Al Ward, Al Raha Gardens

Al Ward is one of the 11 precincts or sub-communities of the bustling area, Al Raha Gardens community. It is located in the eastern end of the neighbourhood offering a peaceful environment to residents. The family-friendly neighbourhood is situated just off Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10) providing easy accessibility to the central city.

• Part of Al Raha Gardens by Aldar Properties
• Offers quick access to the Abu Dhabi – Al Shahama Road (E10)
• Close to two prestigious schools
• In proximity to various island developments
• Offers quick access to the airport

The sub-community of Al Ward offers a quiet, peaceful and safe environment to families. While there are 3 and 4-bed properties in Al Raha Gardens, this is one of the sub-communities that offers larger options such as 5-bed villas.

• Peaceful because it is a completely residential area
• Has access to various neighbourhood amenities

Al Ward consists of a family park, a jogging pathway, a cycling trail and landscaped streets. It is a fully residential area but has access to neighbourhood amenities such as mosques, schools, a community hall, a fitness centre and a sports ground.

If a family is looking for a 5-bedroom residence with a study and two majlis areas then properties in Al Ward make a perfect choice. Built over two floors, these five-bed villas feature an expansive living area and generous outdoor space. Since wall-to-wall windows and sliding glass doors are incorporated, the interiors are bright and airy and create a seamless flow of space throughout.

There is also a closed area for private parking. Amenities like a closed-plan kitchen, two majlis (formal living rooms), a dining room, a maid’s room, a study room and a guest bedroom are based on the ground floor. The upper floor includes balconies, an additional study room and all five en-suite bedrooms that come with built-in closets. Depending on the type of property, the outdoor facilities in the properties vary between fountains, lawns, gardens, courtyards, plunge pools, deck areas and dining terraces.

Villas for rent in Al Ward are available in the following price range:

• The annual rent for 5-bedroom villas in Al Ward is AED 250k to AED 310k

The price range of villas for sale in Al Ward is as follows:

• The average sale price of 5-bedroom villas in Al Ward is AED 4.7M

There are ample parking spaces in Al Ward for residents and visitors alike. They can use a garage or street parking facility to park their vehicles.

In terms of road connectivity, the sub-community has the advantage of being right next to the collector road. This road leads to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10) which is the main route for transportation near Al Ward. Residents can use Bus 160 to commute to neighbouring areas. It has a station near the villa community on Al Bandar Street.

Although located in the neighbouring community, the nearest supermarket is Souq Planet in Etihad Plaza located at a 5-minute driving distance. Apart from general groceries, Souq Planet stocks seafood, poultry, vegan options and pork products as well as a liquor store. Other supermarkets near Al Ward such as Spinneys, Carrefour, Lulu Express and Safa Express are all within a short driving distance.

People who want to offer prayers will find many around the area. These include Saeed Mohammed Al Kalili Mosque, Rawda Masjid and Al Basit Mosque.

There are numerous churches near Al Ward accessible after a drive of 18 to 20 minutes. Located in Mussafah, they include St. Paul’s Church, Mar Thoma Church and Abu Dhabi Assembly of God Church.

There is a wide variety of nurseries near the vicinity and it includes:

• Noah’s Ark Nursery
• Sunny Meadows Montessori Nursery
• The Windsor Early Years Nursery

Here is the list of nearby schools:

• Al Yasmina Academy
• Al Shohub School
• Raha International School

Many top nurseries in Abu Dhabi are located in areas such as Al Bateen and Khalifa City A. Nearly 10 minutes away, Noah’s Ark Nursery takes admissions of 12-month to four-year-old children. This particular branch in Khalifa City A has been selected for the Safest Nursery Award in Abu Dhabi. Approximately eight minutes away, The Windsor Early Years Nursery is one of the few top-rated childcare facilities that cater to infants and children up to the age of four.

Rated ‘very good’ by Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), Al Yasmina Academy is one of Aldar Academies’ prestigious addition since 2009. Based in the eastern corner of Al Raha Gardens, Al Yasmina Academy incorporated the British curriculum that prepares students for IGCSE and A-level qualifications. Al Ishoush St. (Street 3) leads to this school in just eight minutes. Other schools near Al Ward include Al Shohub School, Crescent International School and Raha International School.

Residents seeking medical care will not have to travel too far as there is an impressive list of clinics and hospitals near Al Ward, such as:

• Silkor Laser & Aesthetic Centre
• Mediclinic Khalifa City
• NMC Royal Hospital Khalifa City

A variety of healthcare centres cater to different medical issues. For instance, Silkor Laser & Aesthetic Centre, Cosmedics Skin & Laser Clinic and Kaya Skin Clinic offer cosmetology services. Sparkle Dental Boutique, Smilerite Dental Care and Al Areej Dental Clinic deal with dental issues. Vet clinics near Al Ward include German Veterinary Clinic, British Veterinary Centre and Australian Veterinary Clinic. All these medical facilities are accessible in less than 15 minutes. Nearby medical stores include Al Wahda Pharmacy in Etihad Plaza and Boots Pharmacy in the neighbourhood.

