Al raha beach area guide

Introduction & Key Highlights

Al Raha Beach is one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular waterfront communities. It combines the comfort of city life with the calm of the coast. The development spans about 11 kilometres of shoreline and was built by Aldar as a group of interconnected districts. Al Raha Beach includes 11 flagship precincts, including Al Bandar, Al Muneera, Al Seef, Al Dana, Al Rumaila, Al Zahiya, Al Lissayli, Al Shaleela, Al Razeen and Al Zeina. Each district has its own style and layout, yet all provide wide sea views, modern design, and easy access to leisure spots. The architecture, glass-fronted homes, and long promenades follow the flow of the water, which creates a relaxed resort feel. Residents enjoy private beaches, yacht marinas, waterfront cafes, and landscaped parks that support an active outdoor lifestyle. With Yas Island and the Abu Dhabi city centre only a short drive away, Al Raha Beach gives residents a perfect balance of coastal peace and city convenience.

In a Nutshell

• A major waterfront community developed by Aldar with a mix of apartments and villas suitable for different lifestyle needs.
• Stretches along 11 km of coastline with access to beaches, marinas, and open water views
• Made up of well-known neighbourhoods such as Al Bandar, Al Muneera, and Al Zeina, each with its own character
• A strong choice for families and professionals who want a calm seaside setting without leaving the city behind
• Offers plenty of cafés, restaurants, retail spots, and leisure facilities right by the water
• Positioned close to Yas Island attractions, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and main highways for easy travel

Al Raha Beach’s Location & Connectivity

Al Raha Beach is strategically located along Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10), between Yas Island and Abu Dhabi International Airport. The coastal community offers residents quick access to central Abu Dhabi and Dubai, ideal for those who value convenience and a prime waterfront setting. Residents reach Yas Island in about 10 minutes, Abu Dhabi International Airport in 12 minutes, and the city centre in roughly 20 minutes. Nearby areas such as Khalifa City and Masdar City offer schools, retail options, and business hubs. With a strong road network, a prime coastal location, and proximity to major attractions, Al Raha Beach stands out as one of Abu Dhabi’s most accessible and well-positioned communities.

Transportation & Parking

Al Raha Beach is well connected by an efficient public transport network, offering convenient travel options. Subway Line 102 runs from Muhammad bin Zayed City to Yas Drive, with stops at two precincts in Al Raha Beach, Al Zahiya and Al Dana. Regular Bus Line 170 connects Al Raha Beach to Al Saadiyat Cranleigh Tower. Bus Line 175 operates from Al Bateen to Al Raha. Additionally, Bus Line 216 runs from Muhammad bin Zayed City to Al Shahama Bus Station, with stops at Al Zeina and Al Raha. These routes provide easy access to key locations within the community and nearby areas.

Residents also have plenty of parking. Most apartment buildings and villas include covered parking, and there are visitor parking spots near shops, restaurants, and leisure areas. Traffic across Al Raha Beach stays calm during most of the day, though the main roads can get busy during peak hours. The community has good road access, reliable bus routes, and plenty of parking for residents and visitors. These features help everyone move around easily and enjoy a comfortable everyday routine.

Residential Options & Property Market

Al Raha Beach has a wide range of homes to suit different needs. You can choose from modern studios and one to five-bedroom apartments or large villas by the water. Villas offer two to five bedrooms, and some have private gardens or direct access to the sea. Each community has proper facilities such as pools, gyms, parks, children’s play areas, and private marinas.

Al Bandar, Al Muneera, and Al Zeina are the main residential areas in Al Raha Beach, each with its own style of homes. Al Bandar offers studios, 1- to 3-bedroom apartments ranging from 848 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft., and 3- to 6-bedroom villas ranging from 2,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. Many homes face the marina and offer a lively waterfront setting. Al Muneera has a similar mix with 1 to 4-bedroom apartments sized from 906 sq. ft. to 2,472 sq. ft., and 3 to 5-bedroom villas sized from 3,500 sq. ft. to 6,000 sq. ft. Some villas sit right by the water and give extra privacy. Al Zeina features 1- to 4-bedroom apartments ranging from 1,070 sq. ft. to 2,445 sq. ft., with quiet surroundings, retail options, and quick access to the beach.

Al Raha Beach Property Prices

Property prices in Al Raha Beach vary by district, home type, and overall size. Below is a clear breakdown for buyers and investors:

Average Apartment Price in Al Raha Beach

Apartments in Al Raha Beach differ by type, number of bedrooms, and location within the community. Here’s an overview of the rental prices:

Apartment Rental Prices in Al Raha Beach:

Average Villas Price in Al Raha Beach

Villas in Al Raha Beach are available in a variety of layouts and sizes, which directly influence their prices. Below is a quick look at average home prices in Al Raha Beach.

