4 4 schools$2,450/mo avg rentVery Large expat community
Modern island community just off the mainland, one of the most popular choices for expat families. Home to Repton School and other international options.
5/5
Safety
4/5
Family Friendly
5/5
Quality of Life
5/5
Expat Friendly
4/5
Healthcare
Very Large
Expat Community
15-42°C
Temp Range
Very High
English Level
☀️ Climate & Weather
Gulf breezes provide slight relief vs inland areas in winterUrban heat island effect — gaps between towers can feel stifling in summerWinter promenade and park season is exceptionalIndoor amenities dense enough to support comfortable summer living
Island Position — Gulf Breezes Provide Marginal Relief
💰 Cost of Living
Monthly family budget estimates (USD)
At a Glance
$2,450
Avg. rent /mo
$11
Budget meal
$52
Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)
Groceries
Milk (1L)$2.20
Chicken (1 kg)$6.50
Transport
Taxi flag-drop$2.50
Monthly transit pass$65
Monthly Bills
Internet$55 /mo
Gym membership$75 /mo
Comfortable
Studio or 1BR apartment, public transport or ride-hailing, home cooking
$4,500/mo
Rent$1,600
Groceries$550
Lifestyle & leisure$200
Transport$300
Utilities$320
Dining out$350
Healthcare$230
School fees (per child)$1,000
Established
2-3BR apartment, one car, international school, regular dining out
$8,500/mo
Rent$3,200
Groceries$800
Lifestyle & leisure$400
Transport$500
Utilities$450
Dining out$600
Healthcare$300
School fees (per child)$2,000
Domestic help$350
Premium
Large high-rise unit with sea view, two cars, premium school, active lifestyle
$14,000/mo
Rent$5,800
Groceries$1,100
Lifestyle & leisure$700
Transport$800
Utilities$600
Dining out$1,000
Healthcare$550
School fees (per child)$3,000
Domestic help$700
Al Reem Island is Abu Dhabi's most densely populated urban neighbourhood — a high-rise waterfront district that functions as the city's closest equivalent to a downtown residential core. Prices are high but value is strong for the location and lifestyle.
🌬️ Air Quality
Average monthly AQI (US EPA scale)
58Jan
62Feb
70Mar
78Apr
95May
110Jun
115Jul
112Aug
88Sep
68Oct
60Nov
55Dec
Good (0–50)Moderate (51–100)USG (101–150)Unhealthy (151+)
Yearly average AQI is 81. Best air quality Jan–Dec (best: Dec at 55). Jun–Aug air quality worsens due to heat, humidity, and dust (peak: Jul at 115). Families with children who have asthma or respiratory conditions should plan indoor activities during summer months.
👥 Demographics
85%
Expat Population
high
Income Level
~95,000
Population
Nationalities
Western/European28%
Indian25%
Arab (non-Emirati)20%
Emirati15%
Filipino7%
Other5%
Languages Spoken
English52%
🏘️ Community & Culture
Abu Dhabi's most urban and cosmopolitan neighbourhoodYoung professional demographic — 20s to 30s dominantRapidly growing with strong development momentumActive cafe culture and community social scene
Abu Dhabi's Urban Residential Frontier
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Reem Central Park — beautifully landscaped with skate park and outdoor gymWaterfront promenade — popular running and cycling routeBoutique fitness studios and premium gyms throughoutMarina access for water sports and kayaking
Waterfront Promenade and Marina Access
🚗 Getting Around
5–10 minutes to Abu Dhabi city centre via bridgesMost walkable neighbourhood in Abu DhabiCareem/Uber efficient — short wait times given densityAirport 30 minutes; Dubai highway 90 minutes
Bridge-Connected to the Heart of Abu Dhabi
🛒 Daily Life
Shams Abu Dhabi retail hub with hypermarket and diningInternational schools on the island — short school runsCleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi 10 minutes awayWeekend farmers' markets and outdoor events in Reem Park
Urban Convenience at Every Turn
📝 Living with the Climate
Gulf breezes provide slight relief vs inland areas in winterUrban heat island effect — gaps between towers can feel stifling in summerWinter promenade and park season is exceptionalIndoor amenities dense enough to support comfortable summer living
Island Position — Gulf Breezes Provide Marginal Relief
