Al Mafraq, Abu Dhabi

Part of Khalifa City B (Shakhbout City), Al Mafraq is a mixed-use development in Abu Dhabi. Counted as one of the most sought-after areas in the emirate, Al Mafraq is bound by main roads and is located close to a range of amenities, including mosques, shops, schools, restaurants and medical facilities. Residents have access to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, formerly known as Al Mafraq Hospital. It is one of the top government hospitals in Abu Dhabi.

• Residential development in Abu Dhabi
• Part of Khalifa City B (Shakhbout City)
• Home to Mafraq Hospital and many schools
• Enjoys direct access to Al Ain Road
• Restaurants, shops and other facilities are present in proximity

Al Mafraq is a busy neighbourhood in Abu Dhabi. It is home to Mafraq Hospital, government offices, a military school and some hotels. Bound by a network of main roads including Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road and Al Ain Road, Al Mafraq’s surroundings are quite busy during the day. Also, commuting from the area is convenient for frequent travellers. Al Mafraq Industrial Area is the commercial extension of the neighbourhood.

Shakhbout City is itself a popular area to rent 3-bed villas in Abu Dhabi. Al Mafraq is a mixed-use development, so, one can find a mix of commercial and residential properties.

As for the residential area, the options include 4-bed and 5-bedroom villas. These are expansive units spanning 3,000 sq. ft. and featuring well-fitted bathrooms, a kitchen with regular appliances, dedicated spaces for parking and ample outdoor space and a balcony. Moreover, there are labour camps in Al Mafraq occupied by those who work close by.

On the other side, there are commercial plots and mixed-use land for those looking to invest in Al Mafraq. Most properties are already sold out or pre-occupied. There may be limited options on offer at the moment.

Al Mafraq is home to the 4-star Millenium Central Al Mafraq Hotel. Located in proximity to the main highway, Millennium Central offers a range of amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars, a fitness club, and a recreational centre. It is equally ideal for family holiday trips and business meetings. There are over 200 pool facing and city facing rooms. Those looking for hotels near Abu Dhabi Airport can find Al Mafraq Hotel at a 10-minute drive. From Zayed Cricket Stadium, it takes around 5 minutes to reach the hotel.

It is recommended for residents to travel via private conveyance. There are ample covered parking spaces in Al Mafraq. Visitors may also find vacant spaces on the street.

Those searching for public transportation near Al Mafraq can find a few bus stations in the neighbouring community of Mussafah.

There are grocery stores, shops and baqalas within the community. Residents can get utility items from these shops. Al Madina Hypermarket is one of the best supermarkets in Abu Dhabi with branches in Al Mafraq, Al Raha and Mussafah. Other supermarkets near Al Mafraq include Fresh Park, White Tower Grocery and Yas Mart Hypermarket.

The Christian community can visit a few churches in Musaffah. Filipino Christian Church, All Saints Anglican Church and Mar Thoma Church are accessible in 15 to 17 minutes by car. A short drive further from there, one may also find a Gurudwara. Moreover, Muslim residents can offer prayers at Al Mafraq Mosque, Masjid Abdullah Kholani and other mosques in Al Mafraq.

For young toddlers, Dorcas Nursery in Khalifa City B is a considerable option. Teddy Bear Nursery in MBZ City is also close by, accessible in 12 minutes by car.

Some other schools near Al Mafraq include the Australian School of Abu Dhabi at a12 to 13-minute short drive away and Reach British School in Baniyas East. It offers the British Curriculum and accepts students from nursery to Grade 12. Those looking for more options for higher education in Aviation, Accounting and Architecture can consider Abu Dhabi University at a 9-minute short drive. It is one of the most notable universities in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is a notable hospital in Al Mafraq. Formerly known as Al Mafraq Medical Centre, the establishment has been offering a range of medical services for years. Other medical facilities nearby include NMC Royal Family Medical Centre in MBZ City and Mediclinic in Baniyas. Mediclinic is a reputed chain of clinics with many branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

As part of Shakhbout City, Al Mafraq is close to other residential sub-communities in the area such as:

• Baniyas
• MBZ City
• Khalifa City A
• Masdar City

The neighbouring Bawabat Al Sharq, Baniyas are separated by the main road network. Residents can directly get to Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashed Road, E11 that connects the area to Al Shawamekh and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Other areas close to Al Mafraq include Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Khalifa City. Masdar City Abu Dhabi is a distant neighbour connected via Al Ain Road E22 and Khaleej Al Arabi Street, E20.

Mafraq Mall is a go-to place for shopping for most residents. Bawabet Al Sharq Mall is also close by. Besides various brand stores and food and beverage outlets, it has a hypermarket and dedicated parking spaces for visitors. Baniyas Mall is around 17 minutes away from Al Mafraq.

There are some local street eateries, cafes and restaurants in Al Mafraq. Al Mafraq Restaurant, Hippo Restaurant and Mabrook Restaurant deserve a mention. Zayzafoon, Chili’s and Zambar Restaurant are other options in Bawabet Al Sharq Mall.

There are no beaches near Al Mafraq since the community is tucked away from the mainland. Residents wishing to spend some time by the seashore under the sun can prepare for a 30-minute drive to Corniche Beach.

Yas Marina is a popular-favourite leisure destination not only in the vicinity but Abu Dhabi. Many music festivals are held there and residents can access the venue within a few minutes by car. Al Mafraq is a 30-minute drive from Yas Marina Circuit. Those who enjoy playing golf can head to Abu Dhabi Golf Club, which is 20 minutes away in Khalifa City A.

Moreover, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a popular leisure place for families, at a 23-minute drive away. It receives a regulated supply of water from the treatment facility in Al Mafraq.

Family parks in Baniyas and MBZ City are easily accessible from Al Mafraq. Those who maintain a fitness routine can access a gym in Al Mafraq. As for relaxing beauty treatments, one can easily access spas and salons in the neighbourhood.

Those looking to move to Al Mafraq must consider that most properties in the area are occupied. You can check out other properties for rent in Shakhbout City. There is a range of apartments and villas on offer. Many expats who move here for work search for studios under AED 550k in Abu Dhabi. One may find a few considerable options close to Al Mafraq, such as the residential area in Baniyas.

• 11 minutes from Mohammed Bin Zayed City
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an 18-minute drive away
• A 22-minute drive away from the main city of Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi International Airport is 19 minutes away
• Zayed University is a 20-minute drive away