Abu Dhabi Property

Abu Dhabi is the largest and most populated of the seven emirates making up the UAE, and as such, property prices are expected to increase by 25 percent this year, according to a report by HSBC Middle East Bank. However, it is expected to remain an excellent property investment.

This is especially true because when compared on an international level, property is inexpensive in absolute and relative terms. As an example, an average villa in Abu Dhabi costs approximately $1,000 per square meter, while upscale London property runs around $5,000 per square meter.

Foreign ownership is being encouraged because Abu Dhabi is determined to develop an international property market. Buyers can still find excellent property investment opportunities.

Selected Property Overview

Al Raha Beach Development is planned as the new gateway to Abu Dhabi City, capital of the emirate. It will house 120,000 residents in an arrangement of 60-story towers and low-rise property developments.

Dolphin Towers is planned as a three-tower residential development project under construction in the Khor Al Raha region of Al Raha Beach Development in Abu Dhabi. The towers will contain 400 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment condominiums and 10 exclusive townhouses in the 18-story towers.

Al Reem Island is residential, commercial and business property planned for Al Reem Isle, off the northeastern coast of Abu Dhabi city. The development will accommodate 280,000 residents and contain such amenities as schools, medical clinics, shopping malls, restaurants, a 27-hole golf course, hotels, resorts, spas, gardens, and beaches.

Shams Abu Dhabi is one of the three property developments on Al Reem Island, and it is expected to contain housing for 100,000 people. The project is planning 100 skyscrapers, 22,000 residential units, and a million square meter (10.8 million square foot) park. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2009.