whatsapp_chat
Home / Blog / Al Reem Island: Abu Dhabi’s Vertical City on the Water

Al Reem Island: Abu Dhabi’s Vertical City on the Water

2025-09-02
Al Reem Island: Abu Dhabi’s Vertical City on the Water

Skyscrapers, business hubs and waterfront living - all within 600 meters of the capital’s coast.

Great Location

Reem Island lies just 600 meters off Abu Dhabi’s northeastern coast. It is connected to the mainland, Saadiyat Island and Al Maryah Island through modern bridges, making mobility seamless. The drive to downtown Abu Dhabi takes only 10 minutes, while Abu Dhabi International Airport is just 20 minutes away. This accessibility makes it one of the most practical addresses in the city. From schools and hospitals to malls and offices, nearly everything is within a short drive or walk, creating an environment where residents can work, study and relax without long commutes (source).

Iconic Architecture

photo credit: https://realiste.ai/en/cities/uae-abu-dhabi/projects/673_the_gate_towers 

Reem Island is instantly recognizable by its skyline. The Gate Towers, with their three high-rises linked by a sky bridge, have become one of Abu Dhabi’s architectural icons, often compared to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. 

Alongside them, towers like Sun Tower, Sky Tower and Marina Square create a futuristic skyline visible from the Corniche. Each residential tower is designed with modern facilities: gyms, swimming pools, concierge services and sea-facing balconies. For many international buyers, Reem’s architecture signals Abu Dhabi’s global ambitions, combining innovation with livability (source).

Perfect for Families

Although Reem Island is a vertical city, it provides a strong family lifestyle. Reem Central Park, covering over 1 million square meters, offers:

  • playgrounds
  • sports courts
  • jogging paths
  • picnic areas by the water

Everyday needs are close at hand, with nurseries, supermarkets and healthcare clinics integrated into residential clusters. The island is walkable and safe, designed with children and families in mind. This combination of high-rise living and community-focused green space is rare in the Gulf, giving families both convenience and room to grow.

Excellent Education

photo credit: https://tecfire.com/news/sorbonne-university-abu-dhabi/

Education is a cornerstone of Reem Island’s appeal. At its heart sits Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the first French university to open in the Gulf. Its domed building has become both an academic and cultural landmark. Alongside Sorbonne, schools such as Repton School Abu Dhabi, which follows the British curriculum and Reem Island Nursery provide families with trusted education options close to home. The presence of world-class education within walking distance makes the island especially attractive to international residents who seek stability and quality for their children’s future (source)

Shopping & Leisure

photo credit: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/where-to-go/adventure-and-theme-parks/snow-abu-dhabi 

Reem Island is also a retail and leisure hub. In 2023, the long-awaited Reem Mall opened its doors, housing more than 450 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Its standout attraction is Snow Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s largest indoor snow parks, offering 20 themed rides and year-round winter temperatures of -2°C - a striking contrast to the desert heat. Together with boutique dining outlets along the waterfront, this positions Reem as a destination for both shopping and lifestyle (source).

Business & Lifestyle

Reem Island attracts professionals working across finance, law and technology, thanks to its proximity to Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s financial district. It offers modern apartments for corporate tenants and young professionals, while also catering to long-term residents seeking convenience. The island is designed to house more than 200,000 people, with mixed-use developments combining residential, retail and office spaces. Its business appeal is matched by a vibrant lifestyle, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s few districts where work and leisure truly converge.

Investment Potential

Al Reem Island represents one of Abu Dhabi's most promising real estate investment opportunities, with strong rental yields and appreciation potential. The island's continued development, including new residential projects like Radiant Garden Apartments, offers investors a chance to enter this thriving market.

As Abu Dhabi continues its economic diversification and growth as a global business hub, waterfront properties on Al Reem Island are positioned to benefit from increasing demand for premium urban living with world-class amenities.

In addition, flagship projects such as Reem Hills, Canal by M and Renad Tower are reshaping the skyline and raising the profile of the island. These developments focus on lifestyle-driven design, sustainable planning and community living - features that resonate strongly with both end-users and international investors. Combined with its central location and long-term masterplan, Reem Island continues to rank among the top three most searched areas in Abu Dhabi for both sales and rentals, making it a strategic choice for long-term capital growth. (source).

In Short

  • 600 meters from Abu Dhabi’s coast, 20 minutes from the airport
     
  • Home to Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
     
  • Gate Towers: one of the city’s most iconic landmarks
     
  • Reem Mall with Snow Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s largest indoor snow parks
     
  • Central Park with 1 million m² of green space
     
  • Planned capacity for 200,000+ residents

Contact us:

Explore Listings | Book Your Viewing Now | Contact for Consultation

+971 504494150

info@ibuyrealestate.ae

Visit our office on Saadiyat Island - Soho Square B, G09

YouTube:

Reem Island 2025 BOOM: Radiant Garden Apartments in Abu Dhabi Investment Opportunity

Why New Fahid Beach Terraces Could Be Abu Dhabi’s Biggest Flip

Inside Abu Dhabi Real Estate BOOM: What Investors Need to Know in 2025

Near Yas Island: Most Affordable Villas & Apartments in Abu Dhabi | Bloom Living | Zayed City

May Also Interest You