Living in Al Raha Beach – Ideal beachfront or too touristy?
With beautiful waterfront properties and long stretches of pristine shoreline, Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi is an immensely popular choice among those looking for homes in the capital city. Are you one of the many considering a move to this desirable district? Our guide to the pros and cons of living in Al Raha Beach is here to aid your decision-making process.
ABOUT AL RAHA BEACH
Located just off the main Abu Dhabi highway, the vibrant Al Raha Beach community is close to Zayed International Airport and adjacent to Khalifa City.
Defining beachfront living at its best, the neighbourhood is ideal for those who have always wanted to live close to the ocean. Al Raha Beach residents can enjoy many beachside activities along with easy access to the capital’s top retail hubs, eateries and entertainment venues. The combination of urban amenities and waterfront living makes it an attractive location for potential buyers.
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PROS OF LIVING IN AL RAHA BEACH
There are three main sub-communities in Al Raha Beach: Al Muneera, Al Bandar and Al Zeina. Being clued up on the advantages of living in Al Raha Beach can help you decide if this community is a good fit for you.
RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE AND RENT
There are several apartments for rent in Al Raha Beach, with most buildings offering waterfront properties in Al Bandar.
Notable projects in the district include Al Naseem, Al Barza and Al Hadeel. You can choose from 1 to 5-bedroom apartments in the area, depending on your budget and lifestyle preferences.
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The other two sub-communities, Al Zeina and Al Muneera feature a mix of luxury apartments, stunning townhouses and spacious villas, most of which offer scenic coastline views.
Since most properties have been completed recently, they offer all the modern amenities you desire. If you want to rent a place, here’s a look at Al Raha rent trends.
WATERFRONT LIVING AT ITS BEST
From beautiful waterfront promenades where you can take a stroll amidst the cooling sea breeze to the thrill of waking up to stunning views of the glistening ocean, the community of Al Raha Beach truly exemplifies beachfront living at its finest.
If you looking to invest in waterfront properties in Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach is among the most popular areas.
IDEAL FOR FOODIES
The Al Raha Beach community boasts chic seaside restaurants, making it all the more appealing for foodies looking to rent or buy property here. For instance, Melyas is one of the most popular Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Notable eateries include the Pacifico TIKI, a charming waterside lounge restaurant at the Al Bandar Marina, and Nolu’s specialising in healthy American cuisine. Moreover, residents can spot popular eateries like Leopold’s of London and Jones The Grocer.
PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS
The sub-communities of Al Muneera and Al Zeina offer private beach access, and visitors may acquire beach passes from the Al Raha Beach Hotel. Not to mention, Yas Public Beach is less than 20 minutes away.
GREAT FOR WATERSPORT ENTHUSIASTS
There are plenty of Al Raha Beach attractions for residents to look forward to. And some of the more popular ones are water sports. Mainly offered by services like Halla Walla Water Sports Club located at Al Bandar Marina, these include everything from water skiing to jet skiing and other adrenaline-pumping activities.
EXPATS CAN BUY PROPERTY HERE
Al Raha Beach is one of the popular freehold areas in Abu Dhabi, allowing expatriates to own property in one of the capital’s best investment zones. Besides flats, villas and townhouses in the district are lucrative investments. The variety of properties and amenities, like a mall, schools and restaurants, make Al Raha Beach attractive for everyone from single professionals to families.
IDEAL LOCATION
One of the many pros of living in Al Raha Beach is its strategic location. The development is close to the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, which makes these two emirates accessible to residents. Apart from easy connectivity, the community is 15 minutes away from Yas Island — a renowned retail, residential, entertainment and leisure hub that is a hit with tourists and locals alike. Well-known attractions on Yas Island include SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay, Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World.
SHOPPING GALORE
Those considering moving into the community can get their retail fix at the Al Raha Mall. The mall offers everything from popular clothing brands to electronics, food outlets and salons. Apart from stores, the mall offers entertainment options like a cinema and an indoor play area for kids.
For serious shopaholics, one of the city’s best finds is Yas Mall, which happens to be 20 minutes away from Al Raha Beach. Abu Dhabi’s biggest mall boasts retail outlets, entertainment options and more than 60 restaurants.
You can head to supermarkets like Carrefour, Waitrose and Spinneys for monthly shopping.
PLENTY OF SCHOOLS IN THE AREA
One of the perks for families living in Al Raha Beach is the community’s proximity to schools. Examples include the Raha International School, which follows the IB curriculum and offers classes from Early Years until Grade 12. Other notable educational institutes nearby include the GEMS American Academy and the Al Shohub School.
CONS OF LIVING IN AL RAHA BEACH
Of course, there are many fun things to do in Al Raha Beach, but there are some drawbacks you may want to consider before moving here.
Here are some challenges of living in Al Raha Beach.
NO PARKS
While the Al Zeina and Al Muneera communities do have play areas for kids, the Al Raha Beach project has yet to construct its public park. Most things to do in Al Raha Beach with kids are limited to the beach. However, parents looking to spend some quality outdoor time with their kids may visit Yas Gateway Park, which is 15 minutes away from the area. Similarly, Khalifa Park isn’t far away either.
LIMITED FREE PARKING FOR VISITORS
If you are expecting visitors at your Al Raha Beach home, don’t forget to tell them to carry change. While residents can park their vehicles in designated parking spots, visitors mostly rely on paid parking to secure their cars.
FAQS ABOUT LIVING IN AL RAHA BEACH
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR SUBCOMMUNITIES TO BUY A PROPERTY IN AL RAHA BEACH?
Considering investing in a property in the area? Here’s a list of the most popular sub-communities to buy a property in Al Raha Beach.
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR FREEHOLD AREAS IN ABU DHABI?
Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Raha Beach are some areas where foreign nationals can buy properties. Check out MyBayut’s list of the most popular freehold areas in Abu Dhabi.
This brings us to the end of our guide to the pros and cons of Al Raha Beach. While there are a couple of things to consider, the beautiful location has much to offer and deserves a spot as one of the most scenic places to live in Abu Dhabi. Plus, it provides all the amenities and facilities one could hope for.
