Al Raha Beach Property Guide

Al Raha Beach Overview

Al Raha Beach is a waterfront master-planned community by Aldar Properties on Abu Dhabi’s northern coast, along the highway to Dubai, between Khalifa City, Yas Island and Zayed International Airport. Spread across around 5.2 million square metres, it is home to Aldar’s iconic circular headquarters and to waterfront precincts such as Al Bandar, Al Muneera, Al Zeina and Al Hadeel, with marinas, canals, beach access, promenades and restaurants.

Al Raha Beach has been one of Abu Dhabi’s best-performing residential markets. Knight Frank recorded apartment price growth of 11% between H1 2024 and H1 2025, among the strongest in the emirate, while 2025 apartment asking prices rose 16.7% to around AED 1,507 per square foot and average apartment prices rose 29.2%.

Highlights

•           Waterfront living: marinas, canals, promenades and sea views.

•           Iconic landmark: the circular Aldar headquarters building.

•           Prime location: minutes from Yas Island and Zayed International Airport.

•           Established precincts: Al Bandar, Al Muneera, Al Zeina and Al Hadeel.

•           Strong price growth: apartment asking prices up 16.7% per square foot in 2025, with average prices up 29.2%.

•           Top performer: among the highest apartment price gains in Abu Dhabi (Knight Frank, 2025).

•           Investment zone: open to buyers of all nationalities.

Al Raha Beach at a glance

•           Master developer: Aldar Properties

•           Location: along the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway, next to Khalifa City and Yas Island

•           Total area: around 5.2 million square metres (around 56 million square feet)

•           Planned population: around 120,000 residents

•           Flagship precincts: Al Bandar, Al Muneera, Al Zeina and Al Hadeel

•           Ownership: investment zone, open to international buyers

•           Property types: apartments, lofts, townhouses and villas

Waterfront living between the city and Yas

Al Raha Beach combines established waterfront precincts with easy access to Yas Island, the airport and the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway. Its central coastal location and Aldar quality continue to attract professionals, families and investors.

Al Raha Beach in Numbers

Key verified figures for Al Raha Beach, with the period and source type stated for market data.

Size and community

•           Total area: around 5.2 million square metres

•           Planned residents: around 120,000

•           Flagship precincts: 4 (Al Bandar, Al Muneera, Al Zeina, Al Hadeel)

•           Other sub-precincts: including Khor Al Raha, Al Seef, Al Dana, Al Rumaila, Al Zahiya and Al Lissayli

•           Landmark: the distinctive circular Aldar headquarters building

Market data

•           Apartment price growth: 11% between H1 2024 and H1 2025 (Knight Frank)

•           Apartment asking price per square foot: around AED 1,507 in 2025, up 16.7% (dubizzle annual report)

•           Average apartment asking price: around AED 2.26 million, up 29.2%

•           Villa asking price per square foot: around AED 1,171 in 2025, up 1.7%

•           Average villa asking price: around AED 6.72 million, up 2.1%

Where Is Al Raha Beach? Location and Connectivity

Al Raha Beach lies on Abu Dhabi’s northern coast between Khalifa City, Yas Island and Zayed International Airport, directly on the main highway to Dubai.

Key distances and travel times

•           Yas Island: around 5 to 10 minutes.

•           Zayed International Airport (AUH): around 10 minutes.

•           Saadiyat Island: around 15 minutes.

•           Abu Dhabi city centre: around 20 to 25 minutes.

•           Dubai: around 60 to 75 minutes.

Road access

Al Raha Beach sits on the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway (E10 and E11 network), with fast access to Yas Island, the airport, Khalifa City and the city centre. The Mid-Island Parkway is planned to improve connections with Al Reem and Saadiyat.

Al Raha Beach Master Plan

Development background

Aldar Properties planned Al Raha Beach as a waterfront city along the capital’s coastline, with residential, commercial and leisure precincts set around canals and marinas. The Aldar headquarters became the community’s landmark, and the flagship precincts of Al Bandar, Al Muneera, Al Zeina and Al Hadeel were delivered with waterfront homes and amenities.

Precincts

•           Al Bandar: marina-front apartments, townhouses and a waterfront promenade.

•           Al Muneera: apartments and townhouses with beach access.

•           Al Zeina: low-rise apartments, townhouses and villas on the waterfront.

•           Al Hadeel: waterfront residences near the beach.

•           Khor Al Raha and other sub-precincts: further residential and mixed-use districts.

Planning principles

•           Water at the centre: canals, marinas and promenades.

•           Mixed use: homes, offices, retail and leisure.

•           Low- to mid-rise: human-scale buildings along the water.

•           Connectivity: direct highway access and proximity to the airport.

Developers and Projects in Al Raha Beach

Aldar Properties is the master developer of Al Raha Beach and delivered its flagship precincts. Buyers should confirm each project’s details and registration with the developer and the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

Property types in Al Raha Beach

•           Studios and apartments: marina and sea-view homes.

•           Lofts and duplexes: distinctive layouts in selected buildings.

•           Townhouses: waterfront family homes.

•           Villas: larger homes in Al Zeina and other precincts.

Al Raha Beach Property Prices and Market Trends

Al Raha Beach recorded apartment price growth of 11% between H1 2024 and H1 2025 according to Knight Frank, and 2025 apartment asking prices rose 16.7% to around AED 1,507 per square foot. Figures in this section are based on published market reports and listing data, with the period and source type stated. They should be confirmed at the time of purchase.

