Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi

Located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, Al Shahama is one of the popular neighbourhoods in the city. The community lies closer to Dubai and is a good option for those looking to commute to the neighbouring emirate. It is enveloped by residential communities such as Al Bahia and Al Rahba and set alongside major roads, E10, E11 and E12. The Al Salam Street divides Al Shahama into two main communities, Shahama Old and Al Shahama New.

Al Shahama community also shares the border with Al Raha Beach, the infamous coastal region of Abu Dhabi, making it closer to the gulf. Home to a small lake itself, this peaceful community attracts residents and tourists alike. Al Shahama is a 15-minute drive away from Abu Dhabi International Airport, available in a convenient drive down on Al Shahama Road.

• A popular suburban community of Abu Dhabi
• It has apartments and villas available on rent
• Parking spaces, maintenance and security for all properties
• The area has restaurants, schools, hospitals etc.
• Located close to Al Raha Beach and Yas Island
• Directly connected to Abu Dhabi – Al Shahama Road and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road

Al Shahama is a well-developed residential area on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi, located alongside major highways. It is ideal for someone looking to settle in a peaceful community with beautifully architectured large villas. Al Shahama boasts facilities like mosques, parks, hospitals, schools and restaurants. Some houses are built in Old Shahama, which is situated just across the Al Shahama Road border. The area is in proximity to some of the major entertainment areas of the emirate such as Yas Island and Al Raha Beach, where residents can have a good time.

Properties in Al Shahama are residential apartments and villas. The buildings mostly showcase Arabian architecture. Indoors, the units have modern furnishings, large spacious rooms and modern bathrooms and kitchens. Each building has a lift, fire alarm for safety, parking space and high-end security. Apartments mostly come in 2 and 3-bedroom while villas feature up to 6-bedrooms. The villas in the community, especially in Old Shahama come with a beautiful front yard, sufficient garage space and large airy rooms.

There is no hassle for parking in Al Shahama, for one parking is available inside the villas and buildings. Secondly, the streets are broad and can accommodate cars on either side. Therefore, visitors or residents with more cars need not worry about where they should be leaving their vehicles.

The cheapest and most recommended option for you to travel from Al Shahama to other areas of UAE is via bus. Bus routes are easier to track but they require some distance, though you can catch the Dubai RTA bus on Al Shahama Road, which will take you to Dubai in approximately 40 minutes. However, if you want to travel within the areas of Abu Dhabi, or precisely within the area, the recommended mode of public transport is an online taxi or you can use your private car.

Grocery stops inside the community include Easy Way Supermarket LLC, Rose Oasis Grocery,  Badar Al Shahama and a few Baqalas and small retail stores. These supermarkets can easily facilitate you with day-to-day essentials. For bulk grocery shopping, residents can visit Carrefour in Deerfields Mall and Rameez Hypermarket in the Al Bahia community.

As for mosques in Al Shahama, there are a bunch of local mosques, located at suitable stops from your homes. There is also Jabi bin Samura Masjid in Al Shahama, which is a huge mosque and can accommodate a large number of worshippers. Other mosques near the area are Souk Mosque, Golmoud Jomaa Al Shamsi Masjid, Mohammed Shakhboot Bin Sultan, Al Emam Al Shafi masjid and a few more.

The closest church to the area is New Life Church, located in the Heritage Hall of Emirates Park Zoo in the Al Bahia community, 7 minutes away. The nearest Hindu temple you will find at a 9-minute distance, in Al Sharia area. This temple is named as Abu Dhabi Swaminarayan Temple.

The schools in Al Shahama are reputable, following different curriculums. For basic education, you can send your children to Alamal Kindergarten, Frenchdoll Nursery, Al Dana Nursery and Al Reef Girls School. For secondary education, the schools in the area are Abdul Qader Jazeri High School and Ajban School. Popular schools nearby are Al Basma British School and Aspen Heights. These schools follow the British curriculum.

Higher education options include one of the top universities in Abu Dhabi, named, Khawarizmi International College. The college offers bachelor degrees for a variety of courses, including Business Administration and Hotel Management. It is located near Deerfields Mall, just a few minutes away from Al Shahama.

Healthcare centres for residents in Al Shahama include Shahama Disease Prevention and Screening Center. This is a reputable clinic that offers medical diagnosis and treatment services to all kinds of patients. Some other hospitals and clinics nearby are Boulevard Medical Center, Medical Poly Clinic and  Al Rahba Hospital, which is one of the best government hospitals in Abu Dhabi. Al Rahba Hospital takes an 8-minute drive to reach.

Al Shamama enjoys a prime location, bordered by major roads such as Al Shahama Road, Al Falah Road and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Zayed Road. It is also close to the most popular tourist destinations of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and Al Raha Beach.

Neighbouring communities such as Yas Island offer a chance at a vibrant lifestyle close to home. The place features many restaurants, clubs, hotels and a ton of recreational activities. Al Shahama also shares its south-east border with Al Reef, the northern border with Hydra Village and the north-west border with Al Bahia residential community. Residents of Al Shahama can share the communal amenities of this villa dominated community, which include mosques, medical centres, schools and restaurants.

