Living in Sun Tower, Reem Island (2026)

Sun Tower is one of the twin landmark towers of Shams Abu Dhabi on Al Reem Island, a residential high-rise with its own shopping centre at the base. This 2026 guide covers where it sits, what living there is like, the property and rental picture, and the ownership rules on Al Reem Island, so you can judge whether it suits you.

Where Sun Tower sits

Sun Tower is located in the Shams Abu Dhabi master development on Al Reem Island, a natural island just off the coast of Abu Dhabi city. Al Reem has been built out since the mid-2000s into a high-density, mixed-use district of residential towers, offices and retail, and it is one of the emirate's most established places to live close to the centre. Sun Tower sits within the Shams Gate part of that development, alongside its architectural twin, Sky Tower, and a cluster of related buildings.

The island's position means you are minutes from central Abu Dhabi across the connecting bridges, while still living in a modern, purpose-built community. For the wider picture of island life, our Al Reem Island area guide covers the whole district's amenities and character.

The building itself

Sun Tower is a residential skyscraper that reaches around 236 metres in height and was completed in 2010. It was designed by the architecture firm Arquitectonica as part of a larger composition that includes the taller Sky Tower, the four Gate Towers and the low-rise Arc. The building combines apartments above with a shopping centre at its base, so daily essentials are a lift ride away.

Because Sun Tower is primarily residential, it tends to attract households looking for a settled home rather than a mixed office crowd. If you are comparing the pair, its taller neighbour has a different profile, which our Sky Tower area guide explains in detail.

What living there is like

Life in Sun Tower centres on the convenience of a self-contained tower in a walkable district. Having a shopping centre in the podium means everyday shopping, cafes and services are on your doorstep, which is a real advantage on hot days. The surrounding Shams Abu Dhabi area adds waterfront promenades, more retail and dining, and easy access across the island.

As a high-rise, upper floors offer wide views over the island and water, while the building's shared facilities and central location suit professionals and families who value being close to the city. As with any tower, the exact experience depends on your floor, orientation and the specific apartment, so view a few before deciding.

Property types and who it suits

Sun Tower is an apartment building, so the stock is flats rather than houses. Typical high-rise layouts on Al Reem run from studios through one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with larger units on higher floors commanding a premium for their views. That mix makes the tower workable for a range of residents:

• Professionals who want a modern apartment close to central Abu Dhabi with retail below.
• Small families looking for a two or three-bedroom home in a walkable, amenity-rich district.
• Investors drawn to Al Reem Island's established tenant demand, buying to let.

If you are set on the island but want to compare buildings, our guide to Tamouh Tower on Al Reem Island looks at another well-known address nearby.

Renting and buying: the money picture

Sun Tower has both a rental and a sales market. There is no single figure for either, because rents and prices depend on the floor, the view, the size and condition of the unit, and the state of the wider market. As a rule, studios and smaller one-bedroom apartments sit at the accessible end, while high-floor two and three-bedroom units with sea or island views reach the top of the building's range.

Because these figures vary by unit and market conditions, confirm current pricing with a licensed agent or on established listing portals rather than relying on any single quoted rate. If you are weighing renting first, our overview of apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi covers the Tawtheeq process and the current rent cap, while the Abu Dhabi apartments for sale guide sets out the buying side.

Ownership rules on Al Reem Island

Al Reem Island is a designated investment zone, and Sun and Sky Towers were among the first buildings in Abu Dhabi to offer non-Emirati buyers freehold apartments. That means foreign nationals can own units here with full title in the designated zone. Since April 2023, Al Reem Island has formed part of the Abu Dhabi Global Market jurisdiction, so property registration and certain legal matters run through ADGM's Registration Authority rather than the mainland system.

These arrangements can change, and the practical steps for registering a purchase have evolved in recent years. Before buying, confirm the current process and your ownership rights, and read the background on Al Reem Island's development and freehold history on its Wikipedia entry and the specific Sun Tower article. For any purchase, use a licensed agent and take independent legal advice.

Getting around and connectivity

One of Al Reem Island's biggest draws is its closeness to central Abu Dhabi. The island connects to the mainland by bridges, so the city centre, the Corniche and the main business districts are only a short drive away. That makes Sun Tower a practical base for anyone working in the city who still wants a modern, purpose-built home.

Within the island, the Shams Abu Dhabi district is designed to be walkable, with retail, dining and waterfront promenades close by. As with any dense island community, traffic at peak times on and off the bridges is worth factoring into your commute, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit. Parking, taxi access and the layout of nearby amenities also vary by building, so check the practicalities for your specific unit.

Pros and cons at a glance

Sun Tower has clear strengths and a few trade-offs worth weighing:

• Pros: a shopping centre in the building, a walkable island district, closeness to central Abu Dhabi, high-floor views, and freehold ownership in an investment zone.
• Cons: high-rise living is not for everyone, the surrounding district can be busy, and as an older tower some units may need updating. Service charges and traffic on and off the island are worth checking.

Overall, Sun Tower suits residents who value convenience and a central island location in a building with retail below. If a quieter or newer setting appeals more, compare it with other island addresses before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sun Tower on Al Reem Island?

Sun Tower is in the Shams Abu Dhabi master development on Al Reem Island, a natural island just off central Abu Dhabi. It sits in the Shams Gate area alongside its architectural twin, Sky Tower, and is connected to the city by bridges, making it a central yet purpose-built place to live.

Is Sun Tower residential or mixed-use?

Sun Tower is primarily a residential building, with apartments above a shopping centre at its base. Its taller twin, Sky Tower, has a more mixed-use profile. That residential focus means Sun Tower tends to attract households looking for a settled home with retail and services on the doorstep.

Can foreigners buy an apartment in Sun Tower?

Yes. Al Reem Island is a designated investment zone, and Sun and Sky Towers were among the first in Abu Dhabi to offer non-Emiratis freehold apartments. Since 2023 the island falls under the Abu Dhabi Global Market jurisdiction for registration, so confirm the current process with a licensed agent and take legal advice before buying.

How much does it cost to rent or buy in Sun Tower?

There is no single figure. Rents and prices depend on the floor, view, size and condition of the unit and the wider market, with high-floor units and sea views commanding a premium. Confirm current pricing with a licensed agent or on established listing portals rather than relying on any single quoted rate.

What amenities are near Sun Tower?

Sun Tower has a shopping centre in its podium, and the surrounding Shams Abu Dhabi district adds waterfront promenades, more retail and dining, and easy access across Al Reem Island. Its central location means the rest of Abu Dhabi city is only minutes away across the connecting bridges.