Market Overview

Demand in Al Raha Beach is driven by its waterfront setting, established precincts, Aldar quality and its location between Abu Dhabi city, Yas Island and the airport. Professionals working at the airport, on Yas Island and in Khalifa City form a strong rental base.

Key Market Indicators

•           Apartment price growth: 11% (H1 2024 to H1 2025, Knight Frank).

•           Apartment asking price per square foot: around AED 1,507 (2025), up 16.7%.

•           Average apartment asking price: around AED 2.26 million (2025), up 29.2%.

•           Villa asking price per square foot: around AED 1,171 (2025).

Typical Unit Sizes

•           One-bedroom apartments: around 750 to 1,050 square feet.

•           Two-bedroom apartments: around 1,200 to 1,700 square feet.

•           Three-bedroom apartments: around 1,800 to 2,500 square feet.

•           Townhouses: around 2,500 to 4,000 square feet.

•           Villas: around 4,000 to 7,000 square feet.

Average Asking Prices by Unit Type (2025, dubizzle)

•           One-bedroom apartments: around AED 1.38 million.

•           Two-bedroom apartments: around AED 2.12 million.

•           Three-bedroom apartments: around AED 3.23 million.

•           Four-bedroom villas: around AED 5.52 million.

•           Five-bedroom villas: around AED 12.68 million.

Market Outlook

•           Continued growth of Yas Island and the airport area

•           Completion of the Mid-Island Parkway

•           New projects in the remaining precincts

•           Sustained demand for waterfront homes close to Abu Dhabi’s main employment hubs

Payment Plans

•           Off-plan payment plans: staged payments during construction with a balance on handover, set by each developer.

•           Ready property: purchased outright or with a mortgage.

Upcoming Infrastructure in Al Raha Beach

•           Mid-Island Parkway: planned to connect Al Raha Beach with Al Reem, Saadiyat and Khalifa City.

•           New developments: further residential and mixed-use projects in Al Raha Beach’s precincts.

•           Wider area: continued growth of Yas Island, Khalifa City and the airport district.

Long-term vision

Al Raha Beach is set to remain one of Abu Dhabi’s leading waterfront communities, combining marina living with direct access to the capital’s main leisure and business destinations.

Living in Al Raha Beach: Lifestyle and Amenities

Waterfront and leisure

•           Marinas, canals and waterfront promenades

•           Beach access in selected precincts

•           Al Bandar and Al Muneera dining and cafés

Shopping

•           Neighbourhood retail: supermarkets and shops in the precincts.

•           Nearby malls: Yas Mall and Al Raha Mall a short drive away.

Education and healthcare

•           Schools: international schools in Khalifa City and on Yas Island.

•           Healthcare: clinics within the community and hospitals in Khalifa City and Abu Dhabi city.

Community

Al Raha Beach is home to professionals and families who value waterfront living, quick airport access and proximity to Yas Island.

How to Buy Property in Al Raha Beach

Al Raha Beach is an investment zone, so UAE nationals and international buyers can buy, own, let and resell property through the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

Who Buys in Al Raha Beach

•           Investors: buyers seeking waterfront apartments with strong demand.

•           Professionals: buyers working at the airport, Yas Island and Khalifa City.

•           Families: buyers of townhouses and villas by the water.

•           Residency seekers: buyers combining a home with eligibility for a UAE residence visa.

Ownership

International buyers can own property in Abu Dhabi’s designated investment zones. Ownership is registered with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), and off-plan purchases are recorded on the official off-plan register until handover, when the title deed is issued. Off-plan projects are registered with the authorities, and buyers’ payments are held in a dedicated project escrow account.

Golden Visa and Residency

Property ownership in Abu Dhabi can qualify buyers for a UAE residence visa, including the 10-year Golden Visa when the property value meets the government threshold. Buyers should confirm the latest criteria with ADREC or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.

Letting Your Property

Long-term leases in Abu Dhabi are registered through the Tawtheeq system. Holiday-home lets require a licence from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, usually arranged through a licensed operator.

Al Raha Beach FAQs

Where is Al Raha Beach?

Al Raha Beach is on Abu Dhabi’s northern coast, between Khalifa City, Yas Island and Zayed International Airport.

Who developed Al Raha Beach?

Al Raha Beach is developed by Aldar Properties.

How big is Al Raha Beach?

The community covers around 5.2 million square metres and is planned for around 120,000 residents.

What is the price per square foot in Al Raha Beach?

Apartment asking prices averaged around AED 1,507 per square foot in 2025, up 16.7%. Full details are set out in the Property Prices section.

Can foreigners buy property in Al Raha Beach?

Yes. Al Raha Beach is an investment zone open to international buyers.

Does buying in Al Raha Beach qualify for a Golden Visa?

Property ownership can qualify buyers for a UAE residence visa, including the 10-year Golden Visa when the property value meets the government threshold. Buyers should confirm the latest criteria before purchase.

Important Notice

This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or investment advice. Figures are based on publicly available market sources at the date of publication and may change. Illustrative examples are not forecasts, and past price performance does not guarantee future results. Project details, prices, payment plans and completion dates are subject to change by the respective developers. Readers should verify all information independently and consult licensed professionals before making any investment decision.