Al Bateen

Al Bateen is one of Abu Dhabi’s key neighbourhoods. Close to the gulf and filled with landscaped gardens, this master development is just minutes away from a number of restaurants, bars and hotels. The residential area is pre-dominated by large villas while expats more likely prefer rental apartments offering views of Al Bateen Beach. It is, indeed, a coveted location for renting luxury apartments in Abu Dhabi.

Home to the island city’s main fishing ports, Al Bateen has earned a strong maritime identity due to its seafaring traditions that continue to thrive on the channel between the mainland and the harboured land. The area is home to Al Bateen Palace, one of the residences of the ruler of Abu Dhabi. Besides tons of entertainment places, art galleries, the beach, restaurants and hotels, there is Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the popular venue of corporate events and exhibitions. Therefore, it is a happening community with people flocking in often for work or leisure.

According to Bayut’s Abu Dhabi Year End Market Report 2020, Al Bateen is the most popular for renting luxury villas starting from AED 200k, on average.

• A waterfront residential community in AUH
• Boasts many coastal and island developments
• Has a mix of luxury villas and apartments on rent
• Home to many diplomatic offices and government centres
• Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, one of the city’s major roads runs through it
• Al Bateen Palace, Al Bateen Beach & Khalidiya Ladies Park are key highlights

Surrounded by lush greenery and views of the ocean, Al Bateen features a mix of properties that are stylish and up-to-date. With a number of amenities available, the neighbourhood proves to be well-integrated and sustainable.

Residential apartments in Al Bateen are divided into 6 different projects which are Al Marasy, Bloom Marina, Al Bateen Airport, Al Bateen Complex, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street and Al Bateen Wharf. Popular among families, the villas in Al Bateen are distributed in 3 main areas such as Al Bateen Villas, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street and Al Bateen Airport.

There are many different property types in Al Bateen. If you stroll down the road, you will find a wide range of apartments, townhouses and villas spread across the community.

Inspired by traditional Arab architecture, properties in Al Bateen are composed of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. These units come with spacious living and dining area, open kitchen and a large terrace. Whereas, villas and townhouses are mostly a preferred choice of families looking for more space. These units have dedicated porches for parking and ample outdoor space.

A new sub-community around here for renting and buying properties is Al Bateen Park. It is one of the top gated communities in Abu Dhabi. Launched in December 2012 by Aldar Properties, properties in the project are exclusive for UAE Nationals.

Located on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, the gated community is spread across 100,000 sq. m. It features various residential properties as well as smartly-designed recreational areas such as communal swimming pools, multi-purpose sports courts, children’s play areas and landscaped gardens.

The residential properties in Al Bateen Park include up to 75 townhouses and villas and around 300 flats that come in a range of layouts including 4-bed penthouses as well as 2, 3 and 4-bed units. Other houses feature 3 property types: 4-bedroom attached villas, 4-bedroom luxury villas and lastly, 6-bedroom luxury villas with private pools. Each villa is available with a large indoor living area and expansive outdoor space, private gardens, room for domestic help, modern kitchens and luxurious bathrooms. The interiors are tastefully designed with modern touches, while the exterior architectural design exhibits Arab influences.

Furthermore, Al Bateen Wharf is a dynamic mixed-use development nestled on the bay between the mainland and the Al Marasy Island. Launched in 2009 by the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), the site covers around 54,000 sq. m. and comprises projects such as a luxury 5-star hotel and the marina. Here, the marina includes a yacht club, a community club, shopping outlets, a boardwalk and various other recreational and retail areas. Al Bateen Wharf Hotel is composed of 15-floor twin towers that feature around 200 serviced apartments, state-of-the-art business facilities, a rooftop restaurant, a health club and spa and a banquet hall.

Let’s have a look at the rental trends for properties offered in Al Bateen.

Rental properties in Al Bateen include apartments, villas and townhomes. These are luxury units but prices are considerably competitive to the real estate market. You can also find offices for rent in Al Bateen ranging from 1,000 sq. ft. to 8,500 sq. ft. and costing around AED 24k to AED 993k, per annum.

