Apartments & Flats for Rent in Al Reef
Al Reef is a very affordable family-friendly neighborhood in Abu Dhabi. It is close to Abu Dhabi International Airport, Yas Island, and Al Raha Beach, and has a mix of apartments and villas.
It is a self-sufficient community with everything its residents need, such as stores, schools, parks, and gyms, all within easy reach.
In 2025, the real estate market in Al Reef has remained stable. Compared to central Abu Dhabi or high-end coastal areas, rents are lower here. According to recent listings available on MetaHomes.
- Renting a studio in Al Reef costs between AED 40,000 and 45,000 a year.
- The price of a one-bedroom apartment ranges from AED 45,000 to AED 60,000 a year.
- The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is AED 75,000 to 100,000 a year.
- The price of a three-bedroom unit starts at AED 95,000 and goes up from there, depending on the building's condition and amenities.
Al Reef is one of the more affordable places to live in the capital city. It has modern apartments with good amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and covered parking.
Many people choose Al Reef because of its easy access to Abu Dhabi and Dubai via major highways.
Transportation & Accessibility in Al Reef
One major reason why a lot people rent apartments in Al Reef because of its great great location.
It is right next to Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11) and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway (E10), two important roads that link Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This makes commuting very easy and faster.
Al Reef is only:
- 10 minutes from the airport in Abu Dhabi
- 15 minutes from the island of Yas
- 30 minutes from the center of Abu Dhabi
- 45 minutes away from Dubai Marina
Because of its strategic location, residents can live a quieter suburban life while still being close to important business and entertainment centers.
Public Transport in Al Reef
Al Reef is more car-friendly, but public transportation still works well there. You can easily find taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem.
The Abu Dhabi Public Bus Service also runs routes that connect Al Reef to the center of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, and nearby towns.
Driving and Parking in Al Reef
Most people in Al Reef have cars, and one of the best things about living there is that there is plenty of parking.
Every apartment and villa has its own parking space, and there are lots of visitor parking spots around the community. The roads are wide and well-kept, and there isn't much traffic even during rush hour.
Notable Places Near Al Reef
- Yas Island: this area has theme parks, beaches, shopping malls, and other fun activities
- Masdar City: a tech hub and a place for businesses that care about the environment
- Khalifa City and Al Raha Beach have schools, malls, and offices
- Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone: great for people who work nearby
Al Reef is in a great spot for people who travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai a lot. You can get to either city without having to deal with a lot of traffic in the city.
Lifestyle in Al Reef
Al Reef is one of those neighborhoods that really blends modern living with a laid-back community vibe.
It's a community where people know each other, kids can play safely outside, and weekends are all about being outdoors. Al Reef is made for convenience and family life, with everything you need right nearby.
There are two main parts to the area: Al Reef Downtown and Al Reef Villas.
- Al Reef Downtown has apartment buildings that are close to shops, restaurants, and community facilities.
- Al Reef Villas has groups of villas that come with shared pools, nice gardens, and playgrounds for everyone to enjoy.
They’ve built a community where you can find everything you need: supermarkets, cafes, gyms, pharmacies, and salons, all just a short walk away. It feels really safe here, thanks to 24-hour security and gated access everywhere.
Life here is calm, but there's still a lot going on. People love the jogging paths, bike trails, and outdoor spaces to relax.
The community clubhouse has swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness facilities, making it easy to stay active and meet people.
Shopping & Dining in Al Reef
There are plenty of places to shop in and around Al Reef. The Al Reef Community Center has a nice variety of everyday shops, and Yas Mall, which is one of the biggest places to shop in Abu Dhabi, is just a quick 15-minute drive from there. People usually go to Carrefour Market, Spar, and a few local minimarts for their groceries.
You can find all kinds of places to eat around here, like laid-back cafes, pizza spots, and some great Arabic and Asian restaurants.
They're all over the community. If you're looking for something different, the dining and entertainment area on Yas Island is just a quick drive from here.