Average Villas Rental Prices

Al Raha Beach Rental Yields

Overall Average ROI: 5.8%

Average Apartment ROI: 6.66%

Studio: 6.30%

1-Bed: 7.09%

2-Bed: 7.04%

3-Bed: 6.20%

4 Bed: 6.69%

Average Villas ROI: 4.80%

2-Bed: 7.94%

3-Bed: 3.78%

4-Bed: 2.69%

Al Raha Beach offers good potential for both rental income and future property value growth, so investors find it attractive. Smaller apartments and villas provide steady rental returns for those seeking a regular income. Larger villas may yield slightly lower rental returns, but their value increases over time due to their space and prime locations. Overall, the community gives a strong balance of income and long-term growth. Its waterfront location, thoughtful layout, and high demand from residents seeking convenience and coastal living support its investment appeal.

Developer Information

Al Raha Beach is a major development by Aldar Properties, one of Abu Dhabi’s top real estate companies. Aldar plays a key role in shaping the city and delivers well-planned communities. Al Raha Beach demonstrates this commitment through quality homes that prioritise sustainability, spacious walkways, private beaches, and resort-style facilities. The community supports a comfortable life for families and professionals with a strong focus on convenience and leisure. As part of Aldar’s wider portfolio, which includes Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, Al Raha Beach reflects the company’s vision for modern, sustainable living and continues to offer long-term value.

Investment Analysis

Al Raha Beach has shown substantial progress in property sales and rentals over the past year. Apartment prices increased by about 11% from 2024 to 2025 and stayed ahead of the wider Abu Dhabi market. Rental prices also rose by more than 20%, which shows that homes in this waterfront community stay in high demand. Rental returns remain healthy as well. Apartments provide steady yields of around 6.5%, while two and three-bedroom villas often reach returns above 6%. This performance makes Al Raha Beach a smart option for investors who want stable income and long-term value near the coast.

The community also supports Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 plan for sustainable growth and economic strength. Its location near Yas Island, the airport, and major business areas adds long-term appeal for residents and investors. As a freehold community, Al Raha Beach allows expatriates to own property and benefit from a tax-free system. It also gives a clear route to residence visas based on property value. These advantages create a potent mix of capital growth, rental demand, and quality living for anyone looking to buy or invest.

Amenities & Facilities

Shopping Experiences

Al Raha Beach residents enjoy convenient access to a variety of shopping and retail destinations that cater to leisure and daily needs. The primary mall within the community is Al Raha Mall, located adjacent to the Al Raha Beach Hotel. Al Raha Mall has a range of retail outlets, such as fashion and electronics stores, and a supermarket, which provides residents with a convenient shopping experience.

For additional shopping options, several malls are situated outside the community but are easily accessible. Yas Mall, located approximately 10 minutes away by car, is one of the largest malls in Abu Dhabi, featuring a wide array of international brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Marina Mall, about 20 minutes from Al Raha Beach, offers a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and a cinema. Mall of the Emirates, located about 15 minutes away, provides a comprehensive shopping experience with numerous outlets and dining options. These malls enhance the shopping convenience for residents seeking a broader selection of retail and entertainment options. 

For daily errands and tasks, residents have access to several supermarkets within and near Al Raha Beach. Lulu Express Supermarket, located on the ground floor of Al Raha Mall, offers a variety of groceries and household items. The Carrefour Market in the community offers a wide selection of products for everyday needs, including groceries, household items, and personal care products. Residents can enjoy the convenience of having a well-stocked supermarket just a short walk or drive away.

Dining & Entertainment

Al Raha Beach offers a wide range of dining options, from casual spots to fine dining. Sevilla Restaurant at Al Raha Beach Hotel serves international dishes in a beachfront setting. At the same time, Azur Grill, also at the hotel, is famous for Mediterranean flavours and fresh seafood with sea views. Within the community, Tiki Pacifico Dining & Lounge in Al Bandar offers Pacific and Western cuisine along the waterfront. For more variety nearby, Gazebo Restaurant in Forsan Central Mall, Khalifa City, serves classic Indian food about 17 minutes away, and Bu Tafish Seafood & Grills, also in Khalifa City, offers popular seafood and Arabic grills around 14 minutes from Al Raha Beach. These options ensure residents enjoy a rich mix of flavours within the neighbourhood and just a short drive away.

