Abu Dhabi

NBK Tower

Makers District Al Reem Island, Area Guide

Overview of Makers District

Makers District represents IMKAN’s visionary waterfront development on Al Reem Island, spanning 18 hectares with approximately 3,700 residential units and 300 meters of pristine Arabian Gulf coastline. This innovative mixed-use community promotes culture and creativity through residential towers, co-working spaces, F&B outlets, a boutique hotel, and recreational facilities, creating a vibrant destination where modern lifestyle meets artistic expression.

Makers District ranks among the top five areas in Al Reem Island for buying apartments, reflecting market recognition of the development’s quality, location, and investment potential. For those seeking luxury properties with cultural vibrancy, artistic programming, and coastal beauty, Makers District represents an ultimate option in Abu Dhabi’s competitive real estate market.

Community Profile and Development

Master-Planned Components

Makers District’s comprehensive development includes several distinct zones, each serving specific functions while contributing to the community’s cohesive character:

Pixel: The Residential Core

Pixel stands as Makers District’s inaugural mixed-use residential complex, concentrating the community’s residential offerings in seven towers that define the skyline. This sub-community provides the foundation for daily life while integrating commercial and retail elements that activate ground-level spaces.

Pixel Plaza: The Commercial Hub

The commercial division of Pixel creates a vibrant business environment with spacious floor plans and premium waterfront location. This business district appeals to diverse enterprises seeking prestigious Al Reem Island addresses.

Pixel Plaza features:

12,000 square meters of public space for community gatherings and events
4,100 square meters dedicated to retail and restaurant establishments
3,500 square meters of office and co-working spaces
3,500 square meters of health and wellness facilities
450 parking spaces for visitors and clients

The Artery: Cultural Center

Encompassing 26,000 square meters, The Artery represents Makers District’s creative soul. This versatile structure houses:

Exhibition areas showcasing regional and international art
Creative workspace for artists and cultural practitioners
Event venues for performances and cultural programming
Parking facilities supporting cultural visitors

The Artery positions Makers District as a significant regional creativity hub, attracting artists, collectors, and culture enthusiasts while providing residents with immediate access to exhibitions, performances, and creative workshops.

Makers District Beach

The development’s 300-meter coastline provides private beach access where sun, sand, and sea harmonize. This waterfront amenity offers residents:

Swimming and beach recreation
Coastal walking paths
Sunset viewing opportunities
Beach activities and water sports
Relaxation areas with Arabian Gulf views

Makers Padel Courts

Responding to padel tennis’s growing popularity, Makers District includes dedicated courts providing:

Multiple playing surfaces for simultaneous games
Professional-quality equipment and lighting
Community sports programming
Social opportunities through recreational competition

Transportation and Accessibility

Parking Infrastructure

Pixel Plaza’s 450 parking spaces supplement residential parking, accommodating visitors, retail customers, office employees, and commercial clients. This generous allocation ensures guests can easily access residential towers, restaurants, retail outlets, and business offices without parking difficulties that might otherwise discourage visits.

Public Transportation Network

Bus Services:

Al Reem Island’s public transportation network serves Makers District through multiple routes:

Route 67: Connects Al Reem Island with mainland Abu Dhabi destinations including business districts, shopping centers, and residential areas.

Route 71: Provides alternative route options and schedules, accommodating different commuting patterns and destinations.

Route 73: Additional service ensuring frequent departures and comprehensive coverage across Al Reem Island and beyond.

Bus stations located 5 to 10 minutes from Makers District provide reasonable walking distances for public transportation users. While not immediately adjacent, this proximity enables residents without vehicles to access Abu Dhabi’s broader transportation network.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing:

Traditional taxi services and modern ride-hailing applications (Uber, Careem) offer door-to-door transportation for residents preferring private vehicles without ownership responsibilities. Taxi availability throughout Al Reem Island ensures residents can secure rides for shopping trips, social outings, or commutes when personal vehicles are unavailable.

Bridge Connectivity

Two bridges connect Al Reem Island (and consequently Makers District) to mainland Abu Dhabi:

Al Maryah Island Bridge: Routes through Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s financial district, providing direct access to the capital’s business core. This connection proves particularly convenient for professionals working in financial services, banking, and corporate sectors concentrated on Al Maryah Island.

Direct Mainland Bridge: Provides immediate connection to mainland Abu Dhabi without intermediate stops, offering faster access to residential neighborhoods, shopping districts, and entertainment venues beyond the financial center.

These dual bridge connections create redundancy reducing congestion impact. If one bridge experiences heavy traffic, commuters can utilize alternative routes. However, residents should anticipate bridge congestion during peak commuting hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM weekdays) when mainland workers travel to and from Al Reem Island.

