Abu Shagara or Al Nahda: Where should you rent apartments in Sharjah?

While Dubai may be the UAE’s most famous emirate, there are many residents who prefer Sharjah’s quieter and more laid-back lifestyle. Thus, there are two neighbourhoods in Sharjah that have attracted consistent attention from tenants over the years: Al Nahda and Abu Shagara. These areas have risen in popularity for their significantly affordable rental prices, which appeal to many expat families. If you’re looking to move to Sharjah and are wondering ‘Abu Shagara or Al Nahda’, MyBayut has you covered. In this article, we compare properties, amenities, rental costs and lifestyles in both these neighbourhoods, making it easier for you to make a choice. 

Before diving into the comparison between Al Nahda or Abu Shagara, here is a quick overview of both areas.

AL NAHDA OR ABU SHAGARA: WHERE SHOULD YOU RENT APARTMENTS?

When it comes to renting apartments in Sharjah, both Abu Shagara and Al Nahda are popular choices for potential tenants. These neighbourhoods featured amongst the most-searched-for areas in the Sharjah real estate market report for Q3 2019.

Both areas are known for their affordability, abundant amenities and comfortable lifestyle, making it ideal for families and single professionals. If you’re on the hunt for a new home in Sharjah and are confused between Al Nahda Sharjah or Abu Shagara, take a look below at our comparison of rental prices and popular buildings in each area.

RENTING FLATS IN ABU SHAGARA OR AL NAHDA

While both Abu Shagara and Al Nahda Sharjah are established neighbourhoods, the latter has a considerably larger portfolio of rental flats to choose from. Al Nahda is home to many apartment towers and complexes, which offer spacious and bright flats for rent. The buildings also offer 24-hour security, maintenance and covered parking for residents, while some also boast amenities like gymnasiums and swimming pools. The apartments for rent in Al Nahda Sharjah come in various configurations, ranging from studios to 4-bedroom units. The size of the rental flats in Al Nahda range between 500 sq.ft to 2,500 sq.ft. Some of the most popular buildings to rent apartments in Al Nahda are Al Aneeqa Tower, Sharjah Gate Tower and Al Zain Tower. 

Similarly, Abu Shagara boasts several mid-rise and low-rise apartment buildings with affordable apartments for rent. Most apartments in Abu Shagara come with round-the-clock security and maintenance, however, amenities are limited. Abu Shagara flats for rent are available in similar layouts to Al Nahda Sharjah, ranging from studios to 3-bedroom apartments. However, apartments for rent in Abu Shagara are slightly smaller in size, ranging from 500 sq.ft to 2,200 sq.ft. The most-searched-for apartment buildings in the area are Dar Al Aman Building, Al Nayli Building and Abu Shagara Tower. 

When it comes to rental cost between Abu Shagara or Al Nahda Sharjah, apartments in the latter area are predictably more expensive. Flats in Al Nahda have higher rentals due to their larger apartment sizes and more amenities available to tenants.

• Tenants will find that studios in Al Nahda have average rental costs of AED 19k, while 1-bedroom apartments stand at AED 26k and 2-bedroom flats are at AED 35k.
• However, rental costs for Abu Shagara apartments are slightly more affordable, averaging at AED 16k for studios. The 1-bedroom flats for rent average at AED 24k and 2-bedroom apartments in Abu Shagara at AED 30k.

ABU SHAGARA OR AL NAHDA SHARJAH: WHERE SHOULD YOU BUY APARTMENTS?

Looking to buy apartments in Abu Shagara or Al Nahda? There is limited supply of apartments for sale in the market in either of these locations, making it difficult for investors to find units. 

However, there is a small portfolio of Al Nahda Sharjah apartments for sale that investors can choose from. These include studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units, that range from 430 sq.ft to 2,400 sq.ft. The prices to buy apartments in the area averages at AED 235k for studios, while 1-bedroom flats in Al Nahda Sharjah stand at AED 355k and 2-bedroom units for sale are at AED 655k.

LIVING IN ABU SHAGARA VS LIVING IN AL NAHDA

Wondering whether to rent apartments in Al Nahda vs Abu Shagara? Take a look below at the lifestyle of both these areas to see which area is best for you.

The centrally-located Abu Shagara is a favourite with expat residents, due to the affordable rentals and convenient amenities on hand.

• The main attraction near Abu Shagara apartments for rent is undoubtedly the park in the centre of the neighbourhood, which offers sports courts, jogging tracks and play areas.
• Those living in Abu Shagara will find several supermarkets, gyms, pharmacies and clinics in the area, which ensures a convenient lifestyle of residents.
• Flats in Abu Shagara are a popular choice not just for single professionals, but also for families due to several nurseries being located in the area and nearby schools.
• Life in Abu Shagara remains interesting with attractions such as Al Majaz Park, Buhaira Corniche, Mega Mall and City Centre Sharjah a short distance from the area, while other emirates are accessible via the E11 highway.

Al Nahda Sharjah offers a similar lifestyle, drawing expat tenants for affordability and accessibility to other emirates.

• Al Nahda Sharjah apartments are most sought-after for their convenient location at the Dubai-Sharjah border. This makes it an ideal location for the many residents who choose to work in Dubai and live in Sharjah, with easy access to the E11 cutting down commute times.
• There are many amenities available for those living in Al Nahda Sharjah, such as supermarkets, clinics, gyms, pharmacies and salons, ensuring they never have to travel far for essentials.
• Families benefit from the many nurseries in the neighbourhood, and schools in neighbouring areas such as Al Nahda Dubai.
• The popular Al Nahda Sharjah Park is a place for the community to come together and enjoy with walking paths, play areas, sports courts, while Sahara Centre and Ansar Mall in the area offers plenty of entertainment and retail options.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THESE AREAS

Both Abu Shagara and Al Nahda Sharjah are established areas in the emirate, with already developed amenities and attractions. However, there are constant initiatives by the Sharjah Government to improve the quality of life in these neighbourhoods. Al Nahda Sharjah has recently seen the introduction of mobile police stations in the area, increasing security for residents. These proactive steps by the Sharjah Police will ensure that tenants living in Al Nahda enjoy a comfortable and safe lifestyle.

That concludes MyBayut’s guide to renting in Abu Shagara or Al Nahda Sharjah. We hope this article helps you choose the right neighbourhood for you. For a closer look at these areas, read up more on the advantages and disadvantages of living in Abu Shagara, which discusses transportation and leisure options in the area. And before renting apartments in Al Nahda or Abu Shagara, we recommend taking a look at important tenancy laws in Sharjah to avoid any hiccups later on. And stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on the best areas to live in Sharjah.