For a satisfactory shopping experience, residents of Al Shahama can visit Deerfields Mall. Here you can get a combined package of shopping, dining and entertainment options. Deerfields Mall is located at a 9-minute distance via drive, boasting plenty of retail shops and dining outlets that fit your taste.

Green Mart is another popular mall located in the Old Al Shahama. Offering an exciting experience to buyers, this traditional market sells unique and limited products. Residents can also visit the Yas Mall on Yas Island for an unlimited shopping and dining experience. Yas mall is one of the best malls in Abu Dhabi, located 12 minutes away from al Shahama.

If you want to dine out in the area, you will find plenty of restaurants on either side of the roads. The casual dining restaurants offer cuisines from all over the world. Some Arabian, Middle Eastern restaurants include Mallah, Ranan Mandi and Madhbi, Asmak Al Sultan and Al Arees Grills. Nine Star and New Moon Light sell Indian, South Indian and Pakistani cuisines. You will find a variety of other local dining options, cafes and burger joints as well.

Freez is a dessert parlour for sweet lovers, selling a variety of creamy, caramel desserts. On the menu, you will find a fusion of Arabic sweets and desserts with international sauces, cakes, crepes and icecreams. At Mr Healthy and Fresh and Light, you can enjoy a healthy meal in an indoor or outdoor setting, at decent prices.

Enjoying a location close to the coastal areas of Abu Dhabi, Al Shahama offers quick access to many famous beaches nearby. The most popular one is Yas Beach, well-known for its white sandy stretch and crystal blue waters, it is a fantastic place to enjoy sunset views with loved ones. Moreover, families and friends can visit here to enjoy watersports including paddle boarding, jet-skiing and surfing. Other popular ones are Al Bahia Open Beach, Yas Public Beach, Al Zeina Beach and Al Raha Beach. You will also find a few resorts near some of these beaches, the most famous one is the Al Raha Beach Hotel. It is a luxurious 5-star hotel, where you head down to enjoy some of the amenities of the hotel.

Al Shahama is in proximity to Yas Island, a well-known entertainment zone in Abu Dhabi, which is also known as leisure island. It features nightlife options, many exciting activities and amazing holiday experience in only 12 minutes of a short drive.

You can also take your children for fun and adventurous learning to Emirates Park Zoo. The zoo is located in Al Bahia community and only takes a short drive to reach. Home to over a thousand animals, Emirates Park Zoo features 26 saltwater tanks for indoor marine life, gaming areas and playgrounds for children. It is an ideal entertainment plus leisure spot for families, offering an exciting opportunity for children to learn about animals. You can also stay and live amidst the wildlife for a few days in the resort, which is equipped with 27 family chalets and features water slides, waterfalls and other fun-filled activities.

At Al Shahama, you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. If you like to take a stroll among nature or enjoy a quiet evening with family, you can visit one of the community parks in the area. The parks feature play areas for kids, paved walkways, cycling tracks and green spaces that make a perfect spot for small family picnics. Residents can also visit the nearby beaches, have a swim, take part in beachside volleyball or simply soak up the sun on the sandy stretch.

Gyms for body training and daily fitness regime include Matrex Gym, Body Land Fitness Gym, Golden Packs Gym and Stars Bodybuilding. In these gyms, you will find the latest machines and professional trainers that will guide you to stay healthy and in shape. If you want to try out martial arts and focus on your striking and defending skills, there is a Jiu-Jitsu Sports Hall and Taekwondo Center across Al Shahama Road.

Ladies will find many salons for beauty treatments and body maintenance. There is Honey Nails Salon right within the community. NStyle Beauty Lounge is one of the top nail salons in Abu Dhabi located just a 7-minute short drive away. Some other highly-reputed salons near the area include Bedashing Beauty Lounge, Jumasan Beauty Center and Al Taj International Salon. Gents can visit the Old Shahama and find Super Oasis Gents Spa and Saloon.

Since Al Shahama is mostly residential, you will not find many places for nightlife or events. However, you can organise private parties or events in the community parks. There is also Bahia Park Library in the neighbouring area. It is one of the best public libraries in Abu Dhabi, where events like summer programs for kids take place. The program offers many fun activities, art workshops, reading competitions and children can even participate in courses that involve learning new languages.

Yas Island which is only a 12-minute drive from Al Shahama is a hub of many entertainment activities that take place in Abu Dhabi. Visitors get to enjoy entertainment events, theatrical performances, music shows and comedy gigs. Yas Marina Circuit also hosts Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year, which is one of the most enthusiastic events.

Al Shahama is a peaceful residential area where you have quick access to many facilities like community parks, hospitals and supermarkets. Residents prefer this area due to its affordability and easy access to main roads. Unfortunately, those who like to buy properties in the area will be a bit disappointed as there is no freehold property available in Al Shahama.

• Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 15-minute drive, via Al Shahama Road
• Yas Island is only 12 minutes away, starting off with the same route as above
• Al Raha Beach is slightly closer, at an 8-minute drive