The UAE has been voted one of the happiest countries in the world and even has its own Minister of Happiness. Credit for this can be given to the nation’s capital Abu Dhabi, an emirate that has proven time and time again that it is one of the safest and most relaxing areas to reside in. In this blog, we will delve into our pick of the five happiest areas in Abu Dhabi.
What are the Happiest Areas in Abu Dhabi?
- Saadiyat Island
- Reem Island
- Al Raha Beach
- Yas Island
- Al Khalidiya
Saadiyat Island: The Happiest Area in Abu Dhabi
The name of this luxury island is Arabic for “the Island of Happiness,” you can’t not put a place with a name like that on the top of this list. Saadiyat Island might be underpopulated as of now but is still worthy of this spot, which begs the question, how much better can it get? With over three word-class museums scheduled to reach completion here and some head-spinning new residential complexes in the works, the sky is the limit for this young district.
The island which comprises mixed-use commercial and residential units is also a leisure hotspot and an ever bigger cultural icon. With already existing international museums and cultural hotspots like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat, it is easy to tell why this district has been crowned the cultural capital of the UAE.
Furthermore one of the best beaches in all of the UAE exists here. And if spending time in nature and observing and tracking wildlife tickles your fancy then the protected areas and the future wild-life reserves will serve you well. Golf lovers are also amply rewarded here by the massive Saadiyat Beach Golf Club that lies squarely at the shore.
Living in Saadiyat means pure indulgence and there is a reason for its being home to some of the most expensive real estate options in the emirate. With waterfront villas and apartments overlooking the sea, and enjoying fresh breezes and the calm tranquility only an island can provide, the quality of life here is hard to beat. Everything was designed to be luxurious and convenient within these parts. Families will thrive here with some of the best schools and tertiary education in the country such as the esteemed New York University and the Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School.
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Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is a masterpiece of modern architecture and civil engineering. Originally a natural island on the sparkling Arabian Gulf that was expanded to become larger, residents of Reem Island enjoy some of the best seafront properties paired with the convenience of all their daily needs being met within the island’s vicinity. The Island has two malls within its boundaries and an endless list of cafes, restaurants, and retail and lifestyle outlets. It is a great choice for those who want to live near the heart of Abu Dhabi city but still prefer a quieter and more refined waterfront lifestyle.
With some fantastic complexes such as the Sun Tower which was erected on top of a mall, the neighboring Gate Towers that was inspired by the famous Stonehenge structure, and the highly affordable waterfront complex of Hydra Avenues in the City of Lights subdistrict, Reem Island offers all its goodness to a wide array of people with different budget points.
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Al Raha Beach
If you are a budding surfer, then this is exactly the spot for you. We’ve heard of the amazing waterfront complexes in Saadiyat Island and Reem Island, but this district takes the theme to a whole new level. Waterfront living is the only option in Al Raha Beach and they have perfected the matter and turned it into an art.
Al Raha Beach is made up of many communities, but Al Muneera, Al Zeina, and Al Dana are the main ones. These are communities that are comprised of miniature islands or consist of beach-facing complexes. This leads us to our next point.
The sheer number of beaches, jetties, and docks found in this district is incredible — and that is the main theme of the area really: A sea-focused life.
Families here will enjoy access to private beaches, yoga retreats, as well as many watersport spots cluttered around the community. Al Bandar is a marina-focused area populated by young couples and singles looking for a chic and relaxed environment by the water.
The nightlife in Al Bandar offers many international and local dining experiences on the waterside.
Al Raha Beach is close to Yas Island, which means that it enjoys easy access to the many entertainment facilities located on the island through boat rides and water shuttles that land visitors smack dab on Yas Bay in a few minutes.
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Yas Island
Known as one of the biggest entertainment hotspots in the entire Middle East, a lot has gone into building this leisure-focused island. One can view the opulence and great effort that was expended on this district through one of the area’s famous helicopter rides. Yas Island has broken many records and continues to do so. The world’s largest indoor theme park – the Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi can be found here. Yas Mall, which is Abu Dhabi’s largest mall is located at the center of this island, and Ferrari World, home to the world’s former fastest roller coaster, can be accessed from Yas Mall.
Yas Island has also been home to the Formula One Grand Prix since 2009, which takes place in the illustrious Marina Circuit. Other than that a large chunk of the events that take place in Abu Dhabi occur on Yas Island. From concerts to UFC fights and more, there is never a dull moment on Yas Island.
Yas is filled with pristine beaches, and parks, and hosts one of Abu Dhabi’s most active bays. Furthermore, Yas Island is home to a massive world-renowned golf course known as Yas Links and has an elegant marina filled with coastline restaurants that showcase breathtaking views at sunset.
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Al Khalidiya
Al Khalidiya is known for its old meets new atmosphere. Living here will not come cheap as it is populated by palace-like villas and its northern district runs across Abu Dhabi’s famous Corniche. As such, it is a lively area with calm seas, beautiful beaches, parks, and greenery to last a lifetime.
When it comes to having access to all the needs of a complete life, nothing beats Al Khalidiya. From shops, schools, libraries, supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, gyms, and any need imaginable – everything is within walking distance at Al Khalidiya.
Popular restaurants and cafes are also densely populated on the famous Electra Street which splits a way through the middle of Al Khalidiya and leads to the popular Khalidiya mall.
Al Khalidiya is the most family-friendly district on this list and also one of the coziest ones. Everybody seems to be wearing a smile here and there’s a park with kids laughing and playing at almost every corner. A highly recommended place to raise a family in.
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Gravity Real Estate
Gravity Real Estate is a leading real estate consultancy in Abu Dhabi that has been around for over a decade. With expert agents spread across every corner of Abu Dhabi and tight connections with the leading developers, there isn’t a real estate situation we cannot aid with.
Our diverse range of services includes everything from the sale and rent of all kinds of properties, property management, off-plan property investment, consultation services, and property marketing. Call us now to find out how we can help move your situation forward.
