Um Ghafah, Al Ain

Um Ghafah (also spelt as Um Ghafa) is a residential district in Al Ain located on the south-eastern side of the emirate. Set close to the UAE-Oman border, it is well-connected to the central city through major thoroughfares. The neighbourhood has all the basic amenities and facilities required for comfortable living.

• A residential area in Al Ain
• Offers villas in different layouts
• Malaqit Street runs along the community
• Amenities include schools, supermarkets and mosques

Um Ghafah is a family-friendly residential district offering a convenient lifestyle. Although it seems like a barren desert situated far away from the city, it provides a range of communal facilities and easy access to neighbouring areas. Besides villas for sale in Um Ghafah, several farms are also located on the southern side.

Properties in Um Ghafah include villas mainly available in unique layouts. The average coverage area of these houses is 4,000 sq. ft. There is a living room, majlis, a spacious multi-purpose hall, maid’s room and powder room in these villas. Each bedroom has an attached bathroom and a built-in wardrobe. Other features of these villas for rent in Um Ghafah include an in-house parking area and outdoor space.

Parking in Um Ghafah isn’t a hassle as each villa comes with a dedicated car parking area. Visitors can use the street parking spaces.

Residents looking for means of public transportation near Um Ghafah can take Bus 595 for the commute. The bus stations are easily accessible within a 6 to 8-minute drive from the community.

Those with private conveyance can take advantage of the well-connected road network to reach the destination. Towards the east runs Al Khizaymah Street connecting the neighbourhood with Malaqit Street (E40). Moreover, Um Ghafah Road that runs in the heart of the district, connects with Zayed Bin Sultan Street in a short drive. Following the same road, residents can reach the areas in the central city, such as Al Noud and Al Ruwaydat, in a 20-minute drive.

There are several supermarkets in Um Ghafah offering fresh quality products. These include Nour Al Safa Baqala, Wahat Al Baraka Grocery and Aziziya Grocery. For monthly grocery shopping, an outlet of Lulu supermarkets in Abu Dhabi is also a good option. Lulu Express Um Ghafah has a wide range of grocery items, beauty care products and other household items.

Mosques in Um Ghafah are dotted around the neighbourhood to facilitate Muslim residents. Muhammad Sayed Al Neyadi Masjid, Mustafa Mosque and Khalfan Muhammad Khamees Al Neyadi Masjid are a few of them.

Christian fellows will have to drive for around 25-minutes to visit churches near Um Ghafah. These include Al Ain Evangelical Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church Al Ain.

The family-friendly neighbourhood is home to several reputed educational institutes offering quality education. English Garden Nursery is one of them. The nursery school follows the UK EYFS curriculum for 6 months to 4 years old children. It has state-of-the-art facilities for children as well as qualified teaching staff. Other nursery schools near the residential district are Al Durrah Kindergarten and Little Miracles Nursery.

When it comes to primary and secondary schools, there are plenty of options available within the community. These include Um Ghafa School, Al Shiyam School and Al Dhahir School. Parents can also find some of the best schools in Al Ain in a 20 to 25-minute drive. These include Indian School Al Ain and Liwa International School.

Mazyad Healthcare Centre is the nearest facility for residents looking for medical assistance. It is a multi-speciality clinic offering services for dermatology, chronic disease, family medicine and gynaecology. There is an emergency care unit, pharmacy and a well-equipped laboratory in the clinic also. Residents can reach the healthcare facility in a 9-minute drive. Other clinics near Um Ghafah Al Ain are the Extreme Dental Centre and Tajmeel Cosmo Clinic.

Um Ghafah Al Ain is located near the UAE-Oman border, but the well-connected road network provides easy access to key areas of the emirate. Mazyad and Al Dhahir are situated to the western side, while Al Noud and Military Zone are located to the northern side of the district. Residents can reach the areas in the central city, such as Al Sarouj and Al Jaheli, via Um Ghafah Road in a 20 to 25-minute drive.

Al Ain Co-op Society Um Ghafah is a community shopping centre home to several retail outlets and convenience stores. The shopping mall in Um Ghafah is located near Al Ain Pharmacy. Those looking for other options can head to neighbouring areas where some of the best malls in Al Ain are located. Barari Outlet Mall is one of them. It features retail outlets of popular fashion brands including Skechers, Rivoli, Sun & Sand Sports and several dining options. The shopping mall also has a cinema and a recreational facility for children. It will take a 9-minute drive to reach the mall. Other malls near the residential district are Al Ain Mall and Al Jimi Mall.

There are several local eateries and cafeterias in Um Ghafah offering a variety of dishes. These include Golden Table Restaurant, Adam Restaurant, Seashell Cafeteria and Red Al Zayera. Residents can also find several dining options in Barari Outlet Mall, such as Le Guest Café, Papa John’s, Tim Hortons and Pizza Hut. Those looking for the best restaurants in Al Ain will have to drive to the central city. Some of the popular ones are India Palace, Applebee’s and Tanjore – Danat Al Ain Resort.

Residents planning a visit to the beach must prepare for an hour-long drive to reach the coastline of Abu Dhabi. Popular beaches in Abu Dhabi include Yas Beach and Saadiyat Beach.

Some of the popular leisure spots near the community are:

• Al Ain Raceway
• Jebel Hafeet Desert Park
• Al Ain Racecourse

Al Ain Raceway is one of the popular leisure spots in the emirate, home to the 1.6km circuit with three distinctive features. The karting facility hosts several international annual events providing a nerve-racking challenge to kart drivers. It is a part of Al Ain Sportplex where visitors can enjoy paintball, soccer, cricket and other family-friendly activities besides motorsports. The recreational facility is located around a 25-minute drive away from the residential district.

Visiting Jebel Hafeet Desert Park is one of the best things to do in Al Ain. The popular tourist attraction features three types of camping where you can place your bags and explore the desert through buggy, hiking and camel or horse ride. You can book camping and fun-filled activities in advance to enjoy without any hassle. It will take a short drive of 12-minutes to reach the park.

Families can visit some of the best parks in Al Ain, including Jebel Hafeet Park and Green Mubazzarah Park, in a short drive. Indoor fitness facilities are also located in the neighbouring community to keep up with your workout routine. These include Just Train Fitness and Up Down Gym. Genesis Salon for Men LLC and Colinir Male Salon in Um Ghafah provide premium hair and beauty care treatments.

Barari Outlet Mall hosts several community events all around the year, such as Ramadan and Eid celebrations and other festivals.

Um Ghafah is a secluded residential district with plenty of amenities and communal facilities. However, it is set close to the UAE-Oman border with limited leisure spots. Those planning to move should keep in mind that the area has only a few properties available for rental purposes.

• Al Ain International Airport is located around half an hour drive away
• It will take a 28-minute drive to Al Ain Zoo
• Al Muwaiji and Asharej  are accessible within a 25-minute drive
• An 18-minute drive to Bawadi Mall