Regional Access

Key Destinations:

Abu Dhabi International Airport: 30 minutes
Abu Dhabi Mall: 10 minutes
Yas Island entertainment district: 33 minutes
Mohammed Bin Zayed City: 29 minutes
Saadiyat Island cultural district: 20 minutes
Al Maryah Island financial center: Adjacent via bridge

Makers District’s positioning provides balanced access to Abu Dhabi’s diverse destinations, enabling residents to reach airports, shopping, entertainment, and business districts within reasonable timeframes under normal traffic conditions.

Education and Healthcare

Early Childhood Education:

Parents of young children benefit from multiple nursery options near Makers District, providing quality early childhood education within short commuting distances:

Playhouse Nursery: Early learning center offering play-based education supporting child development through creative activities, social interaction, and age-appropriate programming.

Hummingbird Nursery: Established nursery providing structured early childhood education preparing children for formal schooling while emphasizing social skills and emotional development.

Redwood Montessori Nursery: Following the respected Montessori method, this nursery emphasizes self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and individualized instruction supporting children aged 3 months to 6 years.

These proximate nursery options eliminate lengthy commutes for parents of very young children, enabling convenient drop-offs and pickups while maintaining career commitments.

Primary and Secondary Education:

Repton School Abu Dhabi:

Ranking among Abu Dhabi’s best schools, Repton provides British curriculum education combining the National Curriculum of England with UAE Ministry of Education mandated subjects. The institution ranks among the top schools in Al Reem Island, offering comprehensive programming from nursery through Year 13.

Campus Structure:

Rose Campus: Nursery, Foundation Stage 2, and Year 1 students
Fry Campus: Older students with UK/International Baccalaureate system options

Repton follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) system for youngest learners, ensuring developmentally appropriate education. The school’s scholarship program rewards students demonstrating exceptional talent, credentials, and ability in academics, sports, music, and innovation, making quality education accessible regardless of financial circumstances.

Nord Anglia International School:

International curriculum school providing globally-recognized education preparing students for universities worldwide. Nord Anglia’s global network enables students to connect with peers across multiple countries, fostering international perspective.

GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi:

Part of the extensive GEMS Education network, this academy offers international programming with proven educational methodologies. GEMS schools’ reputation attracts families seeking established educational brands with consistent quality standards.

Higher Education:

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi:

Located on Al Reem Island, Sorbonne represents French educational excellence in the Arabian Gulf. The university’s impressive dome-shaped campus houses:

Spacious cafeteria accommodating students and faculty
Student sports center promoting physical fitness
Extensive library supporting research and study

Academic Programs:

Graduate degrees across multiple disciplines
Post-graduate programs for advanced study
Executive education for working professionals

Disciplines Offered:

Law
History
Physics
Sports Management
Various other fields

Sorbonne’s proximity makes Makers District particularly attractive to university students, faculty, staff, and families with children pursuing higher education. Students can walk or take very short drives to campus, significantly reducing commuting time and costs.

Healthcare Facilities

Major Hospitals:

Burjeel Hospital: Comprehensive medical facility ranking among Abu Dhabi’s top healthcare providers. Burjeel offers:

Emergency services 24/7
Specialist consultations across medical disciplines
Surgical capabilities
Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services
Inpatient and outpatient care

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: World-renowned healthcare institution providing:

Complex care for serious medical conditions
Specialist expertise across multiple medical fields
State-of-the-art medical technology
Research and teaching programs
International patient services

Both hospitals are located within short driving distance, ensuring residents can access advanced medical care quickly during emergencies while also supporting routine specialist appointments.

Reem Hospital (12 minutes):

Conveniently positioned hospital offering comprehensive medical services including emergency care, surgery, specialist consultations, and inpatient facilities. The 12-minute travel time provides reasonable access for urgent medical needs.

Pharmacies:

Multiple pharmacy locations across Al Reem Island ensure residents can fill prescriptions, purchase over-the-counter medications, and access health products without extensive travel. Community pharmacies provide pharmaceutical advice and support chronic disease management through medication counseling.

Recreation and Lifestyle

Beach and Coastal Recreation

Makers District Beach:

The development’s signature amenity—300 meters of private Arabian Gulf coastline—provides residents with exclusive beach access within walking distance. This waterfront treasure offers:

Daily Recreation:

Morning swims before work
Evening beach walks
Weekend family beach days
Sunset viewing from the shore
Beach yoga and fitness activities

Serenity and Escape: The private beach creates a serene environment where sun, sand, and sea harmonize, providing tranquil retreat from urban intensity. Unlike public beaches requiring travel and competing for space, Makers District Beach offers immediate, uncrowded access encouraging spontaneous coastal visits.