As for the apartments for rent in Al Bateen, the average prices vary as follows:

Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street is a mixed-use development featuring apartments, villas and offices. Villas come in 3, 4, 5 and 6-bedroom configurations. If you are interested in rental villas on Khaleej Al Arabi Street, you will need around AED 110k, each year. As for the investors, there are villas for sale ranging from 4 to 9-bed units. For such, you can prepare to shell out around AED 5.2M. Also, those looking for apartments can also choose between studios to 2 BHK flats.

Al Bateen Airport is a popular choice for renting or buying apartments. You can choose from studios to 2-bed units while the community also offers a wide range of villas. Rental trends for apartments in Al Bateen Airport range from AED 35k to AED 45k, per annum. On the other hand, villas for rent may range between AED 250k and AED 450k.

Al Bateen Airport is home to some of the major fishing ports of the city. Properties feature convenient interior and exterior designs. Apart from the airport facilities, residents have easy access to supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, international schools and other recreational activities.

Al Marasy scores the third place on the list. Developed on the harbour, the residential project is spread across two areas linked to Al Bateen’s inland region. Spanning across 100,000 sq. m. of land, the project was designed by CBT Architects featuring 8 low-rise apartment buildings.

Al Marasy is a residential complex featuring apartments and podium villas. The villas within the project come in 4-bedroom configurations. These units feature a spacious kitchen, a maid’s room, a large terrace and covered parking area. The properties may cost around AED 300k, annually. Those looking for apartments for rent in Al Marasy will find trends ranging between AED 50k and AED 200k yearly.

Establishing a new standard for upscale waterfront living, the complex is surrounded by gardens decorated with sculptures and fountains. The first phase of the infrastructure includes around 350 residential units, a convenience retail area, a boutique hotel and health spa as well as an allocated parking space for around 600 cars.

Al Bateen Complex features a mix of both, residential apartments and villas.

As the name suggests, this part of the neighbourhood is a cluster of villas. Here, you will majorly find 4-bed and 5-bed independent units spanning around 3,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. These are generally offered on annual rents starting from AED 160k.

A project of Bloom Properties, premium waterfront destination called Bloom Marina is wedged between the marina of the master development. It features two buildings, East Apartments and West Apartments located on either side of the Abu Dhabi EDITION Hotel – a luxury brand of Marriott International.

With annual prices ranging from AED 70k to AED 140k, apartments for rent in Bloom Marina include 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom units. These units are available in sizes ranging from 995 sq. ft. to 2,850 sq. ft. Many of these apartments offer contemporary interiors, high ceilings and spacious terraces with a view of the marina.

You can browse through the floor plans for Al Bateen available for popular communities/buildings.

Offering a plethora of amenities, there are many hotels in Al Bateen where tourists can plan their next stay at. These include:

• Abu Dhabi Edition
• InterContinental Abu Dhabi
• The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

The Edition is one of the new hotels in Abu Dhabi located at Al Bateen Marina. It features 198 suites, guestrooms and 57 residences. Rooms are categorised into 4 types including Loft, Deluxe, Deluxe Twin and Deluxe Marina. Offering a variety of dining options, Abu Dhabi Edition features 3 restaurants created by Tom Aikens, a British celebrity chef. Other amenities include a rooftop bar, a spa and a pool lounge where you can unwind. Also, there is a gym equipped with yoga mats, free weights, exercise balls and premium cardio equipment by Life Fitness. The Edition Abu Dhabi is one of the top luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi is a luxury 5-star hotel opened by His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to host the first Gulf Cooperation Council Conference. Since then, the hotel is preferred by world leaders, members of royal families, celebrities and public figures. It offers standard rooms, executive rooms and suites. Moreover, amenities include 25 world-class event spaces, numerous dining options, concierge and business centre. It is located at King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Al Saud Street.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi features 228 rooms and 55 suites in a 50-storey building allowing magnificent view of the fascinating Abu Dhabi Corniche. The St. Regis Butler Service is available on complimentary basis for every room. Amenities include Remède Spa, a library, 8 meeting rooms, business center, internet access, complimentary on-site and valet parking services.

