Popular residential areas for Indian expats in Abu Dhabi
Thanks to the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and India, there is a significantly large Indian population living here, especially in the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. While the Indian diaspora resides all across the city, there are some particularly popular areas for Indian expats in Abu Dhabi, where their population density is higher. It’s mainly due to the proximity to family-friendly amenities or Indian schools, supermarkets and restaurants that these neighbourhoods enjoy.
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular residential areas for Indians in Abu Dhabi, the types of properties available and their average rental prices.
Popular Areas for Indian expats in Abu Dhabi to get apartments
Community | Studios for Rent | 1-Bed Units for Rent | 2-Bed Units for Rent | 3-Bed Units for Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Community Al Reem Island | Studios for Rent AED 45,000 | 1-Bed Units for Rent AED 59,000 | 2-Bed Units for Rent AED 88,000 | 3-Bed Units for Rent AED 126,000 |
Community Khalifa City | Studios for Rent AED 28,000 | 1-Bed Units for Rent AED 41,000 | 2-Bed Units for Rent AED 62,000 | 3-Bed Units for Rent AED 83,000 |
Community Al Muroor | Studios for Rent AED 30,000 | 1-Bed Units for Rent AED 39,000 | 2-Bed Units for Rent AED 53,000 | 3-Bed Units for Rent AED 74,000 |
Community Al Mushrif | Studios for Rent AED 32,000 | 1-Bed Units for Rent AED 41,000 | 2-Bed Units for Rent AED 52,000 | 3-Bed Units for Rent AED 86,000 |
Community Al Reef | Studios for Rent AED 36,000 | 1-Bed Units for Rent AED 48,000 | 2-Bed Units for Rent AED 60,000 | 3-Bed Units for Rent AED 82,000 |
Al Reem Island
One of the favourite communities for Indian expats in Abu Dhabi is Al Reem Island. This chic neighbourhood primarily houses high-rise apartment buildings and complexes offering an upscale waterfront lifestyle.
Those living in Al Reem Island will find a choice of international schools for their children, as well as nurseries and the Paris-Sorbonne University. There is also a popular shopping mall and several parks and supermarkets. Al Reem Island offers connectivity to the main island through multiple bridges, making it one of the best residential areas in Abu Dhabi.
The rental apartments in Al Reem Island range from cosy studios to spacious 4-bedroom flats, making them ideal for single professionals, couples or families.
- The average rent for studios in Al Reem Island stands at AED 45k.
- The 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Al Reem Island are available for AED 59k.
- The 2 and 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Al Reem Island will set you back by AED 88k and AED 128k, respectively.
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1671 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1645 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1671 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 2817 SQFT
Khalifa City
Next on the list of popular residential areas for Indians in Abu Dhabi is the suburban community of Khalifa City. Located along the major road link of the E10 (Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Road) highway, which connects to Abu Dhabi’s main island and Dubai, Khalifa City has established itself as a quiet, family-friendly community.
Families residing in Khalifa City can choose from international schools offering British, American and IB curricula. The community is also dotted with supermarkets, clinics, restaurants and parks, while Al Safeer Mall is a popular leisure and shopping destination for residents.
Apartments for rent in Khalifa City range from studios to 3-bed spacious flats.
- Tenants can expect to pay AED 28k annually to rent studios in Khalifa City.
- AED 41k per year will get you a 1-bedroom flat for rent in the area.
- The 2-bedroom apartments are available for AED 62k per annum.
- Larger 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Khalifa City will cost AED 83k per year.
Al Muroor
The areas in Abu Dhabi preferred by Indian expats also include older, established neighbourhoods like Al Muroor. Located on Abu Dhabi’s main island, Al Muroor covers the area along Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street, which was formerly known as Muroor Road.
Al Muroor offers convenience and comfort to residents thanks to its proximity to major attractions and commercial hubs. Those living in Al Muroor are a short distance from Al Mushrif Mall and Zayed Sports City, while the Corniche Abu Dhabi is 15 to 20 minutes away by car. Essential amenities such as supermarkets, schools and clinics are also easily accessible from Al Muroor.
