outpatient surgical procedures, enabling patients to undergo necessary operations without overnight hospital stays.

LLH Hospital (nearby): Provides additional hospital services and emergency care options for residents.

Shopping and Dining

Major Shopping Destinations

Abu Dhabi Mall (5 minutes): This central shopping hub attracts approximately 40,000 visitors daily, establishing itself as a retail powerhouse for the region. The mall houses over 200 shops spanning fashion, electronics, home furnishings, and specialty retail. Located next to the Beach Rotana hotel with direct access, Abu Dhabi Mall opened in 2001 and has maintained its position as a premier shopping destination.

Key Retailers:

Paris Gallery (luxury cosmetics and fragrances)
H&M and Zara (fashion)
Grand Stores (department store)
Carolina Herrera (designer fashion)
The One (home furnishings)
Marina Furniture (furniture and decor)
Jashanmal (electronics and lifestyle)

Additional Features:

Cineplex cinema with multiple screens
Extensive food court
Children’s play areas
Coffee shops and casual dining
1,100+ parking spaces

Shams Boutik Mall (3 minutes): Connected to the iconic Sun & Sky Tower, this modern shopping center caters specifically to Al Reem Island residents. The mall’s compact design focuses on essential retail and dining, making quick shopping trips convenient.

Featured Outlets:

Nando’s (casual dining)
The Kettle Corner (cafe)
Soulfull (healthy dining)
Various retail boutiques
Children’s entertainment facilities

Galleria Mall (Al Maryah Island, nearby): Ranking among Abu Dhabi’s top 10 shopping destinations, Galleria Mall offers luxury retail, premium dining, and entertainment options for those seeking upscale shopping experiences.

Dining Options

Quick Service and Cafes:

Dunkin’ Donuts (coffee and pastries)
Cinnabon (cinnamon rolls and desserts)
Café Nero (Italian-style coffee house)
Popeyes (fried chicken, 11 AM – 1 AM)

Casual Dining:

Johnny Rockets (3 minutes): American burger chain serving fast food items and classic burgers in a retro diner atmosphere. Located in Shams Boutik on Level 1, operating 9 AM to midnight.

Hanoi Cafe & Restaurant (1 minute): Vietnamese restaurant offering authentic Southeast Asian cuisine including pho, spring rolls, and traditional dishes in a casual setting.

Chili’s (Abu Dhabi Mall): American casual dining chain known for Tex-Mex inspired menu items, burgers, and signature dishes.

Charleys Philly Steak (Abu Dhabi Mall): Specializes in Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and American sandwiches.

Evening Entertainment

Trader Vic’s (5 minutes): Polynesian-themed restaurant and bar offering exotic cocktails, international cuisine, and vibrant evening atmosphere.

Captain’s Arms (Al Zahiyah): Traditional pub atmosphere with international beer selection and comfort food.

Vertical BAR, Filipino Bar & Restaurant (13 minutes): Features Filipino cuisine, live entertainment, and relaxed bar environment.

Recreation and Lifestyle

Beach Access

Corniche Beach (19 minutes): Abu Dhabi’s premier public beach stretches parallel to the famous Corniche Road, offering one of the city’s best beach experiences. The beach features:

Over 1,100 parking spaces
Separate sections for families and singles
Crystal-clear blue waters
Beautiful palm trees providing natural shade
Walking and cycling paths
Water sports facilities
Beach volleyball courts
Lifeguard services

Al Sahil Beach (18 minutes): Sports-focused beach environment offering:

Football courts for beach soccer
Volleyball facilities
Beachside restaurants and cafes
Family-friendly atmosphere
Active sports community

Cultural Attractions and Landmarks

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (17 minutes): The UAE’s largest mosque and one of the world’s most impressive Islamic structures welcomes up to 40,000 visitors and worshippers. This architectural masterpiece represents a unique synthesis of Islamic architecture and global cultural influences, with design contributions from Emirati, Italian, and British architects drawing inspiration from Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco, and Turkey. The mosque offers guided tours that educate visitors about Islamic culture and architecture.

