Madinat Zayed is a thriving community located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. It is sometimes confused with Bida Zayed in the Western Region (Al Dhafra), but the Madinat Zayed we’re talking about here is right in the city, close to the Corniche and surrounded by major streets like Al Falah, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed, and Sultan Bin Zayed the First.
The neighborhood is known for its Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, which houses one of Abu Dhabi’s busiest gold markets, along with plenty of retail shops, supermarkets, and casual eateries.
Over time, the region has become a self-sufficient centre where people can find practically everything they need nearby, including schools, clinics, gyms, and salons.
If you’re thinking about renting an apartment in Abu Dhabi or buying a home in Abu Dhabi there, knowing the pros and disadvantages of Madinat Zayed will help you decide if it’s the perfect place for you.
Pros of living in Madinat Zayed
Here are some benefits of living in Madinat Zayed:
1. Central location and connectivity
The fact that Madinat Zayed is in a great location is one of its best features. You live close to some of Abu Dhabi’s major business districts, malls, and public buildings.
Getting around is really easy, and there are a lot of buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps in the neighbourhood.
Being next to major roads makes it easier for vehicles to navigate around the city than in some of the busier districts.
Buses 663 and 664 are the main public transportation options that make it easy for residents who don’t have a car to get around.
2. Affordability compared to Other Central Districts
Housing in Abu Dhabi is costly, but renting an apartment in Madinat Zayed has more affordable options than other high-end areas like Corniche, Saadiyat Island, or Al Reem.
- Studios for rent in Madinat Zayed: starting at AED 30,000 per year
- 1-bedroom apartments Madinat Zayed: AED 35,000–50,000 per year
- 2-bedroom apartments Madinat Zayed: AED 39,000–65,000 per year (depending on size and amenities)
- Three-bedroom apartments for rent in Madinat Zayed cost between AED 49,000 and AED 75,000.
Some landlords let you pay in monthly or quarterly installments. Many buildings include extras like access to gyms, swimming pools, etc.
Madinat Zayed is a great place for young professionals, new expats, or families that want to reside in the centre of Abu Dhabi without spending too much money.
3. Self-Sufficient Lifestyle
One of the best things about Madinat Zayed is that you don’t have to go very far to get what you need. You can easily walk or drive just a short distance to find:
- Shopping centres, like the Gold Centre
- Grocery stores and convenience stores
- Gyms and fitness centres
- Cafes and restaurants
- Schools and nurseries
- Clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare institutions
This “all-in-one” quality makes things easier. Parents don’t have to drive across town to get groceries or take their kids to school, and professionals may conduct both work and personal chores without having to drive a long way.
In Abu Dhabi, where distances and traffic can make daily tasks more difficult in other places, convenience is quite important.
4. Community Atmosphere and Safety
The atmosphere in Madinat Zayed is warm and family-oriented. This area differs from some of the newer neighbourhoods, which sometimes feel somewhat temporary.
It has long-time residents and a strong feeling of community. The community is also very safe, as is most of Abu Dhabi. This makes Madinat Zayed a top choice for families and retirees.
5. Variety of Housing Options
There are both apartments and villas in Madinat Zayed. This gives you a lot of options to choose from, whether you’re a single professional searching for a little studio or a family looking for a moderate three-bedroom.
Madinat Zayed has it all. Some modern developments primarily focus on luxury homes, but Madinat Zayed strikes a balance between practicality and affordability.
This gives you more freedom to choose based on your budget and lifestyle.
Cons of Living in Madinat Zayed
As expected, everything has a downside. Although Madinat Zayed checks all the boxes for what makes for a comfortable lifestyle, there are also things that many people dislike about the community.
Here are the most common complaints you’ll likely hear from people who live in Madinat Zayed.
1. A lot of traffic during busy times
The location is good, affordable, family-oriented, and so it attracts a lot of people, but that also means that the roads might be busy, and there can be traffic jams during busy times.
Many people who drive to work have this recurring complaint: “traffic is bad”, especially in the mornings (when people are going to work, school…) and in the evening, especially when people are coming back from work.
If you are planning to rent an apartment in Madinat Zayed, make sure to take this into consideration.
2. Limited Leisure and Entertainment Options
Madinat Zayed is not really a good place for people who love nightlife activities, entertainment, or cultural landmarks.
If you want to go to art galleries, live events, or beach clubs, you will probably have to drive to places like Saadiyat, Yas Island, or the Corniche.
3. Older Buildings and Maintenance Issues
This part of Abu Dhabi is older; therefore, not all of the buildings are modern. Many people who live here note that the buildings are quite old and don’t really give that city vibe.
Before renting a house in Madinat Zayed, always check the condition of the building and choose a landlord or property manager you can trust before you sign a lease.
4. Less “Prestige” Compared to Luxury Areas
While Madinat Zayed is centrally located, which is one of its advantages, it doesn’t have the same status or prestige as renting an apartment in Al Reem Island, Saadiyat, or Al Raha Beach.
If you want high-end villa estates, high-end branding, or views of the ocean, you might have to look somewhere else.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Madinat Zayed?
Property Rental prices in Madinat Zayed differ according to size and amenities, but on average:
- Studio apartments for rent in Madinat Zayed range from about AED 30,000 a year
- 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Madinat Zayed: AED 35,000 to AED 50,000 a year
- Two-bedroom apartments cost AED 39,000 to 65,000 a year
- Three-bedroom apartments in Madinat Zayed cost between AED 49,000 to 75,000+ a year
Some properties in Madinat Zayed come with amenities like gyms, pools, and free parking areas.
You can also choose to pay monthly or quarterly, which makes things easier for tenants. (But that depends on the landlord or building management)
Can Expats Buy Property in Madinat Zayed?
Expatriates can’t buy property in Madinat Zayed because it isn’t a freehold region.
They can still purchase property in select freehold areas such as Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach.
If your long-term goal is to buy property in Abu Dhabi, these areas offer better opportunities for expat ownership and investment.
Is it better to rent or buy a property in Abu Dhabi?
Renting is great for expats or people who don’t have long-term plans of living in Abu Dhabi.
Buying a property in Abu Dhabi makes sense if you want to live there for a long time or invest in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market.
If that’s the case, choose freehold districts like Reem, Yas, or Saadiyat, where expats can buy and own property.
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