These are the neighbouring communities:

• Al Raha Beach
• Masdar City
• Khalifa City A

Al Raha Beach is an expansive creek-side development that stretches along a good part of the E10 highway on the mainland and offers a 5.2 million sq. m. of beach shoreline. It directly faces Al Ward across the highway. The community of Masdar City Abu Dhabi has been designed with sustainable urban planning that involves cost-effective methods for a viable environment.

Residents who like to indulge in some retail therapy every now and then can explore numerous shopping centres and malls near Al Ward. The nearest ones include:

• Gardens Plaza
• Al Raha Mall
• My City Centre Masdar

Al Raha Mall is located across the highway. Apart from retail offerings, the mall includes a Sparky’s amusement centre, Oscar Cinema and a photography studio called Al Abra Studio. Al Raha Gardens’ community centre called Gardens Plaza is around eight minutes away. Other than the supermarket that caters to the day-to-day needs of the community, the plaza has the following retail offerings:

• Pet’s Delight
• Claire’s
• Grand Optical

Pet’s Delight is a one-stop-shop for food and accessory supplies for cats, dogs, birds, fish, etc. They also have pet-care and grooming experts. Claire’s is a fashion store that offers an eclectic selection of jewellery and accessories for young girls. Some of the dining options in Gardens Plaza include Circle Café, Subway, Starbucks and Jones the Grocer.

People who love dining out are spoilt for choice as there is a great array of restaurants near Al Ward. Just 13 minutes away, there is a corner in Al Raha Gardens called Khalifa City Truck Park (KCTP). Some of the offerings at this popular dining spot include:

• Refuel
• Pidzza
• Sushi Express

An interesting variety of eateries exist beyond this food truck park too. Distributed throughout the region, nearby dining places include:

• Eighteen Sixty Eight – 1868
• Pacifico TIKI | Dining & Lounge
• McGettigan’s

A licenced Irish pub called McGettigan’s features a renowned selection of cocktails, champagne and other sparkling drinks. Every day there is something new to look forward to, as McGettigan’s features a variety of themed brunches and eventful nights. It is based in Al Raha Beach Hotel, roughly on a 10-minute drive away. Eighteen Sixty Eight is a casual dining restaurant that has an artsy appeal. It lies at a walking distance from Al Ward. A Polynesian waterside restaurant called Pacifico TIKI is a lively place that offers must-try brunches and discount deals.

Al Ward is close to a number of waterfront destinations such as Hope Island and Al Zeina Beach. These islands developments and beaches near Al Ward are situated across Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St. (E10) with a convenient distance of eight to 10 minutes. Available for private access, the closest beaches are located on the waterfront communities such as Al Zeina and Al Muneera. A part of the archipelago Yas Island, the popular Yas Beach is known for its buzzing beach club and the pristine stretch of white sand. It is accessible via Al Rahah Street in 12 minutes.

Many tourist attractions lie close to Al Ward and these are the few mentions:

• Al Bandar Marina
• Al Raha Beach Hotel
• Yas Marina Circuit

One of the developments on Al Raha Beach community is the 150-berth Al Bandar Marina that features a range of amenities. Some of these are salons, supermarkets, restaurants, a fitness centre and a music institute. The iconic Yas Marina Circuit is a Formula One racing track that is at an agreeable distance of 10 minutes. It features a racing academy, sports complex, fitness centre, medical centre, sizable go-kart track, 5.6-kilometre track and five main grandstands for spectators.

The nearby facilities for outdoor activities include:

• Cycling track
• Play area
• Sports ground

Cyclists can rent a bike from the ADCB Bikeshare station based near the community’s entrance. Around the western corner of the community, there is a sports ground which welcomes youth of any age to practice football. The nearest gyms are PoleEthics, RUSH Ladies Fitness Centre, Al Raha Gardens Plaza Gym and Blue Power Fitness Gym. Other amenities near Al Ward include salons and spas such as:

• Bedashing Beauty Lounge Khalifa City A
• Nails Couture
• Golden Desert Spa

A leading beauty centre in UAE, Bedashing Beauty Lounge Khalifa City A offers a holistic range of beauty services. It is on just a 4-minute walk away. For manicures, pedicures and customised day spa services, ladies can visit Nails Couture on Al Bandar Marina.

Except for the brand activations organised in the community centre, Al Raha Gardens is not known for any major events. One of the interactive events to have taken place in the nearby Al Dana Island is Al Dana Weekend. It featured an art exhibition, musical night, family yoga, live mural painting and a few other fun-filled activities.

There is a closed group on Facebook called Al Raha Gardens Community Page that has over 16,000 members. However, there are many open Facebook groups that anyone can join, such as Al Raha Gardens, Al Raha Gardens Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Gardens Compound, and Al Raha Gardens People Property and Pets.

Al Ward is a small community made up of 28 villas, hence one thing to consider would be the availability of properties. Al Ward is a highly desirable community due to the quality of the homes and the amenities it provides to residents.

Are you looking to rent properties in Al Ward?

• Yas Island is 15 minutes away
• Abu Dhabi International Airport is at a mere distance of 10 minutes
• Saadiyat Island is accessible after a 20-minute drive