As part of a regular series focusing on communities in the capital, Alan Kaye homes in on Al Raha Beach
Al Raha Beach, which is situated on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, consists of three separate communities: Al Bandar, Al Muneera and Al Zeina. Each has a different vibe and appeals to different people.
Al Raha Beach is about 25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, ten minutes from the airport, and 45 minutes from Dubai Marina.
There are numerous supermarkets, restaurants and cafés in the immediate vicinity and come November, Yas Island, which is only five minutes away, will have Yas Mall with over 800 stores, a twenty screen cinema and entertainment centre. There is also Yas Marina where there are now numerous cafés, bars and restaurants.
All of the communities have underground parking and twenty-four hour security. The units are modern, light and bright and boast the latest gadgetry for smart living.
Al Raha Beach is one of the areas where expats can buy property and many are doing so with prices starting at around AED 1.4m for a one-bedroom apartment to AED 5.5m for a townhouse.
Al Bandar
Al Bandar is considered the most prestigious of the three communities, appealing mainly to single people and couples as it has a sophisticated, laid back vibe.
It consists of four buildings, three of which are all glass, while the fourth, Al Barza, is unusually built of brick.
The rooms at Al Barza all have high ceilings, wooden floors, full balconies and are large in size with wonderful sea views. The other three buildings are in the shape of a boat so at the front the rooms are smaller than at the back.
Al Bandar is the most expensive community with a one-bedroom apartment starting at AED 130,000 up to AED 290,000 for a three-bedroom apartment with a massive terrace and full sea views.
There are three swimming pools, a gym that features classes from Bodytree Studio, a music school, a chemist, Spinneys, and a family doctor. It also has Nolu’s, which is consistently voted one of the best cafés/restaurants in Abu Dhabi, and Spanish restaurant and tapas bar, Ornina.
Al Muneera
Al Muneera is one of the most child friendly communities in Abu Dhabi. It has its own private beach and a large number of shops and cafés along the beachfront. There is also a newly opened Jones the Grocer while a Carrefour supermarket will be opening shortly.
Al Muneera consists of twelve buildings, each with their own gym and access to swimming pools. There are very large children’s play areas and also a free indoor playroom. There are numerous nurseries, schools and after school activities in the immediate area.
What is really special about Al Muneera is the social scene and the great sense of community. There are numerous groups that meet on a regular basis. Yoga and exercise play a great part and regular classes are held on the beach.
Accommodation ranges from one- to four-bedroom apartments with prices from AED 100,000 to AED 250,000 for a four-bedroom sea view apartment.
All of the apartments have wooden floors and come with fitted appliances. There are also four-bedroom townhouses with their own splash pool priced around AED 340,000.
There is a wide discrepancy of prices dependant on views and the landlord, as many of the properties are privately owned.
Al Zeina
Al Zeina was the last of the three communities of the Raha Beach development to be completed. It generally suits couple and families with older children.
It has a private beach with an infinity pool, a beach football pitch and kayaks. On site is a Waitrose supermarket and Nando’s while a health club and a nursery are due to open soon.
The community consists of fourteen buildings all with their own gym, pool and underground parking.
The design of both the apartments and the community is much more stark than at either Al Muneera or Al Bandar and is characterised by large open spaces within the apartments, spacius balconies, floor to ceiling windows and high ceilings.
There are a wide number of different configurations ranging in size from one- to six-bedrooms and priced from AED 120,000 to AED 475,000. There are also four- and five-bedroom beach villas from around AED 440,000.
We, at Cluttons, currently have a good selection of properties both to rent and to buy at all of the communities. In the future there are plans for a new development next to Al Bandar and for a new five star hotel.
So whether you desire sophistication, laid back or very child friendly with an easy commute to either Abu Dhabi or Dubai, Al Raha Beach is very much the place to live.
