Shakhbout City

Shakhbout City (also known as Khalifa City B) has become one of the most promising residential areas in the capital. Tucked further inland near Baniyas and Al Shawamekh, Shakhbout City is one of the popular areas for renting affordable villas in Abu Dhabi. The key incentive of living in Khalifa City is the premium residential housing at affordable prices for couples and families looking to move to Abu Dhabi.

• Quiet neighbourhood located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi
• Spacious and affordable villas, some with gardens and pools
• Ideal for couples and families with children
• Good for those regularly commuting to Dubai
• Plenty of schools and educational institutions
• Close to Yas Island and all its entertainment options

Living in Shakhbout City allows residents to enjoy a quiet area with affordable housing. The apartments and villas in Khalifa City B are equipped with decent amenities and facilities that one expects of a residential area in this fast-developing country. These amenities make it one of the best areas to live in Abu Dhabi for families. Clusters of identical, detached or semi-detached 3 to 6-bedroom villas offer plenty of space to larger families. Apartments here range from studios to 3-bedroom units.

Shakhbout City appeals to an eclectic mix of tenants. While the houses are largely preferred by families, the affordable studio apartments in Shakhbout City attract bachelors and young couples. The area is extremely expat-friendly and ideal for families with children, with several international-curriculum schools located within proximity. The current mix of residents is quickly evolving to include varied demographics including South Asian and Western nationalities.

Millennium Central Mafraq Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Shakhbout City Khalifa City B with 242 well-appointed guest rooms. The suites in the hotel have a fusion of traditional and modern Arabic decor. The all-day dining services, fitness facilities, internet connectivity and high-end room keeping services are a few features of the hotel.

Villas and compounds in the well-planned community have covered parking spaces for residents. Visitor parking is also available in the neighbourhood in designated areas.

Located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the neighbourhood is a fair distance from the city centre. In terms of public transport, the area is on the Abu Dhabi public bus route with service 155 connecting it to various points around the capital.

Although Shakhbout City is a quiet neighbourhood, it comes with all the basic facilities and requirements. To find basic amenities, residents may have to frequently visit the neighbouring Khalifa City A.

Several supermarkets in Shakhbout City operate across the suburb, including Carrefour and Spinneys. There are also several smaller supermarkets and mini-marts dotting the neighbourhood, to help residents get their basic day-to-day essentials.

The affectionately named Pink Shops in Khalifa City, is a row of buildings with stores on both sides. You will find groceries, salons, dry cleaners, barbers and more, these are a firm favourite with the suburbs residents and even with the citizens of Abu Dhabi.

There are quite a few mosques in Shakhbout City, including the Bani Hashim, a sandy-hued structure that is central to the suburb. The Mar Thoma Church in Abu Dhabi is the closest church. Temples part of the Jebel Ali Village are also easily accessible via car or taxi.

The Shakhbout City area offers an array of excellent educational institutions for families with children. The neighbourhood’s Dorcas and Little Acorns nurseries are popular.

There are many schools in Shakhbout City offering different curriculums. Virginia International Private School, Al Surouh American School and Al Ittihad National Private School follow the American curriculum. Modern Private School and Al Maharat Private School offer the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) curriculum.

Other schools in Shakhbout City include Australian School of Abu Dhabi, California American School, International Academic School and Sharjah American International School Abu Dhabi.

Those looking for universities or higher education institutes can find Zayed University and Abu Dhabi University 12 minutes away. Al Ain University of Science and Technology in Mohammed Bin Zayed City is an 18-minute drive away.

To cater to the healthcare needs of its residents, Shakhbout City is home to the Cambridge Medical & Rehabilitation Centre that specialises in long-term medical care. Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is another medical centre known for providing advanced burn treatment along with paediatrics, orthopaedics and other infectious diseases. Residents can head on to the nearby Khalifa City A’s NMC Royal and Mediclinic Hospitals. A couple of pharmacies also dot the area catering to the needs of the neighbourhood.

Shakhbout City is located northeast of the Mohammed Bin Zayed City and south of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The nearby locations to Shakhbout City are Baniyas and Al Shawamekh, with Zayed City to fill the gap between it. The more developed Khalifa City is also minutes away. The area is relatively close to Dubai and is connected to the emirate via the Abu Dhabi – Ghweifat International Highway.

The popular malls near Shakhbout City Abu Dhabi include Dalma Mall and Al Raha Mall, both located less than 30 minutes away. Also located close to Khalifa City B is the famous Yas Island, with its range of shopping, entertainment and leisure activities, it is the perfect place to visit for those living in Shakhbout City.

If you are considering moving to Shakhbout City but want a slightly different shopping experience, then visit the Pink Shops in Khalifa City. These shops are touted to have everything under the sun. Expect to find an assorted range of products and services here, from textile shops to electronics repair services.

Apart from a few fast-food chains, there are various restaurants in Shakhbout City. It also houses numerous cafeterias and take-out restaurants. Those looking to enjoy the nightlife can count on a fun-filled evening at the nearby Yas Island that is home to world-class hotels, bars, cafés and fine-dining restaurants.

Relaxing weekends with the family are best when spent at the beach. Those looking to enjoy the pristine beaches of Abu Dhabi can head to Al Raha Beach which is located just 20 minutes away. Saadiyat Public Beach and the happening Abu Dhabi Corniche is about a half-an-hour drive.

Most residents of Shakhbout City can enjoy teeing off at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, conveniently located 20 minutes away, in Khalifa City A. The sporty ones can head to Al Forsan International Sports Resort that has a wide variety of exciting activities including archery, horse-riding and shooting.

Shakhbout City is close to the ‘park behind the Pink Shops’ over in Khalifa City A, and a short drive to Mohammed Bin Zayed City’s public park. These lushly landscaped areas have play areas for children and benches for residents to soak in some fresh air. Up to 16 new parks close by have been completed in 2019, adding to the amenities near the area.

Fitness enthusiasts can choose from smaller and more well-known, larger chains of fitness centres in Shakhbout City. Fitness First is a convenient 13 minutes’ drive, while several small-scale gyms are present in Mohammed Bin Zayed City as well as Khalifa City A.

The community also has numerous salons and spas for the chic and stylish to squeeze in some weekend self-pampering. For a more elaborately luxurious experience, residents can head to McQueen Spa for a relaxing massage.

Shakhbout City residents have easy access to the music festivals in Yas Marina, and art exhibitions in Saadiyat Island to enjoy a taste of local and international pop culture.

Those who consider moving to Shakhbout City will enjoy all the perks of a comfortable lifestyle in Abu Dhabi with luxury amenities and spacious villas. However, since this area is still developing there might be some on-going construction, those moving to Khalifa City B can feel a little isolated due to its location being farther from the main city. Although, a short drive is all it takes to head over to nearby areas which have chic eateries, a number of retail stores and beaches.

• Abu Dhabi International Airport is about 15 minutes away
• 18 minutes’ drive to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes away from Dubai
• 35 minutes from Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Yas Island is 20 minutes away
• Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is 1 hour and 20 minutes away