Only 600 metres from the northeast coast of Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island has evolved from a plot of undeveloped land to one of the most-buzzed-about waterfront communities in the UAE capital. It is the kind of place that comes up in most real estate talks about Abu Dhabi and there’s a reason for that: it has an island lifestyle, family-friendly neighbourhoods and skyline living – and only a short drive from the heart of the city.
Whether you’re pondering on moving to this island, investing, or simply curious about the island’s inner workings, this guide provides all the essential information regarding Al Reem Island location, districts, property market, schools, lifestyle, and the nitty-gritty details that most quick overviews miss.
Where Is Al Reem Island Located?
Al Reem Island, an island that lies naturally off the coast of Abu Dhabi, is connected to the mainland by bridges, which make the journey a painless one rather than a chore. The island’s greatest attraction is getting around from here:
- Al Maryah Island (Abu Dhabi Global Market) – approximately 5 minutes away.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche — about 10 minutes.
- Saadiyat Island’s cultural district is approximately 15 minutes’ drive away.
- Zayed International Airport is about 25-30 minutes away.
The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bridge provides a direct connection to Al Reem to Al Maryah and Saadiyat Islands, bypassing the E11 highway on the way to Dubai. The island now incorporates an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a system of electric buses that run on rails, but without the rails, and are able to transport people to the mainland without getting caught in any road traffic. In addition, there’s an emerging water taxi system in place that links Al Reem to Yas Island and the Corniche via sea, making it a rather fun alternative to driving on the roads.
Urban planners often refer to Al Reem as being built around a 15-minute city concept, in which the majority of everyday necessities, such as groceries, schools, clinics and gyms, are within a short walk or drive of the majority of residences in the towers.
A short History of the development of the Island.
Al Reem Island wasn’t built by a single master developer. In the mid-2000s, however, the development of the island was handed over to three big players, each of which developed a specific section of the island independently over approximately 20 years. That is one aspect which makes the island not homogenous in its architectural style and development rate for every precinct.
Almost 8.8 square kilometers in size, the island has come of age, having developed from a landscape dominated by construction into a fully fledged community, boasting retail hubs, parks, schools, and office towers.
A walk across Al Reem Island’s Key Districts
Al Reem Island is actually four neighbourhoods woven together with four differing atmospheres.
This is the oldest and most populated precinct of the island, in the eastern part of Al Reem. The iconic Gate Towers, twin residential skyscrapers linked by a dramatic sky bridge, and the Sun and Sky Towers are located here. Another of the more family friendly spots on the island is Shams, where you will find Reem Central Park, a green space with jogging tracks, playgrounds and open lawns for events.
While Shams offers a more urban and bustling lifestyle, Najmat has a more suburban ambiance, with its tall residential towers, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a calm atmosphere yet still want to be close to the activities.
Marina Square A is a mixed-use precinct complete with apartments, retail and waterfront views, a favourite precinct among young professionals or small families seeking a blend of convenience and community.
City of Lights Home to some of the island’s tallest buildings, including Sky Tower — a 74-storey mixed-use building that will provide offices and apartments with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The district tends to be a bit more commercial, high-rise.
As a search term, ‘Al Reem Island’ can mean so many different things depending on the precinct you are searching in, so keep this in mind when comparing listings, each district is effectively its own micro-community.
Al Reem Island Real Estate and Investment
It’s a freehold investment zone in Abu Dhabi, which means that the UAE nationals can legally buy property here outright – a large part of the reasons why Abu Dhabi’s real estate market consistently remains one of the hottest and most active in the city.
An important regulatory aspect is one that many area guides overlook: property transactions on Al Reem Island are no longer conducted via the usual DARI platform found in other parts of Abu Dhabi – they are regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) instead. Since January 2025, transactions such as property transfers, mortgage registrations, lease registrations and off-plan sales on the island are now transacted via ADGM’s AccessRP digital platform. The service centre at ADGM within The Galleria Mall has also been offering in-person services since February 2026. Foreign buyers do not lose the right to own the property, but the procedure is different from other zones of Abu Dhabi and if the buyer thinks this is the standard procedure they can experience some problems during the transfer process.
Developments-wise, the off-plan market also has continued to report strong activity all over the island, with new towers being released at various price points and payment plans ranging from mid-market apartments to larger multi-bedroom units with staggered completion dates that extend into 2029. Brokers often speak of popular current projects such as Gate Towers, Sky Tower, Reem Hills, Pixel, The Bridges, and Radiant Square from studio apartments to family size units.
There’s one more aspect that business owners need to know: the extension of the ADGM’s jurisdiction to part of Al Reem Island means that companies based in the island can benefit from the legal structure of ADGM, which is based on English Common Law, with an independent court for commercial disputes and a zero tax regime for qualifying income as per current corporate tax regulations.