The properties for rent in Al Muroor include reasonably-priced apartments and villas, making them perfect for couples, families and working professionals.
- The price for renting studio flats in Al Muroor averages at AED 30k annually
- The 1-bedroom Al Muroor apartments for rent stand at AED 39k per annum
- The 2-bedroom apartments for rent in Al Muroor have average prices of AED 53k
- Families can even find 3-bed apartments for rent in Al Muroor for AED 74k per year.
Al Mushrif
Al Mushrif is counted among the most searched-for areas for Indians in Abu Dhabi due to its affordability and location. The community is located between Sheikh Zayed Bin Saeed Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. The central location also ensures swift and easy access to notable locations in the capital city, such as the Al Hudayriyat Island and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
There is no shortage of amenities in the area. Al Mushrif Mall is home to Lulu Hypermarket and a bunch of other supermarkets and grocery stores dotted along the streets.
Families with kids can find a good selection of schools in the area, including Al Nahda National School, International Community School, Khalifa bin Zayed Secondary School, Al Manhal International Private School, and the Clever Hands Nursery are some of the most popular options.
Al Mushrif is primarily a residential community with an impressive lineup of apartments and villas. The apartments for rent in Al Mushrif are available in studio to 3-bed configurations.
- Tenants looking for studios for rent in Mushrif can get a cosy home for AED 32k per annum.
- The rental cost of 1-bedroom apartments in the area is AED 41k per year.
- The yearly cost to rent 2-bedroom apartments in Al Mushrif is AED 52k.
- A spacious 3-bedroom flat for rent in Al Mushrif is valued at AED 86k per year.
Al Reef
Al Reef is a serene residential area located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, popular among Indian expats. It’s one of the most affordable communities to rent apartments in Abu Dhabi. The area is home to a large expat population and boasts a cosmopolitan vibe. Let’s take a look at the apartments for rent in Al Reef.
- The annual rent for studios in Al Reef is AED 36k.
- The 1-bedroom apartments for rent cost AED 48k per year.
- Annual rent for 2-bedroom apartments is about AED 60k.
- Those looking for larger units can find 3-bedroom apartments for rent for AED 82k yearly.
Popular Areas for Indian expats in Abu Dhabi for villas
Community | 3-Bed Villas for Rent | 4-Bed Villas for Rent | 5-Bed Villas for Rent | 6-Bed Villas for Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Community Mohammad Bin Zayed City | 3-Bed Villas for Rent AED 89,000 | 4-Bed Villas for Rent AED 128,000 | 5-Bed Villas for Rent AED 148,000 | 6-Bed Villas for Rent AED 175,000 |
Community Khalifa City | 3-Bed Villas for Rent AED 151,000 | 4-Bed Villas for Rent AED 152,000 | 5-Bed Villas for Rent AED 169,000 | 6-Bed Villas for Rent AED 181,000 |
Community Al Reef | 3-Bed Villas for Rent AED 102,000 | 4-Bed Villas for Rent AED 137,000 | 5-Bed Villas for Rent AED 152,000 | 6-Bed Villas for Rent N/A |
Community Al Muroor | 3-Bed Villas for Rent AED 120,000 | 4-Bed Villas for Rent AED 162,000 | 5-Bed Villas for Rent AED 175,000 | 6-Bed Villas for Rent AED 206,000 |
Community Al Mushrif | 3-Bed Villas for Rent AED 166,000 | 4-Bed Villas for Rent AED 175,000 | 5-Bed Villas for Rent AED 209,000 | 6-Bed Villas for Rent AED 216,000 |
Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Located on the mainland, Mohammed Bin Zayed City (commonly known as MBZ City) features on our list of popular areas for Indians in Abu Dhabi. This suburban neighbourhood connects to the major highways of E11 and E30, which provide easy access to Dubai and Al Ain, respectively.
