Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Abu Dhabi
Summary: If you're retiring in Abu Dhabi, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi for retirees.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. With its tax-free environment, world-class healthcare, and a vibrant cultural scene, it's no wonder many choose to spend their golden years here. Let's explore some of the best neighborhoods for retirees to live in Abu Dhabi.
Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is a popular choice for retirees due to its waterfront living and modern amenities. Retirees can enjoy leisurely walks along the canal, visit the numerous parks, or engage in various water activities. The neighborhood is also home to several shopping centers and cultural attractions, such as the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
Location: Off the coast of Abu Dhabi's downtown area, connected by bridges.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 90,000, and a 3-bedroom is around AED 120,000. Purchase prices vary greatly, with 2-bedroom apartments starting from AED 1,500,000 and 3-bedroom apartments from AED 2,000,000.
Healthcare: Burjeel Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi are nearby.
Where to Eat: Dine at The Cheesecake Factory, Nolu's Downtown, or The Third Place Cafe.
Parks: Gate Towers Park and Reem Central Park are popular among residents.
Al Raha Beach
Al Raha Beach offers a relaxed, beachfront lifestyle with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Retirees can enjoy the beach, visit the Al Raha Mall, or play golf at the Yas Links Golf Course. The neighborhood is also close to Yas Island, where numerous attractions are located.
Location: Eastern side of Abu Dhabi's main island, near the airport.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 80,000, and a 3-bedroom is around AED 110,000. Purchase prices start from AED 1,400,000 for a 2-bedroom and AED 1,800,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.
Healthcare: Al Raha Hospital is in the neighborhood.
Where to Eat: Try Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Beach House, or Cafe Bateel.
Parks: Al Raha Beach and Al Zeina Park are popular among residents.
Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island is known for its cultural district, which includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Retirees can enjoy art, visit the Saadiyat Beach Club, or play golf at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The island also has several luxury resorts and spas.
Location: Northeastern side of Abu Dhabi's main island, connected by bridges.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 120,000, and a 3-bedroom is around AED 150,000. Purchase prices start from AED 2,000,000 for a 2-bedroom and AED 2,500,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.
Healthcare: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is nearby.
Where to Eat: Dine at Louvre Abu Dhabi's Art Lounge, Saadiyat Beach Club's Safina, or Park Hyatt's The Cafe.
Parks: Saadiyat Public Beach is a popular destination.
Al Bateen
Al Bateen is a well-established neighborhood known for its villas and greenery. Retirees can enjoy visits to the Al Bateen Mall, walks along the corniche, or relax at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi's private beach. The neighborhood is also close to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
Location: Southwestern side of Abu Dhabi's main island, near the corniche.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 70,000, and a 3-bedroom is around AED 90,000. Purchase prices start from AED 1,200,000 for a 2-bedroom and AED 1,500,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.
Healthcare: Al Noor Hospital is nearby.
Where to Eat: Try Al Dhafra Restaurant, Fishmarket, or Belgian Beer Cafe.
Parks: Al Bateen Park and the corniche are popular among residents.
Al Mushrif
Al Mushrif is a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood known for its villas and greenery. Retirees can enjoy visits to the Mushrif Mall, walks in the Mushrif Park, or explore the nearby Mushrif Palace. The neighborhood is also close to several schools and hospitals.
Location: Eastern side of Abu Dhabi's main island, near the airport.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 60,000, and a 3-bedroom is around AED 80,000. Purchase prices start from AED 1,000,000 for a 2-bedroom and AED 1,300,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.
Healthcare: Al Mushrif Children's Specialty Center is in the neighborhood.
Where to Eat: Try Al Mallah, Hatam, or Al Arish.
Parks: Mushrif Park is a popular destination.
Khalidiya
Khalidiya is a vibrant neighborhood known for its mix of modern and traditional architecture. Retirees can enjoy visits to the Khalidiya Mall, walks along the corniche, or explore the nearby Emirates Heritage Club. The neighborhood is also close to several beaches and parks.
Location: Southwestern side of Abu Dhabi's main island, near the corniche.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 80,000, and a 3-bedroom is around AED 110,000. Purchase prices start from AED 1,300,000 for a 2-bedroom and AED 1,700,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.
Healthcare: Al Salama Hospital is nearby.
Where to Eat: Try Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Al Dhiyafa, or Al Reef Bakery.
Parks: Khalidiya Park and the corniche are popular among residents.
Al Khalidiyah
Al Khalidiyah is a well-established neighborhood known for its villas and greenery. Retirees can enjoy visits to the Al Khalidiyah Mall, walks in the Al Khalidiyah Park, or explore the nearby Cultural Foundation. The neighborhood is also close to several schools and hospitals.
Location: Southwestern side of Abu Dhabi's main island, near the corniche.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 70,000, and a 3-bedroom is around AED 90,000. Purchase prices start from AED 1,200,000 for a 2-bedroom and AED 1,500,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.
Healthcare: Al Noor Hospital is nearby.
Where to Eat: Try Al Dhafra Restaurant, Fishmarket, or Belgian Beer Cafe.
Parks: Al Khalidiyah Park is a popular destination.
Al Mina
Al Mina is a coastal neighborhood known for its traditional markets and fishing harbor. Retirees can enjoy visits to the Al Mina Market, walks along the corniche, or explore the nearby Heritage Village. The neighborhood is also close to several beaches and parks.
Location: Southwestern side of Abu Dhabi's main island, near the corniche.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around AED 60,000, and a 3-bedroom is around AED 80,000. Purchase prices start from AED 1,000,000 for a 2-bedroom and AED 1,300,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.
Healthcare: Al Salama Hospital is nearby.
Where to Eat: Try Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Al Dhiyafa, or Al Reef Bakery.
Parks: Al Mina Park and the corniche are popular among residents.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Abu Dhabi
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi
- Tips for Expats Driving in Abu Dhabi
- Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
- Health Care in Abu Dhabi
- Discovering the Best of Abu Dhabi
- 10 Tips for Living in Abu Dhabi
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in UAE
- Best Places to Live in UAE
- Real Estate in UAE
- Pros & Cons of Living in UAE
- How to Buy a Home in the UAE
- What It's Like Living in Abu Dhabi
- Pros and Cons of Living in UAE 2026


