Pros and cons of living in Mussafah: Cost effective lifestyle or dull and uninteresting living

Mussafah is a popular neighbourhood in Abu Dhabi known for both it’s commercial establishments and reasonably priced residential units close to supermarkets, parks and malls. For a long period, the area primarily had factories, warehouses and offices. However, in the recent past with an increase in residential properties, living in Mussafah has become a viable option.

In the past four decades, Mussafah has emerged as one of the most rapidly developing industrial areas of the region. It is home to the second oldest port in the UAE, and with the construction of the Mussafah Bridge, there has been an increased amount of interest from tenants and local investors alike looking to buy or rent apartments in Mussafah.

Pros and Cons of living in Mussafah

Before moving to any neighbourhood, it’s critical to evaluate both the benefits and disadvantages of the area. Living in Mussafah comes with its own set of pros and cons, so being aware of them will put you in a better position when it comes to making real estate choices. Let’s took at the benefits of Mussafah and the things to consider before moving here. 

Advantages of living in Mussafah

Availability of a Wide Range of Reasonable Properties

One of the biggest benefits of living in Mussafah is the good variety of choice the area offers in terms of residential units.

Residential properties in Mussafah are located in two main sub-areas, Mussafah Gardens and Shabiya. You can find studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments in these sub-communities of Mussafah. The rental apartments in Mussafah Gardens are known to offer amenities such as shared swimming pools, gyms, 24-hour security and much more. Current listings show prices ranging from Aed 55k for 1-bedroom apartments to AED 95k for a large 3-bed unit. On the other hand, rental apartments in Shabiya are even more affordable with prices starting as low as AED 28k. 

Spacious Living Arrangements 

One of the key advantages of living in Mussafah is that apartments in the area are generally spacious when compared to other localities in Abu Dhabi. You will find apartments with semi-fitted kitchens and spacious halls. 

Convenient commute for professionals 

Mussafah was designed to be an efficient industrial zone, hence it was divided into 46 sectors. Among these sectors, there are factories, warehouses, showrooms, service workshops, and offices. Many leading automobile companies base their Abu Dhabi operations in the area. These companies employ a larger number of people. So whether you are already an employee, or close to making a move to one of the companies operating in the area, renting an apartment in Mussafah would be a wise choice as it can cut down on travel time and expense.

Access to buses and Public Transportation

For car owners, life in Mussafah is easy. There are plenty of parking areas in the vicinity. You wouldn’t have trouble finding parking even during peak hours. Moreover, there are taxis which operates within the confines of the Mussafah, so you can easily hail a ride if needed.

Public transport is also not a problem as the bus network in Mussafah is extensive. Three buses are currently serving residents of the neighbourhood including 112 and 114. 

Easy access to amenities and entertainment avenues in Mussafah

Grocery shopping in Mussafah

Although it was conceptualised as an industrial district, the population has grown in recent years, leading to an increased presence of grocery shops and supermarkets in Mussafah. You can find supermarkets like Spinneys, and Royal Emirates Supermarket. Furthermore, you can opt for other places like Mussafah China Mall, China Market, Hamidiya Roastery Express, Mussafah City Hypermarket, Safeer Centre, Ramla Supermarket, Millennium Supermarket and Al-Madeena Hypermarket to take care of your daily needs. The ease with which you can access such daily essentials is one of the benefits of living in Mussafah. For other retail needs, residents can head over to the Mussafah Bazaar to do some cheap shopping as well. 

Malls near Mussafah

Located near the Shabiya community, Dalma Mall is one of the largest malls in Abu Dhabi. There are over 450 stores in the mall and you can find all the top brands here. It’s a great place to visit with friends or family for shopping as well as entertainment. Cinemagoers will enjoy the Cine Royal Cinema on Fridays to watch the latest regional and international films. Having these facilities nearby ensures that residents of Mussafah have enough entertainment during weekends and holidays. 

Diversity of Restaurants in Mussafah

In the past forty years, the companies operating in Mussafah have employed professionals from different parts of the world. This reflects in the diversity of food choices available in Mussafah. You can find global food outlets like McDonald’s, Subway, Pizza Hut etc. However, there are smaller restaurants present too which offer varied food options. You are also likely to find delicious Indian and Pakistani cuisine in the area.

To sum up, it could be said that there are a plethora of things to do in Mussafah. 

Disadvantages of living in Mussafah

While there are many reasons to enjoy moving to Mussafah, there are some things to consider as well. 

One of the main things to consider when it comes to living in Mussafah is the fact that it is still largely an industrial district. It doesn’t have the same community vibe that you would find in typical residential areas. 

Again due to its status as an industrial area, there aren’t many options when it comes to schooling. This can be an issue for families with school-going children. While there are some very good schools in Mussafah, if you are looking for multiple options before making a final decision, living in Mussafah might not be the right choice for you. This is one of the disadvantages of living in Mussafah for families. 

This completes our review of Mussafah as a residential area. Mussafah is just one of the many top localities you can choose from. There are many couple-friendly areas in Abu Dhabi to rent or buy an apartment in. For those who have to travel frequently between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, living in Al Ghadeer could be an option. The real estate sector is growing in Abu Dhabi and there are so many things for you to consider. Hence, it is always best to do some due diligence work before making a final call.

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