Living in Reem Island Abu Dhabi

Al Reem Island is Abu Dhabi's most prominent island residential district, a short hop from the city centre yet built around its own parks, malls, schools and hospital. This area guide covers the location, property types, realistic price and rent ranges, schools and amenities, the honest pros and cons, and who it suits. Prices here are indicative ranges: verify current numbers with a licensed Abu Dhabi agent and the official portal.

Where Al Reem Island is

Al Reem Island lies about 600 metres off the northeastern coast of Abu Dhabi and covers roughly 8.8 square kilometres. Its proximity to the main island of Abu Dhabi is a defining feature: residents get an island setting with waterfront views while staying within easy reach of the city centre. The 2024 census recorded close to 60,000 usual residents, making it a genuinely populated, established community rather than a construction site.

The island was master-planned across districts assigned to different developers, with Tamouh Investments responsible for a large share, alongside Sorouh Real Estate and Al Reem Investments. That multi-developer structure produced a dense cluster of residential and mixed-use towers, so most homes here are apartments rather than villas.

The districts of Al Reem Island

Understanding the sub-districts helps you target your search:

• Shams Abu Dhabi: a major district that includes the Gate and the landmark Sun and Sky Towers, plus the Shams Boutik retail area.
• Marina Square: a cluster of residential towers developed by Tamouh, popular with renters and end-users.
• Najmat: a mixed district that is home to GEMS World Academy.
• Makers District: a more recent waterfront district positioned around design and lifestyle.

Each district has a slightly different character, price level and building age, so the same nominal apartment type can vary between them. For a closer look at individual towers, see our guides to Tamouh Tower, Sun Tower, Sky Tower and Mangrove Place.

Property types and who lives here

Al Reem Island is overwhelmingly an apartment market, ranging from studios to larger family units and penthouses in its many high-rise towers. The Sky Tower, completed in 2010 at 292.2 metres, is among the city's tallest buildings and signals the island's high-rise character. Sun and Sky Towers were also among the first in Abu Dhabi to offer freehold apartments to non-Emirati buyers.

The resident mix leans toward professionals, couples and families who want a central, amenity-rich island lifestyle with waterfront views. Because supply is deep and varied, the island suits a wide range of budgets, from compact studios to premium waterfront units. If you want the surrounding-tower context, our Tala Tower guide and the broader Reem Island UAE overview add detail.

Amenities: malls, parks, health and transport

Al Reem Island has matured into a self-contained community. Confirmed amenities include:

• Reem Mall, which opened in May 2024 as a large retail and leisure destination with hundreds of shops, a cinema, a hypermarket and an indoor snow attraction.
• Reem Central Park, a green public space that opened in December 2018.
• Reem Hospital, a multi-bed hospital that opened in 2020.
• Waterfront promenades and retail across the districts.

This depth of amenities is a big part of the island's appeal, because daily needs, healthcare, shopping and green space are all on the island rather than a drive away. That said, a dense island can experience traffic at peak times, so factor your real commute in.

Schools and family life

Families are well served. The island hosts several established international schools and institutions, including Repton School, GEMS World Academy, Nord Anglia International School, and a Sorbonne University campus nearby. Having reputable schools on or beside the island is a strong draw for families, since it cuts commuting and anchors long-term demand.

Combined with Reem Central Park, the mall's family attractions and the hospital, the island offers a fairly complete family ecosystem in a compact area. As always, confirm current admissions, fees and catchment directly with each school.

Legal and ownership notes

Two points are worth flagging. First, Sun and Sky Towers were among the first in Abu Dhabi to offer freehold apartments to non-Emirati buyers, and the island broadly falls within Abu Dhabi's investment-zone framework that opened property ownership to foreign nationals. Ownership terms depend on the specific unit and current regulations, so verify freehold status before buying.

Second, since 24 April 2023, Al Reem Island falls under the jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, applying English common law within the ADGM framework. This is a meaningful legal detail for owners and investors, so as of 2026, and subject to change, confirm how it affects your specific transaction with a licensed Abu Dhabi advisor and the official authorities. This is general information, not legal advice. For the wider capital rental market, see apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi.

Prices, rents, pros and cons

Al Reem Island spans a wide range, from affordable studios to premium waterfront apartments, so treat any single figure with caution. Prices and rents depend on the district, the specific tower, the floor and view, the unit's condition, and market conditions. Model running costs too, including service charges, cooling and utilities, and, for investors, net yield after those costs and vacancy.

Pros: central island location close to the city, deep supply across budgets, strong amenities including a mall, park and hospital, reputable schools, and waterfront living.

Cons: a dense high-rise environment that will not suit those wanting a house and garden, potential peak-time traffic on and off the island, and service charges that vary by tower. If you want space and a villa lifestyle instead, contrast this with our Al Reef Villas guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Al Reem Island?

Al Reem Island lies roughly 600 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi and covers about 8.8 square kilometres. It is close to the main island of Abu Dhabi, giving residents an island setting within easy reach of the city centre. The 2024 census recorded close to 60,000 residents.

What are the main districts on the island?

Confirmed sub-districts include Shams Abu Dhabi, which contains the Gate and the Sun and Sky Towers, Marina Square developed by Tamouh, Najmat, and the newer Makers District. Each has a different character and price level.

Can foreigners buy property on Al Reem Island?

Al Reem Island falls within Abu Dhabi's investment-zone framework, and towers such as Sun and Sky were among the first in the emirate to offer freehold apartments to non-Emirati buyers. Ownership terms depend on the specific unit and current rules, so verify freehold status with a licensed agent and the official portal before buying.

What amenities does Al Reem Island have?

Confirmed amenities include Reem Mall, which opened in May 2024, Reem Central Park, which opened in December 2018, and Reem Hospital, which opened in 2020, along with waterfront retail and several international schools.

Is Al Reem Island good for families?

Yes for many families, thanks to on-island international schools including Repton School and GEMS World Academy, a central park, a hospital, and the mall's family attractions. It is a high-rise apartment environment, so it suits those who prefer apartment living over a villa with a garden.

What is the ADGM jurisdiction point about?

Since 24 April 2023, Al Reem Island falls under the jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, which applies English common law within the ADGM framework. This can affect legal and property matters, so as of 2026 and subject to change, confirm the implications for your transaction with a licensed advisor and the official authorities.

External references: Al Reem Island (Wikipedia) and the UAE Government portal on leasing a property in the UAE.