Abu Dhabi Week took a look at two of the lesser-known areas as options for renters in the capital – Sas Al Nakhl Village and Mangrove Village
Sas Al Nakhl
Sas Al Nakhl is a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city and is close to the Zayed Cricket Stadium. The gated community is made up of 558 three, four and five-bedroom villas.
At the heart of Sas Al Nakhl Village lies the Clubhouse, with sporting facilities including a swimming pool, children’s pool, sundeck, gym, jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, tennis courts, squash courts, a children’s playground and games room. The village also has a Spinneys, local mosque, La Brioche café, 24-hour security and maintenance.
“There’s a great community spirit here,” says tenant Georgina Wilkinson. “There are regular events and people are always willing to help out with finding lost pets and answering queries relating to the compound and Abu Dhabi.
“We also have a residents committee, which has successfully resolved issues, including the installation of playgrounds and adding signs on some of the main roads.
“Although it would be better if there was a more direct route and better signage from the motorway. It’s quite confusing as Sas al Nakhl is also the name of a separate area and visitors can easily take the wrong exit.”
According to Khidmah property manager Ahmed Rawashdeh this community’s main appeal is the location and facilities. “It is conveniently situated close to the Abu Dhabi Golf Course and Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium and has its own mosque and minimart, which makes this development a self-contained community.
“The village has superb leisure and recreational facilities with the safety and convenience of 24-hour security and maintenance,” Rawashdeh said.
Commenting on its location Cluttons property consultant Alan Kaye said: “Sas Al Nakhl is not that far out of the city, it’s actually nearer than Al Raha Beach and is the first major development you come too after you leave the city.”
The rental cost for a three-bed villa is AED 160,000 to 180,000 per annum, a four-bed is AED 180,000 to AED 200,000, and a five-bed villa costs from AED 260,000 to AED 280,000.
Mangrove Village
Located in Officers City (Abu Dhabi Gate City), Mangrove Village is just 20 minutes away from downtown Abu Dhabi.
The village is made up of a variety of four and five-bedroom villas and apartments. Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a health club with gym, sauna and steam room, tennis court, basketball court, a yacht marina, a Spinneys and a coffee shop.
“Mangrove Village is a vibrant, family-friendly community,” said Jasim Al Ali, chief executive officer of First Gulf Properties. “The gated compound provides a safe environment perfect for children. Parents can rest easy knowing that their children can play safely outside in the gardens, the dedicated play areas or at the pool.
“The Arabian inspired villas at Mangrove Village offer high quality finish and contemporary design. The traditional Arabic architectural design enhances the feeling of comfort and style, rooted in its locale,” Al Ali added.
The rental cost starts from around AED 200,000.
Catriona Doherty