Cafés throughout Al Raha Beach offer easy places to sit down for coffee or a quick bite. Salt & Caramel Café in Al Bandar serves breakfast, pastries, and light meals near the marina. Berri’s Café has a calm waterfront setting with views of Yas Island, which makes it a pleasant stop during the day. Milestones Coffee in Al Raha Beach Tower gives residents another convenient option for drinks and snacks. These cafés add comfort and convenience to daily life across the community and give residents a relaxed way to enjoy their surroundings.

Health & Wellness

Healthcare options in and around Al Raha Beach are reliable and well-equipped. Within the community, Burjeel Medical Centre Al Zeina provides a full range of services, including general medicine, paediatrics, dermatology, physiotherapy, and dental care. HealthPlus Family Clinic Al Bandar also serves nearby residents with family medicine, diagnostic services, and laboratory testing. For more specialised or emergency care, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City sits about 16 minutes away and offers comprehensive medical services, including surgery and maternity care. These facilities help residents maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Maintaining an active lifestyle is equally easy for residents of Al Raha Beach. The Al Raha Beach Hotel Health Club within the community features a modern gym, swimming pool, sauna, and steam rooms, along with access to personal trainers. F45 Training Studio at Al Raha Mall offers functional workout sessions for all fitness levels right within the community, which gives residents an easy fitness option close to home. These choices help residents stay active without needing to travel far and support a healthy everyday lifestyle.

Parks and Leisure in Al Raha Beach

Al Raha Beach is designed to bring outdoor living into everyday life. The community features landscaped parks, open lawns, and shaded walkways that link its main precincts. Areas such as Al Zeina, Al Muneera, and Al Bandar include waterfront promenades, children’s playgrounds, and seating areas surrounded by greenery. Residents use these spaces for walks, cycling, or quiet time by the water. The marinas within each district give easy access to paddleboarding and kayaking, creating a calm environment that blends recreation with coastal views.

Leisure options extend beyond the public spaces. The Al Raha Beach Hotel and Resort provides a private beach, large swimming pools, a kids’ pool, and a fitness and spa centre. Families often spend weekends there or at nearby community parks designed for outdoor exercise and social gatherings. Across the area, running and cycling tracks connect the residential zones, while small landscaped courtyards offer peaceful places to unwind. The parks and leisure facilities make Al Raha Beach an active yet relaxing coastal community.

Education

Al Raha Beach offers a comprehensive education network that supports families at every stage, from early learning to university. The community includes nurseries, international schools, and nearby universities. With most institutions located within a short drive, residents enjoy quality education and convenience within the same area.

Nurseries

Here are the nurseries in Al Raha Beach that offer early education for young children.

Blossom Nursery

Blossom Nursery is located within Al Zeina and offers care for children from infancy to around four years of age. It follows the United Kingdom’s Early Years Foundation Stage framework, which supports early language development and social learning through guided play. The nursery sits within walking distance for most Al Raha Beach residents, making pick-up and drop-off simple. Blossom provides optional bus services on selected routes across the Al Raha area and nearby precincts such as Khalifa City A, though most families prefer direct drop-off due to the short distance.

Odyssey Nursery

Odyssey Nursery, formerly known as Yellow Submarine Nursery, is located in Al Zeina. It follows the Reggio Emilia approach and offers a trilingual curriculum in English, Arabic, and French. Yellow Submarine Nursery, now Odyssey, uses the British EYFS system, with a focus on music, stories, and play. These nurseries provide a nurturing environment that supports early learning, creativity, and language development. They also offer flexible attendance options. 

Schools

Families living in Al Raha Beach have plenty of great schooling options close by. From early years to secondary level, several well-known schools are within a short drive.

Raha International School

Raha International School in Al Raha Gardens offers classes from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The school provides a smooth, continuous education for students from the early years through graduation. It serves students from Al Raha Beach, Al Raha Gardens, Khalifa City, Yas Island and other nearby areas. The school also offers private bus transport covering these areas with centralised pick-up points and direct drop-offs within each residential precinct of Al Raha Beach. Raha International School is currently rated as Very Good by ADEK.

Yasmina British Academy 

Yasmina British Academy is located in Khalifa City near Al Raha Gardens and follows the National Curriculum for England. It offers classes from Foundation Stage through Year 13, preparing students for IGCSE and A Level qualifications recognised by universities worldwide. The school serves Khalifa City, Al Raha Gardens, Al Raha Beach, Masdar City and other nearby areas. Yasmina operates its own fleet of modern buses with seat-belted coaches and GPS tracking, supported by bus attendants for younger pupils. ADEK has rated Yasmina British Academy as Outstanding across all performance standards.