In this busy city, Al Bateen is one of the few areas with ample parking spaces as it is close to many commercial centres such as retail stores, medical and educational institutes. Every residential block has a central parking lot. Apartments and villas come with separate parking for residents.

There are no bus stops in Al Bateen, however, one can access the closest one present in Al Karamah, about 7 minutes away. The other means of public transport in Al Bateen include taxis operating throughout the day. Visitors and residents can also rely on online cab services such as Uber and Careem.

The Big Bus Tours – the largest operator offering sightseeing tours in Abu Dhabi – has one of its destination points allocated near Al Bateen Wharf.

Centrally located near Al Bateen Park is Al Bateen Grocery. There is also the Bateen Stars Supermarket and a smaller outlet of Zoom near Bateen Tower. Iris Market is another superstore situated near the Hazza Bin Zayed Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street intersection that is also within walking distance of residences such as Al Bateen Park Villas. Other shopping stores in this community include Spinneys and Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society – Khalidiya Garden.

Those living in the apartments in Bloom Marina or near the marina can visit Yum – Your Urban Market. It is part of the Souq Planet group and features local and imported items. It is also known for its ready-made meal section which has partnered with restaurants such as Sushi Central, Moni’s Healthy Choice, Olio’s and more.

Muslim places of worship include Sheikh Sultan Mosque near Hazza Bin Zayed Street that overlooks Al Bateen’s bay. Other notable mosques in Al Bateen include Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed First Mosque, Al Bateen Mosque on Bainuna Street and many more.

Just a short drive away, there is a cluster of churches in Abu Dhabi located in Al Mushrif area. These include Abu Dhabi Apostolic Church, St. George’s Orthodox Cathedral, New Vision Tamil Church and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Hindu residents will have to wait for a temple to be constructed in Abu Dhabi. For now, the closest Hindu temple is 1 hour and 30 minutes away in Al Raffa, Dubai. The closest Sikh temple is in Abu Dhabi itself, the New Gurudwara Abu Dhabi is 20 minutes away from the neighbourhood.

Al Bateen Academy is a project by Aldar Academies. The institute follows the English National Curriculum combined with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

The full-fledged community has educational institutes that cater to students of every age group. Parents with preschoolers can choose from British Orchard Nursery, Stepping Stone Nursery, Kipina Nursery, Baby Bird and Teddy Bear American Nursery.

Options for primary graders include Al Ghazali School, American Community School of Abu Dhabi, Etihad School, Al Bateen Primary Model School and Rawdat Al Hadaya School.

The Emirates College of Technology is an educational institute in Al Bateen that offers higher studies, while the ones nearest to this area include European International College in Al Rawdah and Al Hosn University in Al Musalla. Those willing to make a career in aviation can find various aviation schools in Abu Dhabi and select their training course.

Al Qadi Medical Centre and Gulf Diagnostic Centre Hospital are a couple of medical facilities located in Al Bateen along Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Other healthcare facilities in this area include Medical Centre, Advanced Cure Diagnostic Centre, KKT Orthopaedic Spine Centre, Elyzee Day Surgery Medical Centre and Al Hosn One Day Surgery Centre.

Nareel Island is the most anticipated project right off the coast of Al Bateen. It is a luxury waterfront project and yet another archipelago in the emirate. There’s only a limited number of premium residential plots offered for sale. Some of these have private access to the beach. This island is one of the top offplan projects by Aldar.

Just three blocks north of Al Bateen, the community of Al Karamah is a central and key region of the city. It is famous for prominent administrative offices and government amenities. A couple of sports complexes are also situated here such as Abu Dhabi Sports Education Centre and Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Stadium.

Close to Al Bateen’s south-east border, Al Mushrif is another large and prominent community in Abu Dhabi. Al Mushrif is situated between Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. One of the notable landmarks in Al Mushrif is Mushrif Palace. It is a venue for royal celebrations and official occasions.

Another attraction of this area, Al Mushrif Park – sometimes referred to as the ‘people’s park’ – is also one of the oldest parks to exist in Abu Dhabi. It has an animal barn that houses around 12 animals, an amphitheatre, a running trail, a botanical garden and a play area for kids.

