Zone 8, Mohammed Bin Zayed City

Named in honour of the President of the UAE, Mohammed Bin Zayed City is located on the mainland of Abu Dhabi. Divided into zones, all of its sub-communities are numbered from 1 to 36. The northern region that lies close to Abu Dhabi – Sweihan – Al Hayer Road (E20) consists of Zone 1 to 8. Next to 63rd Street, Zone 8 (Z8) is a less populated sub-community in MBZ City. It lies in proximity to Mussafah which offers a number of amenities such as places of worship, educational institutes and retail spots.

• Close to leading educational institutes
• Several shopping malls nearby
• Features villa compounds, detached villas and private mansions
• In proximity to two major highways
• Well-connected to the island capital as well as the other mainland areas

The sub-community of Zone 8, also referred to as Z8, is a quiet and less crowded area in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. Following are a few points of interest in Zone 8:

• A peaceful, fully residential area
• Pet-friendly
• Features a mosque

While there are several well-developed properties in Zone 8, most of its residential blocks have vast empty plots. These blocks are arranged between Al Ithar Street and 63rd Street. The area is sparsely landscaped, however, there are a few properties that have their own gardens and private green spaces. Residents can also keep pets and let them be free to play in their backyards.

Mostly, there are rental villas in MBZ City in 2-bed to 6-bed configurations. Properties in Zone 8 include villa compounds and detached houses. Currently, people who are interested to live in Zone 8 have the option to rent properties at an annual lease.

An average 2-bed Zone 8 villa for rent measures around 1,300 sq. ft., but you may even find mansions with a massive area of 22,000 sq. ft. There are multiple bed-type options for individuals, couples and families. If one wants to rent 3-bed villas in Zone 8, they can expect the yearly charges to be between AED 90k and AED 110k. A few houses have private backyard swimming pools. Other amenities of Zone 8 houses include en-suite bedrooms, a room for the house-help, large kitchen and laundry room. Likewise, renting 4-bedroom villas in Zone 8 would cost around AED 100k.

Finding parking spaces in Zone 8 is not an issue as almost every house comes with its own carport. There are also paved street parking areas where visitors can park their cars.

Major routes for transportation near Zone 8 include Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Truck Road (E30) and Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road (E22). The road 63rd Street that runs along Z8’s border directly connects the sub-community to Mussafah.

Those who prefer public transport can catch a bus from many stations within the area, located at short intervals.

The retail presence in the sub-community is limited. But residents can get their groceries and home utility items from the numerous supermarkets near Zone 8 that are located in the neighbouring Shabiya community. Accessible after a five-minute drive, these retail stores are Rich & Fresh Supermarket, Karat Korean Grocery, Tip Town Supermarket and Everfresh Supermarket.

Masjid Al Abrar and Mubarak Bin Qirran Al Mansoori Mosque are the two mosques in Zone 8 where Muslim residents can offer prayers. Former is found near Al Ithar Street.

Other mosques near Zone 8 are Mohamed Ghannam Alhameli Mosque, Mosque of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mubarak Bin Sumaida Mosque and Mosque of Ali Khalfan Rashid Al Mutawa Al Daheri. Located in Zone 10, there is also an Eid prayer ground as well as Salman Al Farsi Mosque that has an expansive parking facility. Also known as Bohra Islamic Cultural Complex, Abu Dhabi Bohra Mosque is a notable place of worship just six minutes away from Zone 8.

The entire neighbourhood is a faith-friendly area. People of various backgrounds and faiths have chosen to live in Mohammed Bin Zayed (MBZ) City as it is close to many places of worship. Churches near Zone 8 are at a rough distance of 10 minutes and are located across Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Truck Road (E30). Some of these include The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Christ Church of Prayer Ministries, St. Elias Rome Orthodox Church and St. Paul’s Church, Musaffah. The newly constructed New Gurudwara Abu Dhabi is a Sikh temple near Zone 8 on a 12-minute drive away.

In terms of proximity to educational institutes, the sub-community lies at a prime location. It is right next to Zone 3 and 5 that have a mixed concentration of nurseries, kindergartens and schools. The town of Shabiya is also around the corner and it has many notable schools. Some of the nearby options for preschoolers include:

• Kids Island Nursery
• Kotwals Nursery & Montessori
• Honey Buns Nursery

A few international schools near Zone 8 are:

• Emirates National School
• The Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi
• Merryland International School

Located in Zone 3, Emirates National School is a well-known school that accepts students from a range of backgrounds. They follow the Ministry of Education program for subjects like Arabic and UAE Social Studies. Subjects such as English, Science and Math are based on the International Baccalaureate Program in Emirates National School. A noteworthy mention, Future Rehabilitation Centre is a dedicated institute that provides therapy-based programs and special education to people of determination. It is accessible after a mere five-minute drive.

Those looking for options for higher education can choose between Abu Dhabi University and Al Ain University of Science & Technology. The latter is conveniently located at a walking distance, while Abu Dhabi University is just on a seven-minute drive away. One of the prestigious universities in the UAE, the campus of Zayed University is at a distance of 15 minutes.

These are the nearby medical facilities that can be relied upon for health care:

• Health and Life Clinic
• Archer Dental & Dermatology Centre
• Bareen International Hospital

There are dozens of clinics near Zone 8 and a few are Kaya Skin Clinic, Health and Life Clinic, and Archer Dental & Dermatology Centre. Kaya Skin Clinic is a leading skincare medical centre spread across the Middle East with up to 24 clinics. One of them lies within Mohammed Bin Zayed City, a short drive away from the zone.