Amity International School

Amity International School is located close to Al Raha Beach on Al Bahya Street and offers the Indian CBSE curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12. It places a strong focus on academics and discipline, which is why many Indian families prefer it. The school works with Bright Bus Transport (BBT) to give students reliable bus services across Yas Island, Al Raha Beach, Khalifa City, and nearby communities. According to the latest ADEK inspection, Amity holds a Very Good rating.

Canadian International School

Canadian International School is based in Khalifa City A and follows the Alberta curriculum from Canada for primary and secondary students. It gives children a smooth path into North American universities thanks to its recognised academic structure. The school also provides full transport routes to Al Raha Beach, Khalifa City, and Yas Island, making travel easy for families. ADEK rates the school as Outstanding, with strong feedback on student progress and community values.

Higher Education

For anyone planning further studies, Al Raha Beach is close to some of the best universities in Abu Dhabi.

Zayed University

Zayed University is a federal public institution situated in Khalifa City, approximately 12 to 15 minutes from Al Raha Beach. It offers degrees in business, media, communication, education, and information technology. The university focuses on applied learning and leadership development, with English as the primary language of instruction. It attracts Emirati and international students who value an education that blends academic study with career readiness. Zayed University is just a short drive from Al Raha Beach, with convenient transport options including university-operated shuttle services and public buses passing through Khalifa City. Taxis or car rides also provide easy access for residents.

Khalifa University

Khalifa University is one of the UAE’s most prominent research-focused institutions, located at Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, about 18 minutes from Al Raha Beach via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10). The university specialises in science, technology, and engineering, offering degrees in robotics, aerospace, biomedical engineering, and renewable energy. It plays a key role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s innovation agenda. Students from Al Raha Beach can reach the campus using the main highway network, university shuttles, or public transport routes connecting Khalifa City and central Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University’s main campus is located in Khalifa City, roughly 15 minutes from Al Raha Beach. It provides undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business, law, engineering, and the arts. The university holds international accreditations, including AACSB for business and ABET for engineering. With students from over 80 nationalities, it offers a multicultural learning environment supported by modern academic and residential facilities. Residents of Al Raha Beach can easily access Khalifa University via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10), or via the university's own bus services, public transport, or taxis.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is based on Al Reem Island, approximately 25 minutes from Al Raha Beach. It operates in partnership with Sorbonne University in Paris and offers bilingual degrees in law, economics, humanities, and data science. Courses are delivered in English and French, combining European academic traditions with the UAE’s local context. Students travelling from Al Raha Beach can reach the campus easily via the E10 highway and Al Reem bridges. Taxis, ride-hailing services, and university shuttle buses also provide convenient daily transport options.

Each of these universities is close to Al Raha Beach and provides residents with easy access to high-quality higher education. They create a strong academic hub that supports local and international students who want to study in Abu Dhabi..

Neighbourhood Lifestyle

Al Raha Beach maintains a balanced community atmosphere supported by everyday conveniences. Residents can spend time at the promenades, beaches, and marinas or use parks and children’s play areas within the precincts. Cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets provide social spaces and daily conveniences, while Al Raha Mall and nearby Yas Mall and Marina Mall offer additional shopping and entertainment options.

The community hosts occasional events and gatherings, from local markets to cultural activities, providing residents with opportunities to connect with neighbours. For families, nearby nurseries and schools make daily routines easier and more convenient. Fitness centres, walking paths, and leisure spaces promote community wellbeing. With the beach just steps away and essential services nearby, Al Raha Beach offers the perfect balance of convenience, relaxation, and long-term growth potential.

Pros & Cons

For those considering a move to Al Raha Beach, it helps to weigh the advantages and potential drawbacks to see if the community matches your lifestyle and needs.

Pros

• Quick access to Abu Dhabi city centre, Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi International Airport.
• Expatriates can fully own their properties and freely sell, lease, or transfer units.
• Parks, fitness centres, children’s play areas, and retail spaces enhance convenience and quality of life.
• Steady rental demand and capital growth make it appealing for investors.
• High-end residences, landscaped promenades, and resort-style amenities.
• Close to top-rated nurseries, schools and universities for families.

Cons

• No metro or tram, so residents rely mainly on buses or private vehicles.
• Main roads can become congested in the mornings and evenings.
• Waterfront locations and planned developments may make properties more expensive than in other parts of Abu Dhabi.

Al Raha Beach offers a way of life that many people seek but few places truly provide. The beach stays close, the city stays within reach, and comfort stays part of every day. If you see yourself living in a community that gives more space, greater ease, and more value, our team is here to help.

Contact us today and let us guide you to the home that feels right for you in Al Raha Beach.