Water Sports and Activities:

Swimming in calm Gulf waters
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Beach volleyball
Children’s beach play

Alternative Beach Options

Saadiyat Public Beach (20 minutes):

For variety and expanded facilities, residents can visit Saadiyat Public Beach offering:

Sun loungers for relaxation
Lockers for valuables
Changing facilities
Beach restaurants and cafes
Weekly yoga classes
Lifeguard services
Extensive coastal stretching for long walks

Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach (20 minutes):

The capital’s premier public beach features:

Extensive promenade with restaurants
Separate family and singles sections
Water sports facilities
Children’s play areas
Cycling and walking paths
Urban beach atmosphere

The availability of multiple beaches ensures residents never lack coastal recreation options, with choices ranging from private and serene (Makers District Beach) to active and social (Corniche Beach).

Parks and Green Spaces

Reem Central Park:

This popular recreational destination serves as Al Reem Island’s central gathering space:

Facilities:

Skate park where children and teenagers practice tricks
Walking and jogging paths
Open lawns for picnics and play
Playground equipment for various ages
Sports fields and courts
Event spaces hosting community celebrations

Reem Central Park embodies the wholesome family lifestyle Makers District promotes, providing safe outdoor environments where families spend quality time together.

Cultural and Entertainment Venues

The Artery:

Makers District’s 26,000-square-meter cultural center positions the community as a regional creativity hub. This versatile structure provides:

Exhibition Spaces:

Contemporary art displays
Rotating exhibitions featuring regional and international artists
Sculpture installations
Photography showcases

Artist Studios:

Creative workspaces for painters, sculptors, and visual artists
Collaborative environments fostering artistic exchange
Resident artist programs
Public studio visits connecting artists with community

Performance Venues:

Theater spaces for dramatic productions
Music performance areas
Dance studios and performance platforms
Lecture halls for cultural discussions

Community Programming:

Art workshops teaching painting, sculpture, and crafts
Cultural festivals celebrating diverse traditions
Artist talks and gallery openings
Children’s creative programs

The Artery distinguishes Makers District from typical residential developments, creating cultural vibrancy that attracts creative professionals while enriching all residents’ cultural lives. Few residential communities worldwide integrate dedicated cultural centers of this scale and ambition.

Snow Abu Dhabi:

The world’s largest indoor snow park, accessible via Reem Mall, provides extraordinary entertainment:

Year-round winter sports in desert climate
Skiing and snowboarding lessons
Snow play areas for children
Alpine dining experiences
Unique photo opportunities
Family entertainment unlike anything else regionally

Location and Regional Context

Neighboring Communities

Al Maryah Island:

Adjacent financial district accessible via dedicated bridge, Al Maryah Island features:

Major financial institutions and banks
Corporate headquarters
Luxury retail at The Galleria
Premium dining establishments
Professional services
The Abu Dhabi Global Market financial free zone

Makers District residents working in finance, banking, or corporate sectors enjoy remarkably short commutes to Al Maryah Island, often under 10 minutes.

Saadiyat Island:

Abu Dhabi’s cultural district located in proximity to Makers District offers:

Louvre Abu Dhabi showcasing world-class art
Saadiyat Public Beach with premium facilities
Luxury hotels including St. Regis and Park Hyatt
Golf courses including Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Cultural institutions and performance venues
Upscale residential communities

Saadiyat’s 20-minute proximity places Makers District residents near Abu Dhabi’s primary cultural destination, enabling frequent museum visits, beach trips, and cultural event attendance.

Places of Worship

Mosques:

Reem Central Park Mosque (5-9 minutes): Nearest mosque providing convenient prayer access for Muslim residents. Daily prayers, Friday congregations, and Islamic education programs serve the community.

Al Aziz Mosque: One of Abu Dhabi’s largest mosques, centrally located on Al Reem Island. The facility accommodates 2,500+ worshippers simultaneously, serving major Islamic holidays and Friday prayers when larger capacity proves necessary.

Churches:

Christian worship options require longer travel to mainland Abu Dhabi:

St. Joseph’s Cathedral (22 minutes, Al Mushrif): Catholic cathedral offering:

Regular Mass schedules
Sacramental services
Religious education
Community programs

Additional churches in Al Mushrif serve various Christian denominations including Orthodox, Protestant, and other traditions, though all require approximately 20-25 minute drives from Makers District.

Hindu Temple:

BAPS Hindu Temple (Under Development, Al Taf Road): This upcoming Hindu temple will provide worship facilities for Abu Dhabi’s significant Hindu community. While requiring over an hour travel currently, the temple represents important religious infrastructure for Hindu residents.

Dubai Hindu Temple (Jebel Ali, 1+ hour): Until Abu Dhabi’s temple opens, Hindu residents currently travel to Dubai’s established temple in Jebel Ali.