Overview:
Al Raha Beach stretches over 11 kilometers of stunning coastline along the Arabian Gulf, which offers luxury living, urban convenience, and coastal tranquility. The area comprises several neighborhoods such as Al Bandar, Al Muneera, and Al Zeina, each offering modern apartments, townhouses, and villas with water views and access to private beaches.
Its prime location near Abu Dhabi International Airport and direct access to the E10 highway make it ideal for frequent commuters.
Residential Communities
This area includes various residential communities with each having its own distinct features. Some of the well-known include the following:
Al Bandar:
It is a mixed-use community offering marina-side living. It includes luxury apartments, stylish apartments, penthouses, and waterfront dining options. It includes Marina with yacht berths, restaurants and cafes, fitness center and swimming pools, retail shops, beauty salons and more.
Al Muneera:
Al Muneera offers a variety of flats, townhouses, and seaside villas for both island and mainland living. Its peaceful location, private beaches, and community facilities make it the perfect place for families. Moreover, it is separated into Al Muneera Island and the mainland; contain children’s play areas and parks, shops, cafes, and medical clinics.
Al Zeina:
Al Zeina offers garden apartments, beachside villas, and low-rise buildings that are all designed for a private and peaceful lifestyle. The neighborhood is more residential and calmer, emphasizing comfort.
Al Raha Lofts:
It is a recent development in the neighborhood that offers modern architecture and reasonably priced luxury. These contemporary apartment buildings with canal views are perfect for young professionals and investors. It also includes loft-style design, canal views, fitness facilities, and more.
Education and Healthcare
Education
There are top educational facilities in Al Raha Beach that offer a wide range of age groups and courses. These include daycare centers, elementary and secondary schools that are situated in or near the community. These include (but not limited to) the following:
- Al Raha International School: This school follows the British (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for grades Nursery to Year 13. It is one of Abu Dhabi’s top-rated international schools, quite popular among expat families.
- Crescent International School: This school follows the British curriculum which offers Affordable tuition with good academic standards and is located near Khalifa City.
- Yellow Submarine Nursery - Al Raha Beach: This institution offers early childhood education for the age group 4 months to 4 years. It focuses on a Montessori-based approach with emphasis on creativity.
Healthcare
- HealthPlus Family Clinic – Al Bandar: This clinic offers services such as general practice, pediatrics, dermatology, and physiotherapy, and is located within the community for easy access.
- Etihad Airways Medical Centre: This center offers full medical care, especially for Etihad staff, but is open to the public for many services and is located near the airport.
- NMC Royal Hospital – Khalifa City: It is an all-in-one hospital that offers services like emergency, specialist consultations, surgery, maternity, pediatrics, etc.
- Mediclinic Khalifa City: This healthcare can be trusted for outpatient care and is a multispecialty clinic.
Amenities, Shopping, and Dining
The Residents in this community have access to a variety of amenities, shopping, and dining options:
Amenities
- Private Beaches: The beaches are clean, well-maintained, and have easy access for residents.
- Swimming Pools & Gyms: There are modern fitness centers and leisure pools within residential complexes.
- Parks & Playgrounds: There are also family-friendly green spaces with walking paths, playgrounds, and shaded seating.
Shopping
- Al Raha Mall: It is a community mall that includes a cinema, supermarket, and food court, and provides essential retail and casual shopping.
- Yas Mall (Nearby – Yas Island): It is a regional mall which includes international fashion brands, electronics, Virgin Megastore, a large Carrefour, restaurants, a cinema, and entertainment zones.
Dining
- Nolu’s Café (Al Bandar): It is a Californian-Afghan fusion cuisine, is family-friendly, and has healthy options.
- Pacifico TIKI (Al Bandar): It is a rooftop lounge with cocktails, live music, and seafood, offering marina views.
- Jones the Grocer (Al Muneera): It includes international favorites and artisan products.
