When one thinks of suburbia, images of families, greenery and a kind of residential utopia come to mind. One might not think of these similarities in Khalifa A, but there's a suburban feel to the residential districts taking shape on the capital's outskirts.

Khalifa City and the Al Raha developments have become very popular, especially among families looking for value for money and access to new leisure facilities outside the city. Rising accommodation prices in the capital, especially between 2005 to 2008, forced many people to look beyond the island.

Limited new development in the city's leafy areas and poor quality older apartment buildings meant the search for affordable homes began beyond the bridges over the Maqta.

Catalyst for development

Residential developments on the area of land between the airport and the creek accelerated during the late 1990s, driven by the expansion of Abu Dhabi's airport. Etihad's residential and community retail Plaza and its headquarters building are widely seen as the major catalyst for property development in the area.

Aldar's Al Raha Gardens was the first masterplanned residential community in the area. It is hugely popular, particularly with expat families, offering green spaces, community and shopping facilities.

Al Raha Beach appeals to a different demographic. One of the first developments which non-UAE nationals could purchase, its apartments are popular with young families, and offer an aspirational lifestyle to singles and young couples.

Sea views, stylish cafes, gyms and on-site salons and spas, a stone's throw from the hotels of Yas Island, are a powerful draw to investors, owner-occupiers and tenants alike.

Al Reef is further afield but still offers fantastic value and an evolving community lifestyle. Over 1,800 new apartments should come online in the ‘downtown' district this spring.

Al Rayanna is proving to be another popular suburban area. Adjacent to the Westin Hotel and Golf Club, the developer, Sorouh Real Estate, is pitching it to well-heeled tenants, with swimming pools, gyms, play parks and sunset views over the 18th hole.

However, Khalifa City offers something very different. Ten years ago, this was a patch of sand-blown desert. Today, it hums to the sound of diggers and concrete mixers. Land here is owned by individual UAE nationals and development companies.

However, the landscaping found in other areas is the only aspect missing here. The formula that transformed this area is the development of schools. The area has been highlighted as part of the 2030 project, whereby land has been prioritised for educational development.

These include the Yasmina school, Gems Academy, Horizon, the Canadian school and the British International School, plus Zayed University. This area is maturing with quality international schooling, cafes, supermarkets, green spaces and access to the spaces beyond the city. All elements you'd expect to find in the ideal suburban experience.

 

The writer is the associate director for commercial leasing at Cluttons Abu Dhabi office.