Lifestyle and Amenities
The waterfront is the hub of life on Al Reem Island. Landscaped gardens interrupt and decorate the concrete, while wide promenades run along the shoreline providing areas for walking, jogging, and bicycling. It’s a walkable island by Abu Dhabi standards, and there are separate bicycle lanes to link residential zones with shopping hot spots.
The range of shopping and dining opportunities is so extensive that many residents never need to venture too far off the island for their daily needs, whether that’s a casual cafe with international cuisine or larger retail stores that are the anchors for each district. Recreational areas within the towers usually feature swimming pools, gymnasiums, and special areas for kids to play, with public parks like Reem Central Park providing bigger green spaces for weekend activities.
Education: School/Nurseries on Al Reem Island
If you’re thinking of relocating to Al Reem Island, you might not realize that it’s evolved into something of an education hub in its own right:
- Repton School Abu Dhabi is a British curriculum school comprising of two campuses: Rose Campus (Early Years) and Fry Campus (Senior Students)
- GEMS World Academy — an International Baccalaureate (IB) school with a future ready approach to facilities.
- Nord Anglia International School — another British curriculum school with modern labs and personalized learning.
- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi — a presence in higher education in humanities, sciences and law, granting the island a true presence in higher education.
- Nurseries – including Redwood Montessori, Hummingbird and Maple Bear Nursery – early years education.
Such a high density of good schools is a huge attraction to families seeking quality schooling within close walking and/or driving distance from home.
Al Reem Island activities
In addition to these residential properties, Al Reem Island is a place to enjoy on its own:
- Picturesque waterfront promenades with clear views of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
- Whether you’re yachting, boating, or anything in between, Marina Life is the perfect experience.
- Retail and food outlets are scattered among several shopping centers
- Outdoor recreation areas such as Reem Central Park (green spaces)
- The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bridge provides easy access to Saadiyat Island’s museums and cultural attractions.
It isn’t so much a destination as an extension of the city, and there’s no single landmark: it’s what you do there on a day-to-day basis.
Who is Al Reem Island for?
Good fit for:
- Young professionals wanting a short commute to Al Maryah Island’s financial district
- Families that value access to the best international schools
- Investors looking for freehold tenure and good rents.
- Whoever wants to live on the water with a significantly less price tag of Abu Dhabi’s downtown”
Things to think about before you invest:
- Noise and dust in pockets as a result of ongoing construction in newer precincts.
- The ADGM-based property registration process is distinct from the rest of Abu Dhabi and those registering for the first time should allow for additional time for paperwork.
- The ART system and water taxis are helping to alleviate the congestion of traffic across the connecting bridges, although it can still increase during surge periods.
Final Thoughts
Al Reem Island has become what it is: one of Abu Dhabi’s most complete waterfront communities, not a single development but a mosaic of districts, each offering a unique lifestyle. From the skyline view from the Gate Towers to the school in Shams or the freehold investment opportunity, there’s a lot to think about when considering this island. Al Reem Island is poised to stay one of Dubai’s most vibrant destinations for several years, as infrastructure, such as the ART transit system, and ADGM’s growing legal landscape, further evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the exact location of Al Reem Island?
Al Reem Island is a natural island located approximately 600 meters from the coastal waters of Abu Dhabi’s northeast coast and is linked to the main land via bridges such as the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bridge.
2. Is it possible for foreigners to acquire property on Al Reem Island?
Yes. Al Reem Island is a freehold area, which means non-UAE nationals are able to buy a property.
3. What is the name of the company that developed Al Reem Island?
The island has been developed separately by three key parties: the Aldar Properties, Tamouh, and Reem Investments, which have developed separate districts on the island.
4. What are the principle districts on Al Reem Island?
The island is split into four distinct areas: Shams Abu Dhabi, Najmat Abu Dhabi, Marina Square and City of Lights, each boasting their own identity and facilities.
What is the distance between Al Reem Island and Abu Dhabi city centre?
Al Reem Island is approximately 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi Corniche while Al Maryah Island is about 5 minutes away.
6. What kind of schools are there on Al Reem Island?
These include Repton School Abu Dhabi, GEMS World Academy, Nord Anglia International School, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and a number of nurseries.
7. Does the registration process differ on Al Reem Island (island in the UAE) than in the other parts of Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Transfer of properties on Al Reem Island is now done via ADGM’s AccessRP platform and not through the regular DARI platform like other islands.
9. What is the name of Reem Central Park?
It is a landscaped green space located in Shams Abu Dhabi with jogging tracks, children’s play areas and open lawns for events.
9. What are the options for getting off the island?
Through road bridges, the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) electric bus system or a developing water taxi network that links to the Corniche and Yas Island.
10. Is Al Reem Island a good investment?
Many investors see it as strong because of freehold ownership, active off-plan development, its close proximity to the financial hub at Al Maryah Island, and the consistent demand for rentals, but investors should take into consideration the process of transacting with ADGM.
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