Discover some of the luxurious residential communities available to non-nationals in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

1. 5 Freehold Residential
Developments in Abu Dhabi
By Ehsan Bayat

2. 5 Freehold Residential Developments in Abu Dhabi
With Middle Eastern cities expanding and more businesses settling in the United Arab Emirates, the demand
for residential properties in Abu Dhabi has also increased. Many non-nationals are drawn to the city by its
thriving business sector, the desire for luxurious living, and the fact that property prices in Abu Dhabi tend to
be lower than in Dubai.
In recent years, Abu Dhabi established a number of freehold complexes, where non-nationals can purchase
property. These integrated communities offer top-of-the-line amenities and urban conveniences, as well as
stunning views and relaxing outdoor spaces. Below are just some of the freehold residential developments
available to non-nationals in Abu Dhabi:

3. Al Hadeel at Al Bandar
Completed in 2014, Al Hadeel is one of the four luxury residential communities on the waterfront of Al Raha
Beach in Abu Dhabi. To help residents enjoy the serenity of waterfront living, the majority of the Al Hadeel
units overlook the water and include spacious balconies. Full walls of glass in the bedrooms and living rooms
also provide panoramic views. Designed to accommodate individuals and families, Al Hadeel offers residential
units of all sizes, ranging from studio apartments to five-bedroom townhouses. All of the units feature an open
floor plan to make the home feel spacious and full of light.
As an integrated community, Al Hadeel gives residents access to a waterfront promenade with restaurants,
cafés, and a walking path. Adults can also spend time at the community’s contemporary fitness center and
infinity pool, while kids will enjoy the shaded children’s pool and play area.

4. The Gate Towers
A mixed-use development, the Gate Towers community includes 3,533 residential units in three side-by-side
towers connected by a skybridge with 21 ultra-luxurious duplex penthouses. The development is an eye-
catching part of the Shams Abu Dhabi district on Al Reem Island, a man-made land mass created to expand
Abu Dhabi’s Central Business District.
Completed in 2013, the Gate Towers development gives residents easy access to leisure space, retail stores, and
commercial areas. The community attracts a wide range of residents by offering studio flats and apartments
with one to three bedrooms. In most of the penthouse units, residents enjoy a minimum of 4,000 square feet of
living space, along with private gardens and swimming pools. The award-winning community overlooks the
Arabian Gulf and the tranquil pools that dot the island. From many of the units, residents also have stunning
city views.

5. Al Oyoun Village
Specifically designed for families, Al Oyoun Village is a traditional residential community with amenities that
appeal to non-nationals. Al Oyoun Village contains 148 residential units, including semi-detached and detached
villas, in a gated community outside of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. In addition to being located near the Al Ain Sports
and Cultural Club, the community encircles a clubhouse with private swimming pools, entertainment rooms, a
fully equipped fitness center, and sports fields.
Villas in Al Oyoun Village blend modern design and classic Arabic architecture while providing views of Hafeet
Mountain in the distance. The community rests at the bottom of Al Haqfa Mountain and offers a tranquil
atmosphere with tree-lined streets and garden pathways.

6. Golf Gardens
A prominent development bordering a golf course, Golf Gardens lies adjacent to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and
across from Al Raha Beach. The community includes a variety of sophisticated homes, with two different
townhouse designs and four distinctive villa styles. Among the 395 homes in the development, units range in
size from three to six bedrooms, and villas come with private sun terraces and pools.
For extra convenience, Golf Gardens offers a community center with entertainment and retail shops, including
a salon and café. Residents can gather at the Garden Club Community Center to access the clubhouse,
swimming pool, lawns, and sports facility. Perfect for families, the secured community features playgrounds and
a game room where kids can safely play. Adults can also relax at Golf Gardens’ spa and sauna, or lounge in
poolside cabanas. Fitness enthusiasts can choose between two coed mixed gyms and another fitness center
exclusively designated for women.

7. Al Gurum
One of the most desirable communities in Abu Dhabi, Al Gurm is located in Abu Dhabi City, but the
waterfront development is hidden away in a mangrove forest to provide residents privacy and tranquility. The
resort community features 73 private villas and a five-star resort with more than 160 suites.
Created to complement the natural landscape, Al Gurm’s private villas have open floor plans and expansive
windows so residents can easily take in views of the water and mangroves. The eco-friendly community favors a
Southeast Asian design style, with sloping roofs, natural stone in the interior spaces, and dark wood finishes.
At Al Gurm, 61 of the villas are located on the mainland waterfront, and these units are available with three to
five bedrooms. The other 12 villas all have five bedrooms and are located on separate islands with private
beaches and gardens that can be reached by road bridges. Each of the 73 villas has an infinity pool and deck,
private waterfront and boat jetty, a three-car garage, and smart home technology.