Schools in Al Reef
One of the best things about living in Al Reef is that there are good schools and nurseries nearby. Families moving here can get to a number of well-known institutions in 10 to 15 minutes.
There are a few highly rated schools nearby, such as:
- Al Raha International School (Al Raha Gardens)
- Al Yasmina Academy (Aldar Academies) – teaches the British curriculum
- Abu Dhabi's GEMS American Academy
- School in Canada
- Aspire International School (Khalifa City A)
There are a lot of nurseries for younger kids, like:
- Odyssey Daycare
- Yellow Submarine Daycare
- Nursery for Humpty Dumpty
Healthcare & other Services in Al Reef
People who live in Al Reef can easily get to pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. NMC Royal Hospital Khalifa City and Burjeel Medical Centre are both a short drive away. For convenience, smaller clinics are also open in Al Reef Downtown.
Who Lives in Al Reef?
A mix of young professionals, families, and expats live in the area. People who work in Yas Island, Khalifa City, Masdar City, or the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone like it a lot because it is cheaper than other parts of Abu Dhabi.
Types of Apartments for Rent in Al Reef
Al Reef has a wide range of rental options, from studios to large multi-bedroom apartments and even villas are available for rent.
There are different types of units, so you can find one that works for singles, couples, families, or people who want to live together.
Finding the right size, finish, view, and location that fits your budget and lifestyle is the most important thing.
Studio Apartments for Rent in Al Reef
A studio in Al Reef is a good deal for people or couples who want a small space.
- The average price for a studio apartment in Al Reef is between AED 40,000 and 45,000 a year.
- The price varies depending on the building, floor, furniture, and view. Even for a studio, things like a balcony, a parking space, and building amenities can make the rent go up a little bit.
One-Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Al Reef
One-bedroom flats, (1 BHK), in Al Reef give renters a little more space and freedom.
- A one-bedroom apartment for rent in Al Reef ranges from AED 45,000 and AED 60,000 per year.
- These units have a separate bedroom, living room, kitchen, balcony or big windows, and sometimes a place to park. They are popular with small families and professionals who want more space than a studio.
Two-Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Al Reef
There are a lot of two-bedroom apartments in Al Reef if you need more space, like for a small family or shared living.
- The average rent for a two-bedroom flat in Al Reef is between AED 75,000 and AED 100,000 per year. The exact amount depends on the size, condition, furnishings, and location of the flat within the community.
Three-Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Al Reef
Three-bedroom apartments and large flats are available for families who need more room.
- Rents start at AED 95,000 a year and can go up from there depending on the finish, floor, view, and amenities.
- These units are often found in bigger buildings or villa-style flats, and some even have their own gardens or terraces.
Furnished & Unfurnished Apartments in Al Reef
If you're renting in Al Reef, it matters if the unit is furnished or not. A lot of studio and one-bedroom apartments come with furniture, which is great for short-term stays.
Most of the two and three-bedroom flats in Al Reef often come without furniture, so you can customize them to your taste.
Top Reasons to Rent an Apartment in Al Reef
Many buildings in Al Reef have parking, swimming pools, gyms, play areas for kids, landscaped gardens, 24-hour security, and good maintenance. These extras make living there better and affect the price of the rental.
Good Value
Al Reef is a great deal when you compare it to central Abu Dhabi or premium waterfront areas.
You're getting modern apartments, good community amenities, and easy access to the city for less than what you would pay in many luxury areas.
That makes it especially appealing if your budget isn't too tight but you still want a comfortable, well-connected home.
Popular Places and Buildings to Rent an Apartment in Al Reef
Al Reef is made up of different residential clusters, each of which is meant to provide a certain way of life.
The area is well-planned, so it's easy for people to find homes that fit their way of life. Some people want a quiet corner near parks, while others want a busy area near shops and cafes.
Al Reef Downtown and Al Reef Villas are the two main areas. Both have become some of the most popular places to rent in Abu Dhabi.