Hotels near Al Raha Beach
The following are some hotels near Al Raha Beach. These include a wide range of accommodation options, as follows:
Transportation
Al Raha Beach is situated along Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street and the E10 route that links Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This means that Abu Dhabi International Airport is 10 minutes away, Downtown Abu Dhabi is 20 to 25 minutes away, and Dubai is 50 minutes away.
Multiple bus routes connect this community to various other parts of the city, including Bus # 170, A1, 175, 216, and 407. Moreover, Abu Dhabi Taxi (TransAD) operates reliably in Al Raha Beach, and cars can be fetched or booked via apps like Abu Dhabi Taxi App, Careem, or Uber.
Outdoor Activities, Fitness, and Beauty
Outdoor Activities
- Walking and Jogging: Waterfront promenades in Al Muneera, Al Bandar, and Al Zeina are ideal for jogging, walking, or evening strolls.
- Cycling: Families and fitness enthusiasts often cycle along the coast or around internal roads.
- Beach Activities: There is private beach access for residents in many areas, including activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, private boat/yacht rentals, etc.
Fitness
- YogaOne (nearby in Khalifa City): It offers yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness classes.
- Community Gyms: Each residential community has a fully equipped gym.
- The Room Abu Dhabi (Al Bandar): It is a boutique studio offering spinning, CrossFit-style classes, personal training, and HIIT.
Beauty and Wellness
- Gloss & Bloom (Al Muneera): It is a top women’s salon offering haircuts, styling, coloring, and skincare.
- Gent’s Avenue Salon (Al Bandar): It is a famous barber shop for men with grooming and beard care.
- Chi the Spa (Raha Beach Hotel): It is a luxury spa offering services like massages, facials, and traditional therapy.
Future Developments
- Al Raha Beach will be bringing some of the greatest and attractive developments which include but not limited to the following:
- Al Raha Beach Masterplan Expansion: The Al Raha Beach development, which was started in 2005, comprises over 5.8 million square meters and extends over 11 km of shoreline. With a combination of residential, commercial, and recreational areas, as well as marinas and canals influenced by Abu Dhabi's past, the region is built to contain more than 120,000 people.
- Al Raha Lofts Two: It is a completed project offering 1–3-bedroom apartments.
- Al Manara, Al Maha, and Al Barza: These projects are currently under construction, contributing to the diverse residential offerings in the area.
- Commercial Improvements: Residential projects are not the only active developments. There are also plans for the construction of upscale shops, restaurants, and recreational spaces to improve Al Raha Beach's standard of living. The goal of these facilities is to give both locals and guests a great living experience.
- Abu Dhabi Tram Project: There are plans to connect the 340 km tram network to important locations, such as Al Raha Beach. The goal of this project is to reduce traffic congestion and increase connectivity.
FAQs:
Q: Are properties freehold in Al Raha Beach?
A: Yes, certain developments provide non-UAE nationals with freehold ownership, which attracts foreign investors.
Q: What amenities are available in Al Raha Beach?
A: The Residents in Al Raha Beach enjoy the following amenities:
- Private beaches
- Fitness centers and swimming pools
- Parks and playgrounds
- Retail outlets, cafés, and supermarkets
- Walking and cycling tracks
- Marinas and waterfront promenades
Q: How far is Al Raha Beach from the airport and city center?
A: The distance of this beach from the main areas is as follows:
- Abu Dhabi International Airport: 10 minutes
- Downtown Abu Dhabi: 20–25 minutes
- Dubai (Jebel Ali): 45–50 minutes via E10 highway
Q: How are utilities handled?
A: The utilities like electricity and water are provided by Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC). Cooling is usually managed by district cooling providers like Tabreed.
Q: Are there mosques nearby?
A: Yes, various mosques are located within or near Al Raha Beach, including the following:
- Al Rahba Mosque
- Khalifa City A Mosque
Q: Can expats rent or buy property here?
A: Yes, Al Raha Beach is one of Abu Dhabi’s freehold zones where expatriates can rent or purchase properties.
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