Neighborhoods and areas — Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the UAE capital, where foreigners can buy freehold in designated investment zones, from the Al Reem and Al Maryah business islands to the new villa island of Hudayriyat.

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Price and yield

Average price per sqm and estimated rental yield in Abu Dhabi. For comparison only, not investment advice.

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AED per sqm, index average

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Estimated yield

Last updated: October 11, 2026

Based on registered sale transactions in Dubai

What defines Abu Dhabi

Who it suits: buyers looking for a capital-city market, with villa islands and waterfront towers.

Freehold for all nationalities

since Law No. 13 of 2019, foreigners can buy property with full ownership in designated investment zones.

Business islands

Al Maryah Island is home to the ADGM financial centre, The Galleria mall and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Island communities

Al Reem, Saadiyat, Yas and Hudayriyat each have their own character: towers, culture, leisure and sport.

2% registration fee

the registration fee on a property purchase in Abu Dhabi is 2%, compared with 4% in Dubai.

About the area

Abu Dhabi has no single master developer: each island or community is built by a different developer, including Aldar, Modon, IMKAN and Emirates Developments.

Since Law No. 13 of 2019, foreigners of all nationalities can buy freehold in designated investment zones, including Yas, Saadiyat, Al Reem, Al Maryah and Hudayriyat. Outside these zones, foreigners are mostly limited to long-term leases.

Character: a government and finance centre, calmer than Dubai. The city has no metro, so most people drive, and the trip to Dubai takes about an hour and a half.

Active projects in Abu Dhabi

Projects in Abu Dhabi: entry price, payment plan and handover date.

ProjectDeveloperAreaPrice (AED)Expected handover
Bashayer VillasModonHudayriyat IslandAED 7.2MQ1 2030
Hudayriyat Golf EstatesModonHudayriyat IslandAED 4.2M to 35.8MAugust 2030
Jumeirah ResidencesEmirates DevelopmentsAl Maryah IslandAED 4.7M to 13.1M2031
Al NaseemModonHudayriyat IslandAED 7.8M to 10MQ4 2027
Nawayef WestModonHudayriyat IslandAED 6M to 41MQ4 2027
The Artery ResidencesIMKAN PropertiesAl Reem IslandAED 941K to 2.4MDecember 2029

Agencies and developers active in the area

Developers and agencies active in Abu Dhabi.

Location and distances

Estimated drive times from Abu Dhabi to key destinations, outside rush hour.

  • Abu Dhabi airport (AUH)

    About 25 min

  • Corniche

    About 10 min

  • Yas Island

    About 25 min

  • Saadiyat Island

    About 15 min

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Abu Dhabi: ownership, family fit and type of investment.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. There are villa communities on Hudayriyat Island, and Al Reem has schools, clinics, parks and malls alongside its towers.

Freehold or Leasehold?

Freehold for all nationalities, but only in designated investment zones. All the projects on our site are in these zones.

How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?

About an hour and a half by car from central Abu Dhabi to central Dubai.

What kind of investment is it?

It depends on the island: rental towers on Al Reem, off-plan villas on Hudayriyat and branded residences on Al Maryah.

Interested in this area?

Contact us and we will help you find the right project. Leave your details for a free matching call. Dubai Index will connect you with a project in Abu Dhabi.

Investing in Abu Dhabi — prices and yields | Dubai Index