Apartments for Rent in Al Reef Downtown
This is the center of Al Reef, a lively community of 46 residential buildings that range from low- to mid-rise.
There are modern apartments in Al Reef Downtown in each building. Residents can use shared swimming pools, gyms, landscaped gardens, and parking that is only for them.
There are a lot of cafés, grocery stores, clinics, and gyms in the area, which gives it a strong neighborhood feel.
Who it's best for: Young professionals, small families, and couples who like living in apartments and want easy access to everyday things.
Al Reef Downtown's average rents are:
- Studio: AED 40,000 to 45,000
- One bedroom: AED 50,000 to 60,000
- 2-bedroom: AED 75,000 to AED 90,000
- Three bedrooms: AED 95,000 or more
Why people like it:
- It has many supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants that are all within walking distance
- Several pools and play areas for kids
- Access through a gate with security all the time
- A friendly atmosphere for families
Apartments for Rent in Al Reef Villas
Al Reef Villas is mostly recognized for its villa-style homes, but it also offers villa apartments, which are smaller flats located within bigger villa communities. These are great for people looking for a quieter space where they can have more privacy.
There are four different themed communities for the villas:
- Mediterranean Village
- Desert Village
- Modern Village
- Arabic Village
Each place has its own special look and comes with a community pool, gym, and playground.
This is great for families who want more room, some green space, and a bit of privacy.
The usual rent prices for Al Reef Villas are:
- 2-bedroom villa: AED 85,000 to 95,000
- 3-bedroom villa: AED 95,000 to 115,000
- 4-bedroom villa: AED 120,000 to 150,000
Here’s why people are really into it:
- A calm neighborhood with private gardens
- A safe and well-kept place
- A community center that has some restaurants and little shops
- Great for families with kids
Apartments for Rent Near the Al Reef Community Center
Another nice spot in Al Reef is the area around the Al Reef Community Center. It's perfect for anyone who needs easy access to everyday stuff, like bakeries, cafés, salons, and pharmacies.
This area is great for people who don't drive because everything they need is close by:
What makes it popular:
- Supermarkets and dining spots
- Near schools and daycare centers
- There are plenty of public transport options available
Apartments for Rent in North Al Reef
The northern part of Al Reef is more residential and quiet. It's close to the main roads, which makes it a great place for people who work in Yas Island, Khalifa City, or Dubai to live. Apartments here are newer and have better layouts for the same price.
Why people like it:
- Quiet places
- Newer buildings with modern touches
- Easy access to the airport and main roads
Is Al Reef a good place for families?
For sure. Families really are the heart of this community. There are schools, daycare centers, parks, playgrounds, and grocery stores close by.
The gated setup and round-the-clock security create a safe place for kids. A lot of apartments and villas come with community pools and nice green areas.
What's the transportation like in Al Reef?
Al Reef is really well connected by roads, with E10 and E11 making it easy to get to Abu Dhabi city, Yas Island, and Dubai.
You can find buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber around. But most people living here like to drive since parking is free and pretty easy to get.
What are some popular spots to rent apartments in Al Reef?
- Al Reef Downtown is a vibrant area with plenty of apartments and shops, plus some nice cafes around.
- Al Reef Villas (Mediterranean, Desert, Contemporary, Arabic Villages) – nice and quiet villa neighborhoods with their own gardens and pools.
- North Al Reef has newer buildings and it's easier to get on the highway.
- Community Center – great for everyday needs and getting around on public transport.
Living in Al Reef gives you a nice and budget-friendly way of life. This area is really nice and calm, with modern apartments that are close to Yas Island and Khalifa City. It's perfect for people looking to settle down and enjoy some space and convenience.
If you’re searching for a studio to rent in Al Reef or a villa for your family, this community is one of the best-planned neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi. It’s a place where comfort really meets value.
See More:
Apartments for Rent in AL Raha Beach
Apartments for Rent in Al Reem Island
Apartments for Rent in Saadiyat Island
Apartments for Rent in Yas Island