Emirates Heritage Village (22 minutes): This living museum preserves and showcases traditional Emirati culture through active demonstrations and exhibitions:

Blacksmithing demonstrations
Glass blowing workshops
Pottery making displays
Leather tanning exhibits
Traditional weaving demonstrations
Jewellery exhibitions
Pearl diving history and artifacts

The Heritage Village provides educational experiences that connect modern residents with the UAE’s pre-oil heritage, when Bedouin traditions and maritime activities dominated daily life.

Mangrove National Park (15 minutes): Home to over 60 bird species, this protected natural sanctuary offers:

Kayaking adventures through mangrove channels
Wildlife observation opportunities
Nature trails and boardwalks
Water sports activities
Environmental education programs
Photography opportunities

The park showcases Abu Dhabi’s commitment to environmental preservation while providing recreational activities that connect people with nature.

Community Events

The Promenade Festival: This annual 2-day outdoor event transforms City of Lights into a celebration destination featuring:

Performing arts showcases and live entertainment
Interactive demonstrations
Fitness classes and wellness activities
Dance performances representing diverse cultures
Art exhibitions featuring local and international artists
Culinary experiences and food festivals
Children’s entertainment activities and games
Water sports demonstrations and competitions
Cultural workshops teaching traditional crafts

The Promenade creates community cohesion by bringing residents together for shared experiences while showcasing the waterfront setting that defines City of Lights.

Location and Regional Context

Neighboring Communities

City of Lights occupies a strategic position on Al Reem Island, benefiting from proximity to several key Abu Dhabi developments:

Al Maryah Island (west): Abu Dhabi’s financial district lies adjacent to City of Lights, accessible via Al Reem Street and Al Falah Street. Al Maryah Island hosts major financial institutions, corporate headquarters, luxury retail, and upscale dining, creating employment opportunities and sophisticated amenities for City of Lights residents.

Shams Abu Dhabi (6 minutes): Located near the Central Business District on Al Sowwah Island, Shams Abu Dhabi represents another major waterfront development featuring residential towers, commercial spaces, and community amenities. The proximity creates a larger integrated waterfront community across Al Reem Island.

Najmat Abu Dhabi (south): Situated at the center of Abu Dhabi’s economic core, Najmat offers additional residential options and services that complement City of Lights, contributing to Al Reem Island’s status as a comprehensive urban destination.

Places of Worship

Mosques:

Al Aziz Mosque (6-7 minutes): Convenient mosque serving daily prayer needs for Muslim residents.

Reem Central Park Mosque (6-7 minutes): Modern mosque facility integrated into Al Reem Island’s urban landscape.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan Mosque (9 minutes): Located on Hameen Street, this mosque serves as one of the area’s prominent places of worship with impressive architecture and comprehensive facilities.

Churches (15 minutes in Al Mushrif):

The Al Mushrif area hosts several churches serving Abu Dhabi’s Christian community:

St. George Orthodox Cathedral
New Life Fellowship
St. Nicholas Church
St. Joseph’s Cathedral

These churches represent various denominations and offer services in multiple languages, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s diverse international population.

Strategic Location Benefits

City of Lights’ position on Al Reem Island provides several advantages:

Central Connectivity: The community sits equidistant from key Abu Dhabi destinations, enabling residents to reach business districts, entertainment venues, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities within 15-30 minutes.

Waterfront Premium: The development occupies valuable waterfront real estate with natural mangrove backdrops, creating a resort-like atmosphere while maintaining urban convenience.

Island Living: Al Reem Island’s separation from mainland Abu Dhabi creates a distinct community identity while bridge connections ensure smooth integration with the broader city.

Future Development: Ongoing projects across Al Reem Island continue enhancing infrastructure, amenities, and services, ensuring the area remains at the forefront of Abu Dhabi’s urban development.