A shopping complex located near Sultan Bin Yousef mosque on 9th Street, Al Bateen Mall is a one-stop destination that caters to the needs of residents. From fresh produce and confectionary items to household, electronics and beauty products, everything is available in this mall.

Another option for shopping spree is the Nation Towers Mall, a short distance from Emirates Palace. The mall is loaded with entertainment avenues and brand stores as well as F&B outlets.

There’s one more mall near the area, Khalidiyah Mall, just 10 minutes away. It houses a cinema, a bowling centre and an indoor theme park. Residents also visit due to the many retail and dining options Khalidiyah Mall provides.

Food lovers will never be disappointed as Al Bateen is the best residential community for foodies in Abu Dhabi. There are many local and international eateries to cater to any kind of craving well.

From premium restaurants to regular eateries, Al Bateen features a plethora of dining choices. With menus inspired by Mediterranean flavours, Alba Terrace takes its guest on an elegant and breezy culinary journey while offering a beautiful view of Al Bateen Marina. Other restaurants over the marina include Waterlemon Restaurant and Café, Abu Tafish Seafood Restaurant, Ozo Restaurant and Tashas. Another fantastic eatery overlooking the marina is Byblos Sur Mer at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi Hotel. This award-winning Lebanese restaurant offers upscale fine dining in an al fresco setting. In the same hotel is Chamas, the city’s first Brazilian churrascaria and bar.

Some of the chic coffee houses and cafes in Al Bateen include Belgian Café, Art House Café, Robusta Coffee, Casablanca Moroccan Bar and No. Fifty-Seven Boutique Café.

Referred to as Al Bateen Beach, this stunning waterfront destination is located towards the south of Abu Dhabi. It overlooks Hudayriat Island and the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. Lined with palm trees in an exotic setting, Al Bateen Beach measures around 800 metres in length and is divided into two sections. One section is for the general public, while the other is dedicated to families only.

A highly prestigious landmark in the area is Al Bateen Palace, near Al Nahyan Street and Khalifa Bin Shakhbout Street. Major diplomatic and political events take place at this palace.

Al Bateen is home to a few of the best art galleries in Abu Dhabi. Contributing to the art scene, Etihad Antique Gallery is recently established right opposite Al Bateen Mall on 4th Street. This gallery has two sections, one devoted to displaying artefacts while the other features contemporary artwork. The former showcases a collection of about 1,500 antiques that includes paintings and statues by renowned artists such as Otto Pilny, Rudolph Ernst, Louis Hottot and Franz Bergman.

The area is also known for other government facilities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Union Supreme Court, Federal National Council and the embassies of a few countries.

Previously known as Khalidiyah Ladies Park, Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Park is an urban parkland that is currently undergoing reconstruction. Once complete, this 46,000 sq. m. park will feature a series of park pavilions, multiple sports fields and an open-air amphitheatre.

Al Bateen consists of some of the best fitness centres in town, such as Perfect View Gym, First Sports Club, Oriental Beauty Spa Fitness and Curves Abu Dhabi.

Those looking to pamper themselves can head to The Muse Boutique Spa, Ella Spa, Tips and Toes Spa, Tara Rose Hair Salon, Sisters Beauty Lounge and Aldo Coppola Salon. These are a few best salons you will find in all of Abu Dhabi.

Many administrative facilities such as schools, hospitals and government centres are present in this locality. Residents and visitors will find that this results in road congestions at peak hours.

It takes 1 hour 47 minutes to reach Al Bateen from Dubai. The total distance is 148.9 km via E311.

Al Bateen Beach is open for general public from 08:00 am until sunset.

• Bordered by Al Mushrif to the southeast and Al Khalidiyah to the northeast
• The community of Al Rowdah sits parallel to Al Bateen
• Almost 25 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Mussafah, the industrial district of Abu Dhabi, is accessible under 30 minutes
• A 20-minute drive from the Louvre Abu Dhabi – a fascinating art museum on Saadiyat Island