As for hospitals, Burjeel Medical Centre is a tertiary care medical facility next to the sub-community. More hospitals near Zone 8 that are functional include Bareen International Hospital, NMC Royal Family Centre and LLH Hospital Musaffah.

A few nearby areas to Zone 8 include:

• Mussafah
• Bawabat Abu Dhabi
• Al Mafraq

A key economic zone of the emirate, Mussafah is located to the west. It also has a mixed-use extension called Shabiya that has an array of dining, retail, institutional and fitness options. Also known as Abu Dhabi Gate City, Bawabat Abu Dhabi is a waterfront community that lies close to Mussafah Bridge. It consists of luxurious stand-alone houses and villa complexes. It is connected to Z8 through Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Truck Road (E30) and Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road (E22).

If you love shopping then Zone 8 is an ideal place to live in. It offers a range of options for retail therapy in the nearby areas. Some of the malls near Zone 8 include:

• Capital Mall
• Mazyad Mall
• The Village Mall

Known as the retail centrepiece of Mohammed Bin Zayed City, the Capital Mall is spread over three levels and has around 1200 parking spaces. Since it is a newly built mall, it is expected to contain a number of retail stores. For now, it is home to LuLu Hypermarket, homeware stores, a few dining outlets and an entertainment area called Action Zone. Capital Mall is on a nine-minute drive towards north.

Located not too further away either, Mazyad Mall is a shopping destination Mohammed Bin Zayed City first began with. Located at the eastern edge of Mussafah, The Village Mall is another easily accessible shopping complex.

Residents who like to dine out will find plenty of options available close to their homes. For instance, there are many Indian restaurants such as:

• Banana Leaf Restaurant
• Saravana Bhavan
• Ambassador Restaurant

The easily accessible coffee places and tea houses include:

• Tea Point
• Alexandria Café
• Paris Café

There is an impressive number of restaurants near Zone 8 that offer subcontinental cuisines. These eateries are Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant, Banana Leaf Restaurant, Saravana Bhavan and Ambassador Restaurant, all clustered in a single block that is only seven minutes away. There are also further options to explore such as Nourmandy SeaFood Restaurant, a Lebanese eatery called Layali Al-Sham Restaurant and a Filipino dining place called Jolly Bee Restaurant.

Some of the popular beaches in Abu Dhabi are at an approximate distance of 30 minutes. For instance, Saadiyat Beach is a perfect place for windsurfing, sailing, and yoga. Features an expansive sandy stretch, Corniche Abu Dhabi is the vibrant and most-visited spot for families. However, the beaches near Zone 8 at a comparatively closer distance include Al Qurm Beach and Al Bateen Beach. These beach spots are relatively less crowded and are ideal to spend a peaceful evening by the sea.

Although Zone 8 is an off-central area, it is close to several notable landmarks and leisure destinations. Let’s have a look at the nearest three of these:

• Grand Safeer Cinema
• Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
• Al Qana

People who like watching the latest blockbusters on big screens can visit Grand Safeer Cinema that is accessible in nine minutes. Nature lovers can head over to Al Wathba Wetland Reserve that you can find after venturing off 20 minutes towards the southern outskirts of Abu Dhabi. This wildlife sanctuary features over 250 bird species and 37 botanical varieties. You will also spot pink flamingos because Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is home to thousands of them.

A new tourist spot, Al Qana is in Khor Al Maqtaa area that is accessible under 15 minutes. It will include a one-of-its-kind massive aquarium, a large cinema, an outdoor skatepark, a VR park and an array of dining places.

There are a few small parks for children and families but the community’s larger park, Mohammed Bin Zayed City Public Park is located off 28th Street. It has a basketball court, a mini football yard, jogging tracks, a playground with rubber flooring and a few other facilities. Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium is a landmark as well as a place of interest for sports lovers. Although the stadium is a venue for international and domestic matches, it also has an academy where enthusiasts can get professional cricket training. In short, these are the facilities for outdoor activities near Zone 8:

• Parks
• Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
• Al Forsan International Sports Resort

Al Forsan International Sports Resort is a sprawling recreational centre that offers a full range of activities such as paintball, shooting, equestrian, water sports, and motorsports.

There are also fitness and wellness facilities such as a gym, swimming pool as well as sauna and steam rooms. Speaking of fitness, there is a countless number of gyms near Zone 8. Peak Fitness – CrossFit One Peak MBZ, Body Care Gym & Fitness, and Be Fit Gym are a few to name.

Salons and spas near Zone 8 include:

• Awesome Ladies Salon
• 212 Salon Abu Dhabi
• La Riche Spa Lounge

A few top-rated beauty centres close to the sub-community are Awesome Ladies Salon, 212 Salon Abu Dhabi, and Spring Days Ladies Beauty Salon. These salons are located in the Shabiya town which will hardly take eight minutes to reach. Situated five minutes away, La Riche Spa Lounge is a spa facility that is known to follow the best standards.

Mohammed Bin Zayed (MBZ) City has fewer public events but residents can catch a few marketing activities held at the shopping malls near Z8. Residents can also take a trip to the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival museum in the area of Al Wathba. Every year this tourist destination wows the crowd with modern and traditional attractions such as fountain laser show, a circus performance, soap boutiques, and other folk art and cultural exhibitions.

Zone 8 offers everything a resident might need within reach. The considerable distance towards the central island areas may not be a trip a few residents may look forward to. What they can do for a convenient journey is to travel during off-peak hours when the traffic is manageable and the drive-time is consequently shorter.

• Al Markaziya community is around 27 minutes away
• Approximately 18 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Al Maqtaa is accessible in 10 minutes