Mohammed Bin Zayed City is another popular area for Indian expats to live in Abu Dhabi, due to its affordable rentals and abundance of essential amenities. Families will find a choice of Indian schools in Abu Dhabi around the area, including the Abu Dhabi Indian School, GEMS United Indian School and Global Indian International School.
Several malls in the vicinity with Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarkets stock Indian grocery items. Residents can also enjoy a variety of Indian restaurants in MBZ City and the neighbouring area of Mussafah.
The properties for rent in MBZ City primarily include spacious villas, either independent or located in compounds. There are only a handful of buildings with rental apartments.
These villas can have layouts ranging between 3 to 8 bedrooms, with private parking spaces and more.
- The average price to rent 3-bedroom villas in MBZ City stands at AED 89k.
- 4-bed villas for rent average AED 126k.
- The larger 5-bedroom rental villas in MBZ City command an average price of AED 148k.
- The 6-bed units are available for AED 175k per annum.
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1204 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
- |
- 8 BATHS
- |
- 5775 SQFT
Khalifa City
Looking for homes in one of the most sought-after areas for Indian expats in Abu Dhabi? Khalifa City has an impressive lineup of villas for rent and sale, ranging from 3 to 6-bedroom homes with all modern amenities.
- The average per year cost to get 3-bedroom villas for rent in Khalifa City is AED 151k.
- Tenants can expect to pay around AED 152k annually for 4-bedroom homes in Khalifa City.
- 5-bedroom villas for rent costs AED 169k annually on average.
- For AED 181k per year, tenants can get a 6-bedroom villa for rent in Khalifa City.
Al Reef
The large villas in Al Reef are perfect for families and feature all the modern amenities. Prospective tenants looking for a home here can choose from a variety of affordable villas for rent in Al Reef.
- The yearly average rent for 3-bedroom villas in Al Reef stands at AED 101k.
- Tenants can expect to pay around AED 137k annually for 4-bedroom villas in Al Reef.
- The 5-bedroom homes for rent in Al Reef cost around AED 152k per year.
Al Muroor
The villas for rent in Al Muroor come in various configurations, reaching up to 8 bedrooms. Here’s a breakdown of the average rent per year for villas.
- Tenants with a small family can get 3-bed villas for rent at an average cost of AED 120k per year
- The yearly average rent for 4-bedroom villas in Al Muroor stands at AED 162k per year
- The annual rent to get a spacious 5-bedroom villa average at AED 175k
- Larger 6-bedroom villas are available for AED 206k on average per year
Al Mushrif
There is no shortage of villas for rent in Al Mushrif as well. It’s one of the most popular areas to rent villas in Abu Dhabi. Being near major landmarks and attractions make Al Mushrif a top choice for those renting villas in Al Mushrif.
- The annual average price to rent 4-bedroom villas in Al Mushrif is AED 166k
- Stunning 3-bedroom villas are available for around AED 175k per year
- Tenants looking for bigger homes can rent 5-bedroom villas in Al Mushrif for AED 209k on average or 6-bedroom houses for AED 216k.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR AREAS TO LIVE IN ABU DHABI AS A STUDENT?
Students always look for budget-friendly communities with ample amenities like stores, cafes and restaurants. Some of the most popular areas for students in Abu Dhabi include Al Reem Island, Masdar City, Al Mushrif, Mussafah, Al Nahyan and Khalifa City.
HOW MUCH IS THE COST OF LIVING IN ABU DHABI?
Planning to move to the UAE’s capital city? It’s essential to be aware of the basic cost of living in Abu Dhabi for singles, couples and families – when it comes to housing, utilities, grocery and more. Most of your cost will go into rent, and groceries for one person can cost AED 200 onwards.
That concludes our guide to the popular areas to live in Abu Dhabi for Indian expats. Al Hamdan Street and Mussafah are other popular areas for the Indian community. Those looking for budget-friendly accommodation can consider Mussafah. You can find properties for rent in Abu Dhabi in other areas too with significant present of Indian diaspora.
You can also take a look at the best areas to live in Abu Dhabi based on salary, to make sure you don